Biking Everglades National Park

With South Florida's Real Wildlife

If you visit the Everglades via Shark Valley, right off Highway 41, and don't want to go on the Tram with all the other grannies, then make your trip through the Everglades on a bike. Be sure to get there early, otherwise you will have to wait for others to return. Bikes don't cost much, but that is why they are basic bikes, no gears, no bells, and no gator spray.

If you find yourself waiting for a really long time for a bike, then take a look around the grounds. We actually noticed one rental bike was parked next to the rest rooms for about a half hour and said something to the Everglades staff. As it turned out, someone left the bike there to avoid having to pay the rental fee.

Tip: Don't be a cheapskate.

You definitely get within arms reach of these prehistoric beasts. Never have you heard such a rumble than when these guys aren't comfortable. Maybe in gator speak it isn't threatening, but to hear this guy make such an unnerving sound I knew it was time to move on. Perhaps he was just clearing his throat or had an upset tummy, either way I had no business there.

Tip: Make sure you shoes are tied so while you're walking up these dangerous looking beasts you don't trip.

Lots of birds here as well. These spoon bills and this heron are just hanging out trying to be inconspicuous.

Warning: Unnecessary pun ahead!
Wildlife abound, we noticed this wood stork on the left is "wading" for dinner. Actually it feeds by touching its food with its bill underwater, then snapping up its prey. Pretty cool and also something I think farsighted humans would have to learn if cheese burgers knew how to run.

Another aspect of your trip to The Everglades will include about a million holiday maker's a year. Check out this group looking directly below them at an alligator. A trip to the Everglades National Park gets you really close to nature.

This is one of my favorite photos from this Everglades trip. This game reminds me of grade school, but let's play it anyway.
Guess how many gators are in this photo and you will win a *prize!

*Prize includes and is limited to personal satisfaction of knowing this trivial fact. Thanks for Playing!

Be sure to check out more panorama's from our Everglades Trip .

About the Author
Mike has been working and traveling abroad since 2005. Recent trips include 12 months in Australia, a month in China and another in Europe followed by a six week USA road trip. Mike isn't rich, just resourceful in finding work abroad. In additon to providing free information on working abroad, and travel photography for sale online, Mike is also available for speaking engagements on the benefits of world travel.

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