More close to home

When people think of Miami and Ft Lauderdale, visions of white sandy beaches, glamorous hotels and Art Deco buildings come to mind. While all this is true, the 'settled' area is just a narrow band stretching only a few miles westward from the tranquil waters of the Atlantic. The major north/south routes are A1A, US1, I-95, the Turnpike, the Sawgrass Expressway and farthest west, US29. The Sawgrass as its name implies is the last road before the Everglades, the River of Grass.
This area of sawgrass plains, shallow marshes, small islands with trees and slow moving rivers used to cover almost the entire area south of Lake Okeechobee. Low ridges along both coast diverted the slow moving water into the Florida Bay. As development encroached, houses and subdivisions sprung up on the eastern border, sugar and farmland advanced from the north. There is currently a major push to restore the natural flow of water to the area. many plans are in the works with the purchase of vasts amounts of farmland from a major sugar company the latest.
Along the western fringe of the cities are a few businesses catering to the exploration of the Everglades. Due to the the shallow water and many dense patches of grass, air boats are the predominate for of travel. Just a 5 minute ride away from civilization, one is surrounds by swaying grass that blocks the surrounding view from the channel. Wildlife proliferates here, birds, alligators and mosquitoes.
The alligators lounge on the muddy banks and swim lazily in the currents. The air boats will drift up close for many good photo-ops, so keep your camera handy. On the small hills that are really islands in the wet season, camps have sprung up to attract tourists. These camps usually feature information on the native Indian population, and wildlife displays. And since this is 'gator country, some wrestling with the reptile is almost required.
On the more tranquil and laid back western coast is Naples, a quick hour plus drive across I-75, Alligator Alley, as it is known. The interstate cuts across in an almost straight line. The view is mostly sawgrass and trees on the islands, an occasional building can be spotted. The drive at night is phenomenal with the abundance of stars.
One in Naples there is always the beach, more family oriented than the eastern relations. Sanibel and Captiva are known for the shelling done. There is also the Naples Zoo, though not in the big leagues, it is a nice experience. A water tour of the canals in the area is a great way to see Florida as it was.
So if South Florida is calling to you, especially those of you in the frigid north, call Damron Vacations and get the process going for a warm weather break. With accommodations from gay guesthouses to oceanfront resorts, the options can fit any budget. Just remember the sunscreen and insect repellent if visiting the River of Grass.