EVERGLADES NAT'L PARK

 We left Everglades City early having decided not to do the airboat ride.  Instead we wanted to get to Everglades Park as soon as possible.  

We drove across the state on Hwy 41 and entered the park at the Homestead entrance.

First stop was the Mahogany Hammock Trail - where a very large, old Mahogany tree lives.

Right when we got out of the car, there was a Red-shouldered Hawk sitting in a tree. 

Then we drove down to the far end of the park to the Flamingo Visitor Center.  There is a small marina.  We were told that we might see Manatees there.  And we did!

There was a dam between the fresh water and the sea.  Atop the dam was a very large Osprey nest.

Then we started back out and stopped at one more loop trail.  It was interesting, there were big sink holes everywhere.  

Great day in the Everglades!