“Captain Brian Holaway is well versed in the intricacies of our unmatched locale. He can guide to and through a multitude of out-of-the way tidal creeks, bayous, keys and islands. More important is his passionate interest and respect for the region. With unique insights from his many explorations and his studies, not only does he identify the birds and wildlife that inhabit our semi-tropical watery land, but he explains their interconnectedness to their environment and each other. In addition, he shares the fascinating history of rugged people who came long before us: Florida Native Indians, the Calusa, the Spanish, the Cubans, early homesteaders, and the wisdom evident in the growth of their culture.
You will come away with great enjoyment and a new understanding of this beautiful place and its history.”
Historian, Betty Anholt
Author of Sanibel’s Story
Monday, January 31, 2011
Ten Thousand Islands Florida Everglades Camping
It was a year to the day since I had travelled to the Everglades camping. The weather was good and I managed not to ding the prop or find the deep hole at the boat ramp. However after getting a camping permit for the park, the ranger told me, " you can't take any shells". NO SHELL COLLECTING? Interesting. Always new rules. This put a damper on my shell collecting but not on taking photos. I travelled to Pavilion Key and explored the beach looking at shells and taking photos. Remembering old footprints foot prints in the sand. After exploring this beautiful beach I traveled up the Chatham River. Finding the entrance was difficult with a GPS and charts and having been there a few times. I just shook my head in respect on how people find this spot on the globe. I weaved the boat between oyster bars and sand bars until I reached the Watson Place. I tied up and explored the 40 acre shell mound and discovered 2 cisterns and a bowl for making cane syrup.That place is spooky. I wanted to keep moving to reach the campsite by dark. The campsite was located in Sweet water bay. Upon my arrival I was greeted by a 12 foot gator. He stayed there all night and very close to the boat. I observed many stars and heard much wildlife. Sleep was diffucult because of the sounds and stars. Morning arrived and so did the gator. I broke camp and headed into the back country through the bays and into the Lopez river, skimming the water in inches of white knuckled water. Finally I skipped over the last bay. Many memories echoed in my mind as I pushed the boat onto the trailer and left the wilderness behind.
1 comment:
I'm headed down there in February to do a little yak fishing. Should be fun. Never been down there before.
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