[dropcap]O[/dropcap]n the ‘Trail,” which is Florida’s State road 41 and the southernmost connector of Miami to the west coast of Florida, there’s a lot of interesting places to visit and fish. And some very interesting things to do – starting with Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, and 20 minutes west is a natural resource like no other, Big Cypress National Preserve.
Our 11/14 feature story, Tips & Tactics: “Revisiting the ditch with a wobbly stick,” was about how to fly cast and fish successfully – deep under “flat” bridges. A technique only a handful know. As the story notes, the best fishable ‘flat’ bridges are all west of Rte. 29 where it intersects with Rte. 41 at Everglades City, Florida.
Click here to read the entire 11/14 post […].
Big Cypress National Preserve
Turner River paddling trail – Ochopee, Florida.
The Big Cypress National Preserve is located in South Florida and is part of the Everglades ecosystem. The Preserve is about 2- to 3-feet higher in elevation than the Everglades with the majority of its water source coming from rain. There is very little contamination from farming and developments, which has allowed Big Cypress to remain just like it was centuries ago.
Big Cypress National Preserve is a very public-friendly national “park” with a pleasant visitor center that is staffed by capable and outgoing rangers.
Ranger lead activities are non stop. There are lectures, several ranger led walks (wet & dry), self immersion trails and ranger guided canoe trips. The latter a 4- to 5-hour advertised trip, but it will take up your whole day in reality. It’s definitely for the hardier types.
The distance traveled on the ranger lead canoe trips varies and is determined by the weakest canoeist and weather. Nonetheless, it’s an amazing day – no matter what. Since the trip is an interpretive one, no fishing is allowed. You can, of course, fish on your own any day of the week – year round.
The ranger in charge of the trip will decide where the departure point will be. Usually, the trips begin on the Turner River or Halfway Creek. The disembarking point is strictly determined by weather and water levels. The trips are in the dry season. Trips disembark at or around 10AM. You’re advised to wear a full brimmed hat, bring repellent, sunscreen and lots of water as well as snacks or lunch.
You will go from fresh water to salt marsh to saltwater on a typical trip. The wildlife you’ll see along the way will amaze anyone, even if you’ve been many times before.
You can, of course, bring your own canoe or kayak, but the park provides canoes, paddles and life jackets and a very knowledgeable park ranger. There are usually six canoes available from the park. The ranger guided trips are limited to 12 people (two to a canoe), but an additional four owned vessels (canoes or kayaks) are allowed with up to two in each vessel. Children are welcome, but must at least be eight years old.
The trips begin on November 29. You can call two weeks in advance to make a reservation – starting at 9am sharp (EST). If you call in at 9:15am – the trip will probably be booked solid. The canoe tours are wildly popular.
Canoe trips are on Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays – November thru April.
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Big Cypress Gallery
Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress National Preserve.
Visit and enjoy the Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery. The gallery has almost all of Clyde’s work and some additional artists’ works are on display as well. There are originals and reprints in various sizes. All of Clyde’s work is in black and white. He’s won hundred’s of awards and is always compared to the great Ansel Adams.
You’ll also find books, calendars, and CDs & DVDs for sale.
The gallery grounds are worth walking. You’re right next to the highly visible swamp. Watch for gators and snakes. Don’t let the kids wonder off.
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The Big Cypress Gallery is on the Tamiami Trail – 47 miles east of Naples, and 35 miles west of Miami (Mile Marker 54.5). Twenty minutes west of the gallery is the Big Cypress National Preserve Oasis Visitor Center. The Swamp Cottage is located on the property behind the Big Cypress Gallery.
Address: 52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee, FL (Everglades)
Phone: (239) 695-2428
Website: Click here […]
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Other nearby places of interest:
Ivey House (B & B)
107 Camellia Street, P.O. Box 5038, Everglades City, FL 34139
Hotel website: Click here […]
(239) 695-3299
Everglades Historical Bed & Breakfast with Spa
239-695-0013201 / West Broadway, Everglades City, FL 34139 (Formerly Bank of the Everglades).
Hotel website: Click here […]
Historic Smallwood Store
Post Office Box 367
Chokoloskee, Florida 33925
Website: Click here […] / (239) 695-2989
Fax (239) 695-4454
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
Address: 300 Tower Rd., Naples, FL 34113 | Map It
Phone: 239/417–6310
Cost: $5
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 9–4; Nov.–Apr., Sat. 9–4
Website: Click here […]
Location: Naples
