Everglades Canoe Trip 2007

Glorious Morning

photophoto Dawn came cold and crisp to the North River. We got the coffee on and watched the sunrise over breakfast. Once the sun rose it warmed up quickly. It is interesting to compare these photos with the one I took in 2002 of a canoe in the fog. The elegant dead tree that helped frame that scene had alas fallen into the water.

Smooth Sailing

photo photo We followed the northern-most passage down to the Watson River Chickee, and from there into northern Whitewater Bay. We had planned to go up into The Labyrinth, a network of small creeks and ponds, but the wind was blowing down the bay towards our destination, so we decided to take advantage. We rafted the canoes together and ate lunch while drifting lazily downwind.

photo photo The Oyster Bay Chickee was waiting for us as we approached from the south. Unfortunately this area had taken lots of hurricane damage. The west-facing side of every island had a band of dead trees, and part of tent platform was sagging. Not nearly as nice as I remember it from 2005, but it was still great to be there! The afternoon and sunset were exquisite. »»»

Copyright 2007 by Richard Rathe, Except Where Noted