121) Biscayne National Park

Visited: Saturday, April 7, 2018

Somehow, I missed this one.  In preparing our trip, I somehow came to the conclusion that there were three, rather than four, sites in south Florida.  Fortunately, we saw signs for Biscayne, and found a little time to stop by.

Which is both entirely inadequate to view the park, which is 95% water, and not unreasonable given how little I care for water.  (Well, being on water or in water.  Showers aside.)  The video at the visitor center was very well done, and gave a nice feel for all the park has to offer, which was a nice way for me to appreciate it, along with the rest of the visitor center.

So - not the park for me, but still an important and impressive park - and highly recommended should you enjoy water activities.

120) Everglades National Park

Visited: Saturday, April 7, 2018

We could not have picked a better time to visit the Everglades, I think.  And I doubt there was an experience better suited to our interests than the Shark Valley tram tour.  I'm not a birdwatcher, but we saw a number of fascinating birds, perhaps most notably a half dozen or more Roseate Spoonbills, including a younger one for the color contrast (like flamingos, their color is a result of their diet).  And my view of the Everglades has been nicely corrected; I always had a view of the area as a swamp, rather than a slough.  Understanding how all four of the parks in the area fit together helped to make them each more interesting.

But - early April is definitely a good time to go; friends of Megan's went in the Summer, and it was miserable.

119) Big Cypress National Preserve

Visited: Saturday, April 7, 2018

One thing I've come to realize, as we've taken on this challenge, is that while I do enjoy the nature parks, in addition to the historic parks, I'm not drawn in by all of the nature park attractions.  For instance, going through multiple feet of water, with many critters present, some of which I'm not thrilled by - just doesn't appeal.  And if that's all Big Cypress offered, it might have been a disappointment - but there's an incredible boardwalk in front of the visitor center.  With a plethora of alligators, along with a number of turtles and fish.  Seeing a florida panther was terribly unlikely - and something I'd rather do from a distance anyway.  The visitor center itself was also quite nice, though the DVD only worked with German subtitles, which was rather fun.

118) Dry Tortugas National Park

Visited: Friday, April 6, 2018

This might be the first site we've visited where the journey was on par with the site.  Not that we haven't had good trips to NPS sites before - the one to the Channel Islands was particularly memorable.

But the seaplane out to Dry Tortugas was incredible...

The first time I've ever been in a seaplane, a unique experience itself.

A flight over the outer keys.

A few sharks, a few rays - and more turtles than you can shake a stick at, all at a nice low elevation.

Two sunken ships - each with an interesting story.

But Dry Tortugas is pretty impressive itself.  Fort Jefferson has an interesting story - intended to protect the shipping lane out from the gulf, but too heavy, and soon obsolete, it's only actual use was as a Civil War prison - Dr. Mudd was housed here after his arrest, and was actually called upon to treat a yellow fever outbreak when the camp doctor fell victim.