Everglades , 10,000 Islands , Jan 2011
Camp is set up , supper is ready to be cooked and the time to relax is here.
Evening has arrived , that magical , transnational , part of the day and the Cranes are flying threw the mash on there flight to the home roost while the Turtles and Gators are soaking up the last rays of the sun before darkness falls and this whole area changes.
As soon as the sun sets the moon will be up and the warmth from the day will turn into the cool of the evening and the starry night. The camp will be lit with the flickering of the campfire and later when hitting the sack the light from the flames , as they die down , will dance on the side of the rain fly while a faint aroma of the wood smoke drifts threw camp on the cool evening air.
The combination of all of that just makes the hammock a lot more comfortable and enjoyable , if that is possible. Then the morning will arrive and all of this will be just a memory from these peaceful times on the water.
OK, Now for the way it really was. :roll:
I packed the Jeep and aimed for Mac's place to ride down with him. We finished loading his truck and then were south bound with his fishing boat ( Stump knocker ) in tow.
Arriving at Everglades City we meet with Joe Fenell and John Depa at the Everglades City Motel. http://www.evergladescitymotel.com/ After checking in then planned our strategy to outsmart the fish at Jewell Key and Picnic Key. With most of the kinks in the plan worked out it was over to the Captains Table http://www.captainstablehotel.com/restaurant.htm for a all you can eat Fried Chicken or Steamed Shrimp with the salad bar. Then back to the motel for some drinks and the double chocolate brownies the wife made for us to take on the trip.
In the morning we went to the restaurant ( Everglades Cafe' ) next door to the motel. Had a breakfast of eggs , bacon , grits , toast and coffee that was really good with large servings. Having a good meal and finalizing our attack on the fish over breakfast and several cups of coffee so it is time to put everything in action.
John had his sail boat moored at the Rod and Gun Club so we dropped Macs boat in there while Joe launched at the Ranger Station.
Loaded the boats and started out. About the boats , Mac and I were in his fishing boat , Joe was in his wood stripper square stern canoe with the 4 hp motor , John was in his 19 foot sail boat ( Potter 19 ) which is going to be his camping area while down there.
Left the protected waters and aimed out for the Gulf of Mexico and then turned left to go down to Jewell Key. No sooner did we hit deep water then a wind came up and some large waves , a couple of them came over the bow of Mac's boat so we decided to aim for the back side ( protected ) area of the islands and skirt them as long as we could for a litter calmer water ( not a lot calmer but none came over the bow ). Next thing we know here comes the rain and thunder in the distance. On went the rain gear.
Joe following us on the way out of Everglades City from the Rangers Station..
Made it in that storm to Jewell Key which we almost passed if Joe would not of seen the outhouse off in the distance to the right of us.
We pulled in and a few minutes later John arrived in his sail boat , we set up camp.
Joe's Hennessey Hammock on Jewell Key.
My Clark hammock on Jewell Key.
Johns sailboat , notice the color of the background ( Rain ) The inflatable kayak is Johns fishing boat.
Mac's Tent on Picnic Key.
Then set up a tarp since it would rain off and on..Later it was just on with no off switch. Night arrived and we did have the moon light all night , later towards morning the rain did stop and the moon got brighter. One benefit , no Coons raiding the camp at night.
Tuesday......
Up in the morning and a short time later we were socked in , in some of the thickest FOG that I have ever seen. Nothing to do since the boats were land locked on the beach.
The fog rolled in right after this picture was taken. Both the tide and the fog came in at one time.
So I cooked up some cornbread , one pound of bacon and 12 eggs for us to sit back and enjoy.
After breakfast and cleaning the dishes we heard a boat out in the bay but could not see it because of the fog and shortly after that here comes a boat into view out of the fog , it is a Park Ranger , Ranger Cliff ( who could be an ambassador ) for the Park Service , he is the type of person you think you have known all your life , he very professional in his duties and courteous when checking everything to make sure it is the right way.
Before you ask , he can run that area with the GPS System in his boat , it is top quality.
Later the fog lifted a little and the guys managed to do some fishing.
After most of the fog left .......John and Mac started comparing there fish sizes.
The whole day the fog would lift and then settle back in , we never knew if there was going to good visibility or none. That night it was a full moon and the whole area was moon lite all night long. Supper that night was Spanish Mackerel , Trout ( spotted weak fish ) and Reds with a rice and vegetable mix. John was the cook and furnished the food , he did one really great job , that was a delicious meal. We were some full , happy campers.
Wednesday.
After a short breakfast we were packed and on our way to Picnic Key . We agreed to follow John in his sail boat encase the fog moved in since his GPS would take us there. A very smart move on our part.
About half way there the fog moved back in and before long the shore line vanished and the only thing we could see was the sail boat. After what felt like an eternity we arrived at Picnic Key , John was pointing and we followed , about 100 yards you could make out some shapes and about 50 yards you could see the key.
Beached the boats and set up camp.
The guys tried some fishing alter when the weather improved and only caught non keepers.
Supper that night was the large Red Mac got at Jewell Key ( it had been filleted and put on ice) John was the cook and fried it in some olive oil , lime juice and Everglades seasoning , it was delicious.
Later that night we were sitting there in the moon light having a beverage and kicking ideas around about the fish when I looked over and next to John was a Coon sniffing around. I asked John if he had any hitch hikers with him and he said he was alone. Laughing , I told him he has one now. Shined the flashlights on it and away it went.
Thursday.......
Up in the morning , clear sky's , I cooked up a large chunk of Ham , 12 eggs for Breakfast.
Then the guys took out fishing. Nice "T" Shirt weather and everything was just right. The fishing did not improve so lunch was whatever you had along and later supper turned out the same way.
John an Mac trying to figure out where the fish are. Joe was sitting near me out of camera range. :wink:
Mac , repairing Joe's reel during the lunch time.
That evening was a beverage and a comforting fire on the beach sand down by the water. Later some discussion about the front moving in on Friday and when we should aim back to Everglades City.
Later ( You Guessed it ) the fog moved in and was thick enough to cut it with a knife. Joe had his head lamp on and at about 30 feet it looked like a head light of a train coming threw a blizzard , the light was diffused into a circle around it.
With the full moon you could see better then when using a flashlight. All night long we had the moonlight , need to step out of the tent or hammock , leave the flashlight in there.
Friday ...
Up and after a breakfast , coffees , goofing off , sightseeing and some fishing from the beach we started packing the gear while waiting for the tide to come in so we could load the boats , the boats were grounded.
We did end up moving the boats down to the water so we could pack them and aim for shelter at Everglades City. That was a smart move on out part because just before we got in there just as the sky turned dark , the wind came up along with some rain drops.
Back at Everglades City and off the water , loaded the boats and off to the motel. John's sailboat was moored at the Rod and Gun Club since he is going to sail down to Key West.
That Hot shower and clean clothes sure felt good and we had to clean up before taking out for supper in a civilized place. Back to the Captains Table for the Shrimp and Salad Bar. I guess we looked thirsty since the waiter left two pitchers of tea on the table for us. I can guarantee you that Shrimp became an endangered item that night at the Captains Table.
Saturday , On the way home.
The weather during the trip was in the upper 50's at night and when the sun came out I would guess the low 80's or upper 70's during the day. As John said one afternoon as we walked along the beach ...."It sure is nice to walk in white stuff , barefooted , and not having it be snow "
Chuck.......................................
My Clark on Picnic Key....... It offers a lot of ventilation.
Camp is set up , supper is ready to be cooked and the time to relax is here.
Evening has arrived , that magical , transnational , part of the day and the Cranes are flying threw the mash on there flight to the home roost while the Turtles and Gators are soaking up the last rays of the sun before darkness falls and this whole area changes.
As soon as the sun sets the moon will be up and the warmth from the day will turn into the cool of the evening and the starry night. The camp will be lit with the flickering of the campfire and later when hitting the sack the light from the flames , as they die down , will dance on the side of the rain fly while a faint aroma of the wood smoke drifts threw camp on the cool evening air.
The combination of all of that just makes the hammock a lot more comfortable and enjoyable , if that is possible. Then the morning will arrive and all of this will be just a memory from these peaceful times on the water.
OK, Now for the way it really was. :roll:
I packed the Jeep and aimed for Mac's place to ride down with him. We finished loading his truck and then were south bound with his fishing boat ( Stump knocker ) in tow.
Arriving at Everglades City we meet with Joe Fenell and John Depa at the Everglades City Motel. http://www.evergladescitymotel.com/ After checking in then planned our strategy to outsmart the fish at Jewell Key and Picnic Key. With most of the kinks in the plan worked out it was over to the Captains Table http://www.captainstablehotel.com/restaurant.htm for a all you can eat Fried Chicken or Steamed Shrimp with the salad bar. Then back to the motel for some drinks and the double chocolate brownies the wife made for us to take on the trip.
In the morning we went to the restaurant ( Everglades Cafe' ) next door to the motel. Had a breakfast of eggs , bacon , grits , toast and coffee that was really good with large servings. Having a good meal and finalizing our attack on the fish over breakfast and several cups of coffee so it is time to put everything in action.
John had his sail boat moored at the Rod and Gun Club so we dropped Macs boat in there while Joe launched at the Ranger Station.
Loaded the boats and started out. About the boats , Mac and I were in his fishing boat , Joe was in his wood stripper square stern canoe with the 4 hp motor , John was in his 19 foot sail boat ( Potter 19 ) which is going to be his camping area while down there.
Left the protected waters and aimed out for the Gulf of Mexico and then turned left to go down to Jewell Key. No sooner did we hit deep water then a wind came up and some large waves , a couple of them came over the bow of Mac's boat so we decided to aim for the back side ( protected ) area of the islands and skirt them as long as we could for a litter calmer water ( not a lot calmer but none came over the bow ). Next thing we know here comes the rain and thunder in the distance. On went the rain gear.
Joe following us on the way out of Everglades City from the Rangers Station..
Made it in that storm to Jewell Key which we almost passed if Joe would not of seen the outhouse off in the distance to the right of us.
We pulled in and a few minutes later John arrived in his sail boat , we set up camp.
Joe's Hennessey Hammock on Jewell Key.
My Clark hammock on Jewell Key.
Johns sailboat , notice the color of the background ( Rain ) The inflatable kayak is Johns fishing boat.
Mac's Tent on Picnic Key.
Then set up a tarp since it would rain off and on..Later it was just on with no off switch. Night arrived and we did have the moon light all night , later towards morning the rain did stop and the moon got brighter. One benefit , no Coons raiding the camp at night.
Tuesday......
Up in the morning and a short time later we were socked in , in some of the thickest FOG that I have ever seen. Nothing to do since the boats were land locked on the beach.
The fog rolled in right after this picture was taken. Both the tide and the fog came in at one time.
So I cooked up some cornbread , one pound of bacon and 12 eggs for us to sit back and enjoy.
After breakfast and cleaning the dishes we heard a boat out in the bay but could not see it because of the fog and shortly after that here comes a boat into view out of the fog , it is a Park Ranger , Ranger Cliff ( who could be an ambassador ) for the Park Service , he is the type of person you think you have known all your life , he very professional in his duties and courteous when checking everything to make sure it is the right way.
Before you ask , he can run that area with the GPS System in his boat , it is top quality.
Later the fog lifted a little and the guys managed to do some fishing.
After most of the fog left .......John and Mac started comparing there fish sizes.
The whole day the fog would lift and then settle back in , we never knew if there was going to good visibility or none. That night it was a full moon and the whole area was moon lite all night long. Supper that night was Spanish Mackerel , Trout ( spotted weak fish ) and Reds with a rice and vegetable mix. John was the cook and furnished the food , he did one really great job , that was a delicious meal. We were some full , happy campers.
Wednesday.
After a short breakfast we were packed and on our way to Picnic Key . We agreed to follow John in his sail boat encase the fog moved in since his GPS would take us there. A very smart move on our part.
About half way there the fog moved back in and before long the shore line vanished and the only thing we could see was the sail boat. After what felt like an eternity we arrived at Picnic Key , John was pointing and we followed , about 100 yards you could make out some shapes and about 50 yards you could see the key.
Beached the boats and set up camp.
The guys tried some fishing alter when the weather improved and only caught non keepers.
Supper that night was the large Red Mac got at Jewell Key ( it had been filleted and put on ice) John was the cook and fried it in some olive oil , lime juice and Everglades seasoning , it was delicious.
Later that night we were sitting there in the moon light having a beverage and kicking ideas around about the fish when I looked over and next to John was a Coon sniffing around. I asked John if he had any hitch hikers with him and he said he was alone. Laughing , I told him he has one now. Shined the flashlights on it and away it went.
Thursday.......
Up in the morning , clear sky's , I cooked up a large chunk of Ham , 12 eggs for Breakfast.
Then the guys took out fishing. Nice "T" Shirt weather and everything was just right. The fishing did not improve so lunch was whatever you had along and later supper turned out the same way.
John an Mac trying to figure out where the fish are. Joe was sitting near me out of camera range. :wink:
Mac , repairing Joe's reel during the lunch time.
That evening was a beverage and a comforting fire on the beach sand down by the water. Later some discussion about the front moving in on Friday and when we should aim back to Everglades City.
Later ( You Guessed it ) the fog moved in and was thick enough to cut it with a knife. Joe had his head lamp on and at about 30 feet it looked like a head light of a train coming threw a blizzard , the light was diffused into a circle around it.
With the full moon you could see better then when using a flashlight. All night long we had the moonlight , need to step out of the tent or hammock , leave the flashlight in there.
Friday ...
Up and after a breakfast , coffees , goofing off , sightseeing and some fishing from the beach we started packing the gear while waiting for the tide to come in so we could load the boats , the boats were grounded.
We did end up moving the boats down to the water so we could pack them and aim for shelter at Everglades City. That was a smart move on out part because just before we got in there just as the sky turned dark , the wind came up along with some rain drops.
Back at Everglades City and off the water , loaded the boats and off to the motel. John's sailboat was moored at the Rod and Gun Club since he is going to sail down to Key West.
That Hot shower and clean clothes sure felt good and we had to clean up before taking out for supper in a civilized place. Back to the Captains Table for the Shrimp and Salad Bar. I guess we looked thirsty since the waiter left two pitchers of tea on the table for us. I can guarantee you that Shrimp became an endangered item that night at the Captains Table.
Saturday , On the way home.
The weather during the trip was in the upper 50's at night and when the sun came out I would guess the low 80's or upper 70's during the day. As John said one afternoon as we walked along the beach ...."It sure is nice to walk in white stuff , barefooted , and not having it be snow "
Chuck.......................................
My Clark on Picnic Key....... It offers a lot of ventilation.
