Condition of the Everglades after Hurricane Irma?

[MarkB]

Folks,

I'm new to the site so "hello" to everyone! I'm looking for information about the condition of the Everglades paddling routes post Hurricane Irma? I have been in contact with the NPS Information Specialist, and while very helpful, she has little information on the condition of routes other than the Wilderness Waterway which she says has been cleared and is open. Has anyone been in the Everglades recently that could share their observations? Can anyone help with a good 7-day loop that makes a nice trip? We are looking at a trip in February 2018.

Thanks!

Mark

 

[Pringles]

Hi Mark! Glad you found your way to the site. Hopefully someone will be along to help.

Pringles

 

[snapper]

Mark - For what it's worth; my wife and I are supposed to join up with a group trip to the Everglades and we had the some concerns as to whether the trip would be held or not. The trip is being sponsored by the Adirondack Mt. Club of NYS but is being operated by the staff of Wilderness Inquiry (WI). Based on the latest information we've received, the staff at WI have been able to paddle their preferred route to see how it survived the storm. While I understand there will be some minor fine tuning made to the trip route, we're still set to leave in late March. While I know that WI is indeed a business, you might still want to contact them to see if they can give you any idea of what you may find on the route you're looking into.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time....be well.

snapper

 

[MarkB]

Thanks snapper! Good info.

 

[Pringles]

I did that trip with WI a few years ago. It was great! I hope you have fun, Snapper.

 

[snapper]

Pringles - Thanks! I'm really looking forward to it. In my "real" job I'm the one who is always doing the logistics, leading, meals, etc. I'm hoping to pull my end of the load yet have lots of time to relax and do some fishing; I'm going to bring my pack rod for some fly fishing when the opportunity arises. My other reason for doing this trip is I won't take college students into an area I haven't visited previously. This will allow me to do a field check while also enjoying a potentially great trip; at least that's my plan (LOL).

That's all for now. Take care and until next time....be well.

snapper

PS - Who was your trip leader? I have some friends who have worked for WI over the years and one of them used to lead this particular trip.

 

[Pringles]

Hmmm. I want to say Richard, but I may be confusing him with a rafting guide on the Grand Canyon. I've done 4 trips with WI. I did a kayak trip on Superior, a canoeing trip on the Missouri in Montana, the Everglades, and the Porcupine River in Yukon and Alaska. Rob did the Porcupine trip, and he had worked for WI for quite a while, and did the Everglades a bunch. Lauren was our trip leader on the Missouri. It has been a while, though. They do a nice job, but also let you participate. They'll make the lunch, but you're welcome to help--more than other outfitters. I hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[snapper]

Pringles - Thanks! Looks like none of the folks you traveled with are the person I know. His name is Tim O'Connell and he now is the department chair for an outdoor program at a Canadian college. I still see & work with Tim each year as we assist with SUNY Cortland's outdoor education practicum that's held in the Adirondacks.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time....be well.

snapper

 

[Guest]

On the Everglades backcountry site map I understand what Open and Closed means, but the meaning of Partially Open is not described or defined.

I am guessing this may mean the Porta-pot is gone, or perhaps currently inaccessible via the honeywagon boat.

Still guessing, but on beach sites just dig a hole below high tide line? What about on a chickee?

 

[Erica]

Or you can carry it out. Some areas are already like that. Certainly it is done by the cavers in pristine caves.