We left Russell Pass, near Everglades City, and proceeded in a southerly direction, flitting in and out the mouths of Chatum River and Lostman's River with the small boats, looking for an entrance we could bring the trawler through. Couldn't find enough water. We went down to Little Shark River and anchored for a few days, exploring the area with the Whaler, and with Fred's Action Craft.
I discovered that almost everywhere I went in the Whaler, I had enough draft for the trawler... so today we took the Mercy from Little Shark River, through some creeks, up the Shark River, and into Tarpon Bay and the Harney River. Lions and tigers and bears O MY!
The area is full of birds, and we saw several alligators. We saw something swimming across the water that left tracks on the bank that looked like a wild hog... which I can't imagine a hog crossing a current in a deep channel.
Anyhow, we're anchored this evening in the Harney River, and hope to continue exploring to the north tomorrow with the Whaler, while Fred catches us some fish with the Action Craft.
We met two groups of VIP's (volunteers in park) that I met a few years back, and have talked to two law enforcement boats the last few days. Aside from that, we've seen several canoes and kayaks, and an occassional recreational fishing boat. I can't imagine how a kayaker must feel, after paddling 60 miles of wilderness waterway, and running across a trawler! I think we've surprised a few.
Its really been blowing, but we've been in protected rivers, and the wind has calmed off this evening. The air is cool and crisp, and somehow, there aren't any no see-ums tonight.
What an adventure!
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