Day 120 - January 29, 2013: Shark River anchorage in the Everglades National Park

After I determined that we only had two good weather days to get to the Keys before a major storm sweeping across the Midwest reaches down into the Gulf, we decided to arise early to head down the Gulf to the Everglades National Park and anchor in the Shark River. This park covers 1.5 million acres of wetlands and dense forest areas, fed by rivers to the north. It is the third largest national park in the U.S. and protects a fragile ecosystem of plants, animals and birds.

The Gulf was beginning to stir up, but we only encountered one to two ft waves, which occasionally caused a light spray up over the deck. Still, the American Great Loop Cruising Association flag was getting a workout from the 15 knot winds.

Spray from Gulf waves

After seven hours of cruising, we entered the Shark River, crossing a shoal and winding around a horseshoe bend. Our anticipation was high, as this area is virtually the same as it has been for hundreds of years.

Entering the Shark River

We explored the river upstream for a few miles, marveling at the density of the everglades. The shores of the river are covered with trees and roots growing out of deep water, so you cannot go ashore. Besides there are alligators, snakes, and many insects that would make it an unpleasant experience. We anchored with care beside the entrance to a side creek, paying attention to the wind direction and the fact that there are strong tidal currents that reverse the flow of the river overnight.

Side channels into the Everglades

The evening was peaceful, and without cell coverage, internet or TV service, it was a good time to absorb all the beauty and give thanks for the chance to see it from this perspective. Who would have ever thought that we would buy a boat and find our way over three thousand miles into this paradise? That realization made this sunset, in this remote part of the Everglades, quite special.

Sunset over Shark River in the Everglades