Customer Reviews

Day Paddling Florida's 10,000 Islands and Big Cypress Swamp

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I bought this book on the recommendation of a park ranger at the Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Center. The content is quite specific, covering only trips of 14 or fewer miles and only those in the northwestern Everglades region, starting on Marco Island at the north end of 10,000 Islands and ending at Chokoloskee on the south end. Both fresh and saltwater routes are included, both loop trails and those requiring a shuttle; the author claims to have paddled them all.

Because the book is limited in scope, the trip descriptions have more detail than other more inclusive guides to the Everglades. The author, a photographer, has an interest in the natural history of the area and so provides commentary on the flora and fauna the paddler can expect to encounter. In my opinion this is one of the book's strengths. For example, in the Introduction, there is a nearly-2-pages-long description of the mangrove trees that populate the area.

The book divides the region into 7 areas, for example, trips beginning (or ending) off the Tamiami Trail. A 1-page map with marked route is provided for each trip. Also provided are trip highlights, recommended charts and maps for navigation, trip rating (easy, moderate, difficult), estimated total time, total distance, hazards, launch site, trail ownership, and alternate routes. At the end of the book an appendix gives addresses and contact information on government agencies, food and lodging providers, campgrounds, guide and boat rental services, and suggested further reading.

I have paddled 2 of the shorter trails covered in this book, the Sandfly Island loop and the Halfway Creek to Everglades City route. Information on distances and directions to put-ins seem to be accurate. (Paddling distances are given in nautical miles, land distances in statute miles.) Total times seem to be on the long side, but of course these will vary depending on type of boat used, wind and tidal conditions, and individual paddling style. My only other quibble with the book is that criteria used for the trip ratings are not explained.

Overall, I feel this book is a useful addition to the library of paddling guides to the Everglades, particularly for those interested in natural history. And, having just been released in January 2004, it provides current information on which trails have navigation markers.

I live in Naples, FL. I recently started kayaking and bought two kayaks about a month ago. I've done about 8 of the trails in this book and I make it back in one piece after each trip. I feel well prepared for each trip and I take the book with me as back-up since I seem to gravitate toward the more difficult trips. I am thouroughly enjoying this book. Certainly worth the money.