THE EVERGLADES
THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Within its territory the USA has some of the finest National Parks in the world. These eco systems of outstanding scenic beauty and teeming with wildlife make for a fantastic holiday destination. The three largest Parks are Death Valley, Yellowstone and the Everglades.
The smallest of the three, created in 1934, is the Everglades National Park in Florida. This subtropical wilderness covering 1,509,000 acres is a slow moving system of rivers fed by the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee. Its importance is such that it has been declared a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve and a Wetland of International Importance.
It contains the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere which acts as a nursery for the many marine and bird species. The Everglades is inhabited by 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and sea water fish, 40 species of mammals and some 50 types of reptiles. Apart from mango swamps, their habitats include Pineland, Sawgrass and Sloughs (Low lying areas covered in water flowing at an almost imperceptible rate)
Reptiles and amphibians find homes in the Hardwood Hammocks which are tiny tear-shaped islands rising a few inches above water. Protected or endangered species include the Florida Panther, Turtles, the American Crocodile, - which shares a rare co-existence with alligators - the West Indian Manatee, Tree Snails and the Wood Rat. For the bird watchers, exotic birds include the White Pelican, Turkey Vulture and Wood Storks. The Park is the most significant breeding site for tropical wading birds in North America.
There are several visitor centres including the Shark Valley Centre, the Ernest Coe Centre, the Flamingo Centre and the Gulf Coast Visitor’s Centre From the latter canoers can access the Wilderness Waterway, a 160 Km canoe trail. On Pine Island there are self-guided walking trails through hammocks, pinelands and sloughs where on the Anhinga and the Gumbo Limbo Trails visitors can see alligators, turtles and birds, close up! More rugged trails for serious hikers exist in the mangrove swamps which are best for seeing Shore and Wading Birds. Two high boardwalks allow visitors to explore a Cypress forest at Pa-Ha-O-Kee. The Marjory Stonemann Douglas Wilderness Area offers cyclists 45 Km of off-road riding.
Low powered motorboats are allowed in certain areas. Jet skis and air-boats are forbidden. Swimming is not recommended unless you wish to collide with Water Moccasins or Alligators in the low visibility water!!
There are 234, all-year-round campsites with 108 accessible by cars and RV’s. Back-country permits are required for certain of these sites.
The Everglades National Park is without doubt an American treasure and you and the family will surely enjoy a visit to this unique region. It is highly recommended for photographers, campers, hikers, canoeists, birdwatchers,animal lovers and those who love adventure. The Everglades National Park has it all.
KEY WEST - ANTIQUES AND ART SHOWS
Key West would be a beautiful place to spend a week or two recovering from the winter blues. At this time of year the weather is lovely and there is plenty to see and do.
For all you outdoor types you can swim, snorkel, dive, fish and sail to your hearts content. There is a wonderful living coral reef to see and numerous walks, hikes and eco tours to try out.
In Key West you will find something to suit everyone’s taste. Everyone from the shop till you drop holiday maker to the thrills and adventure seeker. It is a fabulous place for the photographers amongst you as well as the artists. The scenery is breathtaking both on and off shore.
If you happen to have planned your winter break for February of this year you might be interested in visiting the Key West Antiques Show which takes place from February 22 -24. Also on at this time is Key West’s Old Island Days Art Festival on February 23-24.
The Key West Antiques Show will have more than 30 dealers from around the United States. The antiques are to be displayed against the backdrop of a Civil War-era fort that is now a museum showcasing the island city’s intriguingly offbeat history.
The fourth annual Key West Antiques Show & Sale is to take place at Fort East Martello Museum and Gardens, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd., next to Key West International Airport.
There will be a wide variety of antiques and collectibles during the event. Appraisals, antique clinics, snacks and a full bar will round out the attractions.
The Arts Festival, which originated in 1965, sponsored a show of original fine art to promote the cultural image of the island city. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-24, the 43rd annual Old Island Days Art Festival is to continue that tradition with works by approximately a hundred artists from throughout the United States and Canada.
Still presented by the Key West Art Center, the acclaimed open-air show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days in the historic Old Town district. Whitehead Street is to be closed to traffic from Greene to Caroline streets, creating a lively outdoor marketplace where art lovers can view exhibitors’ offerings while enjoying Key West’s typically warm, sunny February weather.
Booths will also be placed on Caroline Street within Truman Annex, a gracious enclave that includes the Harry S. Truman Little White House Museum where the late president spent 175 days during his 1945-1953 time in office.
The festival is to feature artists in media such as watercolor, oil painting, sculpture and photography.
The show is juried to ensure that its traditionally high standards of quality are maintained. Admission to the Old Island Days Art Festival is free.
We think these two events will add to what will already be an exciting holiday. They provide excellent venues to purchase quality art and antiques while still enjoying your sunshine holiday in Key West, Florida.
A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS IN ORLANDO
This year why not treat the whole family and have Christmas in Orlando, Florida. What better place to celebrate than Disney’s Magic Kingdom. At Disney Land there are special shows, fireworks and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Light. At Epcot you can see Holidays Around the World/ Candlelight Processional. There will be guest narrators, massed choirs and orchestra, telling the story of Christmas with Lights and Christmas Music.
Over at Universal Studios they are having a Grinchmas. The entire Seuss-themed Island is colourfully decorated for the season and guests are invited to meet the Grinch in his lair. Also throughout December the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade comes to Florida. A wonderful parade, complete with festive tree lighting by Santa Claus!
In nearby Kissimmee Lakefront Park There will be 20 tonnes of snow, strolling performers and a spectacular fireworks display.
All over the Orlando area special Christmas festivities are planned. The Hotels, Theme Parks and Resorts, Sea World, Shopping Malls; every familiar attraction is ready and waiting to show you a good time this Christmas.
So forget the idea that Florida is just palm trees and beaches, you can have a fabulous Christmas experience here in Orlando with snow, ice, Santa and his Elves and all the traditional holiday cheer, then relax with a cool drink on a beautiful beach.
Latest Images
-
