Black Point Marina – We explore the Everglades National Park

Alligator heaven at Royal Palm Hammock

I rented a car from Enterprise this morning for only $27.99/day including a free pickup at the marina. We needed transportation to the park and for reprovisioning. If you’re at least 62, then you qualify for a lifetime pass to all the national parks for a one time fee of $10. It’s good for yourself and everyone in your car, regardless of age. I showed the pass and we were waved through the gate.



He was within touching distance



We were told that the best place to see alligators was at Royal Palm Hammock so on we went. A “hammock” is an area slightly raised above the surrounding “field of grass” so there’s some ground to walk on. A walkway led out to a pond with lots and lots of alligators. Some were within touching distance but we were all warned not to come within 5 ft of one but we were closer than that on the wooden walkway – but then the elevated walkway provided protection.

There were many other varieties of wildlife all around and although they were not tame, they were very use to having people close by. You could get within an arm’s length of any of the birds before they would fly away. On the way home we restocked our orange and grapefruit supply at Robert Is Here stand, a locally famous stand that’s been in business for 50 years (robertishere.com).



Mostly they were sunning themselves

 The winds have finally diminished somewhat and it’s starting to warm up again. We’ll go to the park again Saturday and then take an airboat ride on Sunday through the Everglades, great fun!