Ed asked me what I wanted to do for my 62nd birthday. My immediate reply was “Let’ go to Everglades National Park”!

In order to entice him, I even promised to go fishing, something I usually do not do as I feel sorry for the fish. “We’ll throw them back,” I laughed. I’ll learn to identity them. It will be fun”!

The traffic was brutal, but we made it there from Stuart to Flamingo, the resting place of Guy Bradley, who in 1902 became Florida Audubon’s first game warden tasked with protecting wading birds. Of course he was shot and killed after confronting a man and his two sons hunting egrets for their plumes. At the time plumes were worth more than gold. Warden Bradley and others like him changed the course of environmental history – with their lives. Many do not remember him today, but rather focus on enjoying the natural resources of the area.

Ed and I were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the lodge.  Repurposed steel shipping containers make for a great stay. Very clean, functional and affordable, Ed and I plan to return.

It was in the 90s , but with a breeze the mosquitos were in our wake. In the early morning Ed and I took to the water. I captained the skiff  and Ed practiced his fly-fishing.

So hot! Water so still! Not a one fish bite, but believe it or not, a school of mullet jumped into the boat!

Ed asked if I wanted to cut them up for bait. “No”! I said, and we returned them to the water to reunite with their friends.

Smiling from ear to ear, I recalled the stories of the late Ernie Lyons, Editor of the Stuart News, who wrote about St. Lucie River’s early days when there were so many fish in the river they jumped into your boat.

“Ed we’re just like Ernie Lyons!” I teased. Ed rolled his eyes.

As we approached the shoreline, I saw the crocodile. So ancient, so wise, so intimidating. I slowed down to be careful to go around him and thought of all the changes his kind have seen in 240 million years.

Returning after a great day, Harbour Master, Reuben provided excellent service helping bring in the skiff. As I stepped out of the boat, I asked about the gigantic osprey nest still ominous and hanging.

“This year the female osprey returned as she has for many years. She called and called and called, but the male did not return. You know they mate for life,”  Reuben said. “She was crying for over a month. But nothing, no mate, no chicks. We really miss them; they are like family.”

“So sad.” I replied….

I looked at Ed and thought about how lucky I am that he always comes home.

“Hey babe, do you want to get a drink”?

We made our way to the Flamingo Lounge and Restaurant right next to our cargo lodge room, ordered a couple of vodka tonics, telling fish stories about the tarpon we will catch next time! 🦟

Flamingo Tours, Everglades National Park