T
he following questions are a sample of typical inquiries. If you need any
further clarifications or for questions not shown, just call us anytime @
239 353-1648 or 239 280-8837 an
ytime of e-mail us also to
wes@EvergladesEdge.com. and we'll immediately assist or get back to you
as soon as possible. All your inquiries are very important and no question
or concern is trivial. Thank you for your interest!
What sort of weather should I expect?
South Flor
ida has two seasons, dry or rainy.
The winter is the dry season (November through April) and temperatures are
usually between 65 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, rain is infrequent and
generally lasts no more than a couple hours, but clouds and breezes may
persist but rarely. Usually the skies are clear blue
and the sun very warm. Warm in the day and cool at night. Considered perfect
weather
by many.
In the summer rainy season, (June through September) the humidity is high and
the temperatures usually range low 80's to high 90's. Days can be hot but
nights are very balmy. Summer rains can occur daily in the afternoon and
cool things down nicely. The summer is best for biology and the wildlife is
abundant and offers the most opportunities for animal
sightings.
How are the bugs there?
Bugs are plentiful and remarkable and an important reason why there is such a
diversity and abundance of wildlife. Mosquitoes can be bad but also at times
non-existent.
Winter time temps and low water most often mean the mosquitoes and other
insects are relatively few in the freshwater swamps and cooler temps take
them down considerably in the salt
marsh.
During the summer season, salt marsh mosquitoes can be quite voracious at times.
Deer flies may also be present and can be annoying as well. Also,
along the shore we have some very small insects called "no-seeums" which can
also present a challenge to the unprepared. However, there are various ways and means experienced swampers use to cope, and our experienced guides are well
equipped and ready to help our tour members co-exist as comfortably
as possible when the bugs are out in force.
Otherwise the variety of insects and other invertebrates is extensive,
diverse and interesting to curious naturalists and a most important
part of the South
Florida eco-system.
What are the accommodations and their
availability before and after the tours?
There are hotels and motels varying in a broad range of luxury in Miami,
Naples and Everglades City. Camping is also available at variety of
locations. Once we pick you up for your tour we provide everything including
meals and lodging at a 3 star minimum level motels or appropriately natural
primitive camps with water and restrooms as available. We can also recommend
a variety of locations and will gladly help as your local contact and
friends- just call or e-mail with specifics and we will assist in every way
possible for you to feel secure in your choice of associated living. We
offer concierge pick up at the Fort Myers Regional airport (RSW) or to and
from local hotels with prior notice for a 75$ fee. We can also help you with
your bike shipment. Either to a local bike shop for set up or here to our
bike barn facility for you to put back together. We'll help wherever we can.
What sort of dangers does wildlife
present?
Very little danger. Our naturalist guides know quite
well the behavior of the animals we encounter. We never handle or molest
wildlife and we're always ready and looking for signs of their presence.
There has never been a documented attack on humans by either Florida
panthers or black bears. Never.
Marine life presents the most risk but times of day and locations will
usually dictate what we may encounter. As long as we stay on shore or wear
proper footwear and look before we step in the water and adhere to good
kayaking and sailing standards, the risk is nearly nil. Our guides will
always go first in unknown areas.
"The dangers of the world are many, but those originating with wildlife
are trivial compared to those presented by humans." - Whit Gibbons
Where are you located?
Our headquarters are located within Picayune State
Forest. The "Edge" is located off Snake Road on the left (north side) about
200' west of the intersection of Snake Rd. and Lee Williams Rd. which runs
north-south.
Snake Road runs east-west from Miller Blvd. which can be accessed via 52nd
Ave SE or 78th Ave (Sable Palm Rd) or 100th SE (Stewart Blvd.) within the
State Forest. Or via 62nd Ave. SE west to Lee Williams Rd then north to
Snake Road and then turn right for 200' on the left.
Please link our location map at the upper right of this page or
link here for the
Edge Site Vicinity Map.
We also have access in Everglades City. Our dock is located off SR 29 at the
Captain's Table resort between Doug House Airboat tours and the Seafood
Depot
restaurant. Our long term customer parking lot is about 300' east off Copeland Ave on
the way to the Everglades National Park visitor center and just south of the
round about traffic circle on the right across from the ice cream shop.
Please click the link
Everglades City Vicinity Map
for more precise information.