Everglades National Park is the continuation of the slow, wide river that passes through Big Cypress National Preserve. The park is an example of the effects of elevation change on vegetation. Unlike the Rockies, though, here the elevation change can be measured in inches, and a foot of change can drastically change the type of trees, plants, undergrowth, and animal life. As one looks across the "river of grass" - the slow flow of water from the north to Florida Bay - one sees clumps of trees scattered throughout. Here, the elevation is just a bit higher and larger trees take route.

The park has several exhibits showing the different vegetation throughout the park, along with a video in the main Visitor Center. One thing stressed often is that this is not a swamp! The freshwater is not stagnant and is slowly flowing to the south. At Flamingo, over 30 miles into the park, the flow finally mixes with the salt water of the ocean. Along the drive, there are several opportunities to stop and follow short nature trails and boardwalks, of which we took advantage often.

The "fish out of water" moment came when I discovered that there was an abandoned missile base within the park. Built in the 1960s, it held Nike missiles until closed in the late 1970s. The park offers a ranger tour of this cold war relic stuck in the middle of the otherwise quiet and peaceful park.