Today’s field trip / photo walk is a first for me, and a long time coming for the club. I’ve seen club photos from here from previous photo walks, but that was about 10 years ago. There’s lots to read up on here, so I HIGHLY recommend you read the rest so you’re fully prepared.

WHAT:                                   Gator Hook Trail Photo Walk
WHERE:                                Loop Road - Big Cypress National Preserve
WHEN:                                  7am at the trail head. Likely done by mid-morning
CAMERA GEAR:                We will be walking in and you will need to carry all of your gear with you. I suggest you condense your pack and carry only what you think is necessary. Camera, a wide-range zoom lens, tripod, filters.
WHAT ELSE TO BRING:   Water - Sunscreen - Bug Spray - Bug Jacket - Snacks/Bars - Maybe a hat and/or cooling towel. A change of shoes/clothes for the ride home. A cooler with more cold refreshments for the ride home.

Join me and the rest of the crew as we check out the Gator Hook trail. As I write this, we are 15 days from the event and it is bone dry. I don’t suspect we’ll have much, if any, water in the cypress dome on the day we visit, but it’s possible. Either or, if there is an onslaught of rain between now and then, and we do have water in the dome, you don’t have to go in. There will be plenty to see on the outside of the dome as well as inside if you so choose.

THE TRAIL

I highly recommend you do your research on this trail. Check out the reviews on ALLTRAILS HERE. This is NOT a nicely paved trail, its more of an obstacle course. Lots and lots of potholes in the limestone which we will be walking on. We’ll go slow, and take our time so we don’t get hurt, but for those who cannot walk far or have balance issues, maybe this trail isn’t for you. You certainly can come along and photograph from the trailhead. There’s a nice area there with bathrooms and picnic tables. For those of us who will walk the trail, it’s long (the full out and back trail is about 4.5 miles - 7.4kms), but we won’t be going all the way in. Most likely we’ll only go in about a half mile, and then turn back. Or, keep going, if the group is in agreement. You absolutely can go off on your own if you so choose.

THE WEATHER

It will be hot, and there will be bugs. Sorry, that’s the nature of the Everglades & Big Cypress, heck all of south Florida in May. Be prepared for the worst. I like to carry a cooling towel (a small water-soaked dish towel will also work), or even a hat that can be dipped in the water will surely cool off the hottest heads. And make sure you have plenty of water for the hike in, and some for when you’re done. We don’t want anyone dehydrating out there.

THE GEAR

Personally, I’ll probably be renting the 28-400 zoom lens like I did for the swamp walk back in November. That will give me all the range I desire with very little weight. Last thing I want to do is carry all three of my heavy lenses with me. However, you don’t need to do that. A 24-70 would be nice lens to carry, and if you like the long zooms a 70-200 would also be nice. You know yourself and what you’re capable of. Don’t over pack, and choose your lenses wisely. A tripod might also be necessary. That also is up to you. If you are comfortable shooting hand-held, by all means, leave the tripod in the car. I have a smaller travel tripod that I’ll put in my pack. Other than that, make sure you have plenty of charged batteries and memory cards. 

WHERE?

The trailhead is approximately 2 1/4 miles south of Tamiami Trail on Loop Road. Keep in mind, Collier County maintains this road and it’s mostly washboard, so plan to go slow. The entrance of Loop Road is near the old Monroe Station, approximately 4 miles past the Oasis Visitor’s Center on Tamiami Trail. I don’t recommend you catch Loop Road near the 40-Mile bend. You’ll be travelling on 21 miles of Loop Road, most likely in the dark. Best to leave that for the ride home.

Here’s a map that shows you were Gator Hook trailhead is located. Be sure you know where you’re going before you leave. Click here for a Google Map link.

Other than that, it should be nice. Sunrise is around 6:30am this time of year. If you wish you can get up super-duper early and go out for a sunrise before meeting for the walk. That is totally up to you. Lots of nice spots between Miami and the trails.

Please, RSVP so we know to expect you. You can click the button below. Hope to see you all there!!