Salty air and low waves await seven adventure seekers for the spring break trip to the Florida Everglades. This year Dave Mueller, outdoor and aquatic coordinator, is the leader of this adventurous expedition that will help students row their way though the marsh in sea kayaks.
The bus, filled with equipment and the ten travelers, three instructors and seven participants, will depart at approximately 4 p.m. on Feb. 29. The next morning after arriving in Florida they will meander through Robert’s Fruit and Visitor Center at Flamingo Beach, gearing up with fresh fruit and supplies for the next seven days.
“The first year we went we bought all the fruit here before we left. We won’t make that mistake again since it all comes from Florida anyway,” said Mueller. “It is a really cool part of the trip, a fresh market right on the street.”
The trip is geared toward people who want to experience nature first hand with a little guidance on the way. The next five days of the trip are spent in the Everglades. Cape Sable and Flamingo Beach can only be reached via boat, kayak or canoe. Participants paddle their way around the island soaking up a plethora of wildlife.
Known for the endangered species that find refuge here, it is not uncommon to see alligators, osprey, storks, and heron lurking around the beaches. Wildlife saturates the area.
“Last year we saw a sea turtle,” said Mueller. “That was pretty awesome.”
Alex Blumenstock who went on last years trip said, “I go hiking about three times a week in the summer, but this was a lot of kayaking and super cool. The environment is pretty incredible.”
The Everglades is the largest subtropical park in the United States.
“The Everglades is one of the world’s largest natural aquifers. Neighboring Miami gets most of its water from this national park and it is essentially drying it up. This gives students the opportunity to see this amazing ecosystem before it is too late,” said Mueller.
The West Indian manatee, Florida panther, and wood stork are all on the edge of extinction and all reside in the national park.
Throughout the week the participants will be learning how to cook, camp, and live in the wilderness.
“We want them to learn about the environment as well,” said Mueller.
Sleeping bags, tents, and cooking gear is included with the trip.
The last day is spent snorkeling in the reef and exploring the sea below. Tropical fish and sea life are sea side companions beneath with waters waves.
“Snorkeling is a highlight of the trip, it is always a great experience,” said Mueller.
The last night will be celebrated with hot showers and a farewell dinner at a restaurant in Key Largo. The bus returns around noon the Sunday before school gets back in session giving everyone a little time to relax and prepare for the upcoming week.
“I would definitely go again,” said Blumenstock. “Dave is a really charismatic guy and the trip was really laid back. I didn’t know anyone when we left, but I had an awesome time. Everyone needs to do something crazy now and then.”
There is still time to reserve a seat in a kayak. This eight day trip includes food, transportation and housing for $425. For more information call Mueller at 439-7980.

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