After regrouping and recharging in Homestead, we headed back out to Mahogany Hammock Trails (still in the national park) for another self-paced group hike. By this time on the trip, everyone was fairly comfortable with each other and quiet, peaceful walks were very much welcome after such an exciting past few days.
We saw more sawgrass prairies, tree islands, and all manner of plant species. Rather than invade the ecosystem, we were able to walk along a boardwalk instead. Of course, given that we have been discussing conservation and preservation in The Everglades for the past few days, I couldn’t help but wonder if the construction and presence of the boardwalks were invasive or if they impeded any plant life at all.
As we made our way through the winding boardwalks, we saw more Gumbo Limbo trees with MUCH more visible chlorophyll , palms, moss, twisting oak trees, and beautiful tree coverage above us (all shown in the images below). Words aren’t enough. This I feel has been yet another theme of this trip. No words can capture the beauty of this landscape. Every new plant or creature or place that I witness here leaves me speechless every single time. This journal could never suffice in displaying or telling the wonders that exist in this part of Florida. Knowing this, I will stop writing here and include more images instead.
(All images taken by Viviana Moreno on Mahogany Trail in Everglades National Park)
