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When I was told we would be going to Everglades National Park (NP) for Christmas of 2006, I griped and grumbled. After all, twenty five years ago I drove to Key West and the wide open grasslands and boring drive was fresh in my mind.

However, over the years I've acquired a true fondness for all things wild, and decided I would return to the Everglades with a new attitude and open mind.

I was not disappointed this time around.

Stepping onto a trail in the Everglades is like talking a walk on one of the great exotic savannahs of Africa, and once you acquire a predator's eye you'll be rewarded with countless National Geographic moments.

Before you head south carefully consider the time of year you'll be traveling.

In the rainy season May- October deeper waters make wildlife viewing less favorable because the animals have wider areas to disperse. Not to mention the booming mosquito population, and frequent thunderstorms that might put a damper in your plans.

Fortunately, our winter vacation was perfectly situated in the dry season which last from November through April. Wildlife was so concentrated in the ponds and canals you'd have to be pretty fog headed not to notice it, if not trip over it.

Next, if you plan to stay, take note that the park's only food and lodging facility was destroyed by hurricane at the Everglade's Flamingo visitor center, but the camping there has some beautiful sites among palm trees and stars near the shore.

The Long Pine Key campground in the park has a woodsier feel and is a little buggier. Plus there are abundant primitive (DYOPT- dig your own pit toilet) backcountry campsites accessible by canoe and kayak with a permit for the adventurous. Which I will return to, guaranteed.

If you don't like camping check first since a new hotel building is in the plans, or double back in the evening to nearby Homestead, Fla. where you'll also find the mysterious Coral Castle.

When you get there always start at the beginning in the visitor's center. There you'll find out what kinds of animals, birds, and fish inhabit the area and how the different types of habitats are used by all the things you'll find in the park.

The Everglades consist of several distinct habitats. The grassy plains, brackish, fresh and salt waters, and islands of tree stands called hammocks that each contain their own unique micro habitat of flora, fauna and critters.

And here's a little heads up for traveling National Parks, get a junior ranger booklet. Even if you don't have kids, you

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