Map7: ChevelierBay toAlligatorBay(3.6 miles)

Follow the markers along the shore of Chevelier Bay. At marker 87 you will see the Darwin homesite built on a shell mound of the Calusa Indians who lived along the west coast of Florida up to the time of the first Spanish explorers.

Arthur Darwin, who says he was born in I 878, moved into th.is home just before the establishment of Everglades National Park. The last and only private citizen still living on Park land, he will be allowed to live out his life at th.is location.

Darwin was born in Arkansas, but grew up in Texas. He left Texas in 1934 when "everyone else was going to work for the WPA," as he preferred to work for himself. He worked as a hunter and trapper in the Lostman's River area and later as a carpenter and boat builder in the Everglades area. He retired to his present home in 1945 and constructed his house of cement and shells from the mound. In late spring the large royal poinciana tree at the water's edge will be covered with beautiful red blossoms.

After entering Tarpon Bay, watch for the mud bank near marker 77; stay close to the marker to avoid this bank.

You now enter Alligator Creek, one of the narrowest and most exciting areas of the Wilderness Waterway. Th.is creek is only about two boat widths wide and is covered by a canopy of low branches. The Park Service recommends that larger boats seek an alternate route, possibly returning to the Chatham River (Map 6, marker 99) and out to the Gulf of Mexico and down to Lostman's River, returning to the Wilderness Waterway via Lostman's (Map 10, marker 52).

Canoers onAlligatorBay

As you leave AIUgator Creek you will pick up marker 75 at Alligator Bay; follow markers 73 and 72 into the small bay locally called Dad's Bay, and 70 and 68 into PlateCreek.

Plate Creek is also narrow and has many logson thebottom; run slowly throughthis stretch of water.

When you enter Alligator Bay,take note of the way the tide is flowing. You will find that if the water is flowing with you in Alligator Creek, it will be moving against you in Plate Creek. Also note that the water in this area is quite clear. A taste will tell you that it is almost completely fresh water. However,it is notrecommendedfor drinking.

As you move through this area, look for indicators of fresh water such as the sawgrass that covers the glades. It can be seen along creek edges, together with cabbage palms, leather ferns,and an occasionalstrangler fig.

If you haven't seen an alligator by this time you may wonder where Alligator Baygot its name. From a population of three million aJJigatorsin Florida in 1800, the population dropped to 300,000 in 1900, andis now estimated to be reduced 90% more. Even though laws have been passed makingitillegal to hunt alligators in Florida,poachingstill goeson. Arthur Darwin stated that before his homesite became part of the Park he killed between 100 and 150 alligatorsthere,buttherearenone there now.

Other Park Rules And Regulations

Hunting is not permitted and firearms are not allowed in the Park. No airboats or "glades buggies" are allowed anywhere within Park boundaries.

Dogs and cats are prohibited in the Park unless kept on leashes or other physical restraint or control.

No killing or collecting of biros, alligators, turtles, trees, plants, flower.;, or other forms of life, including orchids and air plants, is permitted in the Park.

Camping in other than designated areas is by permit only.

The building of fires is prohibited except in designated campsites or by campfire permit. No burning or collecting of driftwood is allowed.

Accidents involving personal injury or damage to the boat (other than scratched paint and sheared pins) should be reported to the nearest Ranger Station as soon as possible.

Any questions or suggestions concerning Park regulations will be welcomed by Park personnel.

Follow markers 62 and 60 through Lostman's Five Bay, 59 and 58 across Two Island Bay, and 58, 56, and 55 through Onion Key Bay. Between markers 59and 60watch closely to avoid two shallow banks.

You will undoubtedly notice several cabins along the waterway inthls area. Unlike Darwin, who is living on Park-owned land, these cabins are located on private land not yet acquired by the National Park Service. The failure of Congress to appropriate enough money for the Park Service to purchase all of the land withinthe authorized Parkboundaries has left the Park with many inholdings. As of 1969 much of the area near the waterway here is still in privateownership.

One of the two islands in Two Island Bay is disappearing. Whereas it takes years for mangrove islands to form, they can be destroyed overnight by one hurricane. High winds uproot trees, and surging tides wash away thesoiluntilthere isonlysmooth water where an islandoncewas.

Onion Key Campsite provides picnic tables, grills, a pit toilet, and, in summer, plenty of mosquitoes. During the 1920's OnionKey wasthebase camp for anambitiousland development scheme planned for theareanear the mouth of Lostman's River (Map 10). About twenty frame and canvas buildings occupied the one-acre island of OnionKey in 1925;however, the 1926 hurricane completely destroyed the buildings. Thereafter the development company reestablished their headquarters at the mouth of Lostman's, but the project soon folded. A Park Service patrol cabin now marks the siteof the proposed development.

Map 10: OnionKeyBay to ThirdBay(3.8miles)

Between markers 55 and 53 you may wish to take a side trip to Lostman's River, which offers interesting areas for fishing and exploration, especially for campers from Onion Key. If fishing or pleasure boating in the area, watch for the numerous oyster bars at the mouth of the river.

During the winter months sand bars along the river are sometimes covered by wading birds feeding in the shallows. A sizable flock of white pelicans frequents a sand bar at the south end of Second Bay in Lostman's River from about December to April.

For the fisherman who wants to go all the way to the mouth of the river, there is good redfish and snook fishing all year around near the oyster bars. The oysters are edible but are not of commercial value because of their small size. They are often called "coon oysters" and are eaten by the raccoons that are abundant in this region.

Boating Safety

Before boating in Everglades National Park or any water recreation area basic safetyprecautions should be taken.

Know how to swim

It is advisable to learn how to swim or at least how to save yourself and your family if an emergency should arise.

Maintain a safe boat

I. OneCoastGuard approved life-

4. Device for bailing saving device (jacket or cush-

5. Extra lines for towing ion)for each person aboard

6. Paddles or oars

2. Coast Guard approved fire ex-

7. Basic tool kit tinguisher

3. Emergency whistle or horn

8. First aid kit

9. Compass and charts

Have fixed boat equipment as required by state and federal laws. The Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide free boat safety examinations. All boats should be checked for the following:

I. Right size motor for hull

2. Proper lights for bow and stern

3. Registration numbers

4. Anchors with ample line

5. Approved safety gas cans

(continued on p. 30)