So, a couple friends and I are contemplating driving down there from western NC for a few days (4 or 5) since we'll all be home and its a good time to be down there.

They're outdoors people like me and they understand what I do so I'll be shooting like I normally do.

Anyone ever shot much in Everglades NP? Any spots down that way (Key West) I should be aware of? I've done zero research (plan on doing a lot) and we'll be camping so lodging info isn't what I'm asking for. Cool places to grab a beer are of interest though...

I just want some first hand experience. Let's hear it.

Oh yeah, I'd like to at least skin dive with some mannatees while down there... that possible?

- Scott

never been but we almost did route 1 from ME to KW instead of the Canada trip. Opted for the colder location instead since it was summer. Can't wait to see the pictures.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

never been but we almost did route 1 from ME to KW instead of the Canada trip. Opted for the colder location instead since it was summer. Can't wait to see the pictures.

It should be a good time, assuming it happens.

The Keys are fabulous. There are a ton of touristy traps, but there are definitely places where you can go off shore and meet manatees and whatnot.

SubiMatt and I went a few years back and did a snorkling trip right on the reef, it was definitely amazing!

Sorry I don't have much info about the Everglades, but at least you know the weather will be nice and warm! :-)

Speaking of manatees/skin diving/SCUBA... anyone know a good place I might could rent an underwater housing? That's be fun.

Originally Posted by Stime187

and they understand what I do so I'll be shooting like I normally do.

Curious, How much time do you spend framing shots, taking the picture, etc?

Originally Posted by jjswee

Originally Posted by Stime187

and they understand what I do so I'll be shooting like I normally do.

Curious, How much time do you spend framing shots, taking the picture, etc?

Actually shooting the shot? Very little. Getting to the setup the camera spot? .

But in all seriousness, I spend a bit of time walking around (don't setup your tripod first thing!) and surveying the scene/light. Once I've found my shot, I setup my tripod, camera, and get any grad. NDs ready. After that comes a couple test exposure shots, then its just a matter of waiting for that moment...

But all my friends are cool with it because a) they seem to enjoy my shots and get cheap prints of them and b) I essentially ONLY shoot at sunrise/sunset so that leaves plenty of time to do other stuff when we're out.

- Scott

I am heading to Hawaii in January and the 'itinerary' thats setup seems to leave little time for pictures. All my vacations have itineraries. Vacation is a very busy time for my family.

Originally Posted by jjswee

I am heading to Hawaii in January and the 'itinerary' thats setup seems to leave little time for pictures. All my vacations have itineraries. Vacation is a very busy time for my family.

You guys are doing stuff at sunrise? Seriously, you can make it happen if you want. But I've also gotten to where people just know that thats what I enjoy and I'm going to do it. Hell, I shot the sunrise and went for a hike on Thanksgiving morning before I had anything else going on. Those early morning adventures are what keep me sane on vacations, especially family ones.

I'll have to look into seeing where I can go during sunrise. I wish I had more time to practice before I head out. I don't even have the camera yet!

Wow, John, thanks for the write-up. I'm not sure how I missed it until now (must've hit "mark as read" a bit too soon). But yeah, thanks for the info... I'll be bumping this thread with more specific questions closer to when we're going to do it. If we do it, that is.

Ah, thanks, JD. That's the kind of stuff I love, off the beaten (or widely known) path but still very cool. Swamps are places I've been wanting to explore for a long time. I like ruggedly beautiful terrain that I can roam around in without too many other people.

But yeah, if we come down that way, I will DEFINITELY shoot you an email or PM. Thanks for the help. And of course, if you ever go to the NC mountains, do the same (that goes for any of you).

Bump! (John, I'll probably be contacting you soon)

It looks like I've turned my attention to a southern road trip in early March...

From: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...98438&z=5&om=0



Anyone know of anything I should make sure to hit or ignore along this potential route?

well we didnt want to see you anyway!!



j/k The keys were alot of fun, not sure if its really the place to go if you want to be away from cities/ ppl tho. Oh stop at Alabama Jacks right before you enter the keys, nice little food stop before the bridge.

Originally Posted by subimatt

well we didnt want to see you anyway!!

I'll make it there someday for sure... just when it's nicer out.

j/k The keys were alot of fun, not sure if its really the place to go if you want to be away from cities/ ppl tho. Oh stop at Alabama Jacks right before you enter the keys, nice little food stop before the bridge.

Right now the itinerary is:

• Leave from Raleigh, NC
• Hit some cool looking state park on the eastern florida coast
• Drive to the Keys
• Eastern Everglades NP
• Western Everglades NP
• Drive up the eastern coast of Florida to Crystal River State Park (manatees?)
• Drive home to Great Smoky Mountains NP for any remaining time