I'm still concerned about possible wildlife danger on certain FL roads: how is 41, 29 and the road to the Bear Island campground (indicated black line without nr between Ochopee on 41 to 75)? If somebody familiar with these roads could advice me would be highly appreciated. I'm on a motor bike with side car, not in an enclosed car...
I would think the only wildlife problems that would be encountered would be if you are to be camping. I haven't been to the Everglades parks but in Glacier, Yellowstone, Yosemite and others there are bears, buffalo, moose, elk, deer, horses and other large critters that you may have to avoid while on the roads. Especially in early evening and early morning when they may be heading for water. Deer can be a problem anytime of day. I hit one last year in the Canadian Rockies on a main highway in the middle of a sunny afternoon. Luckily we went over (most of it) in the sidecar rig. We may not have fared so well on a solo bike.
Lonnie
If you're driving in the daytime and stick to the road you will have no issues. If something does wander onto the road you'll have a long time to prepare for it... these roads are the standard to which pool tables are matched for flatness. OTOH, if you're driving are night, dawn or dusk you will definitely see animals but even then, they're not likely to bother you.
Step 20 feet off the road and it's an entirely different story. I've seen all manner of snakes, salamanders and alligators. There are butterflies and bats as well as lots of warm blooded things. It's a great place to see wildlife and make photos.
Oh yeah, PLAN YOUR FUEL!
Go for it. Just keep your eyes open. This is important all the time but especially at night or when riding into the sun. Some critters can come up onto roads any time of the day. If it is cool out sometimes they like the heat that the road holds for them. I don't want to overstate this stuff as it really should not be an issue for you. Some of the shows on television take things to the extreme as usual for the sponsors. Camping in some of these areas should be done with a little common sense of course.
Honestly, I would be more concerned with mosquitos, red bugs and stuff like that than bigfoot or the gators. Some here know that I am originally from Florida.
As Claud says,
. the little bugs (or often the 2 footed ones) are more dangerous then the big ones.
I just had a simple mosquito stitch that needed 1 month to heal and left a kind of crater in the skin.
Albeight I live in a tropical land I nearly never met snakes in 23 years. but in one ocasion the snake was way faster then me and stopped and turned back in the same spot as I.
Me: "Where is the snake?" > 1,5 meter beside me.
The snake: "Where is the dog?" > 25m river upstream.
Just stay totally still and wait until she leaves.
Sven
Hi again Lorenz, good to see you back on, I've been wondering about your trip. I used to work in south Florida and often rode 41 between Naples and Miami. Traffic accidents are the main threat, be very careful, Alligater Alley is a deadly road. I have seen gaters from the road, but never on the road, saw one panther, ( in other places called mountoun lion), have seen deer, wild pig, and black bear. They have never been a threat, if you stick to the road, and areas where people are, they try to keep their distance. Have a great trip, hoping to meet you in Texas.
Hi everybody, thanks for all the advice. Wildlife on the roads has never been a problem. I'm driving only in daytime, that helps. I'm now in the beautiful small town of Appalachicola, tomorrow heading towards P'cola. Hope I can adjust the sidecar wheel leaning there, or test it with more weight in side car. I'll meet a friend there and stay some time. Actually, the thing that really needed repair was the front wheel brake, it was soft, too soft for relaxed riding with 600+ kg momentum. I like them bity & hard, can titrate better. A HD dealer in Sarasota FL did it on the fly. Two thumbs up. And Lloyd, would really be nice to see you in Comfort, Tx. Lorenz
Lorenz, if you happen to travel through Memphis (to stop at Elvis' mansion, of course)
be sure to call and we'll have lunch. Jim and Brenda Uren, 901-628-4004.
Hi Lorenz, If your travels include Route 66 through Northern Arizona (Kingman) give me a call (253-459-2424) or email prior to arrival. We can provide breakfast, lunch, dinner, bed, shower as needed or desired. Chris and Lorelei Patrick
