Q: What advice can you give me about visiting the Everglades for the first time? -- G.M.

A: For a first-time visitor, I think the best way to tour the Everglades is to go directly into Everglades National Park. If you don't mind the drive to Homestead (which is south of Miami), it's a good way to get acquainted with the River of Grass. You'll be charged $10 per car to get in -- unless you qualify for a senior citizen discount -- and you can use your receipt to get into the park for the next several days, so you don't have to keep paying to get in every day.

After entering the park, I would recommend stopping at the visitor center, a building on your right. Rangers and/or volunteers should be there to help you with any questions. Also, there are some nice museum-like displays and dioramas, along with a book store that can provide you with maps and field guides.

Your first stop could be the Anhinga Trail. This is an area that consists mostly of a boardwalk with interpretive signs to teach visitors about the ecology of the Everglades. It's not a big area -- just right -- and you should be able to see wildlife fairly easily here, such as anhingas, alligators and various insects. We have seen marsh rabbits and deer here, too. The Anhinga Trail also offers a short walk through a wooded area.

When you get back on the main park road, there will be some stopping points where you can get out your binoculars, go canoeing or walk to an observation tower. Just watch for signs. Also watch for deer, armadillos and other animals along the sides of the road.

At the end of the road is the Flamingo visitor area, built right on Florida Bay, which is the end destination of all the water that flows in the River of Grass. Here there is a small museum, motel-like lodging, trails, a gift shop and a marina. You can get something to eat or drink in the concession building at the marina. You also may be able to sign up for a boat tour through Florida Bay and the backcountry; you may want to call ahead at 941-695-3101 for schedule information. Also, walk around the marina and bay area. You may see a crocodile -- in the only place in the world where crocodiles and alligators can be seen together.

Most of the Everglades is water, so unless you go out on a boat or canoe, you won't see most of it. This trip will give you just a taste. If you want more, I'd suggest the Shark Valley visitor area, which you'll have to go out of the park and drive north to get to. I believe there is a tram there, or you can bicycle along the pavement.

If you don't want to go that far south, try the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. This is the Everglades, too -- the northern part of it. Again, most of the refuge is water, but you can still see quite a bit of wildlife (mostly birds) by walking the grounds here. Loxahatchee is in Boynton Beach in Palm Beach County.

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