Everglades Campgrounds MIAMI…  part 4 of a 4 part series by guest contributor, Michael Restivo,  to the  MiamiRealEstateCafe.com Blog.

Farther past Shark Valley is the heart of the swamplands. The Everglades.

 Although explored in the comfort of an airboat, car, or organized trails, those looking for a wild experience can explore the many backcountry sites far removed from civilization. The canoe trails in the everglades are dotted with chickee hut platforms,

ground sites and beach sites, many accessible only by the constricted waterways. Many of these sites lack campground amenities such as showers or running water and a basic understanding of camp construction is a must.

However these sites offer a true wilderness experience as they are isolated from the organized campgrounds and it is possible to only see a couple or less tents at a time. Backcountry camping requires obtaining a permit the day before or the day of the start of the trip and basic navigational skills are a must, however it provides an authentic experience in the midst of the swamps.

The range of adventure in South Florida is vast, and the small sample of outdoor experiences isn’t even a mere tip of what the land has to offer.

 What makes South Florida so unique is it’s accessibility. Trails, paths, and waterways are clearly marked, and pristine waters offer a glimpse of a diverse ecosystem that is uniquely ours. Of course it requires the same level of protection and anybody enjoying our lands should treat it with dignity and respect.

A true adventure requires a leap into the daring and unknown, but it also requires a sense of preservation and thoughtfulness. Keep our lands clean, and explore on!

Michael

Link back to the first blog post on Hike, Bike, Kayak Wild Miami     ….   For all your Miami Real Estate Needs …  Local Real Estate Experts Vicki and Alexandra Restivo would love to make your next move a great move … 305 793-1365 or contact us at restivo.v@ewm.com

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Shark Valley …  Hike, Bike, Kayak Wild Miami …   (part 3 of a 4 part series)

By guest contributor, Michael Restivo …     MiamiRealEstateCafe.com blogsite:  MIAMI & MIAMI REAL ESTATE

A mere thirty minute drive from the Florida International University campus is the lush paved trail known as Shark Valley. Shark Valley is a 15 mile loop along the tip of the Everglades where alligators roam free along the waterways and nature is as up close and personal as ever.

The loop is accessible in three ways. By bicycle, by tram, or by foot. Any bicycle is welcomed and bike rentals run at $8.00 an hour.  Halfway up the loop is a watchtower that when climbed provides an awe inspiring vista across the vast swamps. At the edge of the watchtower are several hiking trails that go to the border of the wild everglades.

Animals are in abundance here. The seven mile ride to the watchtower runs parallel to a natural canal where gators are ever-present. The alligators are generally docile and there have been no reported attacks in the valley, yet, they are continuously crossing the road, and the bikes are generally whisking by a mere three feet or less from a ten foot animal.

Other than the gator, great blue herons, egrets, falcons, and storks line and nest in the trees.

One of the pleasures of Shark Valley is riding out in the early morning before the large crowds arrive and having an empty road while watching the daily movement of life in a part of South Florida that is so close and yet so removed from anything else.

If you missed the previous post Hike, Bike, Kayak Wild Miami by Mike Off the Map for our real estate blog MiamiRealEstateCafe.com,  you can link to it here.

Happy Travels,

Michael

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I was driving by Pinecrest Gardens the other evening … and noticed a yellow  ’school’  bus next to me, with really excited barking coming from inside.   

At the windows were  a dozen (or so) faces of dogs … all different kinds… all  happy, panting pups …  with waggy tails .  

The dogs were on their way home from a day a doggie day camp…     

The  bus pulled over and stopped at  the side of the road by Pinecrest Gardens, which was ‘pick-up point’ …   The driver  handed out treats to each of  her  ’passengers’  and waited for the owners to drive up …    She chatted  with the pets and then the owners …  It was fun to watch.

We’re often asked for recommendations as to pet sitters, kennels, dog parks, veterinarians … So, here’s one more Miami secret to share …  “Doggie Day Care” ! 

www.TotallyDog.com    Doggie Day Care …  A yellow doggie bus  for dogs only …    Miami pets get the royal treatment!

If you or someone you know are moving to Miami with pets,  we would love to help you relocate here.  We specialize in Miami …  and we specialize in real estate here.  The Restivo Team at EWM Realtors.  Our direct line is 305 793-1365   …  and  you can always contact us here  and/or via email at restivo.v@ewm.com . 

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Residents of Coral Gables can snag some free tickets to the University of Miami vs Georgia Tech game at Sun Life Stadium.

Residents can buy one and get two free tickets for the game on October 22. Tickets go on sale September 26 and need to be purcahsed in person at the UM Hecht Athletic Building on San Amaro Drive, Monday thru Friday(8:30-5).

The tickets will be available up until the 21st of October, on a first come first serve basis.

Call 1-800-GO-CANES if you need more information.

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 Chase Perez-Blanco and Baker Newman recently had such an opportunity to practice with tennis superstar Venus Williams. They were asked to practice in West Palm Beach, where Venus lives and trains.

Both are part of the Junior Tennis Program at Royal Palm Tennis Club in Pinecrest. The program is run by former University of Miami tennis star Eric Hechtman, who has also practiced with Venus and her sister Serena. He’s also served as hitting partner for Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

If you’re looking for a tennis club, Royal Palm has junior tennis and ladies leagues, and just opened a new clubhouse in January.

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Waterfront property  throughout Miami sells for a premium.   Property with dockage, or that included deeded dock space ,  tend to sell at yet another notch above.  For a list of the 13 currently available boat slips in Coral Gables, click here.

Dock space (whether deeded or cooperative)  in Coral Gables typically  costs anywhere from the high $100,000′s upward of $500,000 depending on the marina, the specific location within that marina,  and the size of yacht that can be accommodated. 

Application fees run as high as $15,000  (if you are looking at  slips in Cocoplum).  

Deering Bay application fees run considerably less .. $1,500 …  although Deering Bay does require marina  applicants to own property within Deering Bay ( whether a condo, townhouse, estate home or patio home)  before  they are eligible to purchasing a slip.

For more information,  contact us here or at 305 793-1365.

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Gables Residents can get 4 tickets per household for these Baseball Games:

March 13 at 1 PM: Miami vs Virginia Tech. Tickets will be given out on a first come first serve basis beginning February 22 at 8 am.

March 26 at 7 PM: Miami vs Georgia Tech. Ticket distribution begins March 8 at 8 am.

April 10 at 1 PM: Miami vs North Carolina State. Ticket disstribution begins March 22 at 8 am.

April 21 at 1 PM: Miami vs Duke. Tickets will be distributed starting April 12 at 8 am, on a first come first serve basis.

Games are held at Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field on the University of Miami Coral Gables Campus. Tickets will be distributed at War Memorial Youth Center starting on the distribution date. This is all thanks to a Developmental Agreement between UM and the City of Coral Gables. Get out and support your Miami Hurricanes.

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The City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami have teamed up to give residents a chance to  free tickets to upcoming basketball games. Up to four tickets per household, on a first come first serve basis. Only 250 tickets will be distributed per game.

Thursday December 30: Canes vs Pepperdine at 6 pm. Tickets will be distributed starting Tuesday, December 21 at 8 a.m.

Saturday January 15: Canes vs Boston College at 6 pm. Tickets will be distributed starting Tuesday, January 4 at 8 a.m.

Wednesday January 19: Canes vs Florida State at 9 pm. Tickets will be distributed starting Monday, January 10 at 8 a.m.

All three games will be played at the Bank United Center on the Coral Gables Campus. Tickets will be distributed at the War Memorial Youth Center (405 University Dr) to those with proof of Coral Gables residency.

This is all thanks to a 20 year Developmental Agreement between UM and The City of Coral Gables. The agreement will offer tickets for upcoming UM Women’s Basketball games as well.

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LEBRON JAMES LIT THE FIRE WITH HIS ANNOUNCEMENT OF SIGNING  “MIAMI’.   THAT NEWS PROVIDED THE SPARK…  AND A FIRM BUT GENTLE PUSH TOWARD ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENT IN SOUTH FLORIDA… LE BRON PROVIDED THE  PROMISE OF A TEAM WORTH ROOTING FOR…. AND ALL THE HYPE THAT GOES WITH THAT.   Read the rest of this entry »

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