Even in the winter, when the mosquitoes are on vacation, paddlers on Turner River may be tormented by horseflies. On my last trip, in January 2008, I was greatly relieved that these stinging, biting pests were not part of that day's adventure.

Quiet paddlers are likely to come up on ibis, hawks, stork, cormorant, anhinga, kingfisher, great blue heron, American or great egret, snowy egret, little blue heron, greenback heron, and white pelican among others; once I spotted a flamingo. At times, great clouds of vultures have risen at our approach. This usually means that there's been a cold weather event severe enough to kill fish, particularly snook, which are very sensitive to low temperatures.

Common here is the primitive fish known as alligator gar. Tarpon may also be seen rolling in their distinctive manner, and largemouth bass and the afore-mentioned snook are found all along the river.

Other than the ubiquitous alligator, the only non-finned creature seen swimming would be otter. Well, I have seen snakes swim quickly across the channel. The photo below is our lunchtime on one of the small lakes.

Before You Go and How to Get There
One thing to remember about the Turner is that it is a tidal-influenced river. Its headwaters in the Big Cypress Preserve are fresh, and flow southwest to Chokoloskee Bay, and that saltwater body pushes northeast into the river. So there are times when the water will be so high in the mangrove tunnels that you must be careful not to put out an eye on a branch overhead, or it may be flowing out so fast that it seems someone pulled the bathtub stopper. It can get very shallow indeed in the tunnels. But as the tidal influence must travel so far up the river, it is far harder to predict than around your dock on the bay.

So, if you intend to explore any waterways in the lower part of our peninsula, I highly recommend that you get familiar with tide tables. It's tricky enough to explore the twisting creeks and cul-de-sacs of the mangrove forest without being left high and dry because you didn't bother to check the tides for that day. Please, before you pack your paddles and lash your canoe to the roof of your car, do your research. We once had to rescue some scientists who took a wrong turn or six, did not have water or bug repellent or food or basically a clue about what they were getting into. They'd rented canoes, paddles, pfds and got turned loose on the Turner. The Park rangers, I understand, now lead guided tours, so you may want to check that kinder option.

Also remember that there are NO restroom facilities the entire length of the river. There are just a couple of possible places dry enough where you can get out with great care. At least the new parking area where we launch and take out has decent enough composting toilets. Along with a safe place to park your vehicle, this is a splendid improvement on the olden days.

If after all of the above, you still want to seek serendipity on the Turner, take I-75/Alligator Alley to Highway 29, which is MM 80 on I-75, just 20 miles east of the Naples toll plaza. Head south until you reach US 41/Tamiami Trail. There's a large gas station/convenience store/Subway on the corner where they have coffee and clean restrooms with flushing toilets and hot water. If you've done much backcountry canoeing, you will know why I must mention those three great delights of civilization.

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