I am very interested in doing a kayak/camping trip on the west coast this winter. Problem is I'm going to be very busy all of January and most of Febuary. (Damn bar examiners). However, the last weekend in Febuary would be a great time for me to go. Is that too late?

flamingo is perfect to go just during the winter time. as long as it's cold, the mosquitoes wont bite. otherwise it's like a scene from the movie starship troopers! usually it's from November till march-april that flamingo has it's "busy season" and for a trip to stay in the chikees, you'll need a backcountry permit and have 3 trip options planned out in case your first option is full. they don't make reservations. it's all on a first come first serve basis

I'm familiar with backcountry permits from other camping trips i've done in the past. However, I am not familiar with the typical trip plans used in the area. A while back I found some maps on the net with the chickee info.

there is a book that I find it really helpfull. I got it at barnes and noble next to best buy at kendall. It is called A paddlers guide to the everglades national park. It tells you about every trail, distance and how long will it take you to paddle it. I will look for it and bring it to the meeting.