The discussion below is copied from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page, and the "GL" (Great Loop) list. There are scads of good information about cruising from the Florida Keys to Everglades City in the various messges below. Have some of the Key Lime Pie at Susie's Stop for me.

We are planning a run from Marathon to Everglades City. (I know everyone suggests stopping at the Little Shark River, but we can not this trip.)  We cruise at 15kn so the 80 miles is doable in daylight.  
Has anyone been up the Indian River [Inidan Key Channel] from MO "A" and what are the depths? 
Should we run a straight line from Bullard Bank to MO "A" or try & follow the Everglades markers.  How bad are the lobster traps ?
What is to see in Everglades City?
Thanks
Larry

Larry
Jane and I just came from Marathon and anchored in Russell Pass just up from Indian Key on last Tues…  The course that I set was: Moser Channel north to left of R10, left of R12, and left of R16 but
east of G17. Then north to Florida west coast coordinates (FW0084) on the chart, and then straight up , weather permitting, to FW0085.  This is the MO A buoy just off Indian Key. We dodged crab pots for an hour or past Moser Channel but it was not as bad as some places.  We did not go as far as Everglade City.  If you're going up Russell Pass, the only shallow spot we saw was at G7.  The recommendation is to favor the green quarter of the channel. Otherwise we had plenty of water and really liked the anchorage.
Bill, Jane and Daisy Stone

Larry
At the old Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City there are several paintings hanging that were done by an artist named Dan Dunn, who paints great boating scenes.  Most of his are of older sailboats, some work boats, often in bad weather.  If still there, they are very much worth taking a look at.  When I inquired, no one had any idea how they happen to be there.  Hope they haven't disappeared.  Last time we visited was at least 5 or 6 years ago.
Dan Stone

Made the trip south from Ft. Myers last June. Randy is right about the markers! It's like a mine field just outside the Everglades Park Boundry markers. I've got a float hanging in the back yard that I had to cut off my rudder.
It's a fun trip. The water is beautiful. Just keep your eyes on the water ahead of you ALL the time. I think a lot of these traps are abandoned from the storm years.
Jim

Larry,
I think you mean the Barron River, which you pick up at Indian Key.  You can run upriver to Everglades City with no problems if you have reasonable depth. If you stay just inside the Park markers you will avoid the stone crab pot markers.
When we stop at Everglades City we generally tie up at the Rod and Gun Club (cash only).  We usually take a swim in their pool and have dinner.  There is an interesting museum in the old wash house with photos etc. from when Barron Collier built the Tamiami Trail.  Next door is Susie's Stop, with really good Key Lime pie.  If you've never been, the airboat ride is fun.
Regards,
Randy Pickelmann
MORNING STAR