As I mentioned yesterday, I went on a swamp walk in the Big Cypress National Preserve,
part of the Everglades, between Naples and Miami. The instructions said to wear lace shoes that could get wet or ruined, long pants and long sleeved shirts. There was a reason.
part of the Everglades, between Naples and Miami. The instructions said to wear lace shoes that could get wet or ruined, long pants and long sleeved shirts. There was a reason.
Scott (in the green shirt) led the tour. It is the dry season, but there is still plenty of water.
We walked in the wet spots in order to limit the damage to the more pristine sections.
Most of the trees are cypress. Ferns, orchids and bromeliads hang from them.
This is one of the dry sections.
The cardinal bromeliad was starting to flower.
There was a lone blue flag iris.
A field of cypress.
And, of course, mama alligator and child.
Update: RedPat is right. There is a very young baby alligator at the water's edge,
just beyond mama's snout. I missed it.
Update: RedPat is right. There is a very young baby alligator at the water's edge,
just beyond mama's snout. I missed it.
The Everglades are an essential source of water for Florida, but many parts have been severely
polluted, water has been diverted, and wildlife habitat has been destroyed.
Steps are being taken to reverse the damage that humans have inflicted,
but funding is always a challenge and it is a race against the clock.
We could save the planet but we were too damned cheap.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful walk Jack!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great walk. Next I expect you'll be riding an airboat throughout the 'glades. I enjoyed these pictures, since I've always been fascinated by the Everglades.
ReplyDeleteA terrific experience. Looks like the sticks/canes were necessary for balance? Glad you posted and also included the danger of pollution. Educating the public is so important, and I hope measures are taken to get more funding for preservation.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful walk but i'm a huge scaredy cat and would be freaking out lol...you are brave!
ReplyDeleteWow, great photos here. I have never seen bromeliads growing in anything other than a pot. What a wonderful sight. That alligator does would make me hesitant to explore in there on my own.
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing place and I do hope it is saved!! A wonderful walk and a great post! I do love seeing the mama alligator and baby!! Terrific captures, Jack!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you could have used hip-waders there, Jack! There are 2 babies there with Mama of very different sizes.
ReplyDeleteGreat to look at your pictures, but swamp and walk do not go together well for me...
ReplyDeleteMy kind of tour! Look at the amazing flora! Wonderful shots, jack!
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I would not like to walk there .. But even if I don't enjoy this kind of place , I really admire people who fight to save them .
ReplyDeleteLovely as it may be, you'd never in a gazillion years get me to walk there, Scott or no Scott!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like quite an adventure. Did you find your golf ball?
ReplyDeleteLovely shots, Jack. I was in Florida as a child- we did see the Everglades. Going back someday, it'll be a place like this that I'd go to. We need to protect and nurture these places.
ReplyDeleteNice shot of the alligators Jack! I like seeing the flowers too. Another thing that worries me about the Everglades is the way the burmese pythons have devastated the wildlife. I fear that it is too late to get them under control.
ReplyDeleteNice photo. You wouldn't catch me on a Swamp hike.
ReplyDeleteOur species is especially good at soiling its nest.
ReplyDeleteWellington boots would have beem useful.
What an amazing place! I've never seen bromeliads in nature - pretty spectacular. And, sadly, I agree with Andy.
ReplyDeleteI would love to take this hike. Thanks for bringing us along virtually, so much beauty. Hope us people don't go and ruin it all!
ReplyDeleteI would LOVE to go on such a walk! It's my idea of fun.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if I could walk through the swamp with just lace ups Jack, goloshes would be required :) We certainly are making a right hash of our beautiful planet.
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