The Wandering Disciple

A baby gator tries to blend in with the surroundings to protect itself from predators. Alligators are apex predators in the swamp as adults, however baby gators are frequently preyed upon. In fact about 1/3 of hatchlings are killed by predators.  This alligator was found along the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk at the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The elevated boardwalk takes visitors into the heart of the largest bald cypress swamp.  Taken: December 9, 2012 at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (Copeland, FL)

The sun paints another perfect picture on the Florida landscape as it sink below the swampy horizon at Fakahatchee Strand State Park in South Florida.   One of the cool things about this state park is that you can enter into the depth of the swamp without ever leaving your car long the dirt road that passes through the park.  The 11-mile Janes Scenic Road takes you through the heart of the park with plenty of beautiful scenes like the sunset pictured here.  (Photo: December 8, 2012)

A baby gator keeps warm on a log at Fakahatchee Strand State Park. Because gators are cold blooded, they lay in the sun to help regulate their body temperature in the cooler months. (Photo: December 9, 2012)

The sun sets on another day, painting another breathtaking sky over the Cypress Swamp at Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.

The bright bloom of a swamp lilly glimmers along Jane’s Scenic Road in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The 12-mile dirt road traverses the park and allows visitors to get a glimpse of life in the swamp. (Photo: December 8, 2012)

A great egret sits along Janes Scenic Road at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Many species of wildlife can be found along the 11-mile Janes Scenic Road that traverses the park. (Photo: December 8, 2012)