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 sets over the swamp of Fakahatchee Strand State Park. Located on the edge of the Florida Everglades, the park provides a protected habitat for several threatened and endangered species like the Florida Panther, black bear, fox squirrel and Everglades mink. The park is also home to the rare ghost orchid. (Photo: December 8, 2012)

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 Cypress Bend Boardwalk takes you deep into the swamp at Fakahatchee Strand State Park. The 1.2 mile round trip journey takes hikers on leisurely walk though the dense canopy of a cypress swamp with plenty of wildlife along the way. Click on the photo to see more photos of Fakahatchee Strand State Park . (Photo: December 9, 2012)

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)

Naples, Florida: The swamp came to life with the sound of song birds, a sign that we made it through the night. We dodge the mosquitoes, snakes and rain to enjoy another day in the wilderness. We broke down camp early, grabbed breakfast and then set out to explore the neighboring area. Our first stop was a return trip to Fakahatchee Strand. This time we did not drive all the way to the main entrance in Copeland, instead we decided to visit the Cypress Bend Boardwalk along Tamiami Trl. The 2,000 foot boardwalk extends into the swamp, passing plenty of flora and fauna along the way. On our way to the observation platform at the end of the boardwalk, we passed numerous alligators ranging in age and size. Afterwards we headed west to the marsh trail at Ten Thousands Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The 2.4 mile marsh trail extends into the refuge with a three story observation tower in the beginning of the trail. Unfortunately, we did not complete the trail due to lack o...

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)

Naples, Florida: During our long drive to Homestead last month, we noticed the hidden natural wonders that lie along Tamiami Trail through South Florida. While we didn’t stop off during that trip, we vowed to get back there to enjoy some of these attractions. That time came this weekend as we decided to take a weekend camping excursion to Collier-Seminole State Park.  We had our eyes on a tent site at Collier-Seminole since our November trip, but it wasn’t until last week that we saw an opening. I jumped on the vacant site and booked it. We came close to losing our site due to a glitch in the system, but luckily I confirmed the reservation and was able to correct it before we lost the site to someone else. To make a long story short, we booked the site with a prepaid card, the site did not process the payment and our site was released for non-payment. Lucky enough, I logged on to print our reservation and saw it was cancelled. What was even luckier is that the site was still...