The Wandering Disciple

The beauty of nature is everywhere as you stroll along the Marsh Trail at Ten Thousands Island National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. The mile long Marsh Trail stretches into the wetlands to an observation tower that provides a bird's eye view of the wildlife feeding in the waters of the refuge.  Ten Thousands Islands Wildlife Refuge is a 35,000 acre wetland preserve on the southern tip of Florida. The refuge is home to almost 400 species of fish and wildlife. Primarily accessible by boat, the Marsh Trail is the only public land access point.  Taken: December 9, 2012 at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (Goodland, FL)

A double crested cormorant keeps its feet dry by standing on a mangrove along the marsh trail at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Trail. The cormorant is a common sight along the waterways in Florida. It dives and swims while searching for food and then needs to dry its wings out before it can take flight again. The cormorant is one of over 180 different species of birds that can be found in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Preserve in South Florida. (Photo: December 9, 2012)

A double-crested cormorant takes a break from the water to soak up some Floridian sunshine at Ten Thousands Islands National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. The double-crested cormorant is a common sight along the waterways of the sunshine state. This guy is constantly confused with the similar looking anhinga which can be found in the same habitat. Although both birds are the same size and color, the bill is the best way to tell the difference. The bill of a cormorant is hooked while an anhinga has a long straight bill. (Photo: December 9, 2012)

The marsh landscape dominates the horizon at Ten Thousands Islands National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. (Photo: December 9, 2012)

Pristine wilderness as far as the eye can see dominates the horizon at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. Located along Tamiami Trail near Naples, the park features 35,000 acres of protected land. (Photo: December 9, 2012)

One of the many watering hole you can find on the Marsh Trail at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge in South Florida. The refuge consist of 35,000 acres of tiny islands providing habitat for all types of plants and animals. Click on the photo to view more photos from Ten Thousand Islands NWR . (Photo: December 9, 2012)

A mangrove pops up out of the water at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This is how life as an island begins. The mangrove grows out of the water and then sand and sediment starts to build along the roots. In time, an island will begin to form. (Photo: December 9, 2012)

The abundance of shallow waters make Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge a haven for wildlife. The 35,000 acre refuge is home to many species of wading birds, alligators and much more. (Photo of the Day: December 9, 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...