Spirit of the Everglades

It is often called “a river of grass” and it covers over 5000 square miles of southern Florida. It is filled with Mangrove and Cypress trees in addition to the sawgrass for which it is most known. It is the Everglades and the richness of this wetland in colorful birds, interesting critters and vicious predators are only surpassed by the vibrant horizons we see as the sun peeks above or below the horizon.

A Blue Herron perches on a limb above alligators and crocodiles seemingly disinterested in the potential prey. A Florida Panther also stares at it, perhaps calculating its chances for a poultry meal. Ibis, Flamingo and Egrets share the scene and if you look closely, you might see a manatee, often called a sea cow, rolling in the distant sky. I love the Everglades for its beauty and intrigue but, for me, it is also the memories it brings.