Amazing things Happen in the Swamps

I had just received a call from Captain Bill who had returned from his last tour of the day into the Everglades , asking if I could join him at the dock, Since it was on my way I decided to make a stop and see what he had to say.
As I left the vehicle, I heard Bill say - you won't believe my last trip, So knowing Bill from the hill's of Tennessee, I knew this was going to take some time, and I made my way to the nearest shade tree.

Bill; I was out in the backwaters and decided to make my way to the flooded Pastures.
This being early summer., I thought about the low water associated with draw down for summer rains;
Bill; You know how shallow the plains get this time of the year, but there are always some interested thing to see in the afternoon
I too had been on some of the outing that Bill was a talking about, and from one day to the next, you can always get to see something different

Bill; I had left the female Susie with her 20 some grunts all in the bull rush at the north side of the marsh, she had put on a show for the 5 guest that were from England, with her Hissing and a blowing.
Ms Susie has been one of several female's that has built nest and hatched out several grunts / short for newborn gators

Bill; I left Ms Susie and headed down the trail that led to the back flooded area, with several crain , ibes, herons and a wood stork voicing their concerns, and decided to stop at a new Sand Hill Crain nest , to see if she had laid her eggs

April May & June are times when a lot of wildlife build their nest in the Marsh, great time to watch the little ones come forth

Bill; This one had built in some higher swamp  grass close to the trail into the flooded plains,
we were sitting there discussing the migration and what the Crain chicks look like when they hatch. When out of the corner of my left eye, I saw the Tall Grass moving with some force

Now this is where it will get interested, because Bill expression on his face lit up. So now he has my  attention

Bill; I told everyone to look to the left cause something big was a coming our way and moving fast, about that time a Large Black Boar probably 400 lbs came a crashing thru the thick swamp grass, headed our way.
This was a getting better and better

Bill ; I said hold on and hit the starter and away we went, the same direction the Boar was a coming at us, cause I knew sure he would turn if I came his way, and sure enough he did," phew"

The wild pigs were introduced to Florida in 1535 by Poince Deleon from Spain

Bill; the Boar took off in the other direction and I was in pursuit, hot on his tail as he went left and then right trying to loose me.
They can run fast in a short 1/4 mile

Bill; Finally he had had enough and just sit down on his behind and looked at us, there was a lot of Whoop's and picture taking and we bid him farewell
One of the ladies say's that was the most fun I have ever had, and she said I laughed so hard I think wet myself
we all had another laugh and headed to the dock

Let me Introduce everyone to the World of the Lotus, Discovered in India over 2500 years ago and then reported in China over 2000 years ago.
In those countries the are pink and white, here in Florida and some other southern states they are Yellow.
The Lotus is one the highlights of the Marsh, here in the Everglades from mid May through late Summer, we have the privilege to enjoy the beauty as well as the nutrition value of the plant.

The lotus can be harvested - using the roots for pickeling, crush into a powder for several use in casserols, soups, pastry, The stem is used in stir fry' and baked goods
The Bud is used in Salads and the Pod, once matured produces a seed pod that is one of the most Heart Healthy nuts used today. The dried pod is also used in flower  arrangements.

You will enjoy the beauty of the marsh aboard one of our airboats and you may even enjoy some swamp snacks, ask your captain

Bring out the Binimi

June always as expected bring the warmer weather, and longer days for outdoor activities.
Each year we turn back our clocks and start a little earlier for those who enjoy getting out and about before the heat of the day. ( we start at 8:00 am)
We also bring out our Bimini tops to help reflect the beautiful yet warm feeling of the Sun.
Most Europeans are here to enjoy our Sunny days, especially after a long and cloudy winter.
and our thoughts are we don't want them to get too hot and scorch that beautiful skin.
So it is that time, as we bring out the tops and assemble them to the right boats, for a beautiful summer out in the everglades, aboard an Orlando airboat tour.

Recycle and decorate your lawn.



HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

A Mother's Love never ends.  Even in the Marsh you'll find a Mother taking care of her young.

Isn't it amazing the nurture of nature.



Newest hatchlings.

Newest additions to the swamp.

Hatched out weekend of 5/4/13

Nature and nurture...

 

Mother and young up in the shade of the trees in the marsh.

What a privilege of the wonders you see on one of our

Eco-Tours.



Special Guest Visit

 

 

John Fox stopped by our office this week.  He is a Fishing Hall of Famer, 10x World and National Bass Fishing Champion and host of TV'S "Senior Outdoorsman".  We all found it a privilege and an honor to meet him.  He is world known and extremely respected fisherman.  You can catch him on the television, (check your local listings) and visit his web-site www.senioroutdoorsman.com.