The Amazon of North America
I again joined Keith Bradley and Judd Patterson on an excursion, this time into the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. We were also lucky to have Alan Cressler and Manuel Beers along, full of energy. I had been tromping around in the Fakahatchee a little before, but never as far as we had planned. We set out about 7:30 am and got to following the gps coordinates. We had a few places Alan was hoping to avoid, extremely thick growth that would just make it slower going than the average .3 mph we ended the day with. The water was usually somewhere between knee and waist deep, but there was a spot or two that required lifting the camera bags up just in case.
I also had some new shoes to try, instead of the usual barefoot. These bad boys were going to protect my feet from the feisty crayfish. They worked pretty well.
Anyways, we were headed for an area called the “Cathedral”, full of rare orchids, ferns, bromeliads, and other epiphytes. It is really a forest growing on a forest, with so much life all around you. It is a visual overload and truly is “The Amazon of the Everglades”. Enjoy the views.
The big reason for the excursion, Huperzia dichotoma, "The rarest plant in North America"
I have spent a lot of time in the Fakahatchee, but I have never had the priviledge of viewing the Cathedral. Is it a big slough?
Justin Parkkonen said this on July 21st, 2009 at 9:04 am
Paul, some stunningly beautiful pictures. I would like to put a link to this page on my website and wondered if the address will be permanent? Also, if you are not aware of the photo site “Redbubble” you might want to look into featuring your photos on it => http://www.redbubble.com/art/featured/
Jeb said this on July 21st, 2009 at 10:03 am
These are amazing! That second shot is other-wordly! I discovered your work recently and I am really enjoying the constant updates on your blog.
Nick said this on July 21st, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I don’t think I covered the whole area, it seemed to have some size, unfortunately, there seems to be a lot of Cutgrass moving into the open spaces, leaving wide-angle scenic shots hard to do.
Paul said this on July 21st, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Thanks Jeb, the link will be permanent if you click on the post. If you link to the home page, it is updated with the newest post. I am on Redbubble, but haven’t marketed much, as I do more signed fine art prints. Thanks for stopping in.
Paul said this on July 21st, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Thanks Nick! I love seeing who stops in. Have a good one.
Paul said this on July 21st, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Ok…Next time Varina and I come down there we should visit this location along with the Blowing Rocks Preserve. Good work.
Jay Patel said this on October 8th, 2009 at 9:10 am