The cypress and mangrove swamps along the state's Gulf Coast offer a wonderful opportunity to see the land and the wildlife that existed here long before even the earliest Native Americans arrived after their long trek from Siberia. Because there is no continuous history of human habitation in the area, the real natives are the ancient cypreess, twisted mangroves, palmettos, and sedges, along with the alligators, crocodiles, herons, snakes, manatees, and turtles, all of which been here from the beginning of recorded time. For anyone who has not experienced the perfection of a well-made swamp, the very word causes shudders. And the fetid waters harbor dangerous animals like alligators and crocodiles.
Warm swamps have lots of mosquitoes, and it's hard to hike through swampy places.
Because the wildlife is mostly hiding in the water, muck, and thick vegetation, birds and animals are sometimes hard to spot. There are lots of plausible reasons for avoiding these difficult places. Swamps are not for the faint of heart, nor are they particularly useful to those who have only a limited amount of time for exploration. At least, that's what we tend to believe. But with the proper attitude, and a reasonable amount of time spent in looking under the smelly and murky exterior, Florida's southern swamps become wonderlands of life that offer superb recreational opportunities and life-affirming adventure.