martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Hey Folks
Made it back down Molly's way this weekend. Spend several nights in her neck of the woods then headed back up to Collier County to shoot the Ghost Orchid. Found this population back in the 90's when I kicked around in the swamp. We found a total of 6 in flower this time. All but two were low enough that we could get a photograph. Really a tuff go this time. Water was high with lots of water plants matted on top. Under this matt was a foot of muck that we sank into, you had to keep moving. Slow going as lots of falling branches you couldn't see to trip over. After 4 hrs we were toast and had to retreat. My youngest son joined me again for my annual trip and had a little mishap. On our way out he decide to take a short cut to the other side of the Pond Apple slough and meet back up with us. He disappeared into the tick under brush only to come yelling and crashing back toward us. Seems he found a Bee's nest and had bumped into it. At first I thought some wild animal was on his tail but he stopped in front of me frailing his arms yelling Bees. I started knocking them off and of coarse they were hot on his trail so they began stinging me also. It was a real hoot for a minute as the other friend with us was allergic to bees. He hauled butt deeper into the swamp. Eric, my son got 15 stings I could count and a few more on his scalp. To say the least I think he'll remember this trip for a long time. Here's a few shots from my efforts, not many, but Lots of Memories.

My Son playing around


Buddy Bill photographing one of the orchids

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

I am so glad that you guys had success finding this rare Orchid. They are absolutely beautiful! Mr. Eric was full of mishaps last week, wasn't he! I enjoyed seeing you again and I look forward to many more 'shoot outs' with you guys! By the way, I love your avatar.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks again Molly for being such a Wonderful Host. As always had a great time in your neck of the woods. I feel so energized when surrounded by the swamp. Even though I was a week earlier than last year many of the orchids had already bloomed. Happy to report I counted 5 seed pods, which keeps the population going. Bill Daily, fairly new to the swamp was beside himself. Not many people get to see this rare orchid in bloom. Can't wait till next year, already planning, maybe take a canoe in this time. Thanks again Molly, see ya soon.

dkchristi

Great photography, especially the beautiful ghost in the middle. Unfortunate that the bees were a problem. I gave up slogging in the Everglades years ago in exchange for Blair Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary where the conditions are more eco balanced and people friendly. Their ghost had a couple blooms that escaped the grasshoppers. Several photographers post their ghost photography at my website dkchristi.com as I am the author of Ghost Orchid, a mystery novel fully enjoyed by those that love the ghost orchid and those that love a good mystery praised by NPR for the beauty of the Everglades that shines through on every page, the ghost orchid the heart and soul of the story.

tk Loc: Iowa

Very interesting hobby. Amazing flower. Congratulations on seeing it and shooting it.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I met you years ago down in Miami, Homestead area. I'm friends with Bob and Mike and some of the other characters in your book. Bob gave me a copy of your book when it first came out. I actually built a home a few miles from corkscrew back in the 90's down off Randal. but sold out end of 2004. Don't think I'll ever give up treaking in the swamp.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks TK

JENNIFER Loc: CT.

Wow! Amazing photography of a beautiful flower. Too cool that you get to hangout molly. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

Jen :-)

AK Dreamer Loc: Alaska & Nevada

Very nice photos! I have to say you are more dedicated than I. You'd never catch me trekking in the swamp.....mountains, forests, deserts, but never the swamp.

dkchristi

Some people like the "survival" t-shirts. I had one for a women's sailing class and a hiking trip. I should have had one for my slog at night through the inhospitable swamp. I am happy to report that Blair Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary as described in intimate and appealing detail in the novel, Ghost Orchid, requires no t-shirt yet provides an unforgettable experience with the regeneration of life and the exquisite beauty of this unique habitat and its inhabitants, flora and fauna. The nearly three mile boardwalk through cypress canopies and over water (depending on season) reveals all the wonders with none of the pain. They even have the most spectacular ghost orchid plant ever recorded for all its "firsts." dkchristi.com

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks Jennifer

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks AK,
I Get this calm and exciting feeling all at the same time when I'm in the swamp. I've been places over the years where I felt no man has ever stood before. I guess you can get that feeling many places, the swamps, that place for me.

rufus1 Loc: Winter Haven, Florida

You are amazing, getting to old to slog through the marshes any more, so thanks for doing it for me. Great shots!

Julie K Loc: Wisconsin, USA

What a story! We can feel the adventure in your words and photographs.
Thanks for taking me somewhere today!

Swamp Gator Loc: Coastal South Carolina

Thanks for the amazing photos and story! Wow that looks like one heck of an adventure!
I love seeing this type of stuff!