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.

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.

Quite an interesting adventure Fstop22 and the resulting orchid photos are lovely. Thanks for sharing, both.

What do you use to keep the mosquitos off of you? Aren't you afraid of snakes and alligators being in the water?

Wow...you are dedicated...and you got your reward for it..nice closeups

Funny you should ask, I took the fellow along for his first time deep in the swamp. He ask the same question after wading around for a few hours. That's the guy taking a shot in the post. No, not from the swamps I've been too. I use to get them up north in the creeks. Biggest problem is getting the Black Muck out of your cloths and shoes.