This plant, periphyton, collapses into a thick matt and holds water to sustain all manner of wildlife through the long dry months. That is a very cool thing. Right now, in the low water levels of Nine Mile Pond, it creates a spongy matt that drags on the bottom of the canoe making portions of today’s paddle very hard work.  Generally it is not a real exciting trip but there are some high points.

Before we even get into the canoes a woodstork swoops down on huge wings and gracefully settles onto the bank for all to watch. White capped pigeons (a rare bird found only in Florida) perch openly for all to see…until a Northern Harrier glides in and sends them aflutter.  During pre-paddle instructions the alligators begin to bellow.  At least three gators are involved in this cross-pond conversation.  Wonder what they are saying?  Even at a distance it sets off a tingle in the spine.

We are now afloat. The nearest gator slips silently below the water surface.  We paddle on with the sharp “thwack” of paddle on kayak now and again to let the local residents know we are entering their space.  There is a huge croc out here, but he’s not to be found today.  Gators are just as illusive.  They are seen and not heard for the next hour or so as we wind our way through twisted paths and the aforementioned floating mats.  It is quiet and impressive in the shear amount of plant life in this eco-system.

We emerge into the open ponds near the end of our paddle. Found the gators!  They are floating like sentries on watch at the portals into their space.  Every good adventure needs a little adrenaline rush, right?  We give them a wide berth and paddle on.  Everyone manages to avoid the one gator keeping watch along the bank as we take out.  We load up and head back toward camp.