Corkscrew Swamp

We drove to Orlando via National Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.  It is not really on the way, but we wanted to go there and hadn't made it while staying on Sanibel.  The 2.25 mile walk along the boardwalk was very nice.


The trees were full of bromeliads.


We saw lots of very large bald cypress trees, for which the sanctuary is noted.


And lots of examples of strangler figs.


There were many trees down and damage to the boardwalk from hurricane Irma.  Most had been repaired but a section was left undone, with a sign that reads "This section of the boardwalk - the Dodson Spur - will remain permanently closed as a reminder of the damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma on Sep 10, 2017."


We saw an anhinga nest complete with chick, whose skinny pale neck can be seen next to the parent.


And a large alligator.