The following is not meant to scare you. It is meant to make you aware of some of the important and common sense things you need to know when you enter Big Cypress National Preserve. I want to impress upon you first and foremost, whenever you take a journey into the Preserve, always tell someone ahead of time what time you are entering it and approximately how long you think you'll be. Tell that someone what you think your route will be. I've gotten to know the Rangers and I always check in with them at the Oasis Visitor Center along the Tamiami Trail and let them know where I'm going, etc. I give them my emergency contact number in case something happens. Once when I was walking along a trail, one of the Rangers came by to check up on my to make sure I was all right and to see if I needed anything. They are there to help you and you should let them. They are experts. Tell that someone that you will call them when you exit the swamp and get to a place where you can get cellphone service. Practice and learn to read a compass properly, knowing what direction from where you came. If possible, carry a hand-help GPS system. Study the area before you go. The National Park Service Rangers are walking encyclopedias that will help guide you. There are also guided tours during the cooler parts of the year. Always wear sunscreen and bug repellent with DEET. Even in the cooler months of the year there are places here that abound with mosquitoes. It's a wetland. And it's alive. There are a lot of areas in Big Cypress Preserve where your cellphone will not have any bars. This is a wilderness with the emphasis on "wild". There are wild creatures in the swamp that don't know what you are or what your purpose is. Never aggravate wildlife. It's cruel and it's also against the law.

Big Cypress National Preserve is located on the Tamiami Trail in Southeastern Florida. When driving along the 60 mile stretch, one would think "All I see is cypress trees and wayside parks to have a picnic." Not true. Take the Loop Road (approx. 29 miles of narrow dirt road right off the Tamiami Trail) that takes you through part of the heart of the Preserve). There is one place in particular along the Loop that opens up where you can park your vehicle. A small low bridge goes over the water where birds, alligators, some tree snakes (at a distance...they are just as afraid of us as we are of them), wildlife sounds, the list goes on. It's one of my favorite places on earth to sit and big still. I plan my trip so there won't be a lot of people at that particular time. I just sit and listen with camera at the ready. Take one of the many foot trails that go off or go with a Park Ranger on what they call a "Swamp Tromp". Never, I repeat never, attempt to tromp through the swamp on your own unless you've done it a lot before and know exactly where you are going and what is out there around you during that given time of the year. Wear the appropriate clothing and most importantly, heavy duty shoes and a small first aid kit you can put in your camera case or backpack. Binoculars and long range camera lenses are a must have. Stop along or in the water and be still for a little bit (with your eyes roving the water and trees for safety) and you will be amazed at what you will see and hear. Some of these photos appear dark. It is because where I photographed, it was in a dense, dark part of the swamp and I did not adjust the exposure so you could get the full effect. The "Last Chance Turn Around" sign is a little way in on the Loop Road off the Tamiami Trail. The road is narrow and at some point, when the water is high, the road becomes very narrow and at times, if you don't know what you're doing, it can be daunting and scarey.

Always remember: Take lots of pictures and leave nothing behind. Sit and be still, the wildlife will come and put on a grand show, I guarantee it. The best time to visit is November through April.