A delicate white lily floats on the dark water in this complex wetland.  Mangrove prop roots seem to probe the brackish water from above.  What you don't see: The tripod and I slowly sinking thigh-deep as my future wife supplies me from a canoe while she simultaneously endures mosquito sorties and keeps watch on the alligator swimming nearby.  Special thanks to photographer and author Jeff Ripple, who loaned us the canoe for this trip, and who my estate should blame for convincing me that mucking about with alligators is a good idea.  

Mangroves & Water Lillies
Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

 ©2005 Bryan David Griffith, All Rights Reserved.  Unauthorized use of images contained herein constitiutes violation of copyright.