gliding through the everglades.

Not the best picture but then we were driving through these mangrove patches on an air boat too. loved how they lined up like this. I think they must cut a trail every so often or these would grow into each other.

at points there was less then a few inches of water as we sped through the grassy parts.



and we even came to a complete stop a few spots along the way. usually to let another boat past but sometimes it was for another reason. and that my friend is coming up tomorrow.

mangroves

Mangrove trees are all over Florida wetlands. I always thought they were basically a weed but they aren't. they are a very important part of the ecosystem and become home to many species of fish, insects, birds, and other plants.
they grow and spread to huge trees. here is my husband holding onto one of the "feelers" that will connect eventually with the ground and sprout up another clump of trees.

I spotted this new plant only 3 inches high along the way. someday it will be as big as the others. A seed pod can float for months before taking root and sprouting.