Exploring the Everglades: A Journey Through Nature on the Boardwalks
A Spring Break to Remember
Back in the spring of 2020, just before the world changed in so many ways, my wife Cindy and I took our youngest son, Luke, on a trip to celebrate his upcoming high school graduation. We wanted to do something special—something that would leave a lasting impression. So we packed our bags and headed south to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world: the Everglades.
We spent several days exploring the park, soaking in the sights, sounds, and serenity of this vast wilderness. Afterward, we capped off the trip with a couple of relaxing days at the beach. Luke was just along for the ride, but I had my camera in hand the whole time—capturing the beauty of the Everglades one frame at a time.
What Makes the Everglades So Special?
The Everglades isn’t just a swamp—though it’s often mistaken for one. It’s actually a slow-moving river of grass, stretching over 1.5 million acres across southern Florida. This subtropical wetland is home to an incredible diversity of life, from alligators and manatees to roseate spoonbills and orchids.
Here are a few fascinating facts:
The Everglades is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist.
It’s a World Heritage Site, a Wetland of International Importance, and a Biosphere Reserve—a triple crown of ecological significance.
The water flows south from Lake Okeechobee, creating a mosaic of habitats including sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and cypress domes.
Boardwalks: The Best Way to Explore
One of the highlights of our trip was walking the boardwalk trails that wind through the park. These elevated wooden paths let you experience the Everglades up close without disturbing the fragile environment beneath your feet.
Anhinga Trail
This was one of our first stops—and it didn’t disappoint. The trail is short but packed with wildlife. We saw anhingas drying their wings, turtles sunning on logs, and even a few gators lounging in the shallows. I was constantly stopping to take photos, while Luke and Cindy enjoyed the peaceful walk.
Gumbo Limbo Trail
A completely different vibe—this trail winds through a shaded hardwood hammock, with towering gumbo limbo trees and lush tropical plants. It felt like stepping into another world, quiet and cool, with the occasional rustle of lizards darting through the underbrush.
Pa-hay-okee Overlook
This boardwalk leads to a stunning overlook of the "River of Grass"—a sea of sawgrass stretching to the horizon. We stood there in silence, taking it all in. It was one of those moments where time seems to pause.
From Memory to Puzzle
That trip left a deep impression on me—not just as a photographer, but as a father and husband. When I returned home and looked through the photos, I knew I had to turn one of them into a puzzle. The image I chose captures the essence of the Everglades: a winding boardwalk surrounded by lily pads, with the golden light of late afternoon filtering through the trees.
It became a 500-piece puzzle in the MI Puzzles collection, and every time I see it, I’m transported back to that spring break adventure with Cindy and Luke.
Why the Everglades Matter
Beyond its beauty, the Everglades plays a crucial role in Florida’s ecology. It filters water, supports endangered species, and acts as a buffer against hurricanes. But it’s also a fragile ecosystem, threatened by development, pollution, and climate change.
Visiting the Everglades isn’t just a trip—it’s a reminder of how interconnected we are with the natural world, and how important it is to protect places like this for future generations.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. If you’d like to bring a piece of the Everglades into your home, check out the puzzle in the MI Puzzles collection. It’s more than just a puzzle—it’s a memory, a story, and a celebration of one of America’s most extraordinary landscapes.
