After a couple of false starts, we found we could navigate best with Wendy in front. It is just on the cusp between winter and spring. Technically, the Okefenokee is not a swamp. Anyone to whom that makes an ounce of difference can pursue the matter on Wikipedia.

Hey, wish granted! What a beautiful animal. (Click on any image for a full-size version.)

Oh, wow, another one.

And another one! Hunting turtle, seemingly. No, no! It's just Albert and Churchy La Femme!

Tourists. Humph.

Glorious. And check out the lilies! If you look closely, you can see the buds coming up.

If you look really closely, you can see the alligator drifting lazily towards you. Uh, let's back out into the middle again…

Nice and easy. (Nervous laughter.) That was exciting, wasn't it dear?

Yeah, he's still following us..

Oh, maybe he's after the Heron. What a magnificent bird.

I think that one is watching us too.

Wait, gotta take a picture of that. Apparently the swamp recycles old tree stumps as planters.

We wished that we could be back when these were in full bloom.

Hoo-kay, stay away from the banks.

Seems to be keeping its distance.

Oh, they're on that side too.

And coming closer.

And closer. Wouldn't it be funny if we panicked and tipped the canoe right now? Honey?

Is it me, or do they look like they're planning something? I suddenly feel like a kid on a junior-high playground who looks around and realizes none of his friends are there.

Whew. Yeah, time for a beer.

I had just said, “Let’s do this again!”

The sign wasn't howlingly funny on the way in. I now grok the old chestnut, "It isn't the wild unless there's something that can eat you." I highly recommend this experience.