Home Sweet Swamp... er Home

It is true that much of Florida is a swamp regardless what the land developers tell you. 

Cypress, Iris, and Palmettos
Good indicators of a swamp

Even natives and long-time residents forget this fact until a good rain then the coastal residents gloat at their wisdom of home site selection.

Road several hours after a day of rain

Myakka River State Park is no exception. The park is about 20 miles east of the Florida gulf coast with sandy areas, lakes, rivers, and muck that quickly becomes swamp in a good rain.

Lush undergrowth after a rain
Cypress 'home swamp'

The volunteer village, the place where resident volunteers live during their stay, appears to be high and dry. The site is dry and tolerates gentle rains without any change but let it rain for an hour or so and it is a different story. The rain channels off your trailer and sits near the front door so soon every item left out is damp. 

Home several hours after a long rain

 After several hours of steady rain a river appears on the sand/gravel road and one can hear the cypress trees across the road breathe a sigh of thanks.

Cypress 'home swamp' when dry

Yes, cypress loves damp feet. So walking across the road from our site one drops down a foot or so onto a muck area filled with cypress and bright green small plants, moss, and air plants. I have become familiar with the swamp as it is the closest place to walk the cat. 

When we go out, 95% of the time she heads across the street to the dry swamp. 
But when it rains and the ground gets very wet

Do I look happy in this mess?

it is best to stay home... high and dry.

Yes, indoors today