Swamp safari

Slogging 28 miles across the Big Cypress Swamp is no picnic. The trail is often covered with knee-deep water and if you make a wrong turn, it would take days, if not weeks, for rescuers to find you.

It is not the way most folks would choose to spend a couple of days. It's a hard sell, even to the most seasoned adventurer. But nonetheless, I spent the better part of the day rounding up recruits who were willing...no, more like excited, about the prospect of walking from the Tamiami Trail to Alligator Alley.

The Florida Trail starts here in Big Cypress and winds across Florida before ending on the Panhandle at Gulf Islands National Seashore. The 28-miles stretch that runs through Big Cypress is one of the least traveled sections of the Florida Trail system. Potable water is nonexistent and at certain times of the year, the trail can be under water.

But the payoff is well worth the effort. This wild patch of paradise is one of the last haunts of the secretive Florida panther. The chances of seeing one in the wild are slim, but if you are lucky enough to spot one of these mysterious cats, this where you will do it.

It takes a lot of planning and preparation to make a trip such as this. In weeks to come, I'll keep you posted on my progress. In the meantime, you can do your own research by checking out big cypress.