Super swamp ape

Heading out to Myakka River State Park this afternoon to watch the Super Bowl in the woods. But this state park, one of Florida's oldest, offers more than just an unusual place to watch the big game.

Myakka is probably the best place I know to test the mettle of young campers. with two lakes, a river and miles of wilderness trails, this little patch of paradise is Florida at its best.

The river, which connects the upper and lower lakes, has more big gators in a small area than I have ever seen. These gators are not your "usual mosey off the bank when humans come by" reptiles that I am accustomed to. These brutes stand their ground.

If you are scared of heights, Myakka is the place to go to conquer you fear. The park's canopy walkway, and elevated boardwalk through the treetops, has a 74-foot tower that offers a commanding view of the surrounding swamps and hammocks.

The terrestrial trails are well-marked but rugged, thanks to the wild pigs that run rampant through the scrub land. Hikers should not be surprised if they run across a 200-pounder while hiking. But don't worry, you can usually smell these beasts before you see them.

And finally, the Myakka area is also the location of a highly-publicized Swamp Ape sighting in 2000. In December of that year, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office received an anonymous letter that contained two photographs a big, hairy hominid some believe may be the legendary Skunk Ape.

If so, I'm sure the larger than life creature will be swinging by our camp this evening to watch the match-up between the NFL's top two teams. Who will the BIG hairy guy be routing for? Why the giants of course.