# 39 Cypress Gardens, SC

Ron has always wanted to paddle a swamp.  We have enjoyed many canoe paddling days in our past but it's been a while since we've been in a "self-propelled" vessel.  In my research of the Charleston area, I came across a full-time blogger's positive comments about Cypress Gardens .  When I suggested it to Ron, he enthusiastically said "Yea, that sounds pretty good."  We made plans to visit yesterday afternoon.  We found a delightful place that had interesting animal displays and exhibits..plus a swamp canoe trail.  Several movies have been filmed here..most notably The Notebook.

The first stop was the Butterfly Exhibit.  We were amazed with all of the different butterflies.

This was a Zebra Longwing Butterfly.  It stopped long enough for us to get a photo.

We visited the Reptile Room that was full of turtles, toads, frogs, several varieties and fish, alligators, crocodiles and of course.....snakes.

As we walked the trail, we came to the canoe launch for the swamp trail.  Ronnie couldn't wait, finally a swamp to paddle.

The black plastic you see on the right was part of their "Halloween-themed" swamp tour planned for the weekend.  They had Halloween props set up along the first part of the trail.  Ronnie said he didn't care for the floating doll heads and plastic body parts.

The gentleman at the boat house mentioned that a few alligators had been sighted throughout the day.  Oh boy, can't wait to see one of those.  We kept our eyes peeled and we saw 5 of them.  Two were a good 6 feet long.

Waterlilies were everywhere.  This place would provide an artist many landscape opportinities.  Where's my watercolor pad??

It was so quiet and peaceful.  As we looked around, we saw several turtles sunning themselves on logs.  Suddenly, Ronnie noticed over to his right...an alligator.

The reflection of the trees in the water provided for an interesting photo.  The water was so still. 

This creative painting was at the end of the trail....and reminded me of some of my elementary art lessons from the past!

TGIF

Oh wait a minute..we're retired.

Wonder what we'll get into today?