Dry Season, Autumn painting by Everglades artist JoAnn Sanborn

Autumn, Jo-Ann Sanborn
acrylic on canvas, 30"x40"

It's the beginning of the dry season in the Everglades, and one of the best times of year to visit. There's less water and fewer mosquitoes, and as the grasses dry the colors become soft and warm with lots of purple. If you winter in the area and haven't been out to the vast wilderness just outside our door, it's time to take a walk. You can go with a guide, but the area is very accessible for you to investigate on your own. I'll start close to home

The Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is only a few miles from the Naples/Marco Island area and is easy to visit. Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, is a self-guided boardwalk about 8 miles from where SR92 hits SR41, is on the left. The easy boardwalk, about a mile out and back, takes you to a lovely natural pond at the end, where you're almost sure to see an alligator. If you're fortunate you'll see the bold eagle who lives in a tree off to the left, and we've seen a huge owl there, too. Raccoons, snakes, deer many birds and even a panther have been seen on the boardwalk. It's best to go early and be very quiet!

The newer Marsh Trail makes a lovely walk. It's found about 3 miles past Seminole State Park, on the right coming from Marco. It's a pleasant walk with a fabulous high overlook for a great view of the area. There's always a lovely breeze on top, and you can see great distances. Several of my new paintings come from this area, including Autumn above. See if you can find it!

If you're more of a driver than a hiker, Jane's Scenic Drive off SR29 will take you into the strand. It's a beautiful area with many cypress trees where you can stop and look into the clear, clear water or take a walk along one of the old logging trails.

C'mon, give it a try!