The eastern leg of the Shark Valley loop winds through a vast sawgrass prairie.

On our return, the clouds broke, the sun emerged, and the strong wind was at our back, making the trip an easy joy.  Most of the time we didn’t even need to pedal, as the wind pushed us home.

An Anhinga spreads its wings to dry them.  If its wings become too wet, an Anhinga cannot float on the water.

The Wood Stork is an odd-looking fellow.

This magnificent Great Blue Heron stood just a few feet offshore and wasn’t bothered by us at all.

This pretty Snowy Egret with its bright yellow feet isn’t the only creature hunting in the swamp.

This alligator found the perfect hiding spot in the mouth of a drainage pipe.

A Giant Egret walks through the prairie.

Next: Anhinga Trail >>