The trip from Syracuse to Lafayette, Louisiana couldn’t have been smoother. No delays, interruptions, or problems of any kind. So I actually ended up getting in early to meet my guide and mentor for the week, Doug Gardner. Some of you may be familiar with the name, because he had his own national television show that aired locally called Wild Photo Adventures. So I knew I was going to have a great time!
Our home base for the week would be Lake Martin, part of the Atchafalaya Basin, located in south-central Louisiana. It is the largest wetland and swamp in the United States. Spanning over 1.4 million acres, this vast ecosystem is a rich habitat teeming with diverse flora and fauna. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region while reflecting the unique culture of Louisiana’s Cajun heritage.
Enough of the Chamber of Commerce description of this area. To put it simply, this place is like being in another world. Gorgeous Cypress trees, hundreds of years old and covered in Spanish moss line the edges of Lake Martin. I had never been to a place like this before and it showed. I acted like a damn kid in a candy store, my head on a swivel because everywhere you looked was a natural beauty like I had never encountered. Pictures don’t really do it justice, but I will try. There’s no way to fit everything into one post, so I’ll leave you with just a taste of what it’s like. There’s plenty more to come! As always, click to enlarge

Don’t worry, I’m just getting started. More to come…..