We spent our week in the heart of the Quarter, but we got out to the swamps for a day to explore the wilder parts of the state. We boarded a flat-bottomed riverboat and made our way though the steamiest swamps. You could smell intrigue and adventure.

Now.. I didn't draw anyone's attention to this, but you'll note that the passengers are being polite...they're trying not to stare at me...though you know they were just dying to!

My word! You should see the size of those 'gators! The Princess said she felt much safer with me at her side. That's understandable.

Deep in the heart of the swamp, the surface of the water was blanketed with a dark green plant called 'duckweed', though I don't think I ever saw a duck. It's so thick that it looks almost like one could get out and walk on it, but you know what's lurking just underneath!

I did see a few turtles sunning themselves on fallen logs, and some long-legged birds that were hunting wiggly things in the water. None were brave enough to challenge my presence. They must have recognized me as the true king of beasts.

You know, I liked the small fishing boats and shrimp catchers we saw along the way. Shrimp. What tasty morsels!

I was enchanted by the Cypress trees, and the way the Spanish Moss drapes from gray limbs. There is something very mysterious about the place if you ask me.

Now...more about me, so on to day three... .

Warty