Photos - Seacrest Jan 14, 2006

**katie blue** · 01-14-2006, 10:13 PM

Seacrest is full of so much wild beauty, and I keep discovering more. A few pix from today here.
Cypress swamps, sandstorms, cliffs, sunsets.

Today we discovered for the first time this hidden cypress swamp at the end of our street, by the golf course. That was cool enough, but then...we saw...a real live RIVER OTTER standing up looking at us, playing around about ten feet in front of us. Greatest thing I've seen in recent memory. Tomorrow I hope to snap a shot of him. To think we've had river otters right there, all this time.

**Beach Runner** · 01-14-2006, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by katie blue

A few pix from today

Nice photos!

**Ocean Lover** · 01-14-2006, 10:31 PM

KB, these are awesome, really incredible shots. Thanks!!!! Can't wait to see the RO. Hope he makes an appearance for you.

**katie blue** · 01-14-2006, 10:38 PM

Thanks! I hope the otter pops up again tomorrow too. A few of these are just snaps for my fellow Camp Creekers to show them how our beach is doing right now. (good.) But thanks for kind words. More coming tomorrow. No seagulls, promise.

**Miss Kitty** · 01-15-2006, 05:24 AM

Oh kb....simply beautiful!

**Paula** · 01-15-2006, 07:45 AM

Gorgeous photos, KB. We do the same wonderful things over and over again when we get to our place in the Seacrest area -- beach, porch, pool, our few favorite restaurants and coffee shops. Your photos have inspired us to explore more when we're there at the end of February. We'll definitely go to the swamp -- didn't even know it was there. Maybe we'll even rent bikes this time!

**Smiling JOe** · 01-15-2006, 07:57 AM

Originally Posted by Paula

Gorgeous photos, KB. We do the same wonderful things over and over again when we get to our place in the Seacrest area -- beach, porch, pool, our few favorite restaurants and coffee shops. Your photos have inspired us to explore more when we're there at the end of February. We'll definitely go to the swamp -- didn't even know it was there. Maybe we'll even rent bikes this time!

There is also a beautiful Cypress Swamp in the middle of Cassine. There is a walking trail going right through it. It reminds me of a very small scale version of the Redwood Forests in California, like the Eleanor Roosevelt Forest or Muir Woods.

**skippertoo** · 01-15-2006, 09:03 AM

Hi Katie

Great Pictures... Thanks

DD · 01-15-2006, 10:06 AM

Great pix kb!

**Jdarg** · 01-15-2006, 10:08 AM

We can't wait to go to the swamp!

**Paula** · 01-15-2006, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

There is also a beautiful Cypress Swamp in the middle of Cassine. There is a walking trail going right through it. It reminds me of a very small scale version of the Redwood Forests in California, like the Eleanor Roosevelt Forest or Muir Woods.

Thanks, SJ. Where is Cassine? I really hope we get out and do more exploring this trip.

**Smiling JOe** · 01-15-2006, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by Paula

Thanks, SJ. Where is Cassine? I really hope we get out and do more exploring this trip.

It is directly across the street from One Seagrove Place.

**dbuck** · 01-15-2006, 01:03 PM

KB, great shots. You are definitely getting the hang of your new camera. I had no idea there were cypress trees in SoWal. I grew up at Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee so I am very familiar with Cypress trees, the lake is full of them. When I saw those trees I thought you had gone to Reelfoot Lake for a visit to watch the eagles. I'll do some exploring the next time I'm in SoWal.

**Paula** · 01-15-2006, 01:52 PM

I think the black peat that we see on the beaches is from the old cypress forests from ages and ages gone by. Someone may be able to confirm or disconfirm that.

**Camp Creek Kid** · 01-15-2006, 04:08 PM

Originally Posted by Paula

I think the black peat that we see on the beaches is from the old cypress forests from ages and ages gone by. Someone may be able to confirm or disconfirm that.

Yes, Paula that is what I've heard too--ancient cypress swamps are the peat.

Great shots KB!! I've actually see a river otter crossing Hwy 98 near the Spicey Noodle, but I've not seen them so close to our neighborhood. How exciting. I have had deer, racoons, opposum, pygmy rattle snakes, coach whip snakes in our yard. A friend ran into an Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake on the golf course. I also think there are some foxes lurking about because we've been missing one of our cats for two weeks

. It is very sad. She is very shy so I don't think she would have run away.

**Teresa** · 01-15-2006, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

There is also a beautiful Cypress Swamp in the middle of Cassine. There is a walking trail going right through it. It reminds me of a very small scale version of the Redwood Forests in California, like the Eleanor Roosevelt Forest or Muir Woods.

I've walked through the Cypress Swamp at Cassine - it's really beautiful, and hidden away, but just across from the beach! very nice to see a miniature cypress swamp in Sowal!

I haven't seen the other at camp creek though... will have to look for it!

**Teresa** · 01-15-2006, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by Camp Creek Kid

I also think there are some foxes lurking about because we've been missing one of our cats for two weeks

. It is very sad. She is very shy so I don't think she would have run away.

CCK - I'm so sorry to hear about your cat! not knowing must be the worst.

**Smiling JOe** · 01-15-2006, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by Tootsie

I've walked through the Cypress Swamp at Cassine - it's really beautiful, and hidden away, but just across from the beach! very nice to see a miniature cypress swamp in Sowal!

I haven't seen the other at camp creek though... will have to look for it!

There is another walk-thru Cypress Swamp in Cypress Dunes, located at the Western end of 30-A. There are plenty of Cypress stands in SoWal. You just have to open your eyes and explore off the beaten paths. Not much smells better than a stand of Cypress trees.