We found this short loop off a scenic highway in Cameron Parish on our way north from the coast. The day was overcast and a little cold but we still saw lots of wildlife with the added bonus of having the area mostly to ourselves.

I love alligators. I'd never seen one until we moved to Goose Creek, South Carolina when I was about ten. But living closer to the coast, surrounded by swamps, they were a common sight. And alligators were the only thing I really wanted to see as we planned a trip around a fencing tournament in June. 

The weekend turned out to be cold and rainy, not ideal for alligator viewing but we got lucky in this one spot. And even if we hadn't seen any it was totally worth the stop for the water lilies and long stretches of lotus growing everywhere. The board walk loop through them was  particularly lovely.

If find your self driving through Louisiana take one of the gorgeous scenic drives and head toward the Pintail Wildlife area. And then please take photos of the alligators and send them to me!