The First Step is a Doozy

Jed and I learned that when walking through a slough, it's a good idea to bring a trekking pole or walking stick. The first reason is to help you keep your balance traversing that waist-deep brackish water. As you explore, you're stepping down into muck and over unseen tree roots. Try doing that while carrying a camera rig (good shoulder workout / medium-level anxiety). But the second reason to use a walking stick is to startle any alligators that may be resting unaware in your path.

It's different in the Fakahatchee!