This is a student post written by Natalie



Over April vacation, my family and I drove all the way down to Brunswick, Georgia. It took two days to get down there. It seemed like forever but we finally got there.

On our first day there, we drove about 45 minutes from my grandparents house to the Okeefenokee Swamp. We started by walking through the gift shop. There were so many great things I wanted to buy but we had other plans first. Once we walked through the gift shop, we walked out towards a train. Right by the train there was a mother alligator with her baby. I couldn’t believe we were so close!


In front of the Okefenokee sign

In front of the Okefenokee sign



Our tour guide welcomed us on the train. He told us that the word Okefenokee comes from an old Native American word meaning trembling earth. I thought that was really interesting!

The train took us all around the swamp. We saw so many alligators. They were all different sizes. Some of them were huge! They were so close that I felt like I could reach out and touch them. I didn’t think that would be a good idea though! They were all so lethargic. They just laid there. Most of them didn’t even move when we went by. I think they’re used to the train now.

There's an alligator on my head!

There's an alligator on my head!



After our tour, we got to go back to a tent. At the tent I had a chance to touch an alligator and a snake! The alligator had scales that were really bumpy but they were also soft. The snake felt really silky and soft. I wasn’t scared to touch them at all. My sister was though! She only just poked it. She didn’t want to touch them at all!

Do you like my new necklace?

Do you like my new necklace?


Can somebody help me please?

Can somebody help me please?



The trip was so much fun! If you ever get the chance, I would definitely recommend that you visit Okefenokee Swamp. I can’t wait to go back again!

*Have you ever been to Okefenokee Swamp before?*


*Have you ever touched an alligator or snake?*


*What other type of animals do you think could be found in a swamp?*