Chapter 1: The Swamp's Tax

It seems like every visit to my favorite swamp, where I enjoy observing fairy shrimp, leads to yet another lost or ruined item. If I were to entertain superstitions, I might think the swamp has grown weary of my frequent visits and is imposing a toll on me. My bandana was the first casualty last week. I find it essential to keep my frizzy hair from obstructing my view and to protect myself from ticks and the multitude of twigs I inevitably carry out of the woods. However, while I was busy managing two of my kids, I didn’t realize the bandana was missing until I was too far to go back without risking being late for another pickup.

When I returned yesterday with one child in tow, I retraced my steps, hoping to find it. The area where I lost it was quite small, but alas, it was nowhere to be found. I speculated that it might have slipped into one of the vernal pools, particularly the deepest one, which is knee-deep and dark brown from tannins. It could have also been snagged by another visitor or absorbed into the muddy trails after recent rains. With its dark color, it wouldn't take much for it to blend in!

As if that wasn’t enough, I also had my favorite sunglasses on me, which I lost during the same outing. Despite my focused search for the bandana, I somehow managed to misplace my sunglasses, too.

Perhaps there’s a mischievous creature lurking in the swamp, or maybe this historic site, rich in archaeological significance dating back 12,000 years, is playing tricks on me. While I have lived next to a cemetery in the past without feeling any supernatural vibes, I remain mostly skeptical of such beliefs—this is merely a joke!

Chapter 2: Exploring Nature with Young Kids

I don't genuinely believe that something is pilfering my belongings in the swamp. The truth is, I’m navigating a wet, muddy environment with attention deficits, all while managing one or more young children. It’s far too easy to misplace items when your focus is directed toward keeping an eye on the kids.

The next mishap was even more of my own doing. Nothing was technically lost, but it certainly cost me. Finally, the sun broke through the clouds while I was there, marking a welcome change after a streak of gloomy weather during my visits. Thanks to a fantastic deal from my cell provider, I had a new iPhone 15 Pro Max with me, ready to capture macro shots of the fairy shrimp. The phone is waterproof to a certain depth, and I had successfully used it in the cenote in Cozumel.

However, I was struggling with reflections on the water's surface, so I made the risky decision to dip my phone into the water for better shots. The shrimp were actively swimming around, and I captured some incredible footage. It felt like a triumph for the day!

The video showcases the fairy shrimp in their natural habitat, swimming gracefully in the water.

Unfortunately, unbeknownst to me, the back glass of my phone had shattered inside its thick case. I had opted not to use a waterproof case because I didn’t plan on visiting the swamp that day, and I had no idea about the damage until I noticed a problem with FaceID while hiking out with my muddy child. My front-facing camera appeared foggy, and once I removed the phone from its case, the damage was evident.

By the time I brought it to the repair shop, all of the cameras were fogged up. The diagnosis was swift: water damage and a total replacement needed. Thankfully, I have AppleCare, so I’ll only need to pay $99 for a replacement. The process was easy, and I’ll have a new phone within 48 hours. The repair technician, despite being a Linux enthusiast, praised Apple’s customer service, which makes repairs straightforward compared to other brands.

Chapter 3: Reflections on My Swamp Visits

At this rate, my visits to see the fairy shrimp this spring are becoming quite costly. I’ve never been there this late in the season; it’s almost April, and they’re still thriving! My curiosity about their lifespan drives me to return, despite my mounting losses.

Perhaps the swamp is indeed fed up with my antics. Regardless, I’m not ready to give up on it just yet. Moving forward, I think I’ll avoid bringing anything that isn’t attached to me. Additionally, I’ll look for ways to visit without the kids, allowing me to remain less distracted. At the very least, I plan to invest in a waterproof phone case and pay closer attention to my belongings during my next excursion.