That boat appears to be a dugout canoe slightly modified to be more rowboat-like, a fairly common type of craft at that place and time. Some were made into the 20th century. All it took was a cypress log, an axe, and time, all of which were in plentiful supply.

At the far right, there's a tantalizing glimpse of dock pilings (Brown's Landing?) and the bow of a larger boat. I'd sure like a better look.

Here's a photo that really needs colorizing.

One afternoon of trash collecting and this was a slow day! Photo:

Yes, I know this is Florida, but as soon as I clicked on "hi-def image" and the swamp drew me in, the lyrics to "Polk Salad Annie" by Tony Joe White (1968) popped into my mind, mainly those that say "where the alligators grow so mean" because this definitely depicts a swamp full of breeding alligators. New Orleans has similar scenes with Spanish moss and snakes draping the trees and heaven knows what may be lurking in the sultry stew of swamp water. I love all of the variety of moods and themes in America, but there is something so unique and special and earthy about the deep south, so very real and yet mysterious. It's great to be alive if you don't discuss politics.

I was in this river recently and while I did not see a lot of trash, it certainly has changed. During spring break hundrerds of young people from the nearby college go in tubes and drink beer, smoke and play music... That is when, I guess the trash arrives.!

Before I left the shore in that canoe I would require three things: life jacket, large bailing bucket and a lifeboat. Make that four things-- a 16 oz. bottle of Alligator-B-Gone will come in handy.

I'm most familiar with Jackson's Western photographs. He was such a consummate artist, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the composition of this photograph.

Oh, for a time machine.

My ex-wife, Beth Hollenbeck, runs an outfit called Eco-Action. And every weekend this group is out in their canoes hauling awful trash from these once pristine rivers in Florida. I had the honor of helping them one summer and taking photos. You can not believe what they haul out of these lovely waters!