Early morning hours in the mangrove swamps in the Florida Everglades, a cool eighty five degrees Fahrenheit.

A very important stop along the migratory route for many bird species, the Florida Everglades provide essential food and shelter for millions of birds.

Mangrove swamps cover the southwestern edge of the ecosystem creating a labyrinth of channels and lagoons that span over 1,500 square miles.

This twelve foot gator is common in the Florida Everglades. Its age can be approximated by counting the lines running along its back - two lines equals ten years - this bull is between thirty and forty years old.

A smooth flowing river near its terminus in the Pacific Ocean, this river way cuts through hundreds of miles if mountains, jungle valleys and steep canyons. It's the only way to access remote jungle outposts.

Dug out canoes with outboard engines are the watercraft best suited for travel along this river way. They are shallow, sturdy and can carry up to half a ton of cargo.

The highland forests of Chunco shelter some of the rarest and exotic bird species like the Blue Quetzal and the Black Inca.

A couple of miles before the site of the buried treasure the waters of the Chunco River turn violent.