tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783856111814437262024-03-18T21:54:49.402-04:00Travels Without Charley: Enjoying Steinbeck's AmericaGrandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.comBlogger1176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-26388864785657955122024-03-13T21:12:00.059-04:002024-03-15T00:30:40.102-04:003/14 Tips for Getting RV Service<p>A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the difficulties of
getting service for a motorhome, but I was mostly talking about getting service
on items that are part of the chassis on a Class C or cab-over motorhome—the
wheels and base vehicle with the front cab or cutaway attached, sold by an
automaker or truck manufacturer to the RV manufacturer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Class A or bus-type motorhomes aree also manufactured on a
chassis, gas or diesel, built by a truck manufacturer such as Ford,
Freightliner, Prevost, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
difference is that the Class C version has a front cab that comes with the
chassis, and the Class A has only the platform and the engine, transmission,
wheels, brakes, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bumper-pull trailers and 5<sup>th</sup> wheel trailers are
usually built on a platform that includes only wheels and tires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In any of these instances, an RV manufacturer adds the
“camper” parts<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on top of the basic RV
platform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They start out by building on
a floor, adding wiring and utilities such as fresh water and sewer plumbing and
fixtures, sinks for washing dishes and hands in the bathroom, shower walls and
doors, refrigerators, stoves, and furniture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Finally, they add walls made out of a framework and layers of foam and
fiberglass, plus a roof, also usually made of fiberglass, and other
waterproofing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (FYI - Putting the furniture and appliances in before the put the walls up is one reason why some owners have to use a chain saw to cut up their old couch to get it out in order to replace it.)<br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>THE PROBLEM</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Most of these added on things are made by a handful of
specialized manufacturers, NOT the same manufacturers of the plumbing,
fixtures, refrigerators, stoves, and furniture you buy and put in your
homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, when you get a leak in your water heater or your
refrigerator breaks down, you cannot go to Best Buy or Lowes and pick up a
replacement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because your lighting runs
on 12 volts, you cannot even go to a hardware store and pick up replacement
bulbs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are pretty much stuck with
getting parts and service from an RV dealer, although bulbs are sometimes
available from auto parts or marine stores.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you are handy and have a lot of experience owning RVs and
repairing things that are broken in it, it is possible to do some of
your own repairs, but it is likely that you have never replaced parts in an RV
water heater, water pump, refrigerator, or furnace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the toilet works differently than the
ones in your home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, why not just call the local RV dealer and make an
appointment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, depending on when
you are using your rig, everyone else is using theirs, so the wait time for a
service appointment is likely to be 6-8 weeks, or even longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dealer will tell you to bring your RV in,
they will check it out, order parts, and let you know when it is repaired, but
you will still have to wait for a service appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the meantime, it will be parked in a rear
area of their lot where they store rigs that need repair when they can get
parts and "get around to it."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vacation in
two weeks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forget it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">On the road? You might need a hotel. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition, most RV dealers do not seem to carry adequate
parts for multiple brands of RVs, so even if the dealer takes pity on you and
gets you in fairly fast, they might not have the part and will have to order it
from somewhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It does help to choose
an RV service place that sells your brand of RV, however.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things are pretty standard, however,
such as Shurflo water pumps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some
unknown reason, I have gone through a lot of water pumps and never had problems
finding a service place that had mine in stock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, if you hang around fellow RV travelers long enough, you will
hear the horror stories of getting parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In September 2022, my AC unit quit and a mobile technician determined it
needed to be replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had quit in
Napa, CA, on Labor Day weekend when it was 108 degrees out, so after visiting
my son and his family, I headed for the coast where I knew it would be
cooler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I had been planning to head
up to Washington and Oregon, this made the best sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I got to Oregon and comfortably camping
at 65 degrees, I started calling every Camping World and RV service place I
could find in Washington and Oregon to find one in stock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted the same model so I did not have to
deal with someone cutting a different-sized hole in my roof and getting into
other difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazon had one they
could ship in 6-8 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ditto for the
AC manufacturer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After several hours and a couple of dozen
calls, I found one in stock at a Camping World just south of Portland, but it
took three weeks to get a service appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It was nice along the coast, so I really did not mind, and eventually got it replaced. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another example. In January of this year, my refrigerator door fell off
because one of the plastic hinges was broken. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Who in the heck makes hinges out of plastic?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To make it worse, the plastic hinges were
part of the door, so I could not just replace a hinge—I had to buy a complete
new door at a price of $360, and it would take several weeks to deliver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More
calling around and finally found a dealer who had access to a warehouse where there was
one in stock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could pick it up in two
days, but they could not install it because they were backed up 6 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I bought a portable cooler and moved most
of my food into it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
picked up the door, and then went online to try to figure out how to replace a
Dometic refrigerator door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to
pull out the decorative panel from the old door and put it in the new
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could not find a mobile mechanic,
but a neighbor and I finally figured out how to get the old door off and the
new door installed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Things should NOT have to be this difficult, should
they?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting broken things fixed is
especially a problem for full-timers like me who really have no place to stay
while they are waiting for parts or service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We do a lot of making do and getting creative. <br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>SOME SOLUTIONS</b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>
OK, first I will admit I have
often used the “I am an older lady traveling alone and have no place to stay”
plea, and it sometimes works. </li><li>If I know what is wrong and what
parts I need, I will try to get a service appointment and ask them if they have
a specific part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I don’t know what
part my rig takes, I will call the manufacturer’s parts department and give
them my VIN number so they can look up my RV and give me a part number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can then make sure the service place has
the part before I drive there to get it replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Or I can get it shipped directly to me. <br /></span></li><li>
I also make sure the dealer knows
that I am a full-timer and that I will be waiting there while it is being
fixed, and that I cannot leave it overnight unless absolutely necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Note: Some dealers have hookups in a parking
lot you can use to stay overnight, so ask. I have even spent the night in my rig in a truck repair parking lot where they were able to hook me up to 30 amps. It was right next door to police station in small town, so I figured I was safe for the night. )<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></li><li>
If I know something like a slide
roller is broken, and I have the part number. but the dealer says it will take
three weeks to get the part, I will go online and look at Amazon and several
other places that keep inventories of RV parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes I can get it a lot faster that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li><li><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Added Tip: If no one has a part, and it is on "forever" back-order, try the manufacturer customer parts facility. My Fleetwood was made in Decatur, IN, and they have a big customer service repair facility plus a service parts building. The big advantage is that since they are still making motorhomes, they have a stockpile of parts. It is also on the way to Ohio where my younger son lives, so I drive past or nearly past there once a year. When my rig was fairly new and my steps broke, and I could not get a replacement anywhere, I made an appointment at the customer service facility in Decatur. They had the steps and replaced them quickly. (Only problem is with older rigs, that part may no longer be made or available.) <br /></span></li></ul><p><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">As you can see, getting the right part is often the hard part. A few days ago, my toilet flush ball stopped working and it could not be replaced, so I called around to find a replacement toilet. Closest one I could find was in Orlando, which is over a three-hour drive each way, so not practical. Having one shipped from there would take 7-10 business days, at which point I will have left my current campground. I finally found one, believe it or not, at Walmart Online, which would arrive in three business days. It just arrived today, and it is the right model and not broken, so tomorrow I am going to call around to find a mobile RV technician who can install it for me. (Note that this is a person who works on things inside your RV that were installed by the RV manufacturer, not the motor or transmission or tires, etc.) <br /></span></p><p><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">You can often find a mobile RV technician by asking the campground hosts or owners or by just asking neighbors. There are several organizations that certify RV technicians--some do this online and others require a few weeks at a training school. Personally, I prefer the one that is non-profit and requires hands-on training at a training site in Texas, but in any case, make sure you get recommendations from whoever you call. </span></p><p><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Any comments of suggestions from anyone??? </span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b> </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-65320691273078900802024-03-11T00:03:00.002-04:002024-03-11T00:03:21.369-04:003/1 More Big Cypress & Kirby Storter Boardwalk <p>I spent another 10 days at Midway Campground in the Big Cypress National Preserve, but did not bother taking more photos of the campground. However, I did make a trip down to Kirby Storter boardwalk and took more photos of birds. No matter how often you go there, you are likely to find something different, so multiple trips are worthwhile. </p><p>First, I mailed some postcards to my grandkids a the smallest post office in the U.S. There is a real postman there for an hour in the morning and from noon to 4 pm in the afternoon. He sells stamps and handles other mailing issues, so it is nice to have a real post office way out here. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEeCnBXsRA8MeYtoG96NnkNBw8EkdoV-btgyi5jcLaCTE0NTLzkcDEvZrvTGJwuHsUFP9pwyVCVlGSEU1eslENGNhuBKVMgxf8IQ6itiAycwgijRwKWIs9JK4_MRJ3BJudFscNWntvc06XmB8iwJ58l_Z9pE-LzXvjqXvMekPceeWil2tg5UYIrflrIfz/s1280/DSC01792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEeCnBXsRA8MeYtoG96NnkNBw8EkdoV-btgyi5jcLaCTE0NTLzkcDEvZrvTGJwuHsUFP9pwyVCVlGSEU1eslENGNhuBKVMgxf8IQ6itiAycwgijRwKWIs9JK4_MRJ3BJudFscNWntvc06XmB8iwJ58l_Z9pE-LzXvjqXvMekPceeWil2tg5UYIrflrIfz/w640-h480/DSC01792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A couple more photos of the boardwalk. Since I was last here, the "bald" cypress tress are beginning to get some leaves. (They were called "bald" cypress because while a lot of Florida trees keep their leaves all winter, these trees lose them in the fall. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwI47swI8w5_oGzLgZCEF-rK9K0RaF-QOBo1PG1__pE7cpFptZKUgwbHL_exIQCBX2q03OEG9giOgbgLKOg9iyZVzbGdb8ITCTXLOKrKaQ28F4iXLmAes2jl6EaWESFSxE3PcD3GhdKTcQSoU9N4kJn70ZmdKsXWp6ZvyDCkkb08Cb_s6SdJ5stRWoImo-/s1280/DSC01796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwI47swI8w5_oGzLgZCEF-rK9K0RaF-QOBo1PG1__pE7cpFptZKUgwbHL_exIQCBX2q03OEG9giOgbgLKOg9iyZVzbGdb8ITCTXLOKrKaQ28F4iXLmAes2jl6EaWESFSxE3PcD3GhdKTcQSoU9N4kJn70ZmdKsXWp6ZvyDCkkb08Cb_s6SdJ5stRWoImo-/w640-h480/DSC01796.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqj4-pS_aWmpt2GI6bytVOAeBLVqQRyYyWrMr4ICE3q_7yAcqup4s1Jicafd6WretA-NXRBcI88jyDbCGillBpFiNFehTM8SoGOTDZAek7H1vBhwQl08FGEfzmUyKAt1wxVmfYz0gaoBe3n9h7rL2ScEN5uOYQYvMjeLc-g3nRl-O3zn5byZqW7LRxd6p/s1280/DSC01797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqj4-pS_aWmpt2GI6bytVOAeBLVqQRyYyWrMr4ICE3q_7yAcqup4s1Jicafd6WretA-NXRBcI88jyDbCGillBpFiNFehTM8SoGOTDZAek7H1vBhwQl08FGEfzmUyKAt1wxVmfYz0gaoBe3n9h7rL2ScEN5uOYQYvMjeLc-g3nRl-O3zn5byZqW7LRxd6p/w640-h480/DSC01797.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is such a lush and beautiful place, especially this winter when it is supposed to be the dry season. Last time I was here in winter, it was dry here, but this year, there has been a lot of rain in southern Florida, so it is abnormally wet now. More water, or at least the right depth of water, means that there will be more birds feeding and hanging around. Also, there are lots of ferns growing right now. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaS6H5iQS0zekQU8eIpSLvyjQ-Cp8rvmwXQE69SDP5bDWV5In5Hj_6ZXZH0nDSAI7W_LnvvifUKzhC1Rdt0MeaG8cgBUerEiaBe1g31EB7xD31tmwrU1E0DjDya6WS5diaQfQN0zLOYaJUqTI-uv2N-0O3Fxochoi67hTg7w-xuG65zE9uafvOeq3YXuj/s1280/DSC01799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMaS6H5iQS0zekQU8eIpSLvyjQ-Cp8rvmwXQE69SDP5bDWV5In5Hj_6ZXZH0nDSAI7W_LnvvifUKzhC1Rdt0MeaG8cgBUerEiaBe1g31EB7xD31tmwrU1E0DjDya6WS5diaQfQN0zLOYaJUqTI-uv2N-0O3Fxochoi67hTg7w-xuG65zE9uafvOeq3YXuj/w640-h480/DSC01799.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJp-zh4R8MJHL1LwboRGzi5yNig-SVypPX69sdRVBTmSlP5glLIRi-ElKVlXP5HESI7Ay4Jbag0YJZ-HuTQyCLZ2qQDA24Zcw3kcdZFpckgWaECY1AnnSz7P1kC5DLsU_crYPUgBBYi3DEbgZ5nRzSmealj1DNBeLaAtYggQygSob1QtAgLujDNGN6RLn/s1280/DSC01803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJp-zh4R8MJHL1LwboRGzi5yNig-SVypPX69sdRVBTmSlP5glLIRi-ElKVlXP5HESI7Ay4Jbag0YJZ-HuTQyCLZ2qQDA24Zcw3kcdZFpckgWaECY1AnnSz7P1kC5DLsU_crYPUgBBYi3DEbgZ5nRzSmealj1DNBeLaAtYggQygSob1QtAgLujDNGN6RLn/w640-h480/DSC01803.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Bald cypress are so large and tall, that they require a wide base to keep from falling over in winds. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ98OK6u43AguFw4wnaATXD4p4m7BHA1Xs4QIF7ZOqxpE1niFYiPeZmbJfj5cJXa9D3crDXad8wB3hyphenhyphenvZm2LhYocjx_K4bsIKrz6dCM_tnPxYG5kck6b2a_3PpZ6uANWIr83f2N0mNYZPih4XDadBoS7MzLT30dKDF5wZ5ts9FfmWgtKCodMF-bF7cgHFl/s1280/DSC01805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ98OK6u43AguFw4wnaATXD4p4m7BHA1Xs4QIF7ZOqxpE1niFYiPeZmbJfj5cJXa9D3crDXad8wB3hyphenhyphenvZm2LhYocjx_K4bsIKrz6dCM_tnPxYG5kck6b2a_3PpZ6uANWIr83f2N0mNYZPih4XDadBoS7MzLT30dKDF5wZ5ts9FfmWgtKCodMF-bF7cgHFl/w640-h480/DSC01805.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And these are the tiny, new leaves growing on the bald cypress trees. <br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7Sj167jikj6fau-iWlFTNN-CR8ukrrcTjRwwDIgnbjoNdlVjVm6MqijJ0JUD7NJSb2dlsqwQK8hddDLrfhOBK9NgYagI36STzBmfiZDw1yvE-mxPw5eOy07PjcO4XtH9Om_ykyuIgpJepdBTZ_L84Jdk_THsu_0IZ-_EVXjxglGiI_oAoLT3yXL7kLWG/s1280/DSC01795.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7Sj167jikj6fau-iWlFTNN-CR8ukrrcTjRwwDIgnbjoNdlVjVm6MqijJ0JUD7NJSb2dlsqwQK8hddDLrfhOBK9NgYagI36STzBmfiZDw1yvE-mxPw5eOy07PjcO4XtH9Om_ykyuIgpJepdBTZ_L84Jdk_THsu_0IZ-_EVXjxglGiI_oAoLT3yXL7kLWG/w640-h480/DSC01795.jpg" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">A great white heron. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonYw3dpA4092xAkzD1XHPUg6dc6AHWWQgJE95S4YNr32qb8XaevwCyFi4HotKXKGv9mn8EzIjwoLQ8vDzDdxPALz2-NpR03aGkt9lGS2hiJbMcaUYiD2nkDffe_1BNvJ1-xBb3X9Z4iXFYtMbGkNWadSANjalDOy3Y7K0m6-eXYGznaEgqdwmYznajFV_/s1280/DSC01806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjonYw3dpA4092xAkzD1XHPUg6dc6AHWWQgJE95S4YNr32qb8XaevwCyFi4HotKXKGv9mn8EzIjwoLQ8vDzDdxPALz2-NpR03aGkt9lGS2hiJbMcaUYiD2nkDffe_1BNvJ1-xBb3X9Z4iXFYtMbGkNWadSANjalDOy3Y7K0m6-eXYGznaEgqdwmYznajFV_/w640-h480/DSC01806.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Isn't this swamp beautiful? <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPeF_7LZ9y8IKv7jP33c2ypqRKZDKi9XTJh5drLVBPRRovH5qKLf-v4Zy8V1dOWCKOWMUHdIgKs6hK97FcER4WNjudTefzK5KoT5bnsUYJWQhn0GdwXPNRAKm98ow2bVoCA_LLfikUhNCu8c2l5_b7eqOUJoavJ1dRWDzBb5X9pvFNhK6cDOWtKnvoqSf/s1280/DSC01807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguPeF_7LZ9y8IKv7jP33c2ypqRKZDKi9XTJh5drLVBPRRovH5qKLf-v4Zy8V1dOWCKOWMUHdIgKs6hK97FcER4WNjudTefzK5KoT5bnsUYJWQhn0GdwXPNRAKm98ow2bVoCA_LLfikUhNCu8c2l5_b7eqOUJoavJ1dRWDzBb5X9pvFNhK6cDOWtKnvoqSf/w640-h480/DSC01807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>If you look closely, you will see two mud turtles on a log in the sun. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHO_D9iXa7OYDuD-m_sWnMM-sCIaIqGGJQ1YHk5bsjlJx_9TzWUEAo0mT9FuHxfjLEANzu2WwdoVyHwmVFw41tInKhF4duI5c2Etn9-NtWmgk4CMshQnxH8GZbcd3XBOeU7YpItziHoEWa1xXdNEfwSU1WlZy4yZlxE9u-Hpy5v57URI48iSRzwFxCZVd/s1280/DSC01809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHO_D9iXa7OYDuD-m_sWnMM-sCIaIqGGJQ1YHk5bsjlJx_9TzWUEAo0mT9FuHxfjLEANzu2WwdoVyHwmVFw41tInKhF4duI5c2Etn9-NtWmgk4CMshQnxH8GZbcd3XBOeU7YpItziHoEWa1xXdNEfwSU1WlZy4yZlxE9u-Hpy5v57URI48iSRzwFxCZVd/w640-h480/DSC01809.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This looks like a southern Florida racer water snake.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CZOQt2Wv8nlHzLCt-HUNGm7l5s2S_Nu7epVTLwHwQvYhnpLOU8n2crWX1183MTZOoAD3K4RLvpNZhv5o2hU6yyiYShMHH0LR2FGkENcB_4IdsWRLgeybptgoYv-EiiTWkkLx7pbADEssZe27OQRXlLKzVcvWXsGLa5m5vtKG4WgsryG2lHkA2jtYopw4/s1280/DSC01810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CZOQt2Wv8nlHzLCt-HUNGm7l5s2S_Nu7epVTLwHwQvYhnpLOU8n2crWX1183MTZOoAD3K4RLvpNZhv5o2hU6yyiYShMHH0LR2FGkENcB_4IdsWRLgeybptgoYv-EiiTWkkLx7pbADEssZe27OQRXlLKzVcvWXsGLa5m5vtKG4WgsryG2lHkA2jtYopw4/w640-h480/DSC01810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And I think this is a southern mangrove water snake. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jisaJg6dzpwHCUEHPsE4g_gVDp-XYpPyN_5rRAnLHYwwz-qibqnPvm3LOKuKPcuGhGEDdMEVAjb4foBjHTeN1Wt8Rj_YF6_k1Ji3CJNonhxLtSks812-KZlYitGHX_s007rh36SG-dYWq5gWxK2usYSDQbdO4zUMm1q6W5l6_bORRgdJ8ahvagfjZx1Q/s1280/DSC01811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jisaJg6dzpwHCUEHPsE4g_gVDp-XYpPyN_5rRAnLHYwwz-qibqnPvm3LOKuKPcuGhGEDdMEVAjb4foBjHTeN1Wt8Rj_YF6_k1Ji3CJNonhxLtSks812-KZlYitGHX_s007rh36SG-dYWq5gWxK2usYSDQbdO4zUMm1q6W5l6_bORRgdJ8ahvagfjZx1Q/w640-h480/DSC01811.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another great white heron.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IOL5E0l0NTl41abfx06EpIFMGDK-DUPFYuhDcFOsxdOxYGGB9UcsWH0Tcn_K3zMd-rtuBcTrl0lS98zoqxXU5BMu2XJ87IseqWVt78kKIy6nafiqZ0hs8oa7pD_L_7W-Kstfw_QkR6ZhiT_t611D6VYQpJgoPODlykhrsrkOzmIidTm9S4-b9TY9Xe8N/s1280/DSC01814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IOL5E0l0NTl41abfx06EpIFMGDK-DUPFYuhDcFOsxdOxYGGB9UcsWH0Tcn_K3zMd-rtuBcTrl0lS98zoqxXU5BMu2XJ87IseqWVt78kKIy6nafiqZ0hs8oa7pD_L_7W-Kstfw_QkR6ZhiT_t611D6VYQpJgoPODlykhrsrkOzmIidTm9S4-b9TY9Xe8N/w640-h480/DSC01814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-0P36K-HD0bgEFJj8gAJENmHUCm9TAc7E-r0EuvgzBxikRok2ImJ_pHjj4THZs-LFmPX7lPGs_gvSD_dCmWXq9rPwcoTCPVg2yP3EnyTDn8V0l1oguBeH85ncwtGWi1tPldCBd9iIsXph0A61TP-Fyf4w-EILonZBmxEL_rQvcaW99WAC6MmKx4bhfKY/s1280/DSC01815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-0P36K-HD0bgEFJj8gAJENmHUCm9TAc7E-r0EuvgzBxikRok2ImJ_pHjj4THZs-LFmPX7lPGs_gvSD_dCmWXq9rPwcoTCPVg2yP3EnyTDn8V0l1oguBeH85ncwtGWi1tPldCBd9iIsXph0A61TP-Fyf4w-EILonZBmxEL_rQvcaW99WAC6MmKx4bhfKY/w640-h480/DSC01815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This great blue heron stood in this statue-like pose for almost half an hour, looking for a fish to spear. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMBfFssDlkTzhFTayMCpCg1TSB566vLun5uwWqsmwCOZnwMfTBd2lGivjAQoHVbXPimDkrs-bHdbuGQrAwBVilJM4dQcgwYzCdEizLtkNAhTkDEAFsto0Dbst6cRr3sqgHB1Po-yaR57l8Si_YyunYp8Xs0NvikbhH1PC88tKlpoB6-n0_1veRsEzaWjx/s1280/DSC01817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBMBfFssDlkTzhFTayMCpCg1TSB566vLun5uwWqsmwCOZnwMfTBd2lGivjAQoHVbXPimDkrs-bHdbuGQrAwBVilJM4dQcgwYzCdEizLtkNAhTkDEAFsto0Dbst6cRr3sqgHB1Po-yaR57l8Si_YyunYp8Xs0NvikbhH1PC88tKlpoB6-n0_1veRsEzaWjx/w640-h480/DSC01817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>And an anhinga. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TgtorMcs74FpGD7dKyQXnftV8mTDmKqv3CNTrkzgo4zblU8HrRC1l28gQZRtw0KpAwQ9TXU6G1bfaYFjGVdqP7QkGLIlOXi-d-F4y4a3O5GSJmpU_9CQ8Ibam1SJDXMv9GhAyhi9mFcCXjgrNF9vPM80uW-AIVCtrwifd_BQT1lRsqAC9wM4mjYKow2D/s1280/DSC01818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TgtorMcs74FpGD7dKyQXnftV8mTDmKqv3CNTrkzgo4zblU8HrRC1l28gQZRtw0KpAwQ9TXU6G1bfaYFjGVdqP7QkGLIlOXi-d-F4y4a3O5GSJmpU_9CQ8Ibam1SJDXMv9GhAyhi9mFcCXjgrNF9vPM80uW-AIVCtrwifd_BQT1lRsqAC9wM4mjYKow2D/w640-h480/DSC01818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>And finally a black-crowned night heron. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwQYeT_iBQ-9MV7qUOSQvvDokcvC5vJW3ODPz8ZUbkHp8yNFIKtknofxUcQ_PivQWX2ij-SEzvhO92pVjNdU2Ubaaf6Hz1W33r1QZqL9BhU_K_7em9WvymH1mepBJ-N3i38-ZIxqWcyqsN3w3zEwFZdMVig8pblTxoxvsjBPbgY_3VJjDWnqdh3QCzRul/s1275/DSC01819_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1275" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwQYeT_iBQ-9MV7qUOSQvvDokcvC5vJW3ODPz8ZUbkHp8yNFIKtknofxUcQ_PivQWX2ij-SEzvhO92pVjNdU2Ubaaf6Hz1W33r1QZqL9BhU_K_7em9WvymH1mepBJ-N3i38-ZIxqWcyqsN3w3zEwFZdMVig8pblTxoxvsjBPbgY_3VJjDWnqdh3QCzRul/w640-h514/DSC01819_cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is an endangered wood stork. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwkXy0l6eccJip65s23OUTq1PT6HcmjMvoQqiCUnMjFG9LoYq7VSJgm246L0wZGQ94UriTRvQGR-IdMS6GdRhmZpSL1mIu_BzyAesN3nJR_-H_ZLTp5KjG0hz0IJKuO-WBgeGPOymV6iVlC1zocrghShJpBY0PJjru51vpPihtTG3q1XUP37Y-ra00RF9/s1280/DSC01824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwkXy0l6eccJip65s23OUTq1PT6HcmjMvoQqiCUnMjFG9LoYq7VSJgm246L0wZGQ94UriTRvQGR-IdMS6GdRhmZpSL1mIu_BzyAesN3nJR_-H_ZLTp5KjG0hz0IJKuO-WBgeGPOymV6iVlC1zocrghShJpBY0PJjru51vpPihtTG3q1XUP37Y-ra00RF9/w640-h480/DSC01824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Note that the wood stork uses a wing to shade the water from the sun so it can better see crustaceans, frogs, insects, and fish. It also stomps one foot to stir up anything that might be hiding in the mud. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBknJvjv0TSNjcdFEIigvtyqmahRgNHxTjXTdk64BBQDEQTW6_jA8YnyCf8FJhaX3vrtM45DVtxWy0ay61tipXk0jvbZBaNEVuzQiHUGWW_uB8E3bD1WtvQXz9FqVLVuZqSszeyJB5tw9REsOWtkFnX3IHa7zwTG9toHnbeN8JMSkVcF_oEIrxSViN9Tfy/s1280/DSC01826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBknJvjv0TSNjcdFEIigvtyqmahRgNHxTjXTdk64BBQDEQTW6_jA8YnyCf8FJhaX3vrtM45DVtxWy0ay61tipXk0jvbZBaNEVuzQiHUGWW_uB8E3bD1WtvQXz9FqVLVuZqSszeyJB5tw9REsOWtkFnX3IHa7zwTG9toHnbeN8JMSkVcF_oEIrxSViN9Tfy/w640-h480/DSC01826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Great blue heron is taking a break from fishing. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRsrSiMvOUOQd4m-z2nqARVUVEoKnh3zLhk_4uYEziq24W9Tfs-lN5KB6wq75T3zfIyCmEQJxT_kfCHhV11PuX8AF5yH3MMrYfn1EN5xZYGvUml-snxyGQAeKmI_AzjWJiAvjIX5zxfLw73kdSEBUxjokSs_L_uPjwWDqVxDnFvTRZuRJeSP8q2txzKPa/s1280/DSC01829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRsrSiMvOUOQd4m-z2nqARVUVEoKnh3zLhk_4uYEziq24W9Tfs-lN5KB6wq75T3zfIyCmEQJxT_kfCHhV11PuX8AF5yH3MMrYfn1EN5xZYGvUml-snxyGQAeKmI_AzjWJiAvjIX5zxfLw73kdSEBUxjokSs_L_uPjwWDqVxDnFvTRZuRJeSP8q2txzKPa/w640-h480/DSC01829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-89244481505706870722024-03-01T22:21:00.002-05:002024-03-01T22:21:39.494-05:002/26 Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, Hillsborough County, FL<p>Lettuce Lake Park is a popular park near Tampa, FL, with a boardwalk, kayaking, and hiking trails. I visited this with a local friend and enjoyed the walk along the boardwalk. </p><p>I neglected to take a photo of the entrance sign, so here is a screen capture of the park website. Entrance fee is only $2 per person, which is very reasonable!<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl1ScPewAjvwYjMUUlG6SLB3VhimPiIgWLlxcb80bL9IhNfkIfuCbUnONLlJJuxSffdvtpPjE7REiW71tlmCT_jonIxEDZU2uhosd9Xd9VJ8hTY-wvnL4h0MU2yagT2C0KrXTw-6QVpaVYRg42CRbovyZowEWgsuXBhB2qHDhPREPDsJdMpsijOw9gLcI/s2242/Lettuce%20Lake%20Website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="2242" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYl1ScPewAjvwYjMUUlG6SLB3VhimPiIgWLlxcb80bL9IhNfkIfuCbUnONLlJJuxSffdvtpPjE7REiW71tlmCT_jonIxEDZU2uhosd9Xd9VJ8hTY-wvnL4h0MU2yagT2C0KrXTw-6QVpaVYRg42CRbovyZowEWgsuXBhB2qHDhPREPDsJdMpsijOw9gLcI/w640-h480/Lettuce%20Lake%20Website.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here are some photos of the boardwalk and the lake it surrounds. Lots of rules for using the boardwalk, which is a good idea. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL50hfRLxKnSExM5mvJht9gnf87xbSoFRoKRuMlREp9Zk5PW5udzsUMEmWvVZnqLpe6EOm6the27b3H8vo76gp_FxpX0rhf2sc_1c3-Y49kTWopuz7KpKAUBL3yaMST1Pq6Wzum__74pSVOV0-Rg39oqFROQI-cQeTufHqb724NDuFt0Gv0-QOCiRULO_C/s1280/DSC01769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL50hfRLxKnSExM5mvJht9gnf87xbSoFRoKRuMlREp9Zk5PW5udzsUMEmWvVZnqLpe6EOm6the27b3H8vo76gp_FxpX0rhf2sc_1c3-Y49kTWopuz7KpKAUBL3yaMST1Pq6Wzum__74pSVOV0-Rg39oqFROQI-cQeTufHqb724NDuFt0Gv0-QOCiRULO_C/w640-h480/DSC01769.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-oz72hiLRL8q5cc7OTpH6qzefYVs8WNQ_QvG7KpyE9CIQmfIc8X-MM76YsqrRoPBtVpLMsMBLM8Zdl-TiG2gFcCpf-aW9GJSmUipTRuFKJgYyvPp03a5S1dshQYixq_pdt_GbwXEXrvYoUYRDnkvaL8N27d4oP26PO-oQqW1T-zKy4q70Nx2cSjkqUdn/s1280/DSC01770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-oz72hiLRL8q5cc7OTpH6qzefYVs8WNQ_QvG7KpyE9CIQmfIc8X-MM76YsqrRoPBtVpLMsMBLM8Zdl-TiG2gFcCpf-aW9GJSmUipTRuFKJgYyvPp03a5S1dshQYixq_pdt_GbwXEXrvYoUYRDnkvaL8N27d4oP26PO-oQqW1T-zKy4q70Nx2cSjkqUdn/w640-h480/DSC01770.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I think this is a white puffball fungus. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHM8Vx6ch5sTF6aJ26wKt5ErLTcCSEuJdKW-1nIWp051yWEqrx_0T91rz5WhePpuPRLVpBvajau5H_wEjkQN_g-P7vW0wkmjq91WVufImQesDbHOqVb2DGIVe2vuygJHNiNu2dCBPXCQWm7cikqNd3iifiNu6R3owhyphenhypheniWaTBOrreoFXMYbNuMe0yIsixs/s1280/DSC01771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHM8Vx6ch5sTF6aJ26wKt5ErLTcCSEuJdKW-1nIWp051yWEqrx_0T91rz5WhePpuPRLVpBvajau5H_wEjkQN_g-P7vW0wkmjq91WVufImQesDbHOqVb2DGIVe2vuygJHNiNu2dCBPXCQWm7cikqNd3iifiNu6R3owhyphenhypheniWaTBOrreoFXMYbNuMe0yIsixs/w640-h480/DSC01771.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZBpcgruSWHzNiAc6NicgICmMqplOyxMEfvuxItFCFHYWm6-21rArBPHJZMJDbVMBGryrEgOxDM0c0ZFy6ux1-UL-2HxdRqMTiCyH9ZuYXaXqXQBXwvHpNtPqUHNxj8AHcXp6oCBT3r30E47rPgYFcHpTqcjafekD9jsm-UHfq0W63fSSUc-smTHArPX5/s1280/DSC01776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZBpcgruSWHzNiAc6NicgICmMqplOyxMEfvuxItFCFHYWm6-21rArBPHJZMJDbVMBGryrEgOxDM0c0ZFy6ux1-UL-2HxdRqMTiCyH9ZuYXaXqXQBXwvHpNtPqUHNxj8AHcXp6oCBT3r30E47rPgYFcHpTqcjafekD9jsm-UHfq0W63fSSUc-smTHArPX5/w640-h480/DSC01776.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMbXakuzcEw5GoGsAmjZAJX_IvV2Cbw612i_XnNBEQ_irH0PyJ325Jq4g3-gE1Wlq8o7LFwz7f7I_hCIRhYQ_MVdI_zp1CMPxKarmKJLWZGKSq2lB1PZkNmaF_-mArawbDxvT-qgDchrC3p8nPzoYaR_W7YQbl04ybYdU3BHMd362c-FXAyt02nqWyZgK/s1280/DSC01777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMbXakuzcEw5GoGsAmjZAJX_IvV2Cbw612i_XnNBEQ_irH0PyJ325Jq4g3-gE1Wlq8o7LFwz7f7I_hCIRhYQ_MVdI_zp1CMPxKarmKJLWZGKSq2lB1PZkNmaF_-mArawbDxvT-qgDchrC3p8nPzoYaR_W7YQbl04ybYdU3BHMd362c-FXAyt02nqWyZgK/w640-h480/DSC01777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiva_v_YPn7w3OhffVC-X1H1EbInZ_3abm2I8DSYCP5spG0IKlk6v7DxwGhTLWIvuvtJ0mDKkY60OvHT9Wn0YlNfD9LCK2h1bpsPUQO2OZomOw0Y5Qan3ke4I5vkRg41FWotbPnuS9Xrt0EZ2Myjya4dEKhxmIt9DtvTzDzQ0lm3_HbHZAQfxTP2gM8VIky/s1280/DSC01779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiva_v_YPn7w3OhffVC-X1H1EbInZ_3abm2I8DSYCP5spG0IKlk6v7DxwGhTLWIvuvtJ0mDKkY60OvHT9Wn0YlNfD9LCK2h1bpsPUQO2OZomOw0Y5Qan3ke4I5vkRg41FWotbPnuS9Xrt0EZ2Myjya4dEKhxmIt9DtvTzDzQ0lm3_HbHZAQfxTP2gM8VIky/w640-h480/DSC01779.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This green stuff floating on the water is duck weed. It is not slime, but tiny plants that ducks love to eat. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RlZ1NZ5IiWYasZSvxBl-Y3UFHSoAdDZrmUXjLhvJR1Jpb6gHCxAAVVgP_du_TS0FW2KdjbbfW4b40zFDzRF1TLmzEoAb5ORgDVqFRSZpQs8jnWcQyS9eY5zdp_iTR0X6RM4UR4W1A_z_v14ZEK8qgVDh480aBjBYRBzsNGF02rG0dGd77pvfJHlW9mPf/s1280/DSC01782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-RlZ1NZ5IiWYasZSvxBl-Y3UFHSoAdDZrmUXjLhvJR1Jpb6gHCxAAVVgP_du_TS0FW2KdjbbfW4b40zFDzRF1TLmzEoAb5ORgDVqFRSZpQs8jnWcQyS9eY5zdp_iTR0X6RM4UR4W1A_z_v14ZEK8qgVDh480aBjBYRBzsNGF02rG0dGd77pvfJHlW9mPf/w640-h480/DSC01782.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7KqHyoG4W5OneA0WginjRnch3J8rgCW_0JjwE865KQ9Nrdox_Sz8s05WS2r1gDCYZARdjR7gr2OJV9HeUxcmre-vrQKHLruoVYKVoTXCGA6I200cxGohsPdUvgGiQRTbiosEnaITQtFtv-qSFcOxE6njT941PYyJpqpmRYL_39Ypdg6xce0a1DlaF8Kd/s1280/DSC01783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7KqHyoG4W5OneA0WginjRnch3J8rgCW_0JjwE865KQ9Nrdox_Sz8s05WS2r1gDCYZARdjR7gr2OJV9HeUxcmre-vrQKHLruoVYKVoTXCGA6I200cxGohsPdUvgGiQRTbiosEnaITQtFtv-qSFcOxE6njT941PYyJpqpmRYL_39Ypdg6xce0a1DlaF8Kd/w640-h480/DSC01783.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This guy was only about 5' long, so he is still young. Mostly he ignored my taking his photo. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSZLaVNYA-Z30det0XI7a74a6bBfpnAghQxgSpysChLyBdrErsXv_SlnEkK16vXor-IFOmlNQqz_RqW3TlC1xiRMR_NrTz8yJUdcgZKkqdznEU8lufkp4N_I-EFFyNVDV_ke99A9XreIQ_Sek8Wp2DB2VCXaJqFZkM7Y-_l4oNrbOuyCTYxpQML_zFAtP/s1280/DSC01784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcSZLaVNYA-Z30det0XI7a74a6bBfpnAghQxgSpysChLyBdrErsXv_SlnEkK16vXor-IFOmlNQqz_RqW3TlC1xiRMR_NrTz8yJUdcgZKkqdznEU8lufkp4N_I-EFFyNVDV_ke99A9XreIQ_Sek8Wp2DB2VCXaJqFZkM7Y-_l4oNrbOuyCTYxpQML_zFAtP/w640-h480/DSC01784.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJV2LEwOvXGQjuBKVJrdlgA3rLjSs8700icKP3XEowx1Si-Gk5U43YX9erU9ErpQUU2PLnvHxfIg-d23Sd97pDPdO6dgXRlGEUBv9yyndUvqkYhIDbRpb9l98i8CeYMoCLoYVA-u282ThDMIyv28vYLsjI8WzK25BDwQ7BSjNsqkOyJU1rHTrJMKss1_T/s1280/DSC01786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJV2LEwOvXGQjuBKVJrdlgA3rLjSs8700icKP3XEowx1Si-Gk5U43YX9erU9ErpQUU2PLnvHxfIg-d23Sd97pDPdO6dgXRlGEUBv9yyndUvqkYhIDbRpb9l98i8CeYMoCLoYVA-u282ThDMIyv28vYLsjI8WzK25BDwQ7BSjNsqkOyJU1rHTrJMKss1_T/w640-h480/DSC01786.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Not many birds today, but this is a turkey vulture. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmRTS2yAD5VLkgs63QVPqhKAunTdX9GmFf0yKvQh7bKjHN5dzjSxpWVIWa4HTy0RKfKQbs66_08pQmYFHledh79I1eia0U5Wyw5wv8ykRAbySfLuRtca8WZyf6xoSOcJfW5esXC2xSznI4tEjvQor7ijzxkBwQvGMuEUFDUKIzHjLGM1zUhPxND5lVpVE/s1280/DSC01787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzmRTS2yAD5VLkgs63QVPqhKAunTdX9GmFf0yKvQh7bKjHN5dzjSxpWVIWa4HTy0RKfKQbs66_08pQmYFHledh79I1eia0U5Wyw5wv8ykRAbySfLuRtca8WZyf6xoSOcJfW5esXC2xSznI4tEjvQor7ijzxkBwQvGMuEUFDUKIzHjLGM1zUhPxND5lVpVE/w640-h480/DSC01787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Hard to see, but this is a pile of alligators. The one that had originally occupied the little mound of earth was NOT happy when another one decided to join him on this crowded spot, so there was a lot of roaring and complaining. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_f0eXdo7Fu4n3XSdlrda3aHN9frn73MUFjFdew04Wb04YUiMFarOiHot2PstB8wkpMHIpiu5dn6NCJCPyRwiv4Jc4UoUI3PdEzYvUaEWAq0h8r06oc7gKmNcu3P3PmZqqJ-PAMMzyMN1FBtCccERcyFRKI7p5L2yRxnSBn93XtWtpYg89Q_HrqpL1VhYn/s1280/DSC01789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_f0eXdo7Fu4n3XSdlrda3aHN9frn73MUFjFdew04Wb04YUiMFarOiHot2PstB8wkpMHIpiu5dn6NCJCPyRwiv4Jc4UoUI3PdEzYvUaEWAq0h8r06oc7gKmNcu3P3PmZqqJ-PAMMzyMN1FBtCccERcyFRKI7p5L2yRxnSBn93XtWtpYg89Q_HrqpL1VhYn/w640-h480/DSC01789.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>As you can see, it was a nice sunny day, but not too warm!!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnER4ZVVXQGgztjSV25WSWAXhx1ZryjF0RthJBEmWitekt6a2Aeud39f1qSz4MfBUl1tyCpkWGq3aax47wBDiHHHsq0VSB7feQMrNibEy1rnwRP0ictxnqmFj8u3vHBDQH3UWTCOE837ajv_0mq-aAeQuttx3CywsrdqIP5vAFnItJB6fceIMcSKVIVI6o/s1280/DSC01781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnER4ZVVXQGgztjSV25WSWAXhx1ZryjF0RthJBEmWitekt6a2Aeud39f1qSz4MfBUl1tyCpkWGq3aax47wBDiHHHsq0VSB7feQMrNibEy1rnwRP0ictxnqmFj8u3vHBDQH3UWTCOE837ajv_0mq-aAeQuttx3CywsrdqIP5vAFnItJB6fceIMcSKVIVI6o/w640-h480/DSC01781.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-20552981830466032272024-03-01T15:07:00.003-05:002024-03-01T15:07:40.195-05:002/26 Colt Creek SP<p>Colt Creek is one of the newest state parks in Florida. It is mostly in mixed forest, but it also had some bald cypress trees and meadows.</p><p>I like this place because it is quiet and the camping spaces are very large and well-spread out. This week we also had a lot of red shouldered hawks in the area, so they were fun to watch. <br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSnntUo1ih7Sng1_Gn7RTjccOKogoC-RRQzz2tTaO1ux34mktNZGkk_R99Yp6QxUj8ZxzyGrks0ETfAHgTQ_anwLJk1cLgV5xbQ7Hfb4KgLlNYPMJGH89AUf_12hCQQOkJRYdRr9CMggNLyOc_uozcdxlU7OIt8z_Ou5RF4Mw88uMqP7KHzhKgUWxb76I/s1280/DSC01791.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKSnntUo1ih7Sng1_Gn7RTjccOKogoC-RRQzz2tTaO1ux34mktNZGkk_R99Yp6QxUj8ZxzyGrks0ETfAHgTQ_anwLJk1cLgV5xbQ7Hfb4KgLlNYPMJGH89AUf_12hCQQOkJRYdRr9CMggNLyOc_uozcdxlU7OIt8z_Ou5RF4Mw88uMqP7KHzhKgUWxb76I/w640-h480/DSC01791.jpg" width="640" /></a></p>A lot of people do not know this, but a lot of state parks have places for horses to camp, along with their owners. It was interesting to see this couple driving small horse carts!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC-sB6lb72uJdtroe3X6Yq45A0KuvS1_YMPzsDCHAAkF2k0yEc4LpQYRTZonVc5a-fyvdRY5a8SZLLOtKh3OewUa-cXDcQS8aD_WSimYYqy8Hen4ENHEUa0aCJ6_nEMwEcrYW2k7ct2Y-rbXubF4VEAKjvGeLOjKeSYMxkTyR0RSgZMwwT7Bs9hbNL2m6/s1280/DSC01723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilC-sB6lb72uJdtroe3X6Yq45A0KuvS1_YMPzsDCHAAkF2k0yEc4LpQYRTZonVc5a-fyvdRY5a8SZLLOtKh3OewUa-cXDcQS8aD_WSimYYqy8Hen4ENHEUa0aCJ6_nEMwEcrYW2k7ct2Y-rbXubF4VEAKjvGeLOjKeSYMxkTyR0RSgZMwwT7Bs9hbNL2m6/w640-h480/DSC01723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHSomHyXhwaJSBxSm6h78WNBfqs9UXdgbniYm86A4Fk4DcAygs1iHwbRRXh2SCLKrFVElNnNm_6R7vM_QB8CANdbqYmW4bXMyOwu9pklw9ExxObzTSszOt7GuWrojSYbpAR8o5qni_DBbxUmj8Y0CR3IoiO9Y63RzF-J2uqTehnUHRQSV3f8evl0vGIkK/s1280/DSC01724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHHSomHyXhwaJSBxSm6h78WNBfqs9UXdgbniYm86A4Fk4DcAygs1iHwbRRXh2SCLKrFVElNnNm_6R7vM_QB8CANdbqYmW4bXMyOwu9pklw9ExxObzTSszOt7GuWrojSYbpAR8o5qni_DBbxUmj8Y0CR3IoiO9Y63RzF-J2uqTehnUHRQSV3f8evl0vGIkK/w640-h480/DSC01724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next photo shows you the entrance road and the diversity of the land in the park.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtEKsRvl0JcTNOLhvxNKSYjeR7WX7_CrjJI_BncfJxtCjrLVgOwSxoW-vK5fPby-M0tsJPT8dJrLLGya6c0hcadtNULQf_AMhNALM2YAeJA6wJQPjY2xA0vCM_1W06Co9Vs5o8dMz7h76Ywnn0uhuMs0l76Yaq1yXQycb3jKKrz6r_ZTaESzxg_1T8hfv/s1280/DSC01727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtEKsRvl0JcTNOLhvxNKSYjeR7WX7_CrjJI_BncfJxtCjrLVgOwSxoW-vK5fPby-M0tsJPT8dJrLLGya6c0hcadtNULQf_AMhNALM2YAeJA6wJQPjY2xA0vCM_1W06Co9Vs5o8dMz7h76Ywnn0uhuMs0l76Yaq1yXQycb3jKKrz6r_ZTaESzxg_1T8hfv/w640-h480/DSC01727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next two photos show you the tent camping area. Sites there are also large and private, and each one has an electric hookup.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAfzbCZGvAcVbyuXqDgJ_7GKSLEgo8N3Wt4mLt5TZBnHSY80avNZjlfL8dtwECCAhx5HrSoKywh5iqVpSf47LL4qbLYPt6hTIXi6nQkWOA08kGEaf0xnDrzBE-C-vssPZ00bxC65Az3AmBn7c6nQAqZLeaHfwafJ65jpVz-Cw4REL0W1TJt7DhqdcXhL/s1280/DSC01728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAfzbCZGvAcVbyuXqDgJ_7GKSLEgo8N3Wt4mLt5TZBnHSY80avNZjlfL8dtwECCAhx5HrSoKywh5iqVpSf47LL4qbLYPt6hTIXi6nQkWOA08kGEaf0xnDrzBE-C-vssPZ00bxC65Az3AmBn7c6nQAqZLeaHfwafJ65jpVz-Cw4REL0W1TJt7DhqdcXhL/w640-h480/DSC01728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVIVRjUT-GzrgMH85Fx7PjLMZb4c39y5bCMq4Ug0BuPHIAmQ5hwSsNeqciXlqbkXk2ZzyxQZR1XpJajtxs7_2Soo2pg_qFdIHDKA3oGEUTJKA4ADSZeD_mdVmJI3iFfgEq7ExNqXvNAAuqit21cS7xTNdhHl7p5PdLYBMRvrHOKVQGH6g08GZ9GaOs8b-/s1280/DSC01729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVIVRjUT-GzrgMH85Fx7PjLMZb4c39y5bCMq4Ug0BuPHIAmQ5hwSsNeqciXlqbkXk2ZzyxQZR1XpJajtxs7_2Soo2pg_qFdIHDKA3oGEUTJKA4ADSZeD_mdVmJI3iFfgEq7ExNqXvNAAuqit21cS7xTNdhHl7p5PdLYBMRvrHOKVQGH6g08GZ9GaOs8b-/w640-h480/DSC01729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is what the RV area looks like. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWfeE6jZGLtNiR3ZNbmlcfCeMXJMSTgjkf6l0AIKluUe7afCB8XJsvHsRvPcAz0aXUhxJTbgy424wJ6q54qzfLCLUr4hu_GdOWmZuSS8vUP_Kx7JfqTZWpmnWEU3xk8SpebSDc5iMdqdkb4PH6nuB3LXGx7biDGPYZ0eI4q42elnJ9-W12Y163ivb_Mj2/s1280/DSC01731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWfeE6jZGLtNiR3ZNbmlcfCeMXJMSTgjkf6l0AIKluUe7afCB8XJsvHsRvPcAz0aXUhxJTbgy424wJ6q54qzfLCLUr4hu_GdOWmZuSS8vUP_Kx7JfqTZWpmnWEU3xk8SpebSDc5iMdqdkb4PH6nuB3LXGx7biDGPYZ0eI4q42elnJ9-W12Y163ivb_Mj2/w640-h480/DSC01731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCTohgh7YrvnNZyO1bJTIlT-RVTedV6LrVnOwMDmllu4HZj0BQeh25VKqc1Xmu272l98RoWBTwbqgr2XedO3pb6OuZ_x4Ru3ukLvJkjIqa_QQ8g8dlHBav1r8_znVqiF6M0TVp5IXLhRWfm3OGdXB0qGmlLWucnvlC2KdDKCIGY4e9Em3zXEt7puXIp1T/s1280/DSC01758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCTohgh7YrvnNZyO1bJTIlT-RVTedV6LrVnOwMDmllu4HZj0BQeh25VKqc1Xmu272l98RoWBTwbqgr2XedO3pb6OuZ_x4Ru3ukLvJkjIqa_QQ8g8dlHBav1r8_znVqiF6M0TVp5IXLhRWfm3OGdXB0qGmlLWucnvlC2KdDKCIGY4e9Em3zXEt7puXIp1T/w640-h480/DSC01758.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrIR0Gj5WbtE3q094dw4Utcs8ImaanI7ICBbeSa6vzfLfQ9IrEGSlC3m5K_-o_Ib2iYt5RORsgsMfayxKzctvpE5t6kOOzOFWlHEP1GJ0i2ii7o1-eFA61JVE1Z2Z3bPocF8IyGU-JL9qw1XnEZNTJkXcV0VYAoMFp_fBOE9KCxy0zAYPoYQbda48uBXb/s1280/DSC01734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrIR0Gj5WbtE3q094dw4Utcs8ImaanI7ICBbeSa6vzfLfQ9IrEGSlC3m5K_-o_Ib2iYt5RORsgsMfayxKzctvpE5t6kOOzOFWlHEP1GJ0i2ii7o1-eFA61JVE1Z2Z3bPocF8IyGU-JL9qw1XnEZNTJkXcV0VYAoMFp_fBOE9KCxy0zAYPoYQbda48uBXb/w640-h480/DSC01734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Now for some red-shouldered hawk photos. It was mating time, so there was a lot of communication going on. They are medium-sized birds, about the same size as the red-tailed hawks we have in colder climates.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBANxV5yzZtZXo9_IDLuwoxzV2SZ1rd7yMDLo0w_vYlLeuWxh3hvmizqTWt_SZHGFHy89P07QrIIKgniSfAbRkfYMWZ_oZgKDFYpyHpe8GSHXEkoTEsFDwWe8GoGDcDppom-d4bK2beQxqE8YQnosAOA_pCYsCMpXa_zVebmVO6R22PtoWym99xTrEIEWz/s1280/DSC01736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBANxV5yzZtZXo9_IDLuwoxzV2SZ1rd7yMDLo0w_vYlLeuWxh3hvmizqTWt_SZHGFHy89P07QrIIKgniSfAbRkfYMWZ_oZgKDFYpyHpe8GSHXEkoTEsFDwWe8GoGDcDppom-d4bK2beQxqE8YQnosAOA_pCYsCMpXa_zVebmVO6R22PtoWym99xTrEIEWz/w640-h480/DSC01736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHhCHrggA35po219xsO9J54ztkd_bTsJ0310_1cBWEhyPretZrXj2VlAcycyr0iLkMJVSz32aKFcMtyTPqJewuPQ9r-uMbKecFTpbpUEX7TgReLIo_p5Dx0GNjAA_-aHMLxwhx3cVXYcQ_RTzZTKubRicwKMVj9bg39BYSH02LpdIt_bX8_v8Pcn6EfLp/s1248/DSC01738copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1248" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHhCHrggA35po219xsO9J54ztkd_bTsJ0310_1cBWEhyPretZrXj2VlAcycyr0iLkMJVSz32aKFcMtyTPqJewuPQ9r-uMbKecFTpbpUEX7TgReLIo_p5Dx0GNjAA_-aHMLxwhx3cVXYcQ_RTzZTKubRicwKMVj9bg39BYSH02LpdIt_bX8_v8Pcn6EfLp/w640-h526/DSC01738copy2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2u4LfJn8F4_4EaDCWHT9r-4l1hsXF_05BUTYjvAh8V8xMbWMf4GwQYAwTXaD-PgZs7pEXZDbKh72apCO94C1BKMApaJwN1TtWA1G1yaEciMhnmjvVHzXdWN9cLGEW2auPFqKHi14UkzaogMn2Kfwwxyff7xe9Jea3zkLWT-iK24Tlsf6I8UELRjxmJQI/s1280/DSC01746_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2u4LfJn8F4_4EaDCWHT9r-4l1hsXF_05BUTYjvAh8V8xMbWMf4GwQYAwTXaD-PgZs7pEXZDbKh72apCO94C1BKMApaJwN1TtWA1G1yaEciMhnmjvVHzXdWN9cLGEW2auPFqKHi14UkzaogMn2Kfwwxyff7xe9Jea3zkLWT-iK24Tlsf6I8UELRjxmJQI/w640-h480/DSC01746_copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfUY82kq0zaw9FqWu9fRoxMG_DzQ7pkyRvksyy0NnHaA6amhA22JakQ-IpMiyZPzl-VnkNOeRMZdRj9VPgPVNYtOMDFGoK0Ygeme6Z1zM0dNlGQ5QXlkcDT68O0Fm6BtiRCUlRlnn3jIBEMBfPEOjY3psYWM9LL5_Mfe4yOqY_EQ4Mc36GoQgXnwGANKU/s1280/DSC01754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfUY82kq0zaw9FqWu9fRoxMG_DzQ7pkyRvksyy0NnHaA6amhA22JakQ-IpMiyZPzl-VnkNOeRMZdRj9VPgPVNYtOMDFGoK0Ygeme6Z1zM0dNlGQ5QXlkcDT68O0Fm6BtiRCUlRlnn3jIBEMBfPEOjY3psYWM9LL5_Mfe4yOqY_EQ4Mc36GoQgXnwGANKU/w640-h480/DSC01754.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>A closeup of the previous photo of a bird on a rock. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBkGfeRaLW-3Ev40mDA_fCerRc9iexUFQVAowTf5XWNttaHIA6vyqU02Au2oXCk5tbvM-q6CXKmfKCWs1jL0HPf50NRrd0T2UK10djssXxTReRHO-VdfTJxcIunHwZRoripNG5HNVmvipu9AhIP8F3b-957PupQyS0FOiRlwru-Ri24KY-PHDb198lxTD/s672/DSC01754-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="672" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBkGfeRaLW-3Ev40mDA_fCerRc9iexUFQVAowTf5XWNttaHIA6vyqU02Au2oXCk5tbvM-q6CXKmfKCWs1jL0HPf50NRrd0T2UK10djssXxTReRHO-VdfTJxcIunHwZRoripNG5HNVmvipu9AhIP8F3b-957PupQyS0FOiRlwru-Ri24KY-PHDb198lxTD/w640-h498/DSC01754-copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRMyTtlmOFrUJiAoeM-AN2yC_O1Gdns1JVLPVy6kF4XsMeIYfiiMA1TlxnVw1-afWwDepH1XSpWUneyNCRBQAZ2awMW8ckByOJyU3pdPGOmSGGgJum3fEaGL8nU6wf92A4d_szL5gaMjNQgufWMcmZo0wSLY-iovWxU-7DMaCbIYUTAVJfDDcf-3P70Bw/s1280/DSC01760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRMyTtlmOFrUJiAoeM-AN2yC_O1Gdns1JVLPVy6kF4XsMeIYfiiMA1TlxnVw1-afWwDepH1XSpWUneyNCRBQAZ2awMW8ckByOJyU3pdPGOmSGGgJum3fEaGL8nU6wf92A4d_szL5gaMjNQgufWMcmZo0wSLY-iovWxU-7DMaCbIYUTAVJfDDcf-3P70Bw/w640-h480/DSC01760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyFt7r_s5hiFl8oMVzl9jM71Om52ekQHzUXYpTFq113E7Z25wFSgkE25nHIlPlqQE8gBiQDWdoo4SuBBG8c58wdW3dB0OKt1fIgrJrMRRnlGpEPW9lzqfUqmKCI6CYvIZ1hFfvZBxlV_FSpyWp4oNN_NNvqmYFHPYBgBSBfMdDM1zT0MLYdAdEIBc34uW/s1280/DSC01762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyFt7r_s5hiFl8oMVzl9jM71Om52ekQHzUXYpTFq113E7Z25wFSgkE25nHIlPlqQE8gBiQDWdoo4SuBBG8c58wdW3dB0OKt1fIgrJrMRRnlGpEPW9lzqfUqmKCI6CYvIZ1hFfvZBxlV_FSpyWp4oNN_NNvqmYFHPYBgBSBfMdDM1zT0MLYdAdEIBc34uW/w640-h480/DSC01762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Tired of hawks yet? That's the last of them for now. They are very pretty birds, however. <br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-67365777506045918572024-02-29T22:08:00.023-05:002024-03-01T11:41:27.250-05:002/12 Smoke Near Ortona & What Are These Birds?<p> Sorry, but my weak internet caused my delay in publishing!</p><p>In this part of Florida, there is a lot of sugar cane grown, and when the cane is ready to be picked and sent to the sugar factories, they often burn the fields. At first, I thought all this smoke was from that, however, I later found out it was from a nearby farmer burning his cattle fields!</p><p>It really smelled bad and at a couple of points was burning eyes here:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF82m_N8jBcPPeriQi0LUeLFfTReNQCPgZ8hsIhZr4IDlkxx3KvKZ6uLsvXmgTISuNuPjpSVl7ZgZX3vpETgl8zb1nF4v5Gp0mUZ1Pq8fBDMeeP8m3WCQuLTWqz-EjWHlYcaqWKNtVZV5IcqQ6Ui0yBDipHD3g8BkeSV0o5wZUGc9Hit_Tc6phOYKNk8_5/s1024/DSC01698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF82m_N8jBcPPeriQi0LUeLFfTReNQCPgZ8hsIhZr4IDlkxx3KvKZ6uLsvXmgTISuNuPjpSVl7ZgZX3vpETgl8zb1nF4v5Gp0mUZ1Pq8fBDMeeP8m3WCQuLTWqz-EjWHlYcaqWKNtVZV5IcqQ6Ui0yBDipHD3g8BkeSV0o5wZUGc9Hit_Tc6phOYKNk8_5/w640-h480/DSC01698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkyr2Osovqwry5a_3qitWR1s_Q89yU2lH3__ZIwaHvduwyutTzvY4al4LsmmNT2fdYEcZh3D4PezVpYJCarXXAAd4kopYmd816PGrk7zMK_GIZVhGuMZUdtIUjM1yDH4lcPRmQEQu4hlDHpnH0OJNUl8mgOvHwt-2C-NVkUZSTFVKB2A9wGzfgdwIlizV/s1024/DSC01699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkyr2Osovqwry5a_3qitWR1s_Q89yU2lH3__ZIwaHvduwyutTzvY4al4LsmmNT2fdYEcZh3D4PezVpYJCarXXAAd4kopYmd816PGrk7zMK_GIZVhGuMZUdtIUjM1yDH4lcPRmQEQu4hlDHpnH0OJNUl8mgOvHwt-2C-NVkUZSTFVKB2A9wGzfgdwIlizV/w640-h480/DSC01699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5viVAfoLeOBxU26aqEv_P-eidoY7xQxTpIhYn38LhK839p9AJhG0NVA90W0a9dQVSJW_dA2h6KqkCfPNEmuL6Y0HgiuHeAVyL52uG1MjsglPh6wx7AAuwLWjxhEHBQXeCRVIhjoj-MZH8WtowkeOOl898t0sKeWxwRlFkFmg1tmMEt0z6rUXyDBHTJigV/s1024/DSC01700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5viVAfoLeOBxU26aqEv_P-eidoY7xQxTpIhYn38LhK839p9AJhG0NVA90W0a9dQVSJW_dA2h6KqkCfPNEmuL6Y0HgiuHeAVyL52uG1MjsglPh6wx7AAuwLWjxhEHBQXeCRVIhjoj-MZH8WtowkeOOl898t0sKeWxwRlFkFmg1tmMEt0z6rUXyDBHTJigV/w640-h480/DSC01700.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPBUO7i1OO5h9UEJKKj0Hh6-7FljEpO7JtH0dsySKabYbZ3A2eagRpQx67SIthyphenhyphenpnUgU5lhYl4r0fQ9Ei6XoBEgiAujQbmV8kHbFNmMf43hL6GFVCba73Xi9RT2gs62BjyDwuLalIrGTYgOqhrEfPdFBrs2nMgNEpZsepwuCLY7phUpLiq5Lpv0fitHb9/s1024/DSC01702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPBUO7i1OO5h9UEJKKj0Hh6-7FljEpO7JtH0dsySKabYbZ3A2eagRpQx67SIthyphenhyphenpnUgU5lhYl4r0fQ9Ei6XoBEgiAujQbmV8kHbFNmMf43hL6GFVCba73Xi9RT2gs62BjyDwuLalIrGTYgOqhrEfPdFBrs2nMgNEpZsepwuCLY7phUpLiq5Lpv0fitHb9/w640-h480/DSC01702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Also, every night for at least the week I was at Ortona this time, just before dusk a small flock of unknown birds flew in and did some sort of airborne fishing. I could not get a good look at a single bird to identify them, but their feeding behavior was really unusual, so I am hoping someone can help me identify them. My initial guess would be some sort of swallows, maybe bank swallows? <br /><p></p><p><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-share-dialog" href="https://youtu.be/vRGHW7AGy6g" id="share-url" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/vRGHW7AGy6g </a><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-13587591544103098392024-02-19T21:40:00.063-05:002024-02-29T22:05:31.614-05:002/11 The Trials & Tribulations of Getting Service for a Motorhome <p>I have not posted lately because I have been staying in campgrounds that I have already written about. I will be posting later this week about Colt Creek State Park, where I am staying now, but for now, I thought I would explain about the trials and tribulations I have experienced over the last 11 years in getting things fixed when they break on my motorhome. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">The Problem </span></b><br /></p><p>These items break into two categories: </p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>The basic Ford e450 SuperDuty chassis that Fleetwood bought in order to build the motorhome. This included a stripped-down chassis that consisted of the front cab, including the engine, transmission, and drivers and passengers seats, plus the dashboard and interior controls. It also included a long medium-duty truck bed on which Fleetwood constructed the actual motorhome, plus the front wheels and tires, and a rear set of dual wheels and tires. This same chassis gets purchased by a lot of companies that build various delivery and other commercial trucks. <br /></li><li>The parts of the finished motorhome that Fleetwood built on the above chassis. This included the motorhome floor, walls, roof, and interior systems needed to make it a self-contained living rig. Fleetwood added fresh water and sewage tanks under the flooring; plumbing such as a toilet, shower, kitchen sink; furnaces and ductwork for heating and AC systems; a refrigerator, stove, and kitchen cabinets for food preparation; lighting and electrical systems; and furniture, such as a dinette, couch, and bed. </li></ol><p>The items listed in the first list above require service by an automotive or truck service facility. If I need new brakes or shocks, or the engine misses and needs new plugs, etc. I need to take it to a facility that will fix those things. When I bought my rig, I was told that the big advantage to buying a motorhome built on a Ford chassis was that I could take it to any Ford dealer. </p><p>HA! As many of us who own RVs of any kind know, you should NEVER believe anything an RV salesman tells you! (Most RV sales people have never owned an RV or even camped, so they don't know anything. In fact, they make some car sales people look pretty good.)<br /></p><p>As I learned quickly, very few Ford dealers will repair anything on a Class C motorhome, even if it is built on a Ford chassis and has Ford parts. The excuses I have received over the past almost-12 years include the following: the doors to their service bays are too narrow or too short, or they don't have any jacks to lift up such a heavy vehicle, and their service people don't have the right tools or know how to fix anything on a motorhome built on a Ford chassis. </p><p>In addition, truck repair places also really prefer NOT to work on motorhomes. Some say they only work of diesel vehicles, or they don't have time to work on motorhomes, or their mechanics don't know how to work on motorhomes, etc. etc., etc. </p><p>The items in the second list are repaired by RV dealers and places such
as Camping World. So, if my water heater stops working, the
refrigerator does not cool food adequately, the slide won't slide in or
out, or the lights won't work, I need to take it to an RV service
place. Such places with almost never touch anything on the chassis.
The problem with trying to get something repaired by an RV dealer and
service place is that they tend to be backed up for 6-8 weeks. No air conditioning in this heat wave? Your toilet is leaking? Your stove won't work? It
will take six weeks to fit you into our schedule to even look at it to see what model or part you need, then another few weeks to get the part. Sorry about that. Did you really want to use those hard-to-get reservations for Grand Canyon this year? Maybe you can reschedule your vacation to next year. <br /></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">Solutions?</span></b></h4><p>There are a few solutions to the above, but none of them are as easy as getting your car or pickup truck fixed. Part of the problem is that you are often hundreds or thousands of miles from your permanent home when things break and need to be fixed. </p><p><b><i>Local Mobile Service People</i></b><br /></p><p>One solution for getting something fixed on the RV part of your RV is to find a local mobile rv repairman. These are people who work out of their homes during evenings or weekends, or are retired and work part-time, or run a small business fixing RV stuff. They aren't always easy to find, but you can ask at the office to your campground or check with the camp hosts or fellow campers. </p><p>There are also a few mobile truck mechanics out there to do engine stuff or fix your radiator, but again, they are not easy to find, but asking around can sometimes find someone who is experienced and qualified. There are even certifications for truck mechanics or mobile RV service people. </p><p>Negatives to using mobile repair people is that you cannot always know how qualified they are or what they might charge. There is also a charge for just coming out, usually between $100 and $150 per trip. The nice thing about using a mobile service person is that they will often come within hours or a couple of days. In addition, it is a real pleasure to have someone come to you instead of having to drive to a repair shop and waiting hours to get something done. Most RV parks or campgrounds will not allow you to do vehicle repair in your campsite, but they usually will allow you to get something fixed that prevents you from leaving! <br /></p><p><b><i>CoachNet or Other Road Service Companies </i></b><br /></p><p>In my case, I subscribe to a specialized motorhome road service company called CoachNet. Not only can they come out fix a flat tire, but they can often unstick a stuck slide, or take down your torn awning that is preventing you from driving your rig. If you need to get towed to a service place, they can do that as well, but they can often use their clout to get your problem worked on right away, without your being put in the "we'll get to you in six weeks" queue. </p><p>If something is preventing you from driving your rig, CoachNet will pay for the service call, but not the service itself. In other words, if my slide is stuck, they will pay the $150 for someone to come out, but I will have to pay for the time it takes the service person to unstick my slide. <br /></p><p>CoachNet also offers free telephone technical advice, so sometimes they can help you fix things yourself. (Like the time when I was new to RVing and my lights started to dim. They helped me figure out that I had inadvertently turned off the switch that enables my batteries to be recharged from the campground electrical hookup. Oops.) The other thing is that if you can drive your rig, but don't know where to go to get something fixed or you need help in finding a local mobile repair person, they can often suggest a place from the lists they keep. I used this service when I had managed to get my vehicle engine started, but did not know where to take it to buy a new battery. I called them from a parking lot, and a half hour later, they called me back with the name and address of a repair shop. They had also checked to make sure the shop could take me in immediately and had a stock of the correct batteries.</p><p>Here is a photo of my motorhome engine getting new spark plugs in my campsite. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVcbcSSTHJtFaAQdvC-zAVPpiBAGPmo-pkn1FpVcG4RXjvkYUuYfgoSAxDpFRderv_vnQeDwIk1iR0jw7y0JQWvEKsA4eeA6YvV9GGOZAwURm54kY_vhaF3x4Ip_bghNIpt9fW8xLuzWQjU4UPXZZDcMGreSvxmArXEr5oB574fhu34JveCUGQyzDTTRH/s4896/DSC01510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVcbcSSTHJtFaAQdvC-zAVPpiBAGPmo-pkn1FpVcG4RXjvkYUuYfgoSAxDpFRderv_vnQeDwIk1iR0jw7y0JQWvEKsA4eeA6YvV9GGOZAwURm54kY_vhaF3x4Ip_bghNIpt9fW8xLuzWQjU4UPXZZDcMGreSvxmArXEr5oB574fhu34JveCUGQyzDTTRH/w640-h480/DSC01510.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />You might check with your road service company and see if they keep lists of places able and willing to work on RV components or motorhomes. <p></p><p><i><b>Truck Service Companies & Other Odd Places<br /></b></i></p><p>Now that I told you very few Ford dealerships will work on motorhomes, there are some exceptions. Ford does have what are called fleet service centers or commercial truck centers. There is a brand-new one in Traverse City, Michigan, that is owned by the nearby Fox Ford dealership. There is also a Ford dealership (Bell Ford) in Phoenix that has a fleet service area, but how to find these in various other places can be tricky. Basically, they service motorhomes and medium-duty trucks, which in reality is what my e450 SuperDuty chassis is. However, these places ONLY do mechanical work on the chassis--they will NOT repair your roof AC, refrigerator, furnace, or other motorhome living stuff. <br /></p><p>I also found a gas station at the entrance to Bryce Canyon that will work on motorhome and medium-duty trucks. As I was driving past, I noticed that it had four really big service bays, so I pulled in and saw a sign that said they work on motorhomes and trucks. I had a check engine light on, and they determined I needed new spark plugs and coils, so ordered them for the next day. I hopped on the nearby shuttle and enjoyed the park while they worked on my engine--very handy. </p><p>And sometimes, you just get lucky. On another trip, I was driving slowly through Kanab, UT, when my right front wheel started vibrating. I had just driven past a towing and service place next to a NAPA Auto Parts store, so I circled the block and pulled in. I spent the night behind the shop, hooked up to electric, and since it was next to the police station, it felt pretty safe. </p><p>Sometimes a Ford dealer, especially in a small town, will refer you to someone who works out of their home. I was referred that way to a man who did work on big diesel trucks in a pole barn in the woods behind his house in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. </p><p>Recently, CoachNet referred me to a Boss Truck Shop at a Pilot truck stop behind the gas station in Ft. Myers, FL. They replaced the wheel bearings in both of my front wheels while I spent five hours sitting in my recliner in my motorhome while they worked on it. A lot nicer than sitting in the usual crummy waiting room in a car service shop. Here is a view from my rig getting worked on.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfJq2XCgQPWaeFuGvX6j3loQAXEXOizi0rmPKqn-6yFMOztRwp0qv1Fu4KWIuJPwwiIKOFM2mKow4B3KOoReWI_XyaY-xwp1xfoFr8LTssSOqMmWY4CQ0LroD4dyUMghbGv7s56i2V6t_2TiVvrdvK_rcydJfhWITswiwGS4aNZnwbMw0uGDi7kmwwDYe/s2856/IMG_3513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2856" data-original-width="2142" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfJq2XCgQPWaeFuGvX6j3loQAXEXOizi0rmPKqn-6yFMOztRwp0qv1Fu4KWIuJPwwiIKOFM2mKow4B3KOoReWI_XyaY-xwp1xfoFr8LTssSOqMmWY4CQ0LroD4dyUMghbGv7s56i2V6t_2TiVvrdvK_rcydJfhWITswiwGS4aNZnwbMw0uGDi7kmwwDYe/w480-h640/IMG_3513.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i>Summary</i></b></p><p>It is really helpful to have a road service company that will help you find a service place that will take you in immediately and has the parts to do the work, but asking around to other motorhome owners in campgrounds and at the campground check-in booth and office is also a good idea. <br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-69405181319303039192024-01-31T23:24:00.030-05:002024-02-01T21:25:04.422-05:001/31 J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge<p>I had not been to Sanibel Island and the Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve for several years, so I chose today to go there. It was a cool, but sunny day, so I knew I would not bake or freeze while riding my bike. </p><p>If you remember, Sanibel Island was almost completely destroyed in September 2022 by Hurricane Ivan. The only access to the island, the bridge, was inaccessible for a month because the causeway where the bridge stands was cut in a couple of places, as shown here: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/09/30/1126204141/sanibel-causeway-hurricane-ian">https://www.npr.org/2022/09/30/1126204141/sanibel-causeway-hurricane-ian</a> Most people had evacuated, but those who stayed had to be ferried off, and many homes, nearly all cars, and most businesses were destroyed. It has been 18 months, and there is still a lot of construction going on, but from what I saw driving in and out, at least 50-60% of businesses were still not open. </p><p>Here are some photos of the entrance to the bridge and some of the construction still happening on the causeway to rebuild some beaches and fishing areas:<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5aRwqHWFtxkyMkfrGczig5BwWMi_LgPJKYb61d5NzxWOUNi0GYqBFgGE5mBbyN0GKCZxWJad-DO1dF8_Z6tCXD4RR1sncZUHd8afKJQJuq0RJQoH76OVk77FVv1CZV2Oho77_s18JhkTvS9E1yhWNv30yd8hf3PcUU35bqNaha7UKJcIo-wLYgtnUSg6/s1280/DSC01638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5aRwqHWFtxkyMkfrGczig5BwWMi_LgPJKYb61d5NzxWOUNi0GYqBFgGE5mBbyN0GKCZxWJad-DO1dF8_Z6tCXD4RR1sncZUHd8afKJQJuq0RJQoH76OVk77FVv1CZV2Oho77_s18JhkTvS9E1yhWNv30yd8hf3PcUU35bqNaha7UKJcIo-wLYgtnUSg6/w640-h480/DSC01638.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Eventually, you will be able to pull off the roadway and enjoy the picnic, fishing, and swimming areas again. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt4o5L4tLXnSCF7JNAvkgrB6NssQ6ca5VT7835CXeI-20bWiyTT-eXRO6Uhemw4jtONENXRCQA6EsisiJDTWxBQjCnQtHR5vSf7j2OHPVxV3i3YS4na_kdAEJI1hAt4gL8qa54Ld55U014s8fKWUadAMpMN3f_1D1aK28Dqe8jhmh62TDWeT_dFnSwyNc/s1280/DSC01641.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjt4o5L4tLXnSCF7JNAvkgrB6NssQ6ca5VT7835CXeI-20bWiyTT-eXRO6Uhemw4jtONENXRCQA6EsisiJDTWxBQjCnQtHR5vSf7j2OHPVxV3i3YS4na_kdAEJI1hAt4gL8qa54Ld55U014s8fKWUadAMpMN3f_1D1aK28Dqe8jhmh62TDWeT_dFnSwyNc/w640-h480/DSC01641.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzIQQn_jTkN_0iLdp8wPbjPJlm7g-0cZqnbJiQidpri0MMQg_toMHlarn-8Oqx5XQX88CbxjQ7FxSastEgVKEGPv6GfUrXceHsAgfq74goUY-R957aRLKjPqbt9r9n_fv3wtSQTgQ9Q7nkPJW3psTWUd593Pezoq19WiRRb7l9P2QmyHcDKLl4mB8IN4u/s1280/DSC01646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzIQQn_jTkN_0iLdp8wPbjPJlm7g-0cZqnbJiQidpri0MMQg_toMHlarn-8Oqx5XQX88CbxjQ7FxSastEgVKEGPv6GfUrXceHsAgfq74goUY-R957aRLKjPqbt9r9n_fv3wtSQTgQ9Q7nkPJW3psTWUd593Pezoq19WiRRb7l9P2QmyHcDKLl4mB8IN4u/w640-h480/DSC01646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIKTynDOMxYVuFUQvx3G8S-AIRpbLhjRx3vR_Bx7XyOE06MmmGKpIxCXCHmf7-q4c4Zl799gTh5rK8QgpY3kGBG-bFtzk_ypBha1wBomzOG3YP1lwV0HhwNgQKedLjREXJeLBtAFR8mtffDgl9lepyidpNNaYaDHcq_hifj7ciOoEQpE20k7YhQy_mLJk/s1280/DSC01648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIKTynDOMxYVuFUQvx3G8S-AIRpbLhjRx3vR_Bx7XyOE06MmmGKpIxCXCHmf7-q4c4Zl799gTh5rK8QgpY3kGBG-bFtzk_ypBha1wBomzOG3YP1lwV0HhwNgQKedLjREXJeLBtAFR8mtffDgl9lepyidpNNaYaDHcq_hifj7ciOoEQpE20k7YhQy_mLJk/w640-h480/DSC01648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Notice the damage to trees. Normally, there would be taller trees and more of them. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdufpjGItbABV1Sw2OXJ7BVEpAR_95ZaklNlqHWNqgGoySjLZWYWOnghKGSwuuGWRw8kDPMp7f8gSquncWLHXXmOYvLMSQt0iKjab8RZuWDlqksLH2m4AzZ9Ipg3dEA4Hp89HgtnCI91ypHj5K9vuxxOvemk9r3DfcG1dyvRYC8UYAWUZKgFZT793DSfS/s1280/DSC01651.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdufpjGItbABV1Sw2OXJ7BVEpAR_95ZaklNlqHWNqgGoySjLZWYWOnghKGSwuuGWRw8kDPMp7f8gSquncWLHXXmOYvLMSQt0iKjab8RZuWDlqksLH2m4AzZ9Ipg3dEA4Hp89HgtnCI91ypHj5K9vuxxOvemk9r3DfcG1dyvRYC8UYAWUZKgFZT793DSfS/w640-h480/DSC01651.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In any case, I always enjoy riding my bike and seeing birds at Ding Darling. The preserve
consists of several areas of wetlands and large tidal ponds and cypress
forests where birds congregate. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDRTYCVcVI125kc_d5oJxIDI-7zBUeJPXjle2nD6RWZn2yf_3BQvZvhWryURDRLLwkDO1v2aLoGb98GP5ZkcBGwA6GXqXOrBKhgH0P0vfL5G5E15FWkgWrFejPcVjRaHOwot5EbnpWYDNtunbubb6FLlWWDxvO3yRa7NG06vpmx2AtstVTUDo8Y3ONM9x/s1280/DSC01654.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZDRTYCVcVI125kc_d5oJxIDI-7zBUeJPXjle2nD6RWZn2yf_3BQvZvhWryURDRLLwkDO1v2aLoGb98GP5ZkcBGwA6GXqXOrBKhgH0P0vfL5G5E15FWkgWrFejPcVjRaHOwot5EbnpWYDNtunbubb6FLlWWDxvO3yRa7NG06vpmx2AtstVTUDo8Y3ONM9x/w640-h480/DSC01654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is a good map of the area. I rode around the entire paved roadway, for a total of 9 miles. Not bad for an old lady! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP0IEwOqDGQX_-UIht5CN2SroZ5VqMFM-f12yMbo2NDpeGo4WzyEN5f_cDrRravwCSG9uamcU7Nw98B-aZ-YIWWKagxLkk9GfhuZToFebQbUW1fJAhuKF-5ak_yQEwIcJG2WrJSmr2grNGrPpLxjm0POtAkXMsdMokBQTsLURk_PoOZfK12yylASxa_VB/s1280/DSC01656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFP0IEwOqDGQX_-UIht5CN2SroZ5VqMFM-f12yMbo2NDpeGo4WzyEN5f_cDrRravwCSG9uamcU7Nw98B-aZ-YIWWKagxLkk9GfhuZToFebQbUW1fJAhuKF-5ak_yQEwIcJG2WrJSmr2grNGrPpLxjm0POtAkXMsdMokBQTsLURk_PoOZfK12yylASxa_VB/w640-h480/DSC01656.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>They have a very nice visitor center, and I treated myself to a t-shirt and a tea towel with birds on it!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWXDKjGir1T0ezhXG84b7PQ6hlrDlbyZOq1hSGmHokC7qjilSSea_-o3iRgqvvtM-cSdNkGYKt9gcOoT_sI9B4weGCfrDUjBPoEOh-ecA30Yb520hmnfIxCd_SelTlwvn7Oig6hC4SO40SGdm98-hAClj4qbWOKX9qpwZmvFc7LtTcbU1HdK4cY_UHLOy/s1280/DSC01657.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWXDKjGir1T0ezhXG84b7PQ6hlrDlbyZOq1hSGmHokC7qjilSSea_-o3iRgqvvtM-cSdNkGYKt9gcOoT_sI9B4weGCfrDUjBPoEOh-ecA30Yb520hmnfIxCd_SelTlwvn7Oig6hC4SO40SGdm98-hAClj4qbWOKX9qpwZmvFc7LtTcbU1HdK4cY_UHLOy/w640-h480/DSC01657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>As you can see, some areas of the parking lot and the grounds near the visitor center are still being worked on. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyGABYG5z_NvqiPRrIgP3trB6kPrz5vCAhtgeU5iZ6GKczisBeUY9cwCEW91H3AEpZ-Yhh2at-rAWtmygF72lL4AwAnOUEhS9vXN7Chi1zRv7Vly5FMbuFoZMDbC4oG5tWaQnLkz6vrOQ8WRMBuHKonwrpPJk-KQAzPLfJ3RFNvIAioPTiGMTzXd9Z6Px/s1280/DSC01658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyGABYG5z_NvqiPRrIgP3trB6kPrz5vCAhtgeU5iZ6GKczisBeUY9cwCEW91H3AEpZ-Yhh2at-rAWtmygF72lL4AwAnOUEhS9vXN7Chi1zRv7Vly5FMbuFoZMDbC4oG5tWaQnLkz6vrOQ8WRMBuHKonwrpPJk-KQAzPLfJ3RFNvIAioPTiGMTzXd9Z6Px/w640-h480/DSC01658.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is the beginning of the 4.5 mile roadway that goes through the refuge. It is one-way, so you exit at the far end and either drive back on the main road or ride your bike on the path along it. I was surprised by the bare and broken trees. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43YhIXfjAb6JD0jf3lQErZv1U5iq_G68beiqeovK3jLIJ87HwVzQezRnDHN9HfUVo7Lenl17HZOBH0fv2RESPfDO-l5vEA-Xgwo7wR9oPzKuzxWADdo70lC2qZeAXpTV01SAni1oc2iw2LOB7FWu3dVW7g1qGA8cFey3lfQEDVGCUKOpkq79a3SRV3-ND/s1280/DSC01659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43YhIXfjAb6JD0jf3lQErZv1U5iq_G68beiqeovK3jLIJ87HwVzQezRnDHN9HfUVo7Lenl17HZOBH0fv2RESPfDO-l5vEA-Xgwo7wR9oPzKuzxWADdo70lC2qZeAXpTV01SAni1oc2iw2LOB7FWu3dVW7g1qGA8cFey3lfQEDVGCUKOpkq79a3SRV3-ND/w640-h480/DSC01659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Looks pretty sad. These are dead trees, not trees that have just lost their leaves for the winter. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyDDMh7V_ULHcHZE447GbhdtmOog4IYcJCLZbr6kzINC-4FvmycyFjUtUGQbbEuICGFjwWD8kDykbe2tRo5Aur7jsBZDjK0N-npLn24si87DXm3BMgcFbYoqL56vhl2cc-7rgog1e9L6bBcnnFLPsNbLmaEfBdZ7CpCkCkxTdajOwKWTmrLFyiDq_c5-8/s1280/DSC01660.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRyDDMh7V_ULHcHZE447GbhdtmOog4IYcJCLZbr6kzINC-4FvmycyFjUtUGQbbEuICGFjwWD8kDykbe2tRo5Aur7jsBZDjK0N-npLn24si87DXm3BMgcFbYoqL56vhl2cc-7rgog1e9L6bBcnnFLPsNbLmaEfBdZ7CpCkCkxTdajOwKWTmrLFyiDq_c5-8/w640-h480/DSC01660.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is the first time I have seen a reddish heron. It looks a lot like a great blue heron, but it has a reddish neck. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKI5UMek-Wak2TWbyK6xx3dSlxpxGpGbmK8DsKWmUWFnt6anBijF17EjW0wymAu4hdh5sRxZJ1mJ9JAwz92dpgq6SpHnrxOTD_3fuQb1ZHReZIXtz4GC1oAi3QaT4IFwBzP4HiZFL4hyphenhypheng19im-fuSd3qaM5cppW0ePsqj5O85n0UlJ_aRGmpN_H2qXMJh5/s1280/DSC01665_reddish%20egret.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1280" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKI5UMek-Wak2TWbyK6xx3dSlxpxGpGbmK8DsKWmUWFnt6anBijF17EjW0wymAu4hdh5sRxZJ1mJ9JAwz92dpgq6SpHnrxOTD_3fuQb1ZHReZIXtz4GC1oAi3QaT4IFwBzP4HiZFL4hyphenhypheng19im-fuSd3qaM5cppW0ePsqj5O85n0UlJ_aRGmpN_H2qXMJh5/w640-h488/DSC01665_reddish%20egret.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>And a little blue heron, identified by its black and grey beak and small body size. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGWwnyxazFZaMecU-Mw08kxuFj-mO1HCzXNObujngeVIao7wLVooRiaxqbTldy38Tm1Yo4iO9w21o4lsE46Q8TF3ryjO9nl38MxFfzFXPTVdtKPPGe8E7uF5nfw6LOOt1WVaJgP7IiUawtgMQM5cVM2IeNo0FEi0kOp2o4c6_cKQsyY5tUyfKtRQNrbzA/s1280/DSC01667_little%20blue%20heron.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1280" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGWwnyxazFZaMecU-Mw08kxuFj-mO1HCzXNObujngeVIao7wLVooRiaxqbTldy38Tm1Yo4iO9w21o4lsE46Q8TF3ryjO9nl38MxFfzFXPTVdtKPPGe8E7uF5nfw6LOOt1WVaJgP7IiUawtgMQM5cVM2IeNo0FEi0kOp2o4c6_cKQsyY5tUyfKtRQNrbzA/w640-h482/DSC01667_little%20blue%20heron.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A flock of American white pelicans resting on a sandbar. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChC1kx4h49O4qw1wVA-fGt8vnJ2ZUOzAfk-h3oFqBQCvLnBpxUZ4Se68taPBqgNHDmhwKHRuSudKqLD6lkoS5R26gRObmBExa2-8JZBoz4g3vO1CIbiQc12OxYsj_cGRgqJghp5gCZfQ1ZQjDR-eZp8uZm_RNLFEQWk3xAC5mVlgG91IS_tqUgQI6kgHH/s1280/DSC01670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChC1kx4h49O4qw1wVA-fGt8vnJ2ZUOzAfk-h3oFqBQCvLnBpxUZ4Se68taPBqgNHDmhwKHRuSudKqLD6lkoS5R26gRObmBExa2-8JZBoz4g3vO1CIbiQc12OxYsj_cGRgqJghp5gCZfQ1ZQjDR-eZp8uZm_RNLFEQWk3xAC5mVlgG91IS_tqUgQI6kgHH/w640-h480/DSC01670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>More dead trees. At least the birds are still nesting in some of them. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7Ybe78_vhywOkMVq5q9RC3EVKWcGhm8-fPFrAHSXkVznhmlF28IzRA-Plze0RX72dCZdacOrKg14nLX9WYS8MXqXbQq4BuoO8V_w-tKck1hrielSoN-xCA_bYge0n6cdF9X2JILsw3ON88o95v35y7Y15b8Tz6VbCfghMMqkDQeO5JuU99wQbzPMKvEz/s1280/DSC01673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7Ybe78_vhywOkMVq5q9RC3EVKWcGhm8-fPFrAHSXkVznhmlF28IzRA-Plze0RX72dCZdacOrKg14nLX9WYS8MXqXbQq4BuoO8V_w-tKck1hrielSoN-xCA_bYge0n6cdF9X2JILsw3ON88o95v35y7Y15b8Tz6VbCfghMMqkDQeO5JuU99wQbzPMKvEz/w640-h480/DSC01673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-iu9v8TD08B1XKTr2gyFFhIJkjeUOmCHAF4fKGlLvmN7IXbxfKfp8SUGqiDTXGiofElSCiz5Q4g-jKTxtFnrPAjRNDltLgQYUKmSXiI9cySNHlxex2_P1xweccf5Jy94FGJcrsQLhTBTDokU8CiQQ2HWqjJB342CUndxJDEgfWUGBOfElI4qBzpjKmI7/s1280/DSC01674.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-iu9v8TD08B1XKTr2gyFFhIJkjeUOmCHAF4fKGlLvmN7IXbxfKfp8SUGqiDTXGiofElSCiz5Q4g-jKTxtFnrPAjRNDltLgQYUKmSXiI9cySNHlxex2_P1xweccf5Jy94FGJcrsQLhTBTDokU8CiQQ2HWqjJB342CUndxJDEgfWUGBOfElI4qBzpjKmI7/w640-h480/DSC01674.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is a juvenile white ibis. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2YLLnuVdp5xrNjmQTE0Ur0sL6qrVE374zyaQaJz5HD5a1GMj878VIXwBr5Ft5c4x2A_MLmzXsSG2XGCFDoGCPZUPX3fSEXuKfT6uHIVgvYrqJfNTPD0s0JW54RwlYmytc_F8thZDVJ6CgYTDM568D4XHXuKbZK7h_EHME2tsxxpt71zPUBC7dM_ndGLh/s1280/DSC01677.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir2YLLnuVdp5xrNjmQTE0Ur0sL6qrVE374zyaQaJz5HD5a1GMj878VIXwBr5Ft5c4x2A_MLmzXsSG2XGCFDoGCPZUPX3fSEXuKfT6uHIVgvYrqJfNTPD0s0JW54RwlYmytc_F8thZDVJ6CgYTDM568D4XHXuKbZK7h_EHME2tsxxpt71zPUBC7dM_ndGLh/w640-h480/DSC01677.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>And some of his/her siblings on a nearby branch! These birds are extremely common in Florida and can often be found anywhere there is water. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCjYoUGAUj542ISNRJlF4kc9zb0N1rpux1yntGe3XN9lYru5e6tb_yQBVo3WUP5ri8IGq-CEfUyCZ2S6faluCShHS4K0G1nl6MzxohITvxWqw2Ar4hdI4RinAhvdPlj51dQlgVcIq6iA53t2iON6J7_-iMJEEayWbXJjR6otnbENGhs1tJ-YvSVtE4zl1/s1280/DSC01680.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCjYoUGAUj542ISNRJlF4kc9zb0N1rpux1yntGe3XN9lYru5e6tb_yQBVo3WUP5ri8IGq-CEfUyCZ2S6faluCShHS4K0G1nl6MzxohITvxWqw2Ar4hdI4RinAhvdPlj51dQlgVcIq6iA53t2iON6J7_-iMJEEayWbXJjR6otnbENGhs1tJ-YvSVtE4zl1/w640-h480/DSC01680.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Don't know if you have ever seen one of these, but it is a container to put broken fishing line, hooks, and lures in so birds do not get caught up in them. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTPgmwAWbOP9YvBuTVWZfHcpOeMzlw0SmgTMSr1p-dDbHDLAHVALCa21dLowqnicr5dX_ONvjAEEb4_KwD_hGwLHilaKKeR4A1BTTfIPGFWODRGPTccy7hBwJxlqRVfZsqEuZoVU_ZWQHy73tjfL7KeXGbn0j76NWCe5pvHkiUeO7moUolPgk0r551y_V/s1024/DSC01684.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTPgmwAWbOP9YvBuTVWZfHcpOeMzlw0SmgTMSr1p-dDbHDLAHVALCa21dLowqnicr5dX_ONvjAEEb4_KwD_hGwLHilaKKeR4A1BTTfIPGFWODRGPTccy7hBwJxlqRVfZsqEuZoVU_ZWQHy73tjfL7KeXGbn0j76NWCe5pvHkiUeO7moUolPgk0r551y_V/w480-h640/DSC01684.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>And last, but not least, is a yellow-crowned night heron. Normally, you would be able to see his long neck, but a lot of birds scrunch their long necks down when they rest. You can see part of his long legs under the branch in front of him.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAanzPTpoZZ3uRb76iPTgt1nDLQyf-h7VvdbIfcOXIpZLPcX-4yQMeLA3Xk0ZIGqQY_i9_FQpZgd1u9fC0XVMTZDMPy_lKS8VL9_0fgM56Bg7MHKRwn-hSXc7dmdDZGe_OEX7l92yu550Cwd97GLz8FQTJvy_7eDm_aCUdHjiBeIQgGUkG2k5JBzdqUwR0/s1280/DSC01686+yellow%20crowned%20night%20heron.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1280" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAanzPTpoZZ3uRb76iPTgt1nDLQyf-h7VvdbIfcOXIpZLPcX-4yQMeLA3Xk0ZIGqQY_i9_FQpZgd1u9fC0XVMTZDMPy_lKS8VL9_0fgM56Bg7MHKRwn-hSXc7dmdDZGe_OEX7l92yu550Cwd97GLz8FQTJvy_7eDm_aCUdHjiBeIQgGUkG2k5JBzdqUwR0/w640-h496/DSC01686+yellow%20crowned%20night%20heron.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The only big problem with visiting Sanibel Island, both now and in the past, is the lack of a second exit. Late the the day, you can wait up to an hour or more to get off the island. It was worse before the hurricane destroyed a lot of restaurants, but just be aware that you should try to leave before 3:00 pm or wait until after the late afternoon rush hour. I left the refuge at 4 pm and it took me over an hour of stop and go traffic to drive the last 3.7 miles to the bridge. Once you get on the bridge, you are usually pretty clear. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-53426962111866453022024-01-27T20:57:00.007-05:002024-01-30T22:38:26.262-05:001/27 Visiting Michigan--the Great Lakes State<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I am back at WP Franklin campground, and I posted about this place in December, so I am not going to bother posting again now. However, I have decided to use this time to post about some things that people ask me about fairly often. The first is what to see and do in Michigan, which is where I was born and spent my entire life until about 12 years ago. I also got degrees from two of the major Universities there, and taught in one smaller college part-time for 30 years. Also, I still have a niece, a few cousins, and many friends there, so I make sure I go there for a few days to visit people and to stock up on Michigan food and t-shirts!! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Many people are not familiar with Michigan because it is not on the way to anyplace else. In other words, unlike like most states, you don't go through it to head out west or east or even south. It IS a short cut to Canada, but a lot of people do not do much traveling there. This is a shame because Michigan consists of two large peninsulas and borders of four of the five world's largest fresh-water lakes!! In addition, Detroit is one of the oldest big cities in the U.S. and has some fantastic architectural gems, ethnic food, and great things to do and see. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, assuming you are entering Michigan from Indiana or Ohio, here are some places I think you should not miss as you head from the southern part of the state to what we Michiganders call "Up North."</span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Detroit Area </b>- No longer the murder capital of the country, Detroit is overall a safe city to visit. Did you know that Detroit was settled in 1701 as a French fur-trading post by a French explorer named Antoine de la Mothe sieur de Cadillac? It is the oldest American city that is not along the tidal Atlantic coast. The city was originally called "le d</span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgba(80, 151, 255, 0.18); color: #040c28; font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">é</b><span style="font-family: arial;">troit du Lac Erie", or the strait of Lake Erie. Native Americans brought furs from as far away as Lake Superior by canoe to trade here with the French. It was surrendered to the British in 1760 and then deeded back to the French in Quebec before becoming part of the United States. So what is there to see and do here?? Here are some of my favorites: <br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Camping Near Detroit </b>- Frankly, there isn't any. However, when I visit Detroit, I stay south of the city near Monroe, MI. My favorite place is Sterling State Park on the western shore of Lake Erie. It is open, so almost every site has a view of the lake. Sterling State Park does have a few full- hookup sites, but if you absolutely need to have a full-hookup site, try Harbortown RV Resort. <br /></span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Downtown </b>- Park in the lot just west of the big building with four towers that has a big GM sign on it. Or you can park in the underground lot that is in the middle of Jefferson Avenue that runs along the river. Walk over to the GM building and enjoy the shops and restaurants inside. Check out this link for more info: <a href="https://gmrencen.com/">https://gmrencen.com/</a>. Then walk out the main doors that open towards the Detroit River and walk along the parks in both directions and enjoy the view of the river and Canada. If you are there on a weekend in the summer, there might be an ethnic festival just to the west. (Note: This is a unique place in the U.S. because when you look across the river to Canada, you are looking south, not north!) </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /></li></ul></ul><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Belle Isle </b>- One of the true gems of Detroit, Belle Isle is an island in the middle of the Detroit River. This park located about two miles east of downtown and was designed by Frederic Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York. It is now a state park, so there is a fee involved, but is it worth it. Check it out here: <a href="https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/">https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/</a> When you enter, follow the outside roadway past the entrance booth and circle the island counterclockwise. You will first see a huge fountain, Scott Memorial Fountain, so make sure you stop there and walk around. (Also make sure you read the sign about the guy who paid to build this as a memorial to himself and what a horrible person he was!!) hopefully, it will be spouting water. Past the fountain, you will end up at the western point of the island with a fantastic view of downtown Detroit and Canada. Continue driving along the perimeter road, and assuming renovation construction is completed, stop at the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the Belle Isle Aquarium, and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. Plan on spending at least a couple of hours on Belle Isle, and take some time for a picnic along the river to watch for big great lake freighters that might be going by. </span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Detroit Institute of Arts</b> - A world-class art museum and one of the best in the country, this is a couple of miles north on Woodward Avenue in the New Center Area. There is underground parking for cars and a big dirt lot behind it for bigger vehicles. Info on hours and exhibits are here: <a href="https://dia.org/">https://dia.org/</a> Besides the usual things you expect to see in art museums, this one has something unique--an entire large room or covered courtyard covered with the "Detroit Industry" murals done by Mexican artist Diego Rivera in 1932-1933. Also, something interesting to know is that when Detroit declared bankruptcy a few years ago, the plans were to sell almost $1B worth of art to pay the city's bills. Private individuals contributed $800 million to pay the city's pension debts and to turn ownership over to an independent charitable trust and save the artwork. </span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Food </b>- If you had not heard it before, Detroit is a fantastic ethnic food place. If you are downtown, take a quick drive to the Eastern Market or Greektown and enjoy the food and atmosphere! </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /></li></ul></ul></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Dearborn</b> - One of the most interesting museums is the one set up by Henry Ford. He focused his efforts in collecting industrial equipment and Americana. Located in Dearborn, a large city adjacent to Detroit, the Henry Ford Museum has three parts:</span></li><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;">First is the <b>Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation</b> itself. Notable are many of the Presidential limousines, the bus that Rosa Parks rode in, a Ford Trimotor Plane. Check it out here: https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/henry-ford-museum/</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Second is <b>Greenfield Village</b>. This is an 80 acre outdoor museum containing many of the houses and businesses that Henry Ford collected. You can ride a Model T or see the lab where Ford's good friend, Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, or walk through a farm and watch artisans create useful items. <a href="https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/greenfield-village/">https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/greenfield-village/</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, you can sign up for a tour of <b>Ford's Dearborn Truck Plan</b>t and see what modern assembly looks like. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></li></ul></ul></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Dearborn - </b>Also</span><b><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: arial;">in Dearborn is one of the largest Middle Eastern populations in the country. This means some of the best Middle Eastern food in restaurants and bakeries are located in Dearborn or the Detroit areas. Here are some suggestions for restaurants: <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g42130-c30-Dearborn_Michigan.html.">https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g42130-c30-Dearborn_Michigan.html.</a> And if you love baklava, check out the couple dozen types at one of my favorite bakeries, Masri sweets! <br /></span></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Up North - </b>Up North is pretty hard to define in Michigan, but basically it is anywhere north of the Detroit-Ann Arbor-Flint area. Up North is where people who live in southern Michigan go when they want to get away from it all. Michigan has 11,000 inland lakes and 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, so you are never very far away from a place to swim or boat in. In addition, Michigan has more lighthouses than any other states, so you can easily do a lighthouse tour, except it would take you a very long time to drive the entire Great Lakes Shoreline. If you don't have time to do that all, here are some of my favorite places in Michigan:</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Frankenmuth</b> - On the way north, stop at Frankenmuth and enjoy a chicken dinner at either Zehnder's or the Bavarian inn. Pick up some bakery goodies and bread in the basement bakeries on your way out. Also, make a stop at Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas decoration store, even if you are there is the middle of summer! Many small and large towns buy their town decorations from Bronner's and they also sell an amazingly large selection of tree and other ornaments you can use on your tree and home. </span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Bay City - </b>One of my favorite stops on my way north, after I have picked up some pastries in Frankenmuth is the :nut house", aka St. Laurent Brothers, in Bay City. It's not a big place, and it is tucked away off the main street, but it has a great selection of candies and nuts. <a href="https://www.downtownbaycity.com/listings/st-laurent-brothers/">https://www.downtownbaycity.com/listings/st-laurent-brothers/</a> </span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Traverse City</b> - This is a great city with a lot of bays and the eastern shore of Lake Michigan surrounding it. Winds tend to flow from west to east, across Lake Michigan and the two big bays, so the climate is a bit milder than you might expect, though they do get a LOT of snow in the winter. A slightly mild winter and early spring means it is a terrific place to grow wine grapes and sour cherries. It is also a very cosmopolitan city with lots of restaurants and tasting rooms. Two terrific drives are to the west or north and around the Leelanau Peninsula to the little town of Glen Arbor and to the northeast up to the tip of the Mission Peninsula. Both of these are very scenic and full of excellent wineries. You can also visit during the Cherry Festival in June. Finally, you should not miss climbing on the big dune at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. DO NOT attempt to climb down the dunes that overlook Lake Michigan, however, as you may not be able to climb up and will end up having to take a several mile walk to get back to level land!!!</span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Hartwick Pines State Park/Grayling</b> - Hartwick State Park contains one of the very few tracts of virgin White Pine in Michigan, so it is well worth a visit. The campground has some full-hookup sites, and there is a logging museum to visit, as well as a walk around the big trees. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> <br /></span></li></ul></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Mackinaw City </b>- Mackinaw City is at the tip of Michigan's lower peninsula and Mackinac Island is a small island between the two peninsulas. Both are pronounced "aw." This may sound strange but the city was originally a British settlement and the island was a French fur trading post and fort. I always try to stop at Mackinaw City to buy fudge and Michigan t-shirts and souvenirs. Good fish sandwiches in the center of town also. (Warning: Be careful about going under the bridge because some places are too low for RVs! One of the Big Mac bridge underpasses snags about one RV per week, and it is embarrassing to have to back up through a four-way stop, even if you do stop in time, as I can attest to!) Tip: If you are driving a large motorhome or towing a trailer, there is plenty of parking in Mackinaw City. The main street in Mackinaw runs east and west, but one street south of this main street has a very large paved lot where you can park while you shop. Also, there is a very pleasant park and visitor center on the shore, just underneath the bridge, with parking for RVs on the eastern side of the parking lot. You can walk along the shore or visit Fort Michilimackinac and the nearby lighthouse from that location. Just make sure you know hot tall your RV is and check the height of any place where you choose to drive under the bridge. <br /></span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Mackinac Island -</b> Mackinac Island is a very special place because of its 350 years of history and because it is unique in that no cars are allowed. (No electric bikes are allowed either.) You arrive by ferry or private boat and take a horse-drawn carriage to your hotel. The island is about 70% state park, so even though millions of people visit each year, it is possible to find a quiet place to enjoy the view. You can take your bike on the ferry or you can rent one at the boat docks. If your hotel is close by, there are porters who will load your suitcases onto their bikes and you can walk to it. The town on the island is small, but it has 13 fudge shops, so it is almost impossible not to buy fudge! You can also ride your bikes or rent a self-driving horse-drawn carriage to ride around island along the 8-mile long only state highway in Michigan where cars are not allowed. The hotels on the island are expensive, but there are smaller hotels and B&Bs available, and it is a wonderful place to spend a few days. No camping of any kind is allowed, however. Be sure to take an island horse-drawn tour and admire the rows of Victorian houses, plus stop at the fort. The town area is very busy during the day, but wonderfully quiet at night after most of the "fudgies" have left. (A "fudgie" is someone who comes just for the day and buys fudge.)</span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"><b></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The Upper Peninsula - </b>Immediately after you cross the Big Mac bridge, you will notice numerous signs advertising pasties. A pasty is something very popular anywhere in Michigan, but especially in the UP, where it was brought by Cornish miners who came to Michigan to mine copper. A proper pastie should consist of a pastry crust filled with equal parts chopped beef, potatoes, onions, and rutabaga, which is related to turnips but tastes slightly different. Some people put gravy on their pasties, others put ketchup on them, but I like mine with just butter and salt. Yum! </span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The Soo, aka Sault Ste Marie, MI</b> - If you keep driving north on I-75, you will arrive at the small town of Sault Ste. Marie. (Remembering that this area was originally French, you need to know that "Sault" is pronounced "Soo.") You are now as far north as you can go without crossing into Canada. The St. Mary's River divides the two countries and is where the big lake freighters go between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The Soo Locks are fun to visit and watch big ships go through the locks. About a mile east of the locks is the city-owned Aune Osborn Campground. It is a basic campground with water and electric sites, but is one of the best ship watching places in Michigan!! Ships come out of the locks and need to make a slight right turn at the campground into a very narrow part of the river, so ships come close enough to wave at the workers on the decks!! There is an online site and also a phone number you can call to know what ships are due to come through the locks and when they will arrive! </span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Whitefish Point & Tahquamenon Falls</b> - Heading west along the Lake Superior shore, you will find two great places to visit: Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. Tahquamenon Falls is the highest falls in Michigan and well worth a visit. Whitefish Point juts into Lake Superior, and it was off Whitefish Point that the iron ore freighter Edmund Fitzgerald sank in 30' waves on November 14, 1975 with 29 souls aboard. The wreck was found broken in half in 535' of water in 1995, and several artifacts are in the museum, including the ship's bell. If you have somehow never heard it, the official recording of the Gordon Lightfoot song about the sinking can be found here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuzTkGyxkYI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuzTkGyxkYI</a> </span></li></ul></ul><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>The Rest of the UP</b> - I've hit the main points of places I like to visit in Michigan, but there are many more in the upper peninsula, including Grand Marais, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Keweenaw Peninsula, and a lot of other places, so just go Explore!! (Note: Even though Duluth is in Minnesota, it is on the far end of Lake Superior and a great place to end your trip.) <br /></span></li></ul></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b> </b></span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p></div>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-10934561574402779662024-01-18T00:09:00.003-05:002024-01-19T22:06:24.780-05:001/17 Shark Valley Bike Ride<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Shark Valley is part of Everglades National Park, and it is located about 15 miles from my campground, Midway, along U.S. 41, aka Tamiami Trail. It consists of a 16-mile paved loop road that is accessible to hikers and bikes. You can bring your own bike or rent one from the concessionaire. If you cannot ride or walk that distance, there is also a shuttle that runs every hour or so, but it's expensive, so I prefer using my electric bike. I try to go here at least once or twice every time I visit this area in very southern Florida, but the weather has been rainy and drizzly, plus a bit chilly, over the past week that I have been camping here. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning, the sun was out and no rain was expected, so I uncovered my bike, filled up the front tire with air, and headed east. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First, since this is part of the Everglades National Park, you will need to either pay an entrance fee or show your senior pass, like the one I have. I had to wait in line today because the parking lot is fairly small, and it was full when I arrived. I was lucky that there was an available spot in the RV/bus parking area, but I needed help parallel parking. Got in OK, unloaded my bike, and headed past this visitor center onto the 16-mile loop road. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4R4YNDewJOQwfBYGiRjC9h4f_Ri4KY8EleY9RodzGXm5bH8dpqSBenWEuPc1BJ02Q7_J2caF3r-t8_8Sgmmy5IEsRJdLGb_QjC-nozRsxi3AF9ZPih_MCFXWu-IZ4_ZjBjkUdjJHpTzmn27dFqbnbva4IL7HO6BS-LrJ89TH-rei8pG9kws2GUbk1zql/s1280/DSC01636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4R4YNDewJOQwfBYGiRjC9h4f_Ri4KY8EleY9RodzGXm5bH8dpqSBenWEuPc1BJ02Q7_J2caF3r-t8_8Sgmmy5IEsRJdLGb_QjC-nozRsxi3AF9ZPih_MCFXWu-IZ4_ZjBjkUdjJHpTzmn27dFqbnbva4IL7HO6BS-LrJ89TH-rei8pG9kws2GUbk1zql/w640-h480/DSC01636.jpg" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I prefer to start off on the east side of the loop because it is less crowded. In fact, it is amazingly empty most of the time, though there was a little traffic from fellow bike riders today. Also, note how much water there is in the Everglades. Last time I was here a couple of years ago, it was almost dry. </span><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pii0Lf0EzETEVzGfr7ddE41EIBMGOT8nAH76p6JxryPDZ20W1zUDZ2hX5kHfKMSvHS-eqoGj720hr7rT1LDWFcJnJP4KboKmcIHpq94xQ8cRfcH-3v_Y53E8rhAzlZvliJzD8ls6RhPGznwDPkb6lBsD6JJ0BuGkxZ9-v3n9CvszfCKiW1ve7CoaEH9u/s1280/DSC01595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4pii0Lf0EzETEVzGfr7ddE41EIBMGOT8nAH76p6JxryPDZ20W1zUDZ2hX5kHfKMSvHS-eqoGj720hr7rT1LDWFcJnJP4KboKmcIHpq94xQ8cRfcH-3v_Y53E8rhAzlZvliJzD8ls6RhPGznwDPkb6lBsD6JJ0BuGkxZ9-v3n9CvszfCKiW1ve7CoaEH9u/w640-h480/DSC01595.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc4gbCpbDu_ECE2BUrnxtH8xGgAK7ZQD0bF1A8X4tY0QXVcTXsOTRr3DSk4k_IkhwJ1lKsbJSnrFJ0UdEz9MJB2siujPlPXc6s3bCAbFfMNY0PiL_vCOU8ZXZ1EQrjNSgmS6Ut1fxRDtsU4tx1bB2KiRQxp5sTPCpKfSw5osn1mUQa38NeIUgxl9vHvKO/s1280/DSC01597.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinc4gbCpbDu_ECE2BUrnxtH8xGgAK7ZQD0bF1A8X4tY0QXVcTXsOTRr3DSk4k_IkhwJ1lKsbJSnrFJ0UdEz9MJB2siujPlPXc6s3bCAbFfMNY0PiL_vCOU8ZXZ1EQrjNSgmS6Ut1fxRDtsU4tx1bB2KiRQxp5sTPCpKfSw5osn1mUQa38NeIUgxl9vHvKO/w640-h480/DSC01597.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsZ6WJyEsWPdhOgcIaN1WvR1N1KwoAHE0Bem-40DWLChpy8cmdzt1VizX9rDWBQlJySe9GlpyrqHkvkHhbj-UUzeNnGh4BV6LZlF5a1CxnumsBfxnx51HTUV21-aNR4QfmpchtpctqqcRo_yH2sKICI0brj-a0xjtWcft5o6FH3rP8t1ua3q_nzhFw0Lz/s1280/DSC01598.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsZ6WJyEsWPdhOgcIaN1WvR1N1KwoAHE0Bem-40DWLChpy8cmdzt1VizX9rDWBQlJySe9GlpyrqHkvkHhbj-UUzeNnGh4BV6LZlF5a1CxnumsBfxnx51HTUV21-aNR4QfmpchtpctqqcRo_yH2sKICI0brj-a0xjtWcft5o6FH3rP8t1ua3q_nzhFw0Lz/w640-h480/DSC01598.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some views of the loop and the area. </span> <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EUCsuf4lPU4_TlymagGLk4D7iPEHbKqx0-k9NJgrH-WZdqLN7BJcjpBGt71vLF-tZ-2Nd6ZGC87QVcF0W7W_8-Xty1rxMqx46Jh8VafkdQqefHQEoAW6ZWNoHVTyO2nkbqyJ8iGErS58Rf8oob7CneCNTdq2fC5fS1SjbRPCre7ymkO1cxznIq_R5Tts/s1280/DSC01600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EUCsuf4lPU4_TlymagGLk4D7iPEHbKqx0-k9NJgrH-WZdqLN7BJcjpBGt71vLF-tZ-2Nd6ZGC87QVcF0W7W_8-Xty1rxMqx46Jh8VafkdQqefHQEoAW6ZWNoHVTyO2nkbqyJ8iGErS58Rf8oob7CneCNTdq2fC5fS1SjbRPCre7ymkO1cxznIq_R5Tts/w640-h480/DSC01600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPGa27vK-lXGWZspJtFcGEfAZI403NmiboVF4_TnI8sGqsV92B39NnDjwcRVMlGse6TgdfKc8juHZewSSHoiyWayPxZJlSBvHXw8BbQ3bUok90UhRQ9JLi_FMnygwknsL4qox_3eCbPIVjUg_GUGegk_ji3m27ZcAXC3w12gi2TWERIMuWFVyCmj7YU2t/s1280/DSC01601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPGa27vK-lXGWZspJtFcGEfAZI403NmiboVF4_TnI8sGqsV92B39NnDjwcRVMlGse6TgdfKc8juHZewSSHoiyWayPxZJlSBvHXw8BbQ3bUok90UhRQ9JLi_FMnygwknsL4qox_3eCbPIVjUg_GUGegk_ji3m27ZcAXC3w12gi2TWERIMuWFVyCmj7YU2t/w640-h480/DSC01601.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After about 7 miles, you can see the tower in the distance. It has a ramp and a great view of the countryside, but I skipped walking up it this year. </span><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxN_xXWdwjhOH4a2f7lcdGzn6OAz2IGyme7qPDOD8ncc32o1d6VfYZmiCJNER_INl7phIRi12itpabd44EtegB5yHGFQHN5H69Cwu_durakfj3jrvzFvIdYqp_kCJ6LNKkA1DjQnopRL69Ncpo0h1J_5EFcwsLdKfPmgGVNTNrI__Q-6CopytOYtrxBRX/s1280/DSC01602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxN_xXWdwjhOH4a2f7lcdGzn6OAz2IGyme7qPDOD8ncc32o1d6VfYZmiCJNER_INl7phIRi12itpabd44EtegB5yHGFQHN5H69Cwu_durakfj3jrvzFvIdYqp_kCJ6LNKkA1DjQnopRL69Ncpo0h1J_5EFcwsLdKfPmgGVNTNrI__Q-6CopytOYtrxBRX/w640-h480/DSC01602.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I need to find out what this white scummy stuff is. It looks a lot like the kind of algae that is appearing in a lot of rivers and ponds these days due to excessive farm fertilizer. </span> <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22ji80SdXeltp-ayYWiQINNY4oLOgTwC4VLmMxSYs9ESw_0LvL_Aht-zGlMYMt4Vv9N4QH-ZU-eBVHPbRGDu2lOd46uj_WldOCKWeh439lvNQTyhCUI3vGHvZr1_q1hns5_CgT9bGBE3mK3vP3Eby6HwfW-v_uRDyLQhft3wrh3fF7RbBTRd_pWchp34E/s1280/DSC01603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg22ji80SdXeltp-ayYWiQINNY4oLOgTwC4VLmMxSYs9ESw_0LvL_Aht-zGlMYMt4Vv9N4QH-ZU-eBVHPbRGDu2lOd46uj_WldOCKWeh439lvNQTyhCUI3vGHvZr1_q1hns5_CgT9bGBE3mK3vP3Eby6HwfW-v_uRDyLQhft3wrh3fF7RbBTRd_pWchp34E/w640-h480/DSC01603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are lucky, you will find several alligators sunning themselves along the roadway. Notice that this can be identified as an alligator by its rounded snout. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErvekF3IQlnOIDVjHUyzgQZDz4ECjWDfP4rScI54JuS_w7vSGAsjBruB-ZanX_yecZlYGz8urTuYJ8pL4oaRUmOliQjgD_wyB6USK1FLYS7-0cVTatMFJBAtE-8OQlkS9Mk0O2jRIr6aREARA4WTrSkTu5k9PsSfxC_4-PuyASDYNaDsuIiirApq2JFFB/s1280/DSC01605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErvekF3IQlnOIDVjHUyzgQZDz4ECjWDfP4rScI54JuS_w7vSGAsjBruB-ZanX_yecZlYGz8urTuYJ8pL4oaRUmOliQjgD_wyB6USK1FLYS7-0cVTatMFJBAtE-8OQlkS9Mk0O2jRIr6aREARA4WTrSkTu5k9PsSfxC_4-PuyASDYNaDsuIiirApq2JFFB/w640-h480/DSC01605.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I mentioned the above photo as being an alligator by its rounded snout, because below is a photo of the only crocodile I have ever seen in this part of the Everglades. I asked the rangers about it later and found out that this is a female who showed up several years ago, and seems happy just hanging around this area. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">She really belongs in brackish or salt water farther south with all the other crocodiles, but somehow she got here and seems comfortable staying. She is about 8' long, so fully an adult, but she cannot mate with alligators because she is a different species. </span><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIUqWlXV6Knwew8yJjVMHZq_ojie5JatiMdcn1dKOivPLHaFkhaWNQIn15LFyNeigza60Xbl5A3PugYf9c60TwoOFSfKYt52SNb75nLcs6MmL4GLH-rOemwgsH6Q2d0W3GBKRM2gO8z0B66PzLkwF05Ty98vpvdD3PCfJd-lz9qAVqi91D3vhGPgtmyFr/s1280/DSC01607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIUqWlXV6Knwew8yJjVMHZq_ojie5JatiMdcn1dKOivPLHaFkhaWNQIn15LFyNeigza60Xbl5A3PugYf9c60TwoOFSfKYt52SNb75nLcs6MmL4GLH-rOemwgsH6Q2d0W3GBKRM2gO8z0B66PzLkwF05Ty98vpvdD3PCfJd-lz9qAVqi91D3vhGPgtmyFr/w640-h480/DSC01607.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How do we know this is a crocodile, not an alligator? The main clue is that she has a long, narrow snout and her teeth are visible on the outside of her upper jaw. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Both alligators and crocodiles are equally fast in terms of swimming, but alligators are much more laid-back, while crocodile are more aggressive. However, unless bothered, it is highly unlikely that either one will chase you as the ones do in the Crocodile Dundee movies!!! If you find them basking in the sun, it is likely they are napping and have their eyes closed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the other hand, almost every pond and puddle in Florida has alligators in it, so do not go swimming or even wading in any watery place in Florida or a lot of other southern states. Stick to hotel and private pools!! And if you go swimming even there after dark, turn some lights on and check for visitors before you dive in! 🐊 </span><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3wupUpGHD26DrqWqvdPrK6RtkAt1YVwgPvqKXuOCiiRphgwfCT90oThgVlsvjq1Xh55hJNIxpAS1oF8V6TwcJMGIzO6KVXACVFGXoCA60E99ASNQsh4i2ZO-OgW7hvuo682b-pT3MS0feGHsihP_CKi7UvQxG3dp2JJAiK6rWUP3uA1i80u0Ks1MwwW4/s1280/DSC01610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3wupUpGHD26DrqWqvdPrK6RtkAt1YVwgPvqKXuOCiiRphgwfCT90oThgVlsvjq1Xh55hJNIxpAS1oF8V6TwcJMGIzO6KVXACVFGXoCA60E99ASNQsh4i2ZO-OgW7hvuo682b-pT3MS0feGHsihP_CKi7UvQxG3dp2JJAiK6rWUP3uA1i80u0Ks1MwwW4/w640-h480/DSC01610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBOBc16vw-DoE8SZwAiLYsE8qNjlv7mVRfMCgovtYHI0Yf3ZlK1ZIvmV4VfCPzaPgK_H8z4DJXR2kNU3uvRbEMn1oES3ZqOSPabSZsqlnA5JKfwB-UxlZLkXXZqr6uyKcr0TQbRKnlURp_ZJPymXWANccx253_XERLU8RnvlmCnd5q9wM3FA2NKTWoI4g/s1280/DSC01612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBOBc16vw-DoE8SZwAiLYsE8qNjlv7mVRfMCgovtYHI0Yf3ZlK1ZIvmV4VfCPzaPgK_H8z4DJXR2kNU3uvRbEMn1oES3ZqOSPabSZsqlnA5JKfwB-UxlZLkXXZqr6uyKcr0TQbRKnlURp_ZJPymXWANccx253_XERLU8RnvlmCnd5q9wM3FA2NKTWoI4g/w640-h480/DSC01612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a much less dangerous Florida resident. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fa2ELaVBkGNg7WTll-MOY7nYu6svTyrZzaYq_5-PeYNnpO0_eiO67S_tO4bDhGhXaaJNbxYIid3ygD1fRdDS3Tr-CjWDAvj2tOm4XcTb2K1Qzfaj0zIeBUPvLt8BAVcXyVNdhSuRxJvdbql702iWqVp6K4wPs_kCUtthb84B-HyMgbygPafDJmz5ig6E/s1280/DSC01614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3fa2ELaVBkGNg7WTll-MOY7nYu6svTyrZzaYq_5-PeYNnpO0_eiO67S_tO4bDhGhXaaJNbxYIid3ygD1fRdDS3Tr-CjWDAvj2tOm4XcTb2K1Qzfaj0zIeBUPvLt8BAVcXyVNdhSuRxJvdbql702iWqVp6K4wPs_kCUtthb84B-HyMgbygPafDJmz5ig6E/w640-h480/DSC01614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I came to a screeching halt when i saw this very pretty purple gallinule. This one is looking for insects and edible vegetation. They have very long toes on their feet, which they use for walking on vegetation, so you can often find them on pond lily pads and other floating plants. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDLIFYvJCVh9gCdNTavE9pPoGMsccsSBSwTvfJVK5vaBf24nL-CuzrEoIUUafHc75McRy4HH5CdJSqIPNnfCubWY6E8WyJfmK8K6ICNPQcsATKCI-s1axI2e5T0T2OsyjF92qcs5yLaaqEGBZaIx8rx2vkr_RWJ70bU6FijLp7YZl-GJ2eqDWoDkJDLuv/s1280/DSC01617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRDLIFYvJCVh9gCdNTavE9pPoGMsccsSBSwTvfJVK5vaBf24nL-CuzrEoIUUafHc75McRy4HH5CdJSqIPNnfCubWY6E8WyJfmK8K6ICNPQcsATKCI-s1axI2e5T0T2OsyjF92qcs5yLaaqEGBZaIx8rx2vkr_RWJ70bU6FijLp7YZl-GJ2eqDWoDkJDLuv/w640-h480/DSC01617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02q5Z5g4d1HgWjHK_UGYtXaauMbUQAlbdRBh6rC-SBEJgQhyX9LANBu3IPaglYzIxE_lsO3GilMNXnNUIam2heEeUJ3Jc2yMTIs2-RMMqPhM2ck_IAXPQoL3h7TM8Lt4aaqd5g3gRoD3iw0SF9ZnenGCG3Apr3vEk3dTBCgjO4Ems3yAwP05ZIpmB5c0g/s1280/DSC01622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02q5Z5g4d1HgWjHK_UGYtXaauMbUQAlbdRBh6rC-SBEJgQhyX9LANBu3IPaglYzIxE_lsO3GilMNXnNUIam2heEeUJ3Jc2yMTIs2-RMMqPhM2ck_IAXPQoL3h7TM8Lt4aaqd5g3gRoD3iw0SF9ZnenGCG3Apr3vEk3dTBCgjO4Ems3yAwP05ZIpmB5c0g/w640-h480/DSC01622.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp51rejysVLrcRHrd5CI_XroWaOfb25jJB_LIOdGWaa2UzxdYv1PryB7riT5So9TDg2kGSkarh1n8CoIhW9xCM-nSCxrDoKFraTq4G1gX8WbSnZ_W37vqtoQqT3w-_7HC_MWCQDNoLrx7bGHNKDKpRcyVi4GkLQc6laQRoZczHXRENLb1Dz-aj4hPEWvK/s1280/DSC01623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPp51rejysVLrcRHrd5CI_XroWaOfb25jJB_LIOdGWaa2UzxdYv1PryB7riT5So9TDg2kGSkarh1n8CoIhW9xCM-nSCxrDoKFraTq4G1gX8WbSnZ_W37vqtoQqT3w-_7HC_MWCQDNoLrx7bGHNKDKpRcyVi4GkLQc6laQRoZczHXRENLb1Dz-aj4hPEWvK/w640-h480/DSC01623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2cvTxZNuA08CzgecblD6lzDBvKyZF5TTYkSX0OPCp8Ybdo-bL2JguspwzjTx1vov9D7ZgmDKN0XAeoIjaqZ6-nTsZh-k96g3EcuenierlgErX5Y0sKMpuckQRjjoRs5P8srYz8k5y5GrR7UARO1rSu13eFgpShCGDZ0-gdKT5aj3cEpTRM5XYJ5Wd2hC/s1280/DSC01624.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2cvTxZNuA08CzgecblD6lzDBvKyZF5TTYkSX0OPCp8Ybdo-bL2JguspwzjTx1vov9D7ZgmDKN0XAeoIjaqZ6-nTsZh-k96g3EcuenierlgErX5Y0sKMpuckQRjjoRs5P8srYz8k5y5GrR7UARO1rSu13eFgpShCGDZ0-gdKT5aj3cEpTRM5XYJ5Wd2hC/w640-h480/DSC01624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The west loop road follows a water-filled ditch, so there are a lot more birds on it than on the eastern loop road. You can see the ditch in this photo. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM65NNIYj8SwgQKu05FKbn_Ioj_aXp8a_OH9wu9-IkSzC8blY-hRpgyUYKi_naWkadtvTLC84atsPrIjoUa4W2JiZIt3w06x49RQOEBjSk4sDCFiSDGMMcqGb1ZFjAYYAOMkfGkT6P_05HI7oRbtE3PAhW0nsDxam-jy-qHJVfVdXIGhdaUE206AqPCxyM/s1280/DSC01628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM65NNIYj8SwgQKu05FKbn_Ioj_aXp8a_OH9wu9-IkSzC8blY-hRpgyUYKi_naWkadtvTLC84atsPrIjoUa4W2JiZIt3w06x49RQOEBjSk4sDCFiSDGMMcqGb1ZFjAYYAOMkfGkT6P_05HI7oRbtE3PAhW0nsDxam-jy-qHJVfVdXIGhdaUE206AqPCxyM/w640-h480/DSC01628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking ahead at some walkers over my bike. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDXCtM8s1U6tZF0PN0wXCICIltRlPTkRmUYhjlsVizsgEE-XUwFCF6G916S7SfQR4GiBajY7x8hxDrW8baD1C2yw_-IdIwAnop1XJBR-Q98i53qbkTZ-uPojuJIBYwRaxDCdVl-PEYx-vFb_5zhTLRBHYBusDTKY-MXEjNAtn5smrlMEHeSxlFGJ8GIgv/s1280/DSC01629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDXCtM8s1U6tZF0PN0wXCICIltRlPTkRmUYhjlsVizsgEE-XUwFCF6G916S7SfQR4GiBajY7x8hxDrW8baD1C2yw_-IdIwAnop1XJBR-Q98i53qbkTZ-uPojuJIBYwRaxDCdVl-PEYx-vFb_5zhTLRBHYBusDTKY-MXEjNAtn5smrlMEHeSxlFGJ8GIgv/w640-h480/DSC01629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I think this is a lance leaf arrowhead flower. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhike4uUeYaCncA6exeSkfIQsbGkfv_gDFfWM-nPigKPDUTHx9265o7lPJqVhysu4X9J4O7tvZ1EyynJo7Q_ujTWCtPTezgWHIXEUCmAU1CBc3tIOJcy5Zpov1KhdhPYwqTBKC9jtpLTXHbsiOpsbnv6Fq73XHH3w8-CJYieAGhbzaO24aKwJhSGoF24mS4/s1280/DSC01630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhike4uUeYaCncA6exeSkfIQsbGkfv_gDFfWM-nPigKPDUTHx9265o7lPJqVhysu4X9J4O7tvZ1EyynJo7Q_ujTWCtPTezgWHIXEUCmAU1CBc3tIOJcy5Zpov1KhdhPYwqTBKC9jtpLTXHbsiOpsbnv6Fq73XHH3w8-CJYieAGhbzaO24aKwJhSGoF24mS4/w640-h480/DSC01630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a swamp lily. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh_ygXfaKzzZNLQcf2-rl-hSF-LWrQEpOXVrOGBrRYsKkmZQdPFFZK97_c35ZvMkwT557q0wgXlstC3VsXld6mmnK4TQ79wq0IFiaUPBzFlRWZefCW33-VUZqEoTIx9V9Lu522sF83OWS7Sk_ceRcjs2ia0KVkTUSW3rd_9GM3KenMIXeLYNRpTImMmNk/s1280/DSC01632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh_ygXfaKzzZNLQcf2-rl-hSF-LWrQEpOXVrOGBrRYsKkmZQdPFFZK97_c35ZvMkwT557q0wgXlstC3VsXld6mmnK4TQ79wq0IFiaUPBzFlRWZefCW33-VUZqEoTIx9V9Lu522sF83OWS7Sk_ceRcjs2ia0KVkTUSW3rd_9GM3KenMIXeLYNRpTImMmNk/w640-h480/DSC01632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And the last alligator. Actually, there were a lot more on the trail, but I had not taken my jacket and was very cold, so I did not stop for them all. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5AvUa_uwmbfuFQewR789f-lHA37yJXljVMIHmSNphW-Oyt4-kk9hGcM6YI5HlLhETL0GYgO7mR0QdUmh4xA_0mkfZQU5-T-niTb1OyrkbyOmwt56ieHWXVyW1cMLKaGanp1iVxzRNz5eBDX6P1rKLQZ6OkNkScjtqJVPqhw17sVn7AWgvVfXqax3cM-h/s1280/DSC01635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5AvUa_uwmbfuFQewR789f-lHA37yJXljVMIHmSNphW-Oyt4-kk9hGcM6YI5HlLhETL0GYgO7mR0QdUmh4xA_0mkfZQU5-T-niTb1OyrkbyOmwt56ieHWXVyW1cMLKaGanp1iVxzRNz5eBDX6P1rKLQZ6OkNkScjtqJVPqhw17sVn7AWgvVfXqax3cM-h/w640-h480/DSC01635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">This is one of the best bike trails in Florida, so I strongly recommend you take it at least once or twice each year. If I lived in Florida, I think I would go during different seasons, also. There is always something interesting to see. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-39432105702734311042024-01-17T22:54:00.007-05:002024-02-28T22:00:18.371-05:001/15 Midway Campground, Ochopee, FL<p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is one of my favorite campgrounds in Florida, in spite of, and maybe because, it has almost no amenities. Or at least no amenities that many people look for in a campground. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It can clearly be said to be "in the middle of nowhere" because it is in the Big Cypress National Preserve, on Highway U.S. 41, aka Tamiami Trail, and located half-way between Miami and Naples, FL. The nearest gas station, along with a convenience store, is located about 20 miles away in the Miccosukee Indian Reservation. If you want a real supermarket, you need to drive about 50 miles to the Publix store in Marco Island. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mostly, there are just a lot of birds and alligators around this place, plus a black bear who occasionally visits the campground, so you need to keep food inside your RV or in a bear-proof storage box provided for you if you are tenting. It is also very quiet here, especially at night when most of the highway traffic is gone. It is also extremely dark here, as Big Cypress is a dark sky area, so you are asked to not turn on any outdoor lights at night, so fellow campers can see the Milky Way and millions and millions of stars. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As you drive past on the Tamiami Trail, you might easily miss this campground sign. There are other small campgrounds along this road, but this is the only one with electric hookups, so it is very popular. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVLD8Aq-JsaNZPTpCOGDPqtFQQUN7gg81K-ODUNB0o8N1nqpCWk2Je8JKcVkIXkhnOBGdHbFLueZH1hp8gDmqDFiAy2rfqPlWIUAolervI30y0bzSIqRtyP-a6Bh1l_cXiPwI4Sm3jsH9uWYni7WcnYYSETCVKqFTwwVTYVbkW9VOnH3J-iktJK_CZyGH/s1280/DSC01583.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVLD8Aq-JsaNZPTpCOGDPqtFQQUN7gg81K-ODUNB0o8N1nqpCWk2Je8JKcVkIXkhnOBGdHbFLueZH1hp8gDmqDFiAy2rfqPlWIUAolervI30y0bzSIqRtyP-a6Bh1l_cXiPwI4Sm3jsH9uWYni7WcnYYSETCVKqFTwwVTYVbkW9VOnH3J-iktJK_CZyGH/w640-h480/DSC01583.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Basically, the campground is a loop that circles an alligator pond, shown below. Alligators do come out on warm, sunny days, to increase their body temperatures so they can digest their food, which is mostly fish from the pond. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iPgXSEa3l0CnY_ZzOx_MFmXX9-N0BTaWEYRxzsUS3KWGN3PIp17H4GGuWUteOurE2QnBYbm_B-HovkChGVkMeAIHNfVGsp-ZrPGgVuvgPtenaSDlvzweWyGprKtORZH53WHBOy1vgENuzv4U3tH6WuWaZmvtCjVF1fwr-snNJynciHjMYDqQA5PUJ-je/s1280/DSC01543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iPgXSEa3l0CnY_ZzOx_MFmXX9-N0BTaWEYRxzsUS3KWGN3PIp17H4GGuWUteOurE2QnBYbm_B-HovkChGVkMeAIHNfVGsp-ZrPGgVuvgPtenaSDlvzweWyGprKtORZH53WHBOy1vgENuzv4U3tH6WuWaZmvtCjVF1fwr-snNJynciHjMYDqQA5PUJ-je/w640-h480/DSC01543.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">You are asked, however, not to take pets for a walk on the grassy area between the roadway and the pond, and it is strongly suggested that you take a flashlight if you go out after dark so you do not trip over anything. No picnicking here also, for obvious reasons. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmIemNU3LJscB3gQ97RNl8zKqC0RMHJRSsyLzuCmUoHKO7iMe5gNQ-38c4eiJN4zPDwvwAlD5SOQhwoKpbYucvQ2SsfqS4hHilGNIqjitLlqdWfqr8av7sfg6SeGAK6LyxAQobQbI6-5EPTKd-5kn2yuqDlXNl63dKnSx45PLCKSL5YFqo1uM7GjXjZou/s1280/DSC01532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmIemNU3LJscB3gQ97RNl8zKqC0RMHJRSsyLzuCmUoHKO7iMe5gNQ-38c4eiJN4zPDwvwAlD5SOQhwoKpbYucvQ2SsfqS4hHilGNIqjitLlqdWfqr8av7sfg6SeGAK6LyxAQobQbI6-5EPTKd-5kn2yuqDlXNl63dKnSx45PLCKSL5YFqo1uM7GjXjZou/w640-h480/DSC01532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJE_pUM3JfFXnnOtd6sPrbNFMrkLj4MOfwS4sge1-oEr1gnQrHmBHZNu0iBVTb3gMn9upO1J9QzhId-h4C0Xj_5HwmmnP3YwdTmGdMggXcdzgYnZfuUPGAEWU2DK0CB_bn3aeR0hRfMjpX2-o8vkKRFNQmS2u7_7XBPf8NtSYjYoBld2O_sHTyyD2rr-c/s1280/DSC01591.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJE_pUM3JfFXnnOtd6sPrbNFMrkLj4MOfwS4sge1-oEr1gnQrHmBHZNu0iBVTb3gMn9upO1J9QzhId-h4C0Xj_5HwmmnP3YwdTmGdMggXcdzgYnZfuUPGAEWU2DK0CB_bn3aeR0hRfMjpX2-o8vkKRFNQmS2u7_7XBPf8NtSYjYoBld2O_sHTyyD2rr-c/w640-h480/DSC01591.jpg" width="640" /> </a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is my motorhome across the pond. I took this photo on a daily walk I take around this loop. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4-Bv6LFGFlgHQ6yoV3qAD7ggm1-OtISEFYk0lhww98LOZ6S4hoPbclZOzsrHO-QToSq3VogmH5T0KayOgLHzV2K2qVwjFQf6tjOlsCGZiAT2xra0k9QpCDIjFbVG8Lsiag1cgoli9JE7lBPVr55BpwAhZwn3z5WiyNji9iBLmNoSpDSf_2Rcz4MQE9ka/s1280/DSC01592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4-Bv6LFGFlgHQ6yoV3qAD7ggm1-OtISEFYk0lhww98LOZ6S4hoPbclZOzsrHO-QToSq3VogmH5T0KayOgLHzV2K2qVwjFQf6tjOlsCGZiAT2xra0k9QpCDIjFbVG8Lsiag1cgoli9JE7lBPVr55BpwAhZwn3z5WiyNji9iBLmNoSpDSf_2Rcz4MQE9ka/w640-h480/DSC01592.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A closer view of my campsite. It is paved and with both 30 and 50 amp electrical hookups. I can easily look out my front window at any happenings around the pond. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZt9rLgjONOsaOhkWSCF4RmjxFr5gfVJ0xERBMLFUoNP9ieNpABLtxpZaImEl8gZ57Di8TiTcZcV-JhFM9tthu7l6EFXAe8mQEeBL6bovQLOiZDAiHyhyphenhyphenbe7vGt1Y1PWEBomzHErdjELCYcdHC1o9Hevb97bNKgrmLWCzu7_nL-c682NLxfthruxPg4OB/s1280/DSC01533.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkZt9rLgjONOsaOhkWSCF4RmjxFr5gfVJ0xERBMLFUoNP9ieNpABLtxpZaImEl8gZ57Di8TiTcZcV-JhFM9tthu7l6EFXAe8mQEeBL6bovQLOiZDAiHyhyphenhyphenbe7vGt1Y1PWEBomzHErdjELCYcdHC1o9Hevb97bNKgrmLWCzu7_nL-c682NLxfthruxPg4OB/w640-h480/DSC01533.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mostly, I just watch birds like this wood stork who hangs around the pond. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheolCacOtSv4kk3y1jEwprPRH33dxreOWKtUKx903SON5L8FjOkobfj5t7qILM2j8SXKIdFZcGvS1eOhtcf0huQPHabK0-LJGOHL1dAIDu2Rn8jwPbnGWO0_CUUMnB7cf8nFEl_Z91bo37zHs0Y8Nj8V5R2lhfv1kiNzmg_IIgvueOeHgzz7SJiLNnR2ba/s1280/DSC01544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheolCacOtSv4kk3y1jEwprPRH33dxreOWKtUKx903SON5L8FjOkobfj5t7qILM2j8SXKIdFZcGvS1eOhtcf0huQPHabK0-LJGOHL1dAIDu2Rn8jwPbnGWO0_CUUMnB7cf8nFEl_Z91bo37zHs0Y8Nj8V5R2lhfv1kiNzmg_IIgvueOeHgzz7SJiLNnR2ba/w640-h480/DSC01544.jpg" width="640" /> </a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There is also a tent area without electric hookups. It is empty in this photo, but most of the time it is full of tenters. On the left side of the roadway, you can see a trailer at the water fill station, which is near the station for dumping tanks. <br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4MVwy2rSb7v_wWckMNWYXXc2b8d3xpjjd8Aqhw-bqbd01ZcutIb6Z5F0orOXEv5aS3lctY54aP7LIPuoOlmuWky5c31UTdpM3H1b-Tr7tv-W0dy1ZdQxlH_KJQVfJJSfZXdX5ojVlDMKbQJffpdjkrcpOFsHuRdSMwBtlhByEdQWro8WGQGvoDpkcxlJ/s1280/DSC01540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4MVwy2rSb7v_wWckMNWYXXc2b8d3xpjjd8Aqhw-bqbd01ZcutIb6Z5F0orOXEv5aS3lctY54aP7LIPuoOlmuWky5c31UTdpM3H1b-Tr7tv-W0dy1ZdQxlH_KJQVfJJSfZXdX5ojVlDMKbQJffpdjkrcpOFsHuRdSMwBtlhByEdQWro8WGQGvoDpkcxlJ/w640-h480/DSC01540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><span style="font-family: arial;">Almost every camping spot has a palm tree next to it, but this one has been surrounded by a strangler fig, so you cannot even see the stem. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif174oFYUvxzfnqv_7pOdGVJbIPCxQLS9WYQDRBJFRzjNY5llr41V6qRsLM8EdATIScUZEm-I8HcDz64qsXOs0qm7ROofF_FbzqaFh4CkGHng1pW94EjywhugdjHk9KUt4Oix7dxT7YDL8PVBkPBDp9yEFh3poZxTyIQveylQfEGnmCGWcafmpjUKCUsM7/s1024/DSC01542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif174oFYUvxzfnqv_7pOdGVJbIPCxQLS9WYQDRBJFRzjNY5llr41V6qRsLM8EdATIScUZEm-I8HcDz64qsXOs0qm7ROofF_FbzqaFh4CkGHng1pW94EjywhugdjHk9KUt4Oix7dxT7YDL8PVBkPBDp9yEFh3poZxTyIQveylQfEGnmCGWcafmpjUKCUsM7/w480-h640/DSC01542.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />One interesting thing to do is to walk out to the highway and walk across to the long ditch that was created when the Tamiami Trail was created. They needed rock and sand to build the roadway up high enough to pave, so they dug a ditch along almost the entire length of the roadway and piled up the removed material to make a road. The result is a very long water-filled area for alligators, fish, and birds. People also fish here. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLyfPCtPrB4e0xZz8JXrkFvKGijzUTNrVjbiI2BLd07sCQnwND2Nne9D1_DSXZrfm9DJjyv8R5hp_hf7YkIcGTuyafw54AerV3b2753Zn422Ou_MAe52PztAgJz0yKaIzqCP0HYUEKILaZKsBB9GaGWXPobzdKlw0Wu3mhozL59poTGR7dCQClvhXuCvk/s1280/DSC01584.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLyfPCtPrB4e0xZz8JXrkFvKGijzUTNrVjbiI2BLd07sCQnwND2Nne9D1_DSXZrfm9DJjyv8R5hp_hf7YkIcGTuyafw54AerV3b2753Zn422Ou_MAe52PztAgJz0yKaIzqCP0HYUEKILaZKsBB9GaGWXPobzdKlw0Wu3mhozL59poTGR7dCQClvhXuCvk/w640-h480/DSC01584.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is what this long pond looks like just on the other side of the guard railing. The water is extremely clear and full of life. <br /></div></div></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonEi-Rt0ye-kF93RkWU97IhsPezbj7I0gSsiy8wJtjZXQf4Oxp4inUWSMU_JCp5gBbUOcpLZYqtIhtMJMytkjZ_eHNYFihInkFDeCvAO95N0JX-lVCAFk4y2IaBPxpApFENdu8_-ZFMki6XFySlZ_gWFS1vbRzCULET9iqxwCUqq4Baf88Abt1Y4SecL3/s1280/DSC01585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonEi-Rt0ye-kF93RkWU97IhsPezbj7I0gSsiy8wJtjZXQf4Oxp4inUWSMU_JCp5gBbUOcpLZYqtIhtMJMytkjZ_eHNYFihInkFDeCvAO95N0JX-lVCAFk4y2IaBPxpApFENdu8_-ZFMki6XFySlZ_gWFS1vbRzCULET9iqxwCUqq4Baf88Abt1Y4SecL3/w640-h480/DSC01585.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two other views of the long ditch. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSctPezs4JWnrcbcQLHA3_9QZe1MhUF6-jpAQnjgF28Tx3BaofHfBjMDvsHjNcoClKX025vWvbZ17sbPsHL67laR4kp3n0cOBgKs8if5PLnk2-7UMgu4DkrlcAd4m6HuT3kO_sdK16QFvomLvC3fhwCxsYhso9ZK9ocimKxQXCH0P6Lfhyx3eJOe4Dpwa/s1280/DSC01587.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSctPezs4JWnrcbcQLHA3_9QZe1MhUF6-jpAQnjgF28Tx3BaofHfBjMDvsHjNcoClKX025vWvbZ17sbPsHL67laR4kp3n0cOBgKs8if5PLnk2-7UMgu4DkrlcAd4m6HuT3kO_sdK16QFvomLvC3fhwCxsYhso9ZK9ocimKxQXCH0P6Lfhyx3eJOe4Dpwa/w640-h480/DSC01587.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMjn6LtT-gVz8LCva4csrviumgPvf-sX9hiKDDx-wA6Yhhm8f9QxvO1kGhlA_ohq8gGmPmvmQBbUWENWS0H6f1ugWxNE3Xy8A3w_DzRnvkpbMSEzqaG6s2gjXugyCPOJ05N02SYkqlTu_OHyf_bCo-MdILtFyDOSDcrZq-oMtH5eM1SL8pRMPz6F7RxLW/s1280/DSC01536.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMjn6LtT-gVz8LCva4csrviumgPvf-sX9hiKDDx-wA6Yhhm8f9QxvO1kGhlA_ohq8gGmPmvmQBbUWENWS0H6f1ugWxNE3Xy8A3w_DzRnvkpbMSEzqaG6s2gjXugyCPOJ05N02SYkqlTu_OHyf_bCo-MdILtFyDOSDcrZq-oMtH5eM1SL8pRMPz6F7RxLW/w640-h480/DSC01536.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br /><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Even though you cannot get gas or groceries nearby, there is a famous art gallery about a mile west of the campground. <br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZE0ryMuZ12C36OR-1ET1aZu3TDnmxwPMaPjotdkpYRUe9m0OWUOr6SSmodIVw297dRph5SLV208_J-rhyphenhyphenJlNykYtceX-3Sawtbkz5SVhQJWYk5dJO8nEKw8Np-SE6fZhdmsrGPfgDmUc8JaoNDhnJnnSKnKC4mrX5yN8cl9bRs94ApSWJHaV0lor2Od6V/s1280/DSC01545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZE0ryMuZ12C36OR-1ET1aZu3TDnmxwPMaPjotdkpYRUe9m0OWUOr6SSmodIVw297dRph5SLV208_J-rhyphenhyphenJlNykYtceX-3Sawtbkz5SVhQJWYk5dJO8nEKw8Np-SE6fZhdmsrGPfgDmUc8JaoNDhnJnnSKnKC4mrX5yN8cl9bRs94ApSWJHaV0lor2Od6V/w640-h480/DSC01545.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The gallery is actually the old home of Clyde Butcher, who is known as the Ansel Adams of the Everglades. He is in his 90s now, and lives in Naples near another gallery he owns. His art is not cheap, but it is beautiful. You can buy a calendar or other items made by local artists. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJndS8XzWay71CdGhZUwxUKTNh5sYMSNJ8uxa8f8O0MV03EBhd0RUE-UMFdjaT9zekesy7QldhhArOgCPIDYMKpnCuvB9W0Nq3Z9iYz2g3hC3zdukXyNA8-38hDxTcUBRIMjE3mdGvqwfZY60NblDvrWJGPCEjBQPjFgn0e9KTnucLPsDSemFbml4bnqf/s1280/DSC01546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJndS8XzWay71CdGhZUwxUKTNh5sYMSNJ8uxa8f8O0MV03EBhd0RUE-UMFdjaT9zekesy7QldhhArOgCPIDYMKpnCuvB9W0Nq3Z9iYz2g3hC3zdukXyNA8-38hDxTcUBRIMjE3mdGvqwfZY60NblDvrWJGPCEjBQPjFgn0e9KTnucLPsDSemFbml4bnqf/w640-h480/DSC01546.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had to stop and take a photo of these two little guys. The one on the left, I think, is a Florida reef gecko. The one on the right is a Florida scrub lizard. Unusual to get them both in one photo. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCNCgpNmeAKBGSAoq9vWPmLvqItWh33i5DukOnd0Tf0pgcM15S55kkRUJYXPrxKErATPQQ0edkJstN0fWnSZ6zjaJSo3txHe_6ysjSpTlwNY9d31VAzV2TGYEahe4G0c1LWZ8c-0Jg-v7dk2VKrYfQk9TD7zBmNB8c2W_XfOQt-KrAcOYrCIW2MM5UXoA/s1280/DSC01548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCNCgpNmeAKBGSAoq9vWPmLvqItWh33i5DukOnd0Tf0pgcM15S55kkRUJYXPrxKErATPQQ0edkJstN0fWnSZ6zjaJSo3txHe_6ysjSpTlwNY9d31VAzV2TGYEahe4G0c1LWZ8c-0Jg-v7dk2VKrYfQk9TD7zBmNB8c2W_XfOQt-KrAcOYrCIW2MM5UXoA/w640-h480/DSC01548.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And right next to the parking lot is an alligator that you are not supposed to feed. You are also supposed to stay at least 15' away from them. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7LFdAXNxMH6MokuPX140VJjBTf3v0TlXmVwKbCrqwNM3hJzP3hIJLwubvCzGkdzGF4A32DEN86V5mCdZnFLURUIpqiYnrmDqSuuI3uqowGgYwS_Cqa7sU9iSK7a_A2_QSmT2DtNZUo9WB-mlXBIlUHOj3RGB5QM2knuDU1wXnAoxUJNXwQM0mOvUP5GP/s1280/DSC01549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ7LFdAXNxMH6MokuPX140VJjBTf3v0TlXmVwKbCrqwNM3hJzP3hIJLwubvCzGkdzGF4A32DEN86V5mCdZnFLURUIpqiYnrmDqSuuI3uqowGgYwS_Cqa7sU9iSK7a_A2_QSmT2DtNZUo9WB-mlXBIlUHOj3RGB5QM2knuDU1wXnAoxUJNXwQM0mOvUP5GP/w640-h480/DSC01549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A closeup of this very awake fellow. </span><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3kSvdolskQxQtk_k_B91I58HvrtlwFMG2t56wEU9qxwR9svv4zXaFyP5JbDu3tSlVJPcru_bbsZTOd0A8okAlHMo-KQgjiCq93epRH54_yMScyFKdtK3aoAOs7VwphGSIW5RU9doh6eC-H0gHykgRsW41mpiqnO9SB2au4UUS-5cXRKFRI3PqzywLMJl/s1280/DSC01551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3kSvdolskQxQtk_k_B91I58HvrtlwFMG2t56wEU9qxwR9svv4zXaFyP5JbDu3tSlVJPcru_bbsZTOd0A8okAlHMo-KQgjiCq93epRH54_yMScyFKdtK3aoAOs7VwphGSIW5RU9doh6eC-H0gHykgRsW41mpiqnO9SB2au4UUS-5cXRKFRI3PqzywLMJl/w640-h480/DSC01551.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-62969707899587259862024-01-13T01:46:00.005-05:002024-01-19T22:01:48.855-05:001/12 Big Cypress National Preserve & Kirby Storter Boardwalk<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Big Cypress National Preserve includes 729,000 acres of the western part of the Everglades, but it is NOT part of the Everglades National Park. This does not mean that it is a lesser place or has lesser beauty and diversity of animals. It was created in 1974 to preserve land that was likely to be developed for a Jetport, homes, and businesses in the huge Big Cypress Swamp. It encompasses parts of the Seminole and Miccosukee tribal land, as well as some of the most beautiful ecosystems in Florida. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I discovered this area when I first started full-time RVing and was unhappy with a nearby state park that was cramped and buggy. I left early and headed east along US 41, which is otherwise known as Tamiami Trail, and found Midway Campground. Midway is one of my favorite places in Florida, even if it is 25 miles from a gas station and 50 miles from a big grocery store. I have come here at least once or twice every time I come to Florida because it is so beautiful and there is so much to do, assuming you are interested in birds and animals. (If you prefer camping "resorts" with pools, kiddie activities, and hot tubs, you need to go elsewhere!) <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On my way here on Tuesday,</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> I stopped at Kirby Storter Roadside Park, which is about 45 miles east of Naples, FL. This place looks like a regular rest area, but the key thing here is a one-mile round-trip boardwalk that takes you through various types of swamp ecosystems. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I discovered this boardwalk when I was staying at Midway and could not get cell phone service there. I was teaching online college classes, so I would have to drive out once each day either to this place or the nearby Oasis Visitor Center to get a signal for my Verizon hotspots so I could upload and download student papers and check my email. Sometimes, I just stayed parked in the parking lot, but other times I would enjoy a walk on the boardwalk to see what birds were hanging around. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyC9mFW7wvgehidhkG1Xb9VP-xrjVEWUh7ZtO4ac9jcI1QNE2Qdn3ynL6CFE7gz0G8sngyugmJPI9LAXq875uhUV28yPuazfn1lvIT3-aUdzVoGcYI-ITf5-EvhvvrYYtt9lXPQqmDqe-kxyOV7PLZ61N2vuIh5Rvu-67f7xbFCIqAtH3GsDbAPaUSaXD/s1280/DSC01519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyC9mFW7wvgehidhkG1Xb9VP-xrjVEWUh7ZtO4ac9jcI1QNE2Qdn3ynL6CFE7gz0G8sngyugmJPI9LAXq875uhUV28yPuazfn1lvIT3-aUdzVoGcYI-ITf5-EvhvvrYYtt9lXPQqmDqe-kxyOV7PLZ61N2vuIh5Rvu-67f7xbFCIqAtH3GsDbAPaUSaXD/w640-h480/DSC01519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">First, some photos of the boardwalk. The part closest to the parking lot is mostly dry and has smaller cypress trees in it because it is a foot or two higher than other parts of the area. These cypress trees, by the way, are a lot older than they look because they are dwarfed. They are called "bald" cypress because they lose their leaves in winter, so look "bald." (FYI - "Live" oaks are called "live" because they have leaves on them all winter, in contrast to some other Florida trees like the cypress.)<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ngpjIdJ4YKhZ_LwPCj-zxUvkJFC13QtuWVjfGigKFBHm3Vju3-NpJZ6vbdmk5RccEC-P3IsroIi-oOJrhLSjpl2mpyCcdPTUjk2rwBz4to7_MeYGKxhV3DzCk22EWuuMVpIsiZ2ABF9aqM1Qnaorst4PuDnY1viVY67-OvgJHY9qWNToV-oZF31Uh41K/s1280/DSC01523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ngpjIdJ4YKhZ_LwPCj-zxUvkJFC13QtuWVjfGigKFBHm3Vju3-NpJZ6vbdmk5RccEC-P3IsroIi-oOJrhLSjpl2mpyCcdPTUjk2rwBz4to7_MeYGKxhV3DzCk22EWuuMVpIsiZ2ABF9aqM1Qnaorst4PuDnY1viVY67-OvgJHY9qWNToV-oZF31Uh41K/w640-h480/DSC01523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6DQY3I43awv59tWDbH4COMFHF9tvCaFiFX5W_VqtcjmEVWcOM9yGRZMhASIScnaHgwQkpylGUkbIE4Wr_O5H5jaexLZW81ZL8yXm41qID6vqxkTVq5s8wNjTeWg1h4kb6LnV8N_X-EpcCr8VgvWY4iYJcRt6e_t1DaV_OhznDxO_gXhPZVZauc8AcyJk/s1280/DSC01524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy6DQY3I43awv59tWDbH4COMFHF9tvCaFiFX5W_VqtcjmEVWcOM9yGRZMhASIScnaHgwQkpylGUkbIE4Wr_O5H5jaexLZW81ZL8yXm41qID6vqxkTVq5s8wNjTeWg1h4kb6LnV8N_X-EpcCr8VgvWY4iYJcRt6e_t1DaV_OhznDxO_gXhPZVZauc8AcyJk/w640-h480/DSC01524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM3hrzYuCNm-O4Yqs6cxgXYuAzHLUbLY3wxVfyr4mZPqo98YbIXhV9PY6Y1hUiNTITec7nFjRAirTEpq002hlYvtpTNR0suVVIsyT0KXFpRKB4Bvd1f4UgpUqbZt2zhhke86mdnqZsof__NkFkaEfE3TzMCmSRjxWS2brky-H3nsKJA4zSOe4jPYOly_k/s1280/DSC01525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM3hrzYuCNm-O4Yqs6cxgXYuAzHLUbLY3wxVfyr4mZPqo98YbIXhV9PY6Y1hUiNTITec7nFjRAirTEpq002hlYvtpTNR0suVVIsyT0KXFpRKB4Bvd1f4UgpUqbZt2zhhke86mdnqZsof__NkFkaEfE3TzMCmSRjxWS2brky-H3nsKJA4zSOe4jPYOly_k/w640-h480/DSC01525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGnnYlAlmi_tXBfPKw4xwJJAyXNhfzAu7bcMvfxz3PXiDYigBgwfnjln0d7KQuuGnnd3s0ALn2vBiW1-I7WbzO_lDpd_0cBKukkTuDPHs6q3AdXBo2_4BKFH17qFXT41oWxtihJ6SlbX917v5aTJ0gE6nexkHxPE_UVbk79DAnFuFwytckzNM7VVje8SH/s1280/DSC01526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGnnYlAlmi_tXBfPKw4xwJJAyXNhfzAu7bcMvfxz3PXiDYigBgwfnjln0d7KQuuGnnd3s0ALn2vBiW1-I7WbzO_lDpd_0cBKukkTuDPHs6q3AdXBo2_4BKFH17qFXT41oWxtihJ6SlbX917v5aTJ0gE6nexkHxPE_UVbk79DAnFuFwytckzNM7VVje8SH/w640-h480/DSC01526.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">About halfway in, the ground is lower, so there is often a lot of water here, and water attracts birds in the swamp because there are fish and mollusks to eat. And by the way, it is not full of mosquitos because it is not "standing" water and also because tiny fish eat any larvae from mosquitos!! <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICaYD5yKsESztEq-eLy_cw9S_2AcIe1rbpSgmDTvm5AUOz-dfldGuGnq4DXLhiM_WphKx6tXJ5Gne-77TO7gsXNjc29PAwxQbClE7uaBjqxS7wdRVO8DNjWI2_Fb3CKWlz75RWGWU8Gy0H-kLlp-t1_Tf05k75aK2CrVlOBkQchC68f9z-Twhs610rA91/s1280/DSC01527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICaYD5yKsESztEq-eLy_cw9S_2AcIe1rbpSgmDTvm5AUOz-dfldGuGnq4DXLhiM_WphKx6tXJ5Gne-77TO7gsXNjc29PAwxQbClE7uaBjqxS7wdRVO8DNjWI2_Fb3CKWlz75RWGWU8Gy0H-kLlp-t1_Tf05k75aK2CrVlOBkQchC68f9z-Twhs610rA91/w640-h480/DSC01527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Surprisingly, the soil here is very shallow because the limestone rock is not very far from the surface. Because the tree roots cannot penetrate the bedrock easily, the cypress trees roots are spread out to better support the trees. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFPSSz8jSyxyQtandQ1aZ_4DMYuo2fJcK1_2bEJ8cxycKyu4WjPnxWOzllgJklWcF7hiJvwn8fW8gQsBnyFOMHgvatMQmRafwhykfYuy1EHsO3es-3m77NPrXcAw7nlXZL1RhomCh8-ACYJJi7cGSLSfRgdtRbLKh0IcJX1t7p_I0eYYyLQvvSz20p6zc/s1280/DSC01528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFPSSz8jSyxyQtandQ1aZ_4DMYuo2fJcK1_2bEJ8cxycKyu4WjPnxWOzllgJklWcF7hiJvwn8fW8gQsBnyFOMHgvatMQmRafwhykfYuy1EHsO3es-3m77NPrXcAw7nlXZL1RhomCh8-ACYJJi7cGSLSfRgdtRbLKh0IcJX1t7p_I0eYYyLQvvSz20p6zc/w640-h480/DSC01528.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The green stuff floating on the water is not "pond scum." It is a couple of kinds of tiny water plants that turtles and other animals eat. </span> <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiectnvqqRPh-71HIPJhQC5pBwYDEqVHY233LPhNofZaOJurts8lgb_mBFiSWZmB08LJdgByJ_pvxnwZsylAo7cqw0zeDkhcRGCjtrEThCEmyJzazyUjMeDqjY7EGPrGuWiiT_a75BEd-mVo-aEgWYsMW526miFCcuWzUpqo7lPnaHL-2cGOKHtKlSKC2kL/s1280/DSC01530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiectnvqqRPh-71HIPJhQC5pBwYDEqVHY233LPhNofZaOJurts8lgb_mBFiSWZmB08LJdgByJ_pvxnwZsylAo7cqw0zeDkhcRGCjtrEThCEmyJzazyUjMeDqjY7EGPrGuWiiT_a75BEd-mVo-aEgWYsMW526miFCcuWzUpqo7lPnaHL-2cGOKHtKlSKC2kL/w640-h480/DSC01530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a particularly pretty anhinga. They dive for fish, but their feathers are not waterproof, so they have to hang them out to dry between dives. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSJAXAeGd6AQzthAYnJNO3kWigRSqPvNfeRK_IAlo0-mcfZuMA7BEYUYlWblH64VtNyn3GwRHKBYLP8TmXXC8SjTimMk8bDpajDTIFJER5KOVsFmwAelqY6z34a5_bzfDdYzxl_hAGUKkGWCEeR6wn6lIE8WfBkczV8Rsgg3gA-ypIvLwsQcbEaXh9BQo/s1280/DSC01539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSJAXAeGd6AQzthAYnJNO3kWigRSqPvNfeRK_IAlo0-mcfZuMA7BEYUYlWblH64VtNyn3GwRHKBYLP8TmXXC8SjTimMk8bDpajDTIFJER5KOVsFmwAelqY6z34a5_bzfDdYzxl_hAGUKkGWCEeR6wn6lIE8WfBkczV8Rsgg3gA-ypIvLwsQcbEaXh9BQo/w640-h480/DSC01539.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><span style="font-family: arial;">And this cute guy is a green heron. He is not very big, but he is a good fisher of smaller fish, using his long, sharp beak to spear his prey. Note that his feathers are green, brown, and grey, with some white stripes. </span><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Iv38zfP6WepJn_XaFlSHS_nwJraMbBH7YGgw8Q1O7h-sQu6ST3A4l8r3mvlkuCcMeNV8Lho01JP2q9QR_9fDfn7XzB9GSrUCweMBZ61e3Q84j5hSRUJ8a4UZZeJVPGCeihEfYQM36AciiW8QF0ghaSRrzkGDKCl_36kNE3DAULQg9H3OkCy9Jvr8otZ9/s1280/DSC01522-green%20heron.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Iv38zfP6WepJn_XaFlSHS_nwJraMbBH7YGgw8Q1O7h-sQu6ST3A4l8r3mvlkuCcMeNV8Lho01JP2q9QR_9fDfn7XzB9GSrUCweMBZ61e3Q84j5hSRUJ8a4UZZeJVPGCeihEfYQM36AciiW8QF0ghaSRrzkGDKCl_36kNE3DAULQg9H3OkCy9Jvr8otZ9/w640-h480/DSC01522-green%20heron.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And this is a juvenile white ibis. I know this because of the curved shape of his beak and the color of his legs. He is also beginning to turn white in a couple of places. They are common wandering around yards and parks in Florida, looking for insects in the grass. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67dEGV_A8YO2EoMUDazx13DzU4kVK1J6boZVAyYtq4XUm5JSnmb-CgT66ZytUwUBfFsfRP93ws05by6ZJ-D2e7afTaR34dq2io2EscYdKiHZq_RDFgKx6dZdkfRfZYPBJLp7D5rBBwTwjlGYGZoRAzL0OmAWGAF9qQLds-mIammAzqS980BivzNNvDXsD/s1280/DSC01553-Juvenile%20white%20ibis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi67dEGV_A8YO2EoMUDazx13DzU4kVK1J6boZVAyYtq4XUm5JSnmb-CgT66ZytUwUBfFsfRP93ws05by6ZJ-D2e7afTaR34dq2io2EscYdKiHZq_RDFgKx6dZdkfRfZYPBJLp7D5rBBwTwjlGYGZoRAzL0OmAWGAF9qQLds-mIammAzqS980BivzNNvDXsD/w640-h480/DSC01553-Juvenile%20white%20ibis.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a surprise to see this bird here
because he is an osprey and most often seen in tall trees and on light
posts along lakes and more open ponds. He sat on this branch about 15' above a group of people for at least a half an hour before he flew off. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p0BxmNGW-M7aecm_19Sjo85IdujL90s4gXsZkHOV4g7IKQVuigQE5Lm6uF-JMTRlAA4ageffr2OimslWnV9GbPrUNBeRyRQgrZAD7Ij_1NmTY6Xby-X8ZaJmc_KSazuI1zyaOJOXoIs_yEP4oepm83UYxK8tA0fmKHrmrgK0Hhx_xh9nxQ3xZy-FoS4v/s1280/DSC01554-red%20shoulder%20hawk2-cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1280" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p0BxmNGW-M7aecm_19Sjo85IdujL90s4gXsZkHOV4g7IKQVuigQE5Lm6uF-JMTRlAA4ageffr2OimslWnV9GbPrUNBeRyRQgrZAD7Ij_1NmTY6Xby-X8ZaJmc_KSazuI1zyaOJOXoIs_yEP4oepm83UYxK8tA0fmKHrmrgK0Hhx_xh9nxQ3xZy-FoS4v/w640-h504/DSC01554-red%20shoulder%20hawk2-cropped.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">He looks mean in this photo. </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezm9fuIF3vIpOURLS0OJfDSwbvXIstbduUg7ifhE5bCXH90-M9mX8QBP7LI4ECb3IokWG02Lb8Y3Z3RAf8z-C2iroXLqFuOg28i2RQwsp_HT6lDIpFPpHjVbH77fzVE-gyqjdWLO_3HxIlHmX3TK9orkWcWVwypcbuWzoJp-4JjP-CS8odp5vX7b2ltbf/s1280/DSC01566-osprey1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezm9fuIF3vIpOURLS0OJfDSwbvXIstbduUg7ifhE5bCXH90-M9mX8QBP7LI4ECb3IokWG02Lb8Y3Z3RAf8z-C2iroXLqFuOg28i2RQwsp_HT6lDIpFPpHjVbH77fzVE-gyqjdWLO_3HxIlHmX3TK9orkWcWVwypcbuWzoJp-4JjP-CS8odp5vX7b2ltbf/w640-h480/DSC01566-osprey1.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One way to identify a bird as being in the hawk family is by his or her hooked beak, which is clearer in this photo. The better to tear up prey! </span> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XtilKRQAdDd6wz4mVHqxYCTAyZUNgYWUdWOCAF_wEfRu84PwxsSoTxHWHLjYXWDGJm0SXw-NmZmefL9m4WAfXsTYLYGw2M8o8duR1lSU-PdMCpzdpFwQ67kYw-bkq_gvetSU2wY2RfsM-VsQQwKEwur6b5IUbq8yqoAa5r-zM133hpcowHre6ADu0pwP/s1280/DSC01573-osprey4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-XtilKRQAdDd6wz4mVHqxYCTAyZUNgYWUdWOCAF_wEfRu84PwxsSoTxHWHLjYXWDGJm0SXw-NmZmefL9m4WAfXsTYLYGw2M8o8duR1lSU-PdMCpzdpFwQ67kYw-bkq_gvetSU2wY2RfsM-VsQQwKEwur6b5IUbq8yqoAa5r-zM133hpcowHre6ADu0pwP/w640-h480/DSC01573-osprey4.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><span style="font-family: arial;"></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are not very many plants in bloom yet, but this is a cardinal air plant, and it is very close to blooming.<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNWa_iVozj5g2uxO8RB7RFhs-7rXFAAwnq-YGGVhPv1_eZiCRmp3pxXELHQou-gRrVLb_tb_DsbJ5ED0pYWoyDf_inb_HWraye6TzCUFPmHX2VHc7kwv0NtGbX9pqHXqxw-k11DbIdZmWdPV9FUrG4vd_Q6hkimScoJ6CXiDZzUYIlkNUYxqhBxFY7FPe/s1280/DSC01555-cardinal%20air%20plant.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNWa_iVozj5g2uxO8RB7RFhs-7rXFAAwnq-YGGVhPv1_eZiCRmp3pxXELHQou-gRrVLb_tb_DsbJ5ED0pYWoyDf_inb_HWraye6TzCUFPmHX2VHc7kwv0NtGbX9pqHXqxw-k11DbIdZmWdPV9FUrG4vd_Q6hkimScoJ6CXiDZzUYIlkNUYxqhBxFY7FPe/w640-h480/DSC01555-cardinal%20air%20plant.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">These small ferns on the tree branch are called resurrection ferns because they dry up most of the time, and only turn green for a day or two after a rain. If you see a lot of dead-looking stuff on top of tree branches, check back after a rain and be surprised. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS78W9FE14avVWwJczF6NytZNTA9kbvDKCA1l9QYOPpur_7nADc7Uv1XHo1M06kqF3EbB084pkx9SkoyoPMP15aAAogSfwhmo9lVJjg8sPxkJzPSGvdazCJFkcj9xJ-T_0NX2H6wlPHIb2EApMHx7PTiDq0BMBwRmMiZDbyXs2ZfUnemQQP1B6LQz29gbO/s1280/DSC01557-reserection%20fern.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS78W9FE14avVWwJczF6NytZNTA9kbvDKCA1l9QYOPpur_7nADc7Uv1XHo1M06kqF3EbB084pkx9SkoyoPMP15aAAogSfwhmo9lVJjg8sPxkJzPSGvdazCJFkcj9xJ-T_0NX2H6wlPHIb2EApMHx7PTiDq0BMBwRmMiZDbyXs2ZfUnemQQP1B6LQz29gbO/w640-h480/DSC01557-reserection%20fern.jpg" width="640" /> </a> <br /></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This, believe it or not, is a sleeping tricolor heron. It was hard to identify because it has its beak completely tucked into its shoulder, and its long neck of curled up and appears shorter than it really is. If it woke up and stretched itself out, it would look a lot like a smaller great blue heron with a white breast, but as long as I watched it, it stayed in a deep sleep! Must have had a rough night! <br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIuNFzqpR-_hX67q33IVALONJF9IrlB1ecJoVkugyc5491DAJMiWfCCg_3sE0mFTLi7uJ-Y9U34ykORNAzQ2pFiGsZCdXsX5nOoIUIpIlvxQ1sJDgL9__rDhfl-ALy9DIPMtolvJPVOw9EqM-7OsdBuNw043JzO4gpz6bFNCQZl3PqNVi7cLr6Z2mSJNL/s1280/DSC01558-sleeping%20tricolor%20heron1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIuNFzqpR-_hX67q33IVALONJF9IrlB1ecJoVkugyc5491DAJMiWfCCg_3sE0mFTLi7uJ-Y9U34ykORNAzQ2pFiGsZCdXsX5nOoIUIpIlvxQ1sJDgL9__rDhfl-ALy9DIPMtolvJPVOw9EqM-7OsdBuNw043JzO4gpz6bFNCQZl3PqNVi7cLr6Z2mSJNL/w640-h480/DSC01558-sleeping%20tricolor%20heron1.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I THINK this is also a heron of some sort, probably a great blue or a tricolor, but he is hiding behind a branch and has its neck tucked up. The bit of yellow makes me think it might be a tricolor heron, but hard to tell, so for now it is a mystery bird. </span><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZovp6Gn7wGePSvOhbXQTFDRhawAS514cB7tOoU_YWdUcn-T7UMb6MYlUCGbUuf9Slrh5K-wjg6IYuPy-dUlJ7-ILAQLuAQw1uDhMdO6WpVP2YyrbwJ9bLRNlFNgxXhjjCI_F25nSdFx4PoU4InjuoJegy0iZ0yaCJn7zSeMMLlT121vDPUtC8btLJah9v/s1280/DSC01562-mystery%20heron.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZovp6Gn7wGePSvOhbXQTFDRhawAS514cB7tOoU_YWdUcn-T7UMb6MYlUCGbUuf9Slrh5K-wjg6IYuPy-dUlJ7-ILAQLuAQw1uDhMdO6WpVP2YyrbwJ9bLRNlFNgxXhjjCI_F25nSdFx4PoU4InjuoJegy0iZ0yaCJn7zSeMMLlT121vDPUtC8btLJah9v/w640-h480/DSC01562-mystery%20heron.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a Florida softshell turtle. It can be identified by its flat shell and its long "pig-like" snout that it uses to breathe through while remaining submerged. Its feet also look like paddles. <br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1znpoeWvisigxTkilzzHD5-H8DtR2eMb479lnr7Fe4qwLuPOiPyzymkS_HV9oewM2FIRp1FnHS3NDFMxOuN_at9FkJPzy8h_PKisVUEGkRSOx62_RzB4a1PGtZHbH2P-cAX7kXAsXFPKjB6yIV1F4ZZJ0Fo-WFlLoVnY0m9AuchRNZdyZ2Kr0ZN0GlFR/s1280/DSC01563-softshell%20turtle1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo1znpoeWvisigxTkilzzHD5-H8DtR2eMb479lnr7Fe4qwLuPOiPyzymkS_HV9oewM2FIRp1FnHS3NDFMxOuN_at9FkJPzy8h_PKisVUEGkRSOx62_RzB4a1PGtZHbH2P-cAX7kXAsXFPKjB6yIV1F4ZZJ0Fo-WFlLoVnY0m9AuchRNZdyZ2Kr0ZN0GlFR/w640-h480/DSC01563-softshell%20turtle1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a mud turtle. It shell is rounded and smooth, its head has a blunt snout, and it has some yellow stripes on its head and legs. This one's shell is also covered with algae so it looks green. (Correction: This might be a cooter of some sort. Hard to tell because pattern on shell is covered with algae.)</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuvO5COClJG9OoeTVKeGEeh_w-F8Ue_RmXQqtm2EPYCxvmVgmpqnrjSi_m9NI9G5JvWMWid6Fw2c8vAbmkfzEG3-s_RAYD20CAEMRm3naRMbISlnGlyRfkgWIr1Jc4tW_QJZYpsBor3E4WDCoJsTfeKdNnrsoxn-W3d6Kj0dPhwMO0-C_LT8M_nefGoZi/s1280/DSC01564-mud%20turtle1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnuvO5COClJG9OoeTVKeGEeh_w-F8Ue_RmXQqtm2EPYCxvmVgmpqnrjSi_m9NI9G5JvWMWid6Fw2c8vAbmkfzEG3-s_RAYD20CAEMRm3naRMbISlnGlyRfkgWIr1Jc4tW_QJZYpsBor3E4WDCoJsTfeKdNnrsoxn-W3d6Kj0dPhwMO0-C_LT8M_nefGoZi/w640-h480/DSC01564-mud%20turtle1.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A little later, a different softshell turtle tried to crawl on the same log as a mud turtle, but was quickly shoved off. </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7INkL9Fb1GYUgZYAOHUYiJ0_mNFKqw-ApwMwFiwGztJUIDUaxdl8K3DCEDQL99MnXqOmlmcFJ2iM7gqFe6n4-brJ31j-3aOzD8quewJdZMROup2hE_iZVCAJ0gEteJhgqqQpGGQuAzoaOqt0JiZ_GDFHH4kk2GQ3do9CvtE-Kj-luG6YMikFGIJawm1o2/s1280/DSC01581-two%20mud%20turtles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7INkL9Fb1GYUgZYAOHUYiJ0_mNFKqw-ApwMwFiwGztJUIDUaxdl8K3DCEDQL99MnXqOmlmcFJ2iM7gqFe6n4-brJ31j-3aOzD8quewJdZMROup2hE_iZVCAJ0gEteJhgqqQpGGQuAzoaOqt0JiZ_GDFHH4kk2GQ3do9CvtE-Kj-luG6YMikFGIJawm1o2/w640-h480/DSC01581-two%20mud%20turtles.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Another very pretty little green heron. He is staring down into the water, looking for small fish to stab. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbUmh4HgodgpSP3jjoTpAGNhxHYbir7QWexm2f5812IqFqL_6lIfgFzAuCeaZPklaXkcg2vDItRVC9VJTno1xbROyj_YYB2hYzwWnSBGtBh1A91c0Xyqobc2r3Hcz9YhTi3JsdJEji6niXA4m0Q99k97UWfp-Ym1OscJgQBfk6SWbUkeS8Woes3eFiAv8/s1280/DSC01569-green%20heron2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbUmh4HgodgpSP3jjoTpAGNhxHYbir7QWexm2f5812IqFqL_6lIfgFzAuCeaZPklaXkcg2vDItRVC9VJTno1xbROyj_YYB2hYzwWnSBGtBh1A91c0Xyqobc2r3Hcz9YhTi3JsdJEji6niXA4m0Q99k97UWfp-Ym1OscJgQBfk6SWbUkeS8Woes3eFiAv8/w640-h480/DSC01569-green%20heron2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLSjrdFa6ZZvoZKQ-uStQr6MelP24vlGjeVGv-qUpxjebgESiZji5C5iLyLmHe5uy4eMs4PL9OkBR6739LXz3FIXclihDXK_15lpiyR9pgthYp0_41lOj7CTMSOkhEn8y7tjuOGFuUc5OkF7xpvs65zqik_sVIJG7Jpl3O1xwWaAymMOnDlkNdpaGxAzQ/s1280/DSC01571-green%20heron4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLSjrdFa6ZZvoZKQ-uStQr6MelP24vlGjeVGv-qUpxjebgESiZji5C5iLyLmHe5uy4eMs4PL9OkBR6739LXz3FIXclihDXK_15lpiyR9pgthYp0_41lOj7CTMSOkhEn8y7tjuOGFuUc5OkF7xpvs65zqik_sVIJG7Jpl3O1xwWaAymMOnDlkNdpaGxAzQ/w640-h480/DSC01571-green%20heron4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Another neck-tucked-in tricolor heron. </span> <br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MKM14nvoXAXY39xF1IG2p9qBMzokIW3Kl_FO_jYo4FBHTc3eL_6F7cTluOatwxPqUqvMg9U6u_H6YwRoIClPLZmg8rI9AFYbqec9QP7H2gRKpZWQQE5M7Vsr1ZRQQwdB7AprAE1Ys0EEwEg_9KLB5HTC4MdYG6M6qGmTNx29wIZfpUubNuvxpKspZtkQ/s1280/DSC01575-tricolor%20heron1-cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1280" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MKM14nvoXAXY39xF1IG2p9qBMzokIW3Kl_FO_jYo4FBHTc3eL_6F7cTluOatwxPqUqvMg9U6u_H6YwRoIClPLZmg8rI9AFYbqec9QP7H2gRKpZWQQE5M7Vsr1ZRQQwdB7AprAE1Ys0EEwEg_9KLB5HTC4MdYG6M6qGmTNx29wIZfpUubNuvxpKspZtkQ/w640-h490/DSC01575-tricolor%20heron1-cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the platform overlooking the deep pool at the end of the boardwalk. Such pools are dug and maintained by alligators so they have a place to crawl into during dry periods. These pools also provide homes for fish and a lot of other birds and animals. It is also a very pleasant place to sit on a bench and relax for an hour or so, as I did!! Weather-wise, it was a very pleasant day with a slightly cool breeze. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1rsF9FheHV8AldeQ_Vww1dvhYIG0Pv8a8-yE4uHi62OSCW13K4z7Ro7lZM93v7s-Yvq2zwXTbcNRhwId1gVkJw8Jm__ewr1ykyxHIjocdYQi_RONGnfW3gk8SsXveam-RpQqkIHclJotRS7r62o6CUrCpEFuKhqbNWwcxVlmmU363vmF4UaN_W-TAduk/s1280/DSC01577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR1rsF9FheHV8AldeQ_Vww1dvhYIG0Pv8a8-yE4uHi62OSCW13K4z7Ro7lZM93v7s-Yvq2zwXTbcNRhwId1gVkJw8Jm__ewr1ykyxHIjocdYQi_RONGnfW3gk8SsXveam-RpQqkIHclJotRS7r62o6CUrCpEFuKhqbNWwcxVlmmU363vmF4UaN_W-TAduk/w640-h480/DSC01577.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A great blue heron. This one has a major squabble with a great white heron over ownership of a small, slightly deeper hole. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The blue heron won.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> They are VERY noisy birds, by the way! </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUqBHOfKftOrv1cANwprz2fGto_EEKuC_0mYtjZomFXmB5ebesQKn3SwyuWaDpvnDz1RNeyZyufWKMyqdFXMtYCATTZF43M-wMe7pa1xJTweHzMEJvG13QMH-TvjkMtmO4M97tXwsF98iJGQKo0CRoNOUhIicCy83k0wm6dytKcoSsv2-YcnH6VQDrHOj/s1280/DSC01579-great%20blue%20heron2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUqBHOfKftOrv1cANwprz2fGto_EEKuC_0mYtjZomFXmB5ebesQKn3SwyuWaDpvnDz1RNeyZyufWKMyqdFXMtYCATTZF43M-wMe7pa1xJTweHzMEJvG13QMH-TvjkMtmO4M97tXwsF98iJGQKo0CRoNOUhIicCy83k0wm6dytKcoSsv2-YcnH6VQDrHOj/w640-h480/DSC01579-great%20blue%20heron2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And another anhinga, showing its coloring on its wing. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4N5k37EkL7y7a-P8OPp0K7pzSYU4bpYaNs1P4uUyyZzp3zQm9Kzoyq78F9FUVQcbqLWFHzQV65kjK2KVq8o3pkOOWeVPKilqgzqMXxnosB8pJkb-K88eoJJsbJa_dLPLvWFonJdGlAnM2RfkPcnz1BKhpOrqg3v2WXOFI_0Vi1lq6WkLx1YCEG5ErD1z/s1280/DSC01580-anhinga.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4N5k37EkL7y7a-P8OPp0K7pzSYU4bpYaNs1P4uUyyZzp3zQm9Kzoyq78F9FUVQcbqLWFHzQV65kjK2KVq8o3pkOOWeVPKilqgzqMXxnosB8pJkb-K88eoJJsbJa_dLPLvWFonJdGlAnM2RfkPcnz1BKhpOrqg3v2WXOFI_0Vi1lq6WkLx1YCEG5ErD1z/w640-h480/DSC01580-anhinga.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On my way back into the campground, I took this photos of the two types of vultures who live in Florida. They were in the grassy area next to the campground entrance. You will no doubt recognize the brown vulture with the red head as a turkey vulture. Near it are three black vultures, who live only in warm areas along the south coasts of the U.S. They are entirely black, but have the bald head and neck like turkey vultures. This keeps their heads clean while sticking them into large carcasses. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">You can't tell by this view, but black vultures are smaller than turkey vultures, and frankly, I think they are the prettier birds because of their glossy feathers. They are said to have a poorer sense of smell and weaker abilities to open large carcasses than turkey vultures, so they follow the bigger birds when searching for dead animals. Turkey cultures tend to hunt alone, while black vultures hunt in small flocks, which means when a turkey vulture finds a prey, it often will lose it to the more numerous black vultures. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">However, I have often seen both types of vultures eating on a carcass, and the turkey vultures appear to be well-fed and healthy, so this seems to work for both types of birds. You can see, however, why black vultures are said to be the smarter birds. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T0dDx8rKlqF6mN6rAwIk_mnx0au4LACuzTnHxYKjUXHoyQ7jsYXidh-nK4Ga0ZoXvP1O8xK9kUGcdny4v4OGmK1Dpw4i-5z9rp-zCj5ow5EE0uyRWM6xBZSa2kG0JM0QBGeiNH55crlNn6gxpvLDFyRclQlVcEuXGqfNR7bVzxH-0qWhLVojQnYaQ4z6/s1280/DSC01582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T0dDx8rKlqF6mN6rAwIk_mnx0au4LACuzTnHxYKjUXHoyQ7jsYXidh-nK4Ga0ZoXvP1O8xK9kUGcdny4v4OGmK1Dpw4i-5z9rp-zCj5ow5EE0uyRWM6xBZSa2kG0JM0QBGeiNH55crlNn6gxpvLDFyRclQlVcEuXGqfNR7bVzxH-0qWhLVojQnYaQ4z6/w640-h480/DSC01582.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">More on the campground in a few days. </span><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-83417138911675925312024-01-05T15:00:00.006-05:002024-01-19T22:10:13.252-05:001/5 Ortona South Lock & Dam Campground <div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is another one of my favorite places to stay in Florida. It is along the Caloosahatchee Canal, which is the river that flows west from Lake Okeechobee. Lake Okeechobee was raised 20' almost 100 years ago to provide more irrigation water to farmers, and since it is a navigable river, it acts as a shortcut across southern Florida for boaters. It also attracts people who like to fish. No swimming, however, as the river is full of alligators. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, here are some photos of the campground and the dam and lock. Sites are paved with water and electric hookups. They are also long enough for a large 5th wheel and truck:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AUNvngWL80Noedz-YLtPfOsE6Ap7RQ94di_jeEv9WiDtkabr6-Nyhe-BAjq8qmRlD-PF3yIrpnQNjHcQ56srHpjt0MM0yUJ60grP5MAohB7GLuLfN0MFRGQMC4tOIF1kO6HInsP1IQltf96Ul-oqCv6enEHvma3R13W9bzd3MqXTOiSRUsr9uRKB0DUx/s1280/DSC01470.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AUNvngWL80Noedz-YLtPfOsE6Ap7RQ94di_jeEv9WiDtkabr6-Nyhe-BAjq8qmRlD-PF3yIrpnQNjHcQ56srHpjt0MM0yUJ60grP5MAohB7GLuLfN0MFRGQMC4tOIF1kO6HInsP1IQltf96Ul-oqCv6enEHvma3R13W9bzd3MqXTOiSRUsr9uRKB0DUx/w640-h480/DSC01470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9JLmHSPsmhCR1LDrS1BhwBKSJI2QjMNV95n2n7abGmGASWC2wBGNYhqaHO-ocIKcNaNZBpj-xngdw6MFc_0Vt03zrv1CLoJyTnQbefU2QMI4y6B_wqRgPw2jVyJSooCLxZwG2EVwwQCz-rStNoyrWNMUz09Ev9giQOun8uhp-6_wiQ-ZYAGqQPwoiVZs/s1280/DSC01480.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9JLmHSPsmhCR1LDrS1BhwBKSJI2QjMNV95n2n7abGmGASWC2wBGNYhqaHO-ocIKcNaNZBpj-xngdw6MFc_0Vt03zrv1CLoJyTnQbefU2QMI4y6B_wqRgPw2jVyJSooCLxZwG2EVwwQCz-rStNoyrWNMUz09Ev9giQOun8uhp-6_wiQ-ZYAGqQPwoiVZs/w640-h480/DSC01480.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The campground has two long arms along the river, with the dam in the middle, so it is easy access for campers. The locks are open from 7 am to 4 am, and you can walk across the dam during those hours. </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WahN47GftpNJuZ2WPqbB3n0SQor9UuIj7NpKL0zKpg9oWbYFU67iX4GTngkWFyJBZE-1f2XMTF0mEpyHpzKJxuVaKEH-4fvOt4eVBW6OPEkQZ7_gIyfe4sXpRylgAdtE9wqOFUSVzRc6ZgqekXUUc7MIwv30iJBk8e8B14G26oQUADxfWlbkj8uo1ZEu/s1280/DSC01471.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WahN47GftpNJuZ2WPqbB3n0SQor9UuIj7NpKL0zKpg9oWbYFU67iX4GTngkWFyJBZE-1f2XMTF0mEpyHpzKJxuVaKEH-4fvOt4eVBW6OPEkQZ7_gIyfe4sXpRylgAdtE9wqOFUSVzRc6ZgqekXUUc7MIwv30iJBk8e8B14G26oQUADxfWlbkj8uo1ZEu/w640-h480/DSC01471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We had rain last week, so there was a lot of water being sent over the dam. </span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VIoqOd_LyaCGJxREtCeM-5u7kONNlmRXekQ0nFU8CsUD3n4fYr6vScilKdefYUGwkPS-xc10wwbuYriqM9ufoyZALlSvieMMyls72FogLU_swJo7NPBMQnlX39NKxx9YytLs8cGeJT1aMVAh1Tv17uwOfoGDaIn5vnRuWCNaPRiESjBDeDuOBz5Jn0iT/s1280/DSC01491.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VIoqOd_LyaCGJxREtCeM-5u7kONNlmRXekQ0nFU8CsUD3n4fYr6vScilKdefYUGwkPS-xc10wwbuYriqM9ufoyZALlSvieMMyls72FogLU_swJo7NPBMQnlX39NKxx9YytLs8cGeJT1aMVAh1Tv17uwOfoGDaIn5vnRuWCNaPRiESjBDeDuOBz5Jn0iT/w640-h480/DSC01491.jpg" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The lock is on the far side of the dam, and there is a viewing area there.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXGFIMYLqotLl8TikEdeU11FavCpCmGA8WcvH90KZYv0_5fh491F4Z7idm1Bv2d5dnJxmVOHkB5r6dbOFwZkLmky1JCKgsr6bY7cV-jsM6rKvr7_AIqEo8FM_93wOpl2bMPYIKy2bBdAsb0WIO5CK_P7uS8l1wTkUGUdtZI_385eex16ZsInmTlEMPSGo/s1280/DSC01502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXGFIMYLqotLl8TikEdeU11FavCpCmGA8WcvH90KZYv0_5fh491F4Z7idm1Bv2d5dnJxmVOHkB5r6dbOFwZkLmky1JCKgsr6bY7cV-jsM6rKvr7_AIqEo8FM_93wOpl2bMPYIKy2bBdAsb0WIO5CK_P7uS8l1wTkUGUdtZI_385eex16ZsInmTlEMPSGo/w640-h480/DSC01502.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is some of the mechanism at the lock doors. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrOZXJ-remtaT5WZOfrHDO9Nt3HkqLwDJQk_nIpra7TAdOw1WY2GSi4NSnzNnmpQhOSO7_9CfCgJUcoCIB5c8Ec-isij6eGGLoaIodblllkyLTyzSc_ePXN02b328qmC2egelnJGSbXL4KpWGTgHpGwR2VV_9ttgmgkD-vXG09lkuOmmU0eGUrAEG7M5i/s1280/DSC01503.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrOZXJ-remtaT5WZOfrHDO9Nt3HkqLwDJQk_nIpra7TAdOw1WY2GSi4NSnzNnmpQhOSO7_9CfCgJUcoCIB5c8Ec-isij6eGGLoaIodblllkyLTyzSc_ePXN02b328qmC2egelnJGSbXL4KpWGTgHpGwR2VV_9ttgmgkD-vXG09lkuOmmU0eGUrAEG7M5i/w640-h480/DSC01503.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Looking back towards the closed west lock door. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DwEC-y0Ifjes7hvjBUUfrWM3-bJcCJ_qiJ9nJpKselwpgMDC8XatVtPbnJ1MtUSJRu1o2iudtKObmloMMl-Q-HERphyphenhyphentjzMCvIalpTV7avrKR_BFlao8tDKbeIBzjyjXKq8xk2AQg4DFZ-lxvw5N-5eVlPZt-UeD5jHKATwIXbvyepZqGwDmMKf-AetA/s1280/DSC01506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DwEC-y0Ifjes7hvjBUUfrWM3-bJcCJ_qiJ9nJpKselwpgMDC8XatVtPbnJ1MtUSJRu1o2iudtKObmloMMl-Q-HERphyphenhyphentjzMCvIalpTV7avrKR_BFlao8tDKbeIBzjyjXKq8xk2AQg4DFZ-lxvw5N-5eVlPZt-UeD5jHKATwIXbvyepZqGwDmMKf-AetA/w640-h480/DSC01506.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Looking at the open end of the lock towards the east. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jfd87fHrxTJwaxKv7wammhkjPkovWDNAyrN_olVbo-LAcga8TC936W_5D8ZyKSrph_uXGlZtlel_OtQDHZqTa1IVi75QrFDNA9jUGRAyraHe8fTKMr6EFrizqN_ClSn7YB2dBV4eszlr5YnL5Sf6r0hDkjLeWb9VzqseSSckzX4ZUW_qRCXPgAopngxc/s1280/DSC01504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jfd87fHrxTJwaxKv7wammhkjPkovWDNAyrN_olVbo-LAcga8TC936W_5D8ZyKSrph_uXGlZtlel_OtQDHZqTa1IVi75QrFDNA9jUGRAyraHe8fTKMr6EFrizqN_ClSn7YB2dBV4eszlr5YnL5Sf6r0hDkjLeWb9VzqseSSckzX4ZUW_qRCXPgAopngxc/w640-h480/DSC01504.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This large fishing pier is on the western side of the dam where water is headed towards the WP Franklin Dam & Locks and eventually to Ft Myers, FL. </span><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4LTWPClEFz4r_yn0u1W9JOOyMQmCTGEfl26wRGfoV1eOK2hG78QvH1vF5_PxKf-aj6rMr7sx2vKyiYlZfwAp7mzORetcrNI8G1grWDCnxzukC5LMBMlsZQhYqtkJgrrK0g-U7hOloKKJhWAH5qvMnIMy_Pb1p-cq-1UJQYAudVWQ7zu-OVKvmqnnHuOe/s1280/DSC01481.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4LTWPClEFz4r_yn0u1W9JOOyMQmCTGEfl26wRGfoV1eOK2hG78QvH1vF5_PxKf-aj6rMr7sx2vKyiYlZfwAp7mzORetcrNI8G1grWDCnxzukC5LMBMlsZQhYqtkJgrrK0g-U7hOloKKJhWAH5qvMnIMy_Pb1p-cq-1UJQYAudVWQ7zu-OVKvmqnnHuOe/w640-h480/DSC01481.jpg" width="640" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In the upper right of the previous photo, you will see a small bridge over a stream that enters the larger river. In this next photo, I am standing on this small bridge, looking at the fishing pier and the rocky area where a family of river otters has lived for many years. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGOikVuHx6VCbPb9TPhAaWcdzCI8v2pOmrTjuXjOViJzKtuBfGUrdjO5dct1372OEcoHFiAWyNa5w868hMAIkIjBXQW491xe7KpILIZLQW2Oswj-IouS1VPwvNZTYds3uB_2vN8SKADI8Japmt30o-sYGUZulUONnacKKRFpbpAF7dQ0PDRZLTQYHTfuT/s1280/DSC01484.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGOikVuHx6VCbPb9TPhAaWcdzCI8v2pOmrTjuXjOViJzKtuBfGUrdjO5dct1372OEcoHFiAWyNa5w868hMAIkIjBXQW491xe7KpILIZLQW2Oswj-IouS1VPwvNZTYds3uB_2vN8SKADI8Japmt30o-sYGUZulUONnacKKRFpbpAF7dQ0PDRZLTQYHTfuT/w640-h480/DSC01484.jpg" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A better picture of the little pedestrian bridge where you can stand to watch the otters. </span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAkGf34iI8bJIm4IX-bZOVnmaLJ_8uIHrmFUi5ggiD1fx2xpyqlByUrkbDFHQRFeI0DzCQbV88MAuIROpL2bnDyfmyg4iym2SHwF2ucAe81N4n7kwOpj7o_ZW4jo_l_Zk6hPb0dbj6sqzQ_MTlbplfen9cNJasZyCw4yui3T0GqXhvdHOOcO-ZA8Xrcpn/s1280/DSC01477.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAkGf34iI8bJIm4IX-bZOVnmaLJ_8uIHrmFUi5ggiD1fx2xpyqlByUrkbDFHQRFeI0DzCQbV88MAuIROpL2bnDyfmyg4iym2SHwF2ucAe81N4n7kwOpj7o_ZW4jo_l_Zk6hPb0dbj6sqzQ_MTlbplfen9cNJasZyCw4yui3T0GqXhvdHOOcO-ZA8Xrcpn/w640-h480/DSC01477.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The little stream goes through the farm fields, with the amount of water released controlled by a dam upstream. A lot of birds like this area because there is fish in the river and they are easier for wading birds to access in the shallow water. There are also otters up this stream at about the area it makes a bend. In fact, people have seen the older parents with a litter of young otters here. </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4YieclahZYKnw_wOqEJ550sBxtlGGTHR8MTGBkzNZFOXsRrX-ULGOpVQYhv1T6U6W1F2I-QQoOFsY2uvC4EbHEXJo8U8FtydhRRfwjZUjB0JLcF_aLq8g_cES-UmvJePvigWvzDMZuWzbgVvV2AKxbgoH1jmrohLdnNkkK_5sKMR7t85I1umrfdm6U8l/s1280/DSC01472.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4YieclahZYKnw_wOqEJ550sBxtlGGTHR8MTGBkzNZFOXsRrX-ULGOpVQYhv1T6U6W1F2I-QQoOFsY2uvC4EbHEXJo8U8FtydhRRfwjZUjB0JLcF_aLq8g_cES-UmvJePvigWvzDMZuWzbgVvV2AKxbgoH1jmrohLdnNkkK_5sKMR7t85I1umrfdm6U8l/w640-h480/DSC01472.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Whether you see the otters or not is pretty much up to chance. I check once a day, but have only seen this one so far during this visit. By the time I got my camera out, I could just catch him from the rear as he was heading into the stream. The bird in the photo is a limpkin, and I suspect he was following the otter with hopes of getting free fish scraps. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0YQAyo2x_wuyghIIf0rHZRCrDo87LNhsgYW6-dvh7qhPZDHT-LKTRskxbn2ZisMFNofMSbJNykDjDdPFejRO8nWJc4TV5lO3N38V1OGWkwHA-E_P6mz8hGtkiG06LZMgUXphlba7WW-WtTIKeptylC17Q8nZdQ-R_ws805TSop-BW96rp6flRMRzRGkz/s1280/DSC01496.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0YQAyo2x_wuyghIIf0rHZRCrDo87LNhsgYW6-dvh7qhPZDHT-LKTRskxbn2ZisMFNofMSbJNykDjDdPFejRO8nWJc4TV5lO3N38V1OGWkwHA-E_P6mz8hGtkiG06LZMgUXphlba7WW-WtTIKeptylC17Q8nZdQ-R_ws805TSop-BW96rp6flRMRzRGkz/w640-h480/DSC01496.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The otter very slickly slipped into the stream and headed out into the larger river. </span> <br /></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI16E8ohcHsfQuXg2UFDonLrcn8nVc-Z91IGOx1vZj-2PBsTkZTFp4aoydMhxcvnQSPgWil9NAMhuBaenwSfk05xrNXK7bPC0WXWeu7iqtYYUwoRyC3q4yZ6nuYPtascDWvQRqnSOBDFlnxlTmNX4qXOkgElV6n0riWzPbgNDnfGEWHrwjYtUzy72dqcu2/s1280/DSC01497.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI16E8ohcHsfQuXg2UFDonLrcn8nVc-Z91IGOx1vZj-2PBsTkZTFp4aoydMhxcvnQSPgWil9NAMhuBaenwSfk05xrNXK7bPC0WXWeu7iqtYYUwoRyC3q4yZ6nuYPtascDWvQRqnSOBDFlnxlTmNX4qXOkgElV6n0riWzPbgNDnfGEWHrwjYtUzy72dqcu2/w640-h480/DSC01497.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Some other birds fishing in the stream. This one is a little blue heron. </span><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb16gSjm9G-h_jGl_JwZb47fGAZvUXhrEsE3RBEPKn5r4EafT9Wr4X6g4U3wlWrm2TYdX06VPbWG5JJYW3lFZniJ2UK6BxWnbMPbwmm_EIywfvc6RAjIjoqIi8HLzcvK20HJKs7OYpOv7DUF7Yan9AMcdzDsez0cx-JINdebyXSUZBn4xP3psNBBGJYlV/s1280/DSC01499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizb16gSjm9G-h_jGl_JwZb47fGAZvUXhrEsE3RBEPKn5r4EafT9Wr4X6g4U3wlWrm2TYdX06VPbWG5JJYW3lFZniJ2UK6BxWnbMPbwmm_EIywfvc6RAjIjoqIi8HLzcvK20HJKs7OYpOv7DUF7Yan9AMcdzDsez0cx-JINdebyXSUZBn4xP3psNBBGJYlV/w640-h480/DSC01499.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">And these are white ibis. They wander around the grassy areas in small groups. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ184Q-CiAk7yt7NwHNFI9GiT_3xI9QP7aC6-uVCeNA7A-B06ippDDMHu7edgNFAjyKoFwZxOMg1UEEBhIYNISO_lnPIWwVvwM3PANezC4C6fMyxaBN4jXZcz9h7EQdeL4YNJ0JMvUY8MNVWH2JQQLtAayfyWZSGh1WhWanHFD-kFELQlnxj34a8MCcnL/s1280/DSC01507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ184Q-CiAk7yt7NwHNFI9GiT_3xI9QP7aC6-uVCeNA7A-B06ippDDMHu7edgNFAjyKoFwZxOMg1UEEBhIYNISO_lnPIWwVvwM3PANezC4C6fMyxaBN4jXZcz9h7EQdeL4YNJ0JMvUY8MNVWH2JQQLtAayfyWZSGh1WhWanHFD-kFELQlnxj34a8MCcnL/w640-h480/DSC01507.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"> This is an anhinga, drying his wings on the opposite side of the river. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl0zhrYaid8ksLnyor39QBLKNC1f_c0pmjUMAz63y2ivVs1qC9Foi4CzQYxWerr7D9Vc78PfpQ22NbBozLoGUa-3-_XprsGIPi1aw9fGYCU-LmURRyXUaxJwXDsvUCSJEMNYGSoLaFLKn-JFNsNfK5jv6PCs0Sq5rYrr4aMM1np8f3Vp1vc_4PyzE9zTl/s1280/DSC01482.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivl0zhrYaid8ksLnyor39QBLKNC1f_c0pmjUMAz63y2ivVs1qC9Foi4CzQYxWerr7D9Vc78PfpQ22NbBozLoGUa-3-_XprsGIPi1aw9fGYCU-LmURRyXUaxJwXDsvUCSJEMNYGSoLaFLKn-JFNsNfK5jv6PCs0Sq5rYrr4aMM1np8f3Vp1vc_4PyzE9zTl/w640-h480/DSC01482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">This limpkin seems to always be hanging about. He likes to stand in very shallow water or on a rock watching for fish. <br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k4SFCLSZjHE-6ahPV_QacXnvEpZtW5BlB0RTE0qb1FChjryuo3r4npYRlHUuuFtj_tHp4rme4KnCrZPjRUFBNtdXt_XF5HCULBbOkSXHWKSNNlqu3pVKOQneUTX6wKstk0e7mta0Hd5zF_k8vPhAGtFxvK30FPXjoA2hLJe1UDTN2zngMxqGVMR-2fq5/s1280/DSC01486.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7k4SFCLSZjHE-6ahPV_QacXnvEpZtW5BlB0RTE0qb1FChjryuo3r4npYRlHUuuFtj_tHp4rme4KnCrZPjRUFBNtdXt_XF5HCULBbOkSXHWKSNNlqu3pVKOQneUTX6wKstk0e7mta0Hd5zF_k8vPhAGtFxvK30FPXjoA2hLJe1UDTN2zngMxqGVMR-2fq5/w640-h480/DSC01486.jpg" width="640" /></a></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And this beautiful little bird is a snowy egret. He/she can be identified by his white color, black beak and legs, and orange feet. These birds were made almost extinct because they were hunted for feathers for ladies hats. They are doing much better now. Oh, and by the way, he really has a long neck, but has it folded down so he can better see small fish and crustaceans. </span><br /><p></p></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH3kCffHxA_tU9hEARJbGfHk7zTNaYJNZFdrmCuvMEbTspzVuq6BiioXcCgop6L9_PBmfi5YI5Ire9AJRc5gUfK3hEca4qZgehlNzfE60r5iuGre_V4tnFkvlmHCrjCeCo-PvZcvNjqxKrmP46Vst-70ATBv0MSe8VJcGUNoi6poSpqf2K3TzeaLF-wy-/s1280/DSC01483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBH3kCffHxA_tU9hEARJbGfHk7zTNaYJNZFdrmCuvMEbTspzVuq6BiioXcCgop6L9_PBmfi5YI5Ire9AJRc5gUfK3hEca4qZgehlNzfE60r5iuGre_V4tnFkvlmHCrjCeCo-PvZcvNjqxKrmP46Vst-70ATBv0MSe8VJcGUNoi6poSpqf2K3TzeaLF-wy-/w640-h480/DSC01483.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzGylhisdmyjMGQSQpKlNIBy2jn0Thx096U_2gzq9xTBWZLhWPqM4e9cd5gVBT1ExODXB3zMw2efAPGTAqjfEeK-6JBeWJvKClaW2755IpWclTpPkdIO5BCFmJKWUTfTjkIhQ3cR_PTDmlDKOISwP7JcUIG1ja2tIEofHARiGkK_S9zOt64Q6yKsJ-FBY/s1280/DSC01485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSzGylhisdmyjMGQSQpKlNIBy2jn0Thx096U_2gzq9xTBWZLhWPqM4e9cd5gVBT1ExODXB3zMw2efAPGTAqjfEeK-6JBeWJvKClaW2755IpWclTpPkdIO5BCFmJKWUTfTjkIhQ3cR_PTDmlDKOISwP7JcUIG1ja2tIEofHARiGkK_S9zOt64Q6yKsJ-FBY/w640-h480/DSC01485.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><p></p></div><div><br /><p></p></div>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-65561198904539019632023-12-25T00:27:00.002-05:002023-12-25T00:27:42.043-05:0012/24 Koreshan Historic State Park Tour<p>I have driven past this state park and stayed here briefly once before, but the campground spaces for RVs are a bit cramped and trees often block satellite access, so have pretty much passed it up in the past. This trip, I originally made reservations for the 23rd, 24th, and 25th at a state park near Tampa, thinking I might fly out of that airport. However, I decided to stay in Florida for the holidays and found three days available here at Koreshan, which saved me a drive of 230 miles round trip. Easier to stay here because is is closer to last and next campground. </p><p>Anyway, I will post photos of this campground tomorrow. Today, since I had some free time, I booked a walking tour of the historical area of this state park. In the late 1800s and until the property was deeded to the state in 1961, this place was a utopian religious community with some strange beliefs. For example, they believed that the earth was round, but they believed that it was hollow, with the stars, sun, and moon in the center of the globe and the people and ground were inside an outer shell. This is hard to visualize, but a photo later will explain it a bit more clearly. They also believed that members needed to be celibate. You could join the group with your children, and they were treated very well, but you could not have an relationships with the opposite sex or have more children. THAT was one of the biggest reasons that the group died out after the founder's death in 1908. </p><p>When the first people from the sect came here, there were no roads and not many other people in this area, other than cattle farmers and some people living on fishing. The group worked hard and built homes and dormitories, plus a store, bakery, industrial metal working shop, farms, and other places where they earned money to support themselves. <br /></p><p>Anyway, there is more information on this on these sites:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> <a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-park/history">https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-park/history</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.naplesfloridatravelguide.com/blog/koreshan-state-park-historic-site">https://www.naplesfloridatravelguide.com/blog/koreshan-state-park-historic-site </a> </li></ul><p>The volunteer tour guide did a great job of explaining the history of this place, by the way, so here are some photos!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPwbkjgXBv39iNFJXugRZ8Fb9O23NA8sEBnEf2vGVf03DKRdJNNKq-1p4KC29tAGCkeMFe5Z4KKvnKBO4s25JHCh7Ij5jy9VxBo5o2VJu6OGdc4uxkDoBJSBdADAi9Rmmsc5FhVXMKyzT5obKnSvb1eCq4Yqv9Som50m4GVNbHmRN1Ow49txMTmXHtSz6/s1280/DSC01405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPwbkjgXBv39iNFJXugRZ8Fb9O23NA8sEBnEf2vGVf03DKRdJNNKq-1p4KC29tAGCkeMFe5Z4KKvnKBO4s25JHCh7Ij5jy9VxBo5o2VJu6OGdc4uxkDoBJSBdADAi9Rmmsc5FhVXMKyzT5obKnSvb1eCq4Yqv9Som50m4GVNbHmRN1Ow49txMTmXHtSz6/w640-h480/DSC01405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This building was built as an art hall, but mostly served as a meeting place and a concert hall for its orchestra. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mu-D2mJSCUDkzy1UIWYBggLV8RZ-fEuHm0exZoqXqpNc-1MPelrb5h2RKcEiiuSosgWUTX7i2c8eMRXA32p4a-S6h036PzSAhskE_ZJnl3XNZedF3bVFRBVN3PVfh0rByFPv7T3L5Q03rlFtPfSNPeb9zzkekhLBAqXrqACTBq2fF3YL9KsBoTH_zv0S/s1280/DSC01408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mu-D2mJSCUDkzy1UIWYBggLV8RZ-fEuHm0exZoqXqpNc-1MPelrb5h2RKcEiiuSosgWUTX7i2c8eMRXA32p4a-S6h036PzSAhskE_ZJnl3XNZedF3bVFRBVN3PVfh0rByFPv7T3L5Q03rlFtPfSNPeb9zzkekhLBAqXrqACTBq2fF3YL9KsBoTH_zv0S/w640-h480/DSC01408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is a model that the world as the Koreshans saw it. What this photo does not show clearly is that the left and right parts were convex and were supposed to depict the outer shell of the world that contained the land, oceans, and people. The middle part depicts the hollow center that contained the heavens, with the sun, moon, and stars. Takes some brain twisting, however!!!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fJdUuk3OsCwHluxgZURoawZd-DCFPsOMSSCqWqn8Yr85A2zqsyAKFQlc5kwjFKTBmbk7HkGnJhLf_emuKtVY6-NBDTm28k9uU10Hv82zT9tVsi3CLywiEbyO8cCZD5Cr11qpGvQcDmPU7kujhYpKfrvn5ssKZhpthrljdGEdk2rLAgwUoUP3262gRxBa/s811/DSC01412_edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="811" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fJdUuk3OsCwHluxgZURoawZd-DCFPsOMSSCqWqn8Yr85A2zqsyAKFQlc5kwjFKTBmbk7HkGnJhLf_emuKtVY6-NBDTm28k9uU10Hv82zT9tVsi3CLywiEbyO8cCZD5Cr11qpGvQcDmPU7kujhYpKfrvn5ssKZhpthrljdGEdk2rLAgwUoUP3262gRxBa/w640-h462/DSC01412_edited.jpg" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Supposedly, this is a model of an instrument that proved that the earth was hollow. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsv-Fkt7oc1zD4aW8NyCVNMSMtPSBHDASRzI4orkrfvd028ElxmcEcdFTQqH4JYyijxh3V2tIDGds-b8zVLyMb29PHtS7uGh9KO_F7aQba_HhU-OKuDYDqHhhJgRMmVKtbgffASmkOEglK-BeOKn3fIZVqB08t7EQbwPQFO9ai_JwwdWnrdtm61MeFeIN/s1280/DSC01411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQsv-Fkt7oc1zD4aW8NyCVNMSMtPSBHDASRzI4orkrfvd028ElxmcEcdFTQqH4JYyijxh3V2tIDGds-b8zVLyMb29PHtS7uGh9KO_F7aQba_HhU-OKuDYDqHhhJgRMmVKtbgffASmkOEglK-BeOKn3fIZVqB08t7EQbwPQFO9ai_JwwdWnrdtm61MeFeIN/w640-h480/DSC01411.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>While the religious founder managed the beliefs of the sect, there were seven women who were in charge of the actual running of the compound and its many businesses. They each had a private room in this house instead of living in the dormitories where the rest of the members lived. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaT2cJg8xukMBWJbdy0CIHYi4_LY2-UZ3LvMcJJemAH4lir99Iffikbgq3kMaYOhIm88YT57KhIbhfqxddyfRosXeSB-ortemGtp25kRNadt4eq8XRDQxBaZmVaMCnRs5H64lSUtcJ1myuEvCEi6g9GRo0fWM5n_XaizYwJkWrPQfEQ-cUL7GFYKzcej8/s1280/DSC01419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaT2cJg8xukMBWJbdy0CIHYi4_LY2-UZ3LvMcJJemAH4lir99Iffikbgq3kMaYOhIm88YT57KhIbhfqxddyfRosXeSB-ortemGtp25kRNadt4eq8XRDQxBaZmVaMCnRs5H64lSUtcJ1myuEvCEi6g9GRo0fWM5n_XaizYwJkWrPQfEQ-cUL7GFYKzcej8/w640-h480/DSC01419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Imagine this area filled with buildings. Most were burned or fell apart or torn down. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfgdsI9I2tyFoZZyLqop3wQwYmT7mX1S2M1Nvo4AvC0mmQ2RkZEKXikpXW67xTTZkibyiZJ34DBaLIQnq7nWEa-HoiKU_26YS4_D64NUdrKYvqvVO0rp-i5-7pofM8JkMJ1pnJeNqSyiCBHWoevWW0AojtR8ObghbuVUShKO5lV8QJZMkSFheecPRc5gG/s1280/DSC01422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQfgdsI9I2tyFoZZyLqop3wQwYmT7mX1S2M1Nvo4AvC0mmQ2RkZEKXikpXW67xTTZkibyiZJ34DBaLIQnq7nWEa-HoiKU_26YS4_D64NUdrKYvqvVO0rp-i5-7pofM8JkMJ1pnJeNqSyiCBHWoevWW0AojtR8ObghbuVUShKO5lV8QJZMkSFheecPRc5gG/w640-h480/DSC01422.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The land was purchased from an original settler who lived with his family in this little cabin. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYUkJbfUhkdgzqX1Nmp5Ai7u0RN4SngdTCj94svFicAxhZJepA515uVCN859yCSfXWj_CdtXU6Pcx-1o521mrpm79k4kuYY11ou5wWYJbArSx_ms2icNSq6qWRYKI210gvfo5b9Vsdkh8NEQBZScpWtqH-dC_SYXNDmXGQ2z5ShDw8EaKzJRg2wmqURU0/s1280/DSC01427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYUkJbfUhkdgzqX1Nmp5Ai7u0RN4SngdTCj94svFicAxhZJepA515uVCN859yCSfXWj_CdtXU6Pcx-1o521mrpm79k4kuYY11ou5wWYJbArSx_ms2icNSq6qWRYKI210gvfo5b9Vsdkh8NEQBZScpWtqH-dC_SYXNDmXGQ2z5ShDw8EaKzJRg2wmqURU0/w640-h480/DSC01427.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This very fancy entrance was along the river and used by visiting
dignitaries, including potential members. Apparently Henry Ford, Thomas
Edison, and Harvey Firestone all visited here. <br /></div><p></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWHP5LB2cEMYMY6Tx9kkzzAQ_vUJeVf2VXmHdR1wSBkl6pdShS9kRxv9aA31mwuXQvkyrnYFnG2uDBKeUiJ2YitOq-ICEZSUdYSvqOlOkG_LYToX8zVvoxZ9bK6OZuFYcnoWjnDvzvsliMuchooj4VnT_xn5Plyi06guaDzL5nF2wwFff94lQ2hujoIpZ/s1280/DSC01436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivWHP5LB2cEMYMY6Tx9kkzzAQ_vUJeVf2VXmHdR1wSBkl6pdShS9kRxv9aA31mwuXQvkyrnYFnG2uDBKeUiJ2YitOq-ICEZSUdYSvqOlOkG_LYToX8zVvoxZ9bK6OZuFYcnoWjnDvzvsliMuchooj4VnT_xn5Plyi06guaDzL5nF2wwFff94lQ2hujoIpZ/w640-h480/DSC01436.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>This building was originally the home of the founder, with many of the sects children sleeping in the second floor. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxTFiax8QZPb0VNHH7OEdkgHwtiplfABDAWAh58R-6OuBXciVvRfUd2Vk87lfKDvlMkyLQ316Bjz2TSjA1Ph7WubdDdP63rAwxRsgL6nlLJuf1s0ieTxjNdFyYNzAyxhVFTEpDdLyxg4QqKlCtBaletQCA7BEZEOp1JCECRCOip2spx3mlcGXZVw8v3hG/s1280/DSC01433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxTFiax8QZPb0VNHH7OEdkgHwtiplfABDAWAh58R-6OuBXciVvRfUd2Vk87lfKDvlMkyLQ316Bjz2TSjA1Ph7WubdDdP63rAwxRsgL6nlLJuf1s0ieTxjNdFyYNzAyxhVFTEpDdLyxg4QqKlCtBaletQCA7BEZEOp1JCECRCOip2spx3mlcGXZVw8v3hG/w640-h480/DSC01433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnmOHmI5_7mwJFg_TeWoKaQSipXXN3eXblCgtBewjPjILfBKH793usp3eY8nJIroKRkV6KayLL2uJPymLFW93hpu78YSuJ-yMqcRfLhuRkesLb0moQLg0Djq70zmhmpLPVZiptJPd9np_pLnVBi4VI1IONbAT0ewqTr5XlTeyTm1Fug8sYrQa6QjfzqvP/s1280/DSC01435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnmOHmI5_7mwJFg_TeWoKaQSipXXN3eXblCgtBewjPjILfBKH793usp3eY8nJIroKRkV6KayLL2uJPymLFW93hpu78YSuJ-yMqcRfLhuRkesLb0moQLg0Djq70zmhmpLPVZiptJPd9np_pLnVBi4VI1IONbAT0ewqTr5XlTeyTm1Fug8sYrQa6QjfzqvP/w640-h480/DSC01435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The inside of the founder's home, or at the inside of the lower level. There is a long story about this, but one of the religious beliefs of the founder was that he was the 7th savior, right after Jesus, so he would rise from the dead and bring with him all the members who had died in the past. He lived here with a woman who was supposed to assist him in rising from the dead---strangely!<br /></p><p>When this did not happen, this caused many members to leave the sect. The few who were eventually left, owned the property together and were the ones who donated it to the state. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxmCYYJgwTEBOCOVGA2NxOVtyf1RuJv1V8ppH8njmNZyK1zoEfyjSX2rNL3CkBWUTp8ULsI8AxqV46MYv0w-aTYuquiE0NKKH7MSO6gwmb5bfzeWZIs7wsgsRFnKdhKAD4sX6aWoLwhuWiENC8SwPdnwB3wfnLkFJay4mEmLmQy2VFLUrvutxiQsfo98e/s1280/DSC01437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxmCYYJgwTEBOCOVGA2NxOVtyf1RuJv1V8ppH8njmNZyK1zoEfyjSX2rNL3CkBWUTp8ULsI8AxqV46MYv0w-aTYuquiE0NKKH7MSO6gwmb5bfzeWZIs7wsgsRFnKdhKAD4sX6aWoLwhuWiENC8SwPdnwB3wfnLkFJay4mEmLmQy2VFLUrvutxiQsfo98e/w640-h480/DSC01437.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Throughout this place, there was some amazing woodworking, including this beautiful staircase. There were two in this building--one for each side of the children's space on the second floor, which was divided by sex. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDSr8HjBDQ6et4POQnGUFKgngwJueeH875GO78Qmb8D42ZgTOQZMSmiB0-okCjtYzXkghhCnF6I1-5vbbnaY53S6THXx5WZue5v4rM28jexFstmUdH5Dp3AWse8W5GMIjjJBwhgK7K5yLK9s97J1z3xDO2LhfM8nlkv5a0GAkI_K6eEuW8ST-CGM0N7sT/s1280/DSC01440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDSr8HjBDQ6et4POQnGUFKgngwJueeH875GO78Qmb8D42ZgTOQZMSmiB0-okCjtYzXkghhCnF6I1-5vbbnaY53S6THXx5WZue5v4rM28jexFstmUdH5Dp3AWse8W5GMIjjJBwhgK7K5yLK9s97J1z3xDO2LhfM8nlkv5a0GAkI_K6eEuW8ST-CGM0N7sT/w640-h480/DSC01440.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another room on the opposite side of the first floor, where the woman chosen by the founder lived. (As the tour guide said, "Obviously, all people are equal, but some were more equal than others!)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc6eI8pAWN5IPznPUjghLWqlPsJqYovxCacfbsv3Af5P1u1p7iS33OJ7vEqPffksx1bPOw6xBgDyvg9p3Lcc1-iKgqzOQlGFMG58lWDeTUZ2hhyphenhyphenFwF77nVlM8zyiVYOI-4mhboZ9vP2bdhJaE2eEspH1x8ElAuLPYbHNL2gH2Q8MNLkf3dWbDWWJg2NUe/s1280/DSC01441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc6eI8pAWN5IPznPUjghLWqlPsJqYovxCacfbsv3Af5P1u1p7iS33OJ7vEqPffksx1bPOw6xBgDyvg9p3Lcc1-iKgqzOQlGFMG58lWDeTUZ2hhyphenhyphenFwF77nVlM8zyiVYOI-4mhboZ9vP2bdhJaE2eEspH1x8ElAuLPYbHNL2gH2Q8MNLkf3dWbDWWJg2NUe/w640-h480/DSC01441.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A photo of some of the members and the children in the sect. The tour guide said that the children were given excellent educations and training for careers, and could choose to leave when they were 18 for girls and 21 for boys. And they apparently were given enough money to give them a good start in life when they left. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WUQljD9DV3ulUmUOh-FXzBueKezq23JHMeY-cfFG0jIAwTNCl0192VI05cj_Kp7PtqjKnAtNX5sxqMVeJuwxPpQKBS_C6ionsCdLmKI68UzcNlK7N9FyN-l3nGaRYPC1lVlZMpUIrbYJYC2Nz2lw4gjWekrfMw2z8Nixb59sgVIsS076i9SAMNg6f67P/s1280/DSC01442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-WUQljD9DV3ulUmUOh-FXzBueKezq23JHMeY-cfFG0jIAwTNCl0192VI05cj_Kp7PtqjKnAtNX5sxqMVeJuwxPpQKBS_C6ionsCdLmKI68UzcNlK7N9FyN-l3nGaRYPC1lVlZMpUIrbYJYC2Nz2lw4gjWekrfMw2z8Nixb59sgVIsS076i9SAMNg6f67P/w640-h480/DSC01442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gViNqj9mQpAWTKPqx_vStEBrR3BaXt_QPhQUZNurPx3zX_5EH8-EvgTpnZbbGWEFG22-NsFzAwNi1aH9d0W2rUjDir1RvtSVK_TGUTybuyTXenHM8IHG1z6Jstoua3QVjl2BTIQu-GOEjXaju15BQovDDsJKpuQ91rjnZ_SGO314lZ8R11mN4xGUMj29/s1037/DSC01443edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="1037" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gViNqj9mQpAWTKPqx_vStEBrR3BaXt_QPhQUZNurPx3zX_5EH8-EvgTpnZbbGWEFG22-NsFzAwNi1aH9d0W2rUjDir1RvtSVK_TGUTybuyTXenHM8IHG1z6Jstoua3QVjl2BTIQu-GOEjXaju15BQovDDsJKpuQ91rjnZ_SGO314lZ8R11mN4xGUMj29/w640-h470/DSC01443edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another view of the house where the seven women who managed the compound lived. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8VMYFc0YtCCLZUYqaSYcacACHsWxX6af3I5i8Axg08Rg5VmLKd9Al13vw15vcj0YwyQ09ipyTe-8loD6qEHFcMytAfDrNezD1r2ehYnHsQxAbk0MPaskpuXT0mNylOGod9bi7v7Kv-pkePuKQPSVP-wJaFas6WMts2ETD-ODlyTd765S_6HvQM2NFS9X/s1280/DSC01444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd8VMYFc0YtCCLZUYqaSYcacACHsWxX6af3I5i8Axg08Rg5VmLKd9Al13vw15vcj0YwyQ09ipyTe-8loD6qEHFcMytAfDrNezD1r2ehYnHsQxAbk0MPaskpuXT0mNylOGod9bi7v7Kv-pkePuKQPSVP-wJaFas6WMts2ETD-ODlyTd765S_6HvQM2NFS9X/w640-h480/DSC01444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuQTvkXv-iDGQbxCyDlp3qxBO1nNGu-007CaigQ8gEmQGVqYIVrg6lAFUW59ErAAr3BCXkQKn2mBvMSreh0qJx1D4a2STu3pA5IaQm8M_g58-oE7TDdxO_PYvcWzbVRQMkNlUZsP3HpdQLI2VFBrZd0Ukz8lXpB1uA_ktvZWHusYEefyR8xc5RVeKNBN4/s1280/DSC01446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuuQTvkXv-iDGQbxCyDlp3qxBO1nNGu-007CaigQ8gEmQGVqYIVrg6lAFUW59ErAAr3BCXkQKn2mBvMSreh0qJx1D4a2STu3pA5IaQm8M_g58-oE7TDdxO_PYvcWzbVRQMkNlUZsP3HpdQLI2VFBrZd0Ukz8lXpB1uA_ktvZWHusYEefyR8xc5RVeKNBN4/w640-h480/DSC01446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpdQChHgoBLRxnOUo49vcr-v62DOAuuYWz2lhqfBlM1wHq_SCUXViCzxv1tVjtRfl0OXNwiopr53nQuHPWu844DhIB-Fh43BsTPR7ipS1zNe3R609m7DFbf8zxB1FWWTknUx2YJUBpgGQ7n-BBGR709Xe8EZ7cJj65o9zJDjSvQJbopXMA5b5Vkm-mBMo/s1280/DSC01449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpdQChHgoBLRxnOUo49vcr-v62DOAuuYWz2lhqfBlM1wHq_SCUXViCzxv1tVjtRfl0OXNwiopr53nQuHPWu844DhIB-Fh43BsTPR7ipS1zNe3R609m7DFbf8zxB1FWWTknUx2YJUBpgGQ7n-BBGR709Xe8EZ7cJj65o9zJDjSvQJbopXMA5b5Vkm-mBMo/w640-h480/DSC01449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4ZP0XzCHpIL0rz1ELS8hFieSgN6PUw9pSQnRl5SEPBsLEXagPUsfcGfOvvYr8NbK04trHRvt9spwcE9PpZWANKM-TDJ9b_kIv-l-K0hFVWiJJghXVqORtzmWijOrKyhgNmZJU_jhX1bo8mXBzpkGmWtOLqj5og8UpcInkowKwAFkS9DCSTXwNre4NXat/s1280/DSC01450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4ZP0XzCHpIL0rz1ELS8hFieSgN6PUw9pSQnRl5SEPBsLEXagPUsfcGfOvvYr8NbK04trHRvt9spwcE9PpZWANKM-TDJ9b_kIv-l-K0hFVWiJJghXVqORtzmWijOrKyhgNmZJU_jhX1bo8mXBzpkGmWtOLqj5og8UpcInkowKwAFkS9DCSTXwNre4NXat/w640-h480/DSC01450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another beautiful staircase. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6CffLZoZREA6pbFoVVrD40fOEiMli-_c-zWLRFVBK-caNTinzjdrdB3LzzTK6vQIQ2UkVZFgqrDNB3npx0fRHyUjGxR6_GSK9aRoIvn6IIyUYrWAb-4mxRbAZ4BzjURGrFtZDdZlyIJ0V-1S5p9twNnNONh093yA_FASe3mlt_24R2Q0XH5HKnAFjip_/s1280/DSC01453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6CffLZoZREA6pbFoVVrD40fOEiMli-_c-zWLRFVBK-caNTinzjdrdB3LzzTK6vQIQ2UkVZFgqrDNB3npx0fRHyUjGxR6_GSK9aRoIvn6IIyUYrWAb-4mxRbAZ4BzjURGrFtZDdZlyIJ0V-1S5p9twNnNONh093yA_FASe3mlt_24R2Q0XH5HKnAFjip_/w640-h480/DSC01453.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyBNjyYJz9EytQA_XR2qrpLauGVGjfFXFoYfhwMcLx3D2J-CkCFwU18Sm7I4oE_RxIVnhG3mZSAT9l9WX_WBs8x1pSiod_e-e798zhkwsqtDLmZDQSa5uekU99nv_rXzBoF-z8m9L_skpsJ0DZXeUntLPV3Mh_Jl2qQVH-aw3PQXvp0xgeDAEwJ1sgLex/s1280/DSC01454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyBNjyYJz9EytQA_XR2qrpLauGVGjfFXFoYfhwMcLx3D2J-CkCFwU18Sm7I4oE_RxIVnhG3mZSAT9l9WX_WBs8x1pSiod_e-e798zhkwsqtDLmZDQSa5uekU99nv_rXzBoF-z8m9L_skpsJ0DZXeUntLPV3Mh_Jl2qQVH-aw3PQXvp0xgeDAEwJ1sgLex/w640-h480/DSC01454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>At the far end of the compound was the industrial and metal working businesses, along with the bakery and kitchens for the sect. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZENgHIMD_oiIBH3UM3s07Vf22fP4CGMs69Qmw-r8jrBmV_pt_n9Jw-JzaCapquYNZqB130Qn03f7-t0vW8sk7xiK4jO3LyI728iVIqlqkIBXnZfcXAjMmsGC8oisp-g9jQr5SiJLy9j5wlyeAQILvDxE3lO_kCSXksdKaGVGNcCzZqT1qn8RUhArMLpF7/s1280/DSC01456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZENgHIMD_oiIBH3UM3s07Vf22fP4CGMs69Qmw-r8jrBmV_pt_n9Jw-JzaCapquYNZqB130Qn03f7-t0vW8sk7xiK4jO3LyI728iVIqlqkIBXnZfcXAjMmsGC8oisp-g9jQr5SiJLy9j5wlyeAQILvDxE3lO_kCSXksdKaGVGNcCzZqT1qn8RUhArMLpF7/w640-h480/DSC01456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECx_Qijnen15N41G-lXxZEXDRQVda39XURLc9J9UE1_nTvQC6UttX6dtaHRmsuT9zfP_f-w4AApMcGvAWdxKhnULfGZL19uadDVMjiRLD_LHNAOm8JvhjBpfdAon9DK3m88-LfdTVBkXSSn52pb1c_f33O212BONXCpS2vveJtStpIoYXmGD022ZbFlem/s1280/DSC01457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECx_Qijnen15N41G-lXxZEXDRQVda39XURLc9J9UE1_nTvQC6UttX6dtaHRmsuT9zfP_f-w4AApMcGvAWdxKhnULfGZL19uadDVMjiRLD_LHNAOm8JvhjBpfdAon9DK3m88-LfdTVBkXSSn52pb1c_f33O212BONXCpS2vveJtStpIoYXmGD022ZbFlem/w640-h480/DSC01457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOckNThTOo7ocwsBhGQiafvxv2USFAz2ZrURj4J1JJo6jVPpiCJ6MhjputcbvyDvOzsoOHyR4vOWLIea8yVnhBYiVWq1m8TOxA_LXzoPuR-4ZGSBBpyIqJk9rqZKyhSfimkK4HcM0VjXV9cqkBhISAMWTvHY0eQJWNTaWiGfqncZ6RERk3johOrcH57DA9/s1280/DSC01458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOckNThTOo7ocwsBhGQiafvxv2USFAz2ZrURj4J1JJo6jVPpiCJ6MhjputcbvyDvOzsoOHyR4vOWLIea8yVnhBYiVWq1m8TOxA_LXzoPuR-4ZGSBBpyIqJk9rqZKyhSfimkK4HcM0VjXV9cqkBhISAMWTvHY0eQJWNTaWiGfqncZ6RERk3johOrcH57DA9/w640-h480/DSC01458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Interesting industrial equipment. They maintained the water and other systems, as well as manufactured things like wrought iron that they sold to the public. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H8SCx_1e6dsb-solRmAUFgN5Jh2ppiuU3ksnr9XKmvqN0S873KE_77PHWpF3hDO5IiOS0X0QWgYAKDRb94CdpyCIn1x-hjevxyXmKu6BZE5CpFSt0KBLQQBIfiH0-8cYNCYKW0n250LY1G3hiHZNIiSKg6Zr4HaDu2mWjDlfDUH1V5lIY8ZXbZU4-ZIF/s1280/DSC01462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6H8SCx_1e6dsb-solRmAUFgN5Jh2ppiuU3ksnr9XKmvqN0S873KE_77PHWpF3hDO5IiOS0X0QWgYAKDRb94CdpyCIn1x-hjevxyXmKu6BZE5CpFSt0KBLQQBIfiH0-8cYNCYKW0n250LY1G3hiHZNIiSKg6Zr4HaDu2mWjDlfDUH1V5lIY8ZXbZU4-ZIF/w640-h480/DSC01462.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7476OcH4VS530JdPqHlS65X7VH1TaJ0uU5Mn7ttZjiyJUjQHIbNwxGJ7RLUk1zqvrauVE4lKThpBPcjcW1Tk8YQjSj5Y_9xiLtCDSKXyvmUhfsIMOLrI-CI7phFtfSaU5hSArb-3Ag5cGbN4caQMhXnjxxRKdISRAysXY9BusypFVyP9L44r6M7nuz0r/s1280/DSC01463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp7476OcH4VS530JdPqHlS65X7VH1TaJ0uU5Mn7ttZjiyJUjQHIbNwxGJ7RLUk1zqvrauVE4lKThpBPcjcW1Tk8YQjSj5Y_9xiLtCDSKXyvmUhfsIMOLrI-CI7phFtfSaU5hSArb-3Ag5cGbN4caQMhXnjxxRKdISRAysXY9BusypFVyP9L44r6M7nuz0r/w640-h480/DSC01463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKb4imURSTKJVocFOsWLMVYSAuaY-nPflMizJzQgrF0ElbdFcmaHI4wsEqAfBgWPG3nd_G-uYJ-35EgDsI6POaKeQqhurOdk5m1sH3gZg814xVK1UiI8XDjZmABMCRiTEUU_Kr3Bd1sfA7nDhCcPgTUaEV5aNlBYSIIJhqCMSUPnZ2imYPD4s5iwIEYd0/s1280/DSC01464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKb4imURSTKJVocFOsWLMVYSAuaY-nPflMizJzQgrF0ElbdFcmaHI4wsEqAfBgWPG3nd_G-uYJ-35EgDsI6POaKeQqhurOdk5m1sH3gZg814xVK1UiI8XDjZmABMCRiTEUU_Kr3Bd1sfA7nDhCcPgTUaEV5aNlBYSIIJhqCMSUPnZ2imYPD4s5iwIEYd0/w640-h480/DSC01464.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH2o1Pe77G7DXPSjtL1xw_gh6YL6677T6vhyphenhyphen4P6Cdwf1YdotWEqUQqKzdM0ne096jlCxlBKbY8jPVQ0rO1mCcxgrTTxqkiRXbpZdmvMsqnlKEFuGrfdk2mh06TXyg45BHX1mHYPf2AR7cELouWbkgJVuPULHvqi25vwx6198d0sLj-DhEEHfNEDazrjBQ/s1280/DSC01465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH2o1Pe77G7DXPSjtL1xw_gh6YL6677T6vhyphenhyphen4P6Cdwf1YdotWEqUQqKzdM0ne096jlCxlBKbY8jPVQ0rO1mCcxgrTTxqkiRXbpZdmvMsqnlKEFuGrfdk2mh06TXyg45BHX1mHYPf2AR7cELouWbkgJVuPULHvqi25vwx6198d0sLj-DhEEHfNEDazrjBQ/w640-h480/DSC01465.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuhf_a4s2IzZQrliDAb0WLZfTUAaGhoC3naOpMK4aDhtFx60wLiiotarUN33qjB7Rbh-DN9G-UYxJ0UbFBm2eRVGXL6BW2qeuHeHomCnjpUbKjCd5V0mQtTAQMGQxLNQG3zCoZ5NVSW2AQOi1kUT0CXPwqTWAigvXUvfGVFrHOWqXE95-mCllN11PgAkE/s1280/DSC01466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtuhf_a4s2IzZQrliDAb0WLZfTUAaGhoC3naOpMK4aDhtFx60wLiiotarUN33qjB7Rbh-DN9G-UYxJ0UbFBm2eRVGXL6BW2qeuHeHomCnjpUbKjCd5V0mQtTAQMGQxLNQG3zCoZ5NVSW2AQOi1kUT0CXPwqTWAigvXUvfGVFrHOWqXE95-mCllN11PgAkE/w640-h480/DSC01466.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAUcdfCWWEJZ0sckVPZZICjf0B3GL8rScpzJ2OPW4OTWjcEF1ESWaXc0vjGijz1-4u-lSZZrB-Yiyhl9jtvBDi1sVLl0D_uq_W8f4-ccPX4LGC9HMp7Gz_gKT8tmaVs0By7brszVZteFgLMuBS0sdivVl9vU6SbJAmDaTI5eDq9HacjXdqBB3uUhl9b0O/s1280/DSC01467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAUcdfCWWEJZ0sckVPZZICjf0B3GL8rScpzJ2OPW4OTWjcEF1ESWaXc0vjGijz1-4u-lSZZrB-Yiyhl9jtvBDi1sVLl0D_uq_W8f4-ccPX4LGC9HMp7Gz_gKT8tmaVs0By7brszVZteFgLMuBS0sdivVl9vU6SbJAmDaTI5eDq9HacjXdqBB3uUhl9b0O/w640-h480/DSC01467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">All of these businesses and their use of technology that was modern for the time meant that the community was financially stable and the members comfortable. It was the lack of new people joining to replace those that had died that really ended this colony. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Anyway, the volunteer gave much more detailed information than I have summarized here, and I am very glad to have taken the tour and learned more about this interesting group. And by the way, even after the land was given to the state, the remaining members stayed here, the last one dying in 1982!!<br /></p><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-67343347102842151072023-12-24T22:34:00.003-05:002023-12-24T22:34:41.009-05:0012/23 Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary<p>This place is one of my favorite places in Florida, and though I visited today, I will almost certainly visit at least once or twice again this winter. There is always something different to see because the water level varies and this causes the number and types of birds who are here at any one time. In addition, I was told by the ranger that not all of the migrating birds from the north have arrived yet. So, maybe my next visit will be at the end of January or beginning of February. </p><p>If you have never been here, I strongly encourage you to put this place in your high priority "bucket list." You will not regret it. (And before I forget, there is good parking for bigger vehicles like mine. Just follow the signs and turn onto the grassy area just before the main parking lot.) Click here for more information: <a href="https://corkscrew.audubon.org/">https://corkscrew.audubon.org/</a> Also, they are open 365 days a year and that also includes the gift shop which has some really neat bird shirts! <br /></p><p>Here are some photos that show my most recent visit:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwcRp3dcbpehJpJaiwQD93a0L6dhY60_eSokiyWlrBOO0gq2hUzxZTnbTveOTPAGII5_kKzoeEVnUa74upj2WX8WYYlwVI2ahU2dt1u38RsDpi-6pvQch3GY-0UAEeZj__BqbEcVkF2OdVEEAP5cZC8zmQKPZh3uOzHFuu9-s9gc94JUz_QEpG4Pa8R7l/s1280/DSC01345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhwcRp3dcbpehJpJaiwQD93a0L6dhY60_eSokiyWlrBOO0gq2hUzxZTnbTveOTPAGII5_kKzoeEVnUa74upj2WX8WYYlwVI2ahU2dt1u38RsDpi-6pvQch3GY-0UAEeZj__BqbEcVkF2OdVEEAP5cZC8zmQKPZh3uOzHFuu9-s9gc94JUz_QEpG4Pa8R7l/w640-h480/DSC01345.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsPtPEpsiRPRJGe0H9pbbcBv0-Boo1HpABYzOzhSTogj4CHTcUSV3YPNnUxAQdutg1jVoSdDmE4BQU6XwHTRxHIHB_Wr_ou314WN9G5KkTPA-cPWJvqFILUf7JvLTUggCGhR5jcmzlnCUMcFCbCZnX6tacdUoCC2XNjr2dfDJgXb7FHCfSF06PqK6Kky4/s1280/DSC01346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsPtPEpsiRPRJGe0H9pbbcBv0-Boo1HpABYzOzhSTogj4CHTcUSV3YPNnUxAQdutg1jVoSdDmE4BQU6XwHTRxHIHB_Wr_ou314WN9G5KkTPA-cPWJvqFILUf7JvLTUggCGhR5jcmzlnCUMcFCbCZnX6tacdUoCC2XNjr2dfDJgXb7FHCfSF06PqK6Kky4/w640-h480/DSC01346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The boardwalk is 2.5 miles, though you can cut a section of it off, if you choose. If you really want to see birds, I strongly recommend you walk quietly and softly on rubber-sole shoes. Also, it helps to stop every once in a while and just listen for a splash or a rustling in the greenery, indicated a bird is nearby. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2_P-wTo2KLOVdx88yZoamLbEBdrZ-oaSW0oBj1vT1rvtv8_fG8jL4SuIqaREra1qOX4q0tdDLx_b_cbcwIavrDSw5KkKDm58PZahF9tW2jBMUP3wJlTVOdkbYXETubXoL4w8KyHtoI9LId4fI3avSnQfQNXH4dxOxLS-NPLxMr47UqtUqGGDD8aeFraM/s1280/DSC01347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj2_P-wTo2KLOVdx88yZoamLbEBdrZ-oaSW0oBj1vT1rvtv8_fG8jL4SuIqaREra1qOX4q0tdDLx_b_cbcwIavrDSw5KkKDm58PZahF9tW2jBMUP3wJlTVOdkbYXETubXoL4w8KyHtoI9LId4fI3avSnQfQNXH4dxOxLS-NPLxMr47UqtUqGGDD8aeFraM/w640-h480/DSC01347.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This part of the boardwalk enters the bald cypress tree area. They are the tall trees with greyish bark and no leaves during the winter. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bW7txEnhVBUgpGbCrVrK9b304XCN-c37NKYWDxa1XrrZzHrwJikI1FfUG-sa1rr9-LMjtYFROOqRkXmh79O7fEE89aQXP3u4FXkxW0FvCeP9kxvJp3Olghhs_T0gNe2EiB2F-_FFPY3rQz_taOgJG1CbNJpEGO-fEsfjBDx7G5qvgFe-wP32nFHsIDWe/s1280/DSC01349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5bW7txEnhVBUgpGbCrVrK9b304XCN-c37NKYWDxa1XrrZzHrwJikI1FfUG-sa1rr9-LMjtYFROOqRkXmh79O7fEE89aQXP3u4FXkxW0FvCeP9kxvJp3Olghhs_T0gNe2EiB2F-_FFPY3rQz_taOgJG1CbNJpEGO-fEsfjBDx7G5qvgFe-wP32nFHsIDWe/w640-h480/DSC01349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>On the other hand, the Corkscrew has some open areas that attract different birds than the cypress areas. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRsGpfHRvbKBOJwospcgpNU5Q2fRGLmKbcmvcBS_c66mUxdhyphenhyphenZpavm-xsWvbdTzLQ8gXHsmcXvjZn7aZXdNAU_RKaY0JeYPIhXFic4XYSLkjm9KTk4dOOFfC5EACbGIZEccqefCa1PrA0Uvx-r2ra0KM4F9Bf8gYKjtah2LNT7PHmZ4DIQx5CK-AeF_Mp/s1280/DSC01351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwRsGpfHRvbKBOJwospcgpNU5Q2fRGLmKbcmvcBS_c66mUxdhyphenhyphenZpavm-xsWvbdTzLQ8gXHsmcXvjZn7aZXdNAU_RKaY0JeYPIhXFic4XYSLkjm9KTk4dOOFfC5EACbGIZEccqefCa1PrA0Uvx-r2ra0KM4F9Bf8gYKjtah2LNT7PHmZ4DIQx5CK-AeF_Mp/w640-h480/DSC01351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvDN8fpNXGQZH3O9cEAJCdArm3YSZd0EPGF-DB7O9pLK59twaKDbWtYn-axYIWzGn5EXKwkNyg3rvoOvCSS-HB9I8_rDIKx3puIbJQaBJaA1VkHjBvwunaUjb-EyWYVmriCoeAHkCK0emPtV0O3GPV9RsZLOpzFT0OUObptVHopsINhW0cjC0gpohsjB5/s1280/DSC01352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvDN8fpNXGQZH3O9cEAJCdArm3YSZd0EPGF-DB7O9pLK59twaKDbWtYn-axYIWzGn5EXKwkNyg3rvoOvCSS-HB9I8_rDIKx3puIbJQaBJaA1VkHjBvwunaUjb-EyWYVmriCoeAHkCK0emPtV0O3GPV9RsZLOpzFT0OUObptVHopsINhW0cjC0gpohsjB5/w640-h480/DSC01352.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was alone on a stretch of boardwalk, so I was standing still listening. I heard a splash and found this American Bittern catching snails. He/she was very shy so it took several photos to get photos of all parts of the bird. He looks a little like a limpkin, but he has vertical stripes instead of spots like the limpkin does. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHRCelXZcGx6bUgxcsEZCb2mBd3xbskdIvE952-zsg-fZ0hgBLatWK0caOKHElKK-Mugp2DukwnLCWpPjO3WKPrBuZbvqn5vWk9EATzHtM2xWgrkRQqOAd0UPMJ-5JCwelE4AlTfueSdNyydp1KXurt23ZoearUDX9Bn0e7KPJ3dZf_MFXwxFu7_zUcpo/s1280/DSC01354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHRCelXZcGx6bUgxcsEZCb2mBd3xbskdIvE952-zsg-fZ0hgBLatWK0caOKHElKK-Mugp2DukwnLCWpPjO3WKPrBuZbvqn5vWk9EATzHtM2xWgrkRQqOAd0UPMJ-5JCwelE4AlTfueSdNyydp1KXurt23ZoearUDX9Bn0e7KPJ3dZf_MFXwxFu7_zUcpo/w640-h480/DSC01354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I had never seen an American Bittern before, and he is the only bird I have ever seen with stripes on his beak. I stopped several noisy groups that were behind me, put my finger to my lips to shush them, and showed them this bird. If you walk too quickly on this boardwalk and talk, you will never hear or see birds, so a lot of people are disappointed in this sanctuary. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX3LTGfChZ8AO24sUmb4yE7rgSijijZoJlFzaxO_ecc7RpedY_G6mcHKaPp6EMaUYQMelmGwSabTr9mzm3I0h7-1cdS4mg3nD49XKBseEYkziHpyYR1AOnOsHaBY119B0R8s9kAYm8wr4-OpQ2s_-WjopNhs8MJ8fgj49WWS7Go_LjTPVUsNWyY1EsjfA/s1280/DSC01355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSX3LTGfChZ8AO24sUmb4yE7rgSijijZoJlFzaxO_ecc7RpedY_G6mcHKaPp6EMaUYQMelmGwSabTr9mzm3I0h7-1cdS4mg3nD49XKBseEYkziHpyYR1AOnOsHaBY119B0R8s9kAYm8wr4-OpQ2s_-WjopNhs8MJ8fgj49WWS7Go_LjTPVUsNWyY1EsjfA/w640-h480/DSC01355.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lots of different lichens on trees. Last time I was here, a squirrel was eating these. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4Fm-G8lN-goUEf6l8v8CuMB6XheySJB7xdSCKovZDi_7zw2xD-l7OE9jCkRMzNRY-s2NBS9_NLBYWZd1yCxYw1u48CMe2xsouggevcHDjpON4gvK-E9TCwcw-xN55jr4gxREktkbCWbrCignxZKqGolUTsHvSmJNbkQ8rpCN_tlaoXRcEvzrh3XNLagn/s1024/DSC01356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4Fm-G8lN-goUEf6l8v8CuMB6XheySJB7xdSCKovZDi_7zw2xD-l7OE9jCkRMzNRY-s2NBS9_NLBYWZd1yCxYw1u48CMe2xsouggevcHDjpON4gvK-E9TCwcw-xN55jr4gxREktkbCWbrCignxZKqGolUTsHvSmJNbkQ8rpCN_tlaoXRcEvzrh3XNLagn/w480-h640/DSC01356.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Such a beautiful place. The green stuff floating on the water, by the way, is a tiny plant called "duckweed" NOT pond scum!!!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfGd4zglH1rzLwBuYV4UAZoKf0ZznB6bw_O-d1dAsW5KD_ncptJ_q5MPQR-tcOtH-Z0ema-R9HvtlroJ3M6ahju_OCJbOuOGFb2NthTPD6Yeqo2zqgKL9y0oVjlknouJwO_kdTTK65A-wyM18UqmnA-zzaTjoKyxxjX4TUJ7LC4kg6qM3G3g1Zuac2ut5/s1280/DSC01357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfGd4zglH1rzLwBuYV4UAZoKf0ZznB6bw_O-d1dAsW5KD_ncptJ_q5MPQR-tcOtH-Z0ema-R9HvtlroJ3M6ahju_OCJbOuOGFb2NthTPD6Yeqo2zqgKL9y0oVjlknouJwO_kdTTK65A-wyM18UqmnA-zzaTjoKyxxjX4TUJ7LC4kg6qM3G3g1Zuac2ut5/w640-h480/DSC01357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Wonder how much these ferns would sell for in a greenhouse? Also, note the air plant on the center tree. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IPODtsDn-c5NcKBTz5Be9crFYtciF0fxHzZrkqUNisJjP2dOjXEiPCInJCtT03ffkAw9egOuE0CtyQ3LCT8XfCpy-F088zWb_NRsEc2pupCHIUAJ_3x0MxvMiBzKBb59YwVr5-QV-5-qbLSGKXg20i7DNmechfovQCcRsljN0TjpKii3Sm-pDSBh3wnU/s1280/DSC01361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IPODtsDn-c5NcKBTz5Be9crFYtciF0fxHzZrkqUNisJjP2dOjXEiPCInJCtT03ffkAw9egOuE0CtyQ3LCT8XfCpy-F088zWb_NRsEc2pupCHIUAJ_3x0MxvMiBzKBb59YwVr5-QV-5-qbLSGKXg20i7DNmechfovQCcRsljN0TjpKii3Sm-pDSBh3wnU/w640-h480/DSC01361.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bHn9VF0AC6P05U7Xh-h_s5X4Z63E-woDhL09ATawfGCQYE7LHROOZ6KDgL_1xSXsctrNQvq3MXQG19lJaOcD257brCrTzC5HebNZYoqAK_V8BMNqHr3jlB_4hqjgDEQSmcp8fsCg-B9muP-JUnyKJ3leAa2VCRVBIu_0iSpMGvH92Jc-0HXLOZyGSEr-/s1280/DSC01362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bHn9VF0AC6P05U7Xh-h_s5X4Z63E-woDhL09ATawfGCQYE7LHROOZ6KDgL_1xSXsctrNQvq3MXQG19lJaOcD257brCrTzC5HebNZYoqAK_V8BMNqHr3jlB_4hqjgDEQSmcp8fsCg-B9muP-JUnyKJ3leAa2VCRVBIu_0iSpMGvH92Jc-0HXLOZyGSEr-/w640-h480/DSC01362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A lot of plants growing on the trunks or bases of trees. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TUDypMi6Uq4Y8YiO8YRY6NL_ZNk9l03INUde4KA7WNf7pGCfVGcglqNWay7R0ASJ6E6pzIEYvHzPW2xIzI5aayp3-9-moI-g-f8aLiwuJZ_OnxEVDSwUJPAp5PJRfp-9jX1f9FQJZx3nnXBvV5fg3WueSetwvl7cxlWc_LW_DlEXIjhJdMBQl2LIxHzn/s1280/DSC01363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8TUDypMi6Uq4Y8YiO8YRY6NL_ZNk9l03INUde4KA7WNf7pGCfVGcglqNWay7R0ASJ6E6pzIEYvHzPW2xIzI5aayp3-9-moI-g-f8aLiwuJZ_OnxEVDSwUJPAp5PJRfp-9jX1f9FQJZx3nnXBvV5fg3WueSetwvl7cxlWc_LW_DlEXIjhJdMBQl2LIxHzn/w640-h480/DSC01363.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A ten-year-old boy had spotted this tiny snake and pointed it out to several of us. I tried looking this up by searching for black snakes in Florida that were about a foot long. I could not find any with the spots that were on this one and with the coloring on his lower face. I give up on this one because I could not find a photo that perfectly matched this one. Maybe a juvenile cottonmouth or a southern water snake or a black snake of some kind!!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ3_iVeI5StEpAE59ju_3PIVnek2Fl4UjVFu1mWkIOn_M6jBP1pt8ILhQWsOk3dWUq2TyIcjbKuZ8ruTt2IRViCUfvcHJCe6gADCT-29j69KnmZZe2gb9_uaZYEWttFLAbOOhUo1-D2Kl9gCzz8EiUcegkyufTxZuv90GvwjLSCpACnlY7r0HoqSdS0G3/s1280/DSC01365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggJ3_iVeI5StEpAE59ju_3PIVnek2Fl4UjVFu1mWkIOn_M6jBP1pt8ILhQWsOk3dWUq2TyIcjbKuZ8ruTt2IRViCUfvcHJCe6gADCT-29j69KnmZZe2gb9_uaZYEWttFLAbOOhUo1-D2Kl9gCzz8EiUcegkyufTxZuv90GvwjLSCpACnlY7r0HoqSdS0G3/w640-h480/DSC01365.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There were several covered observation areas in the swamp, but a lot of them lost their roofs in the last hurricane. This one at least still has its sunshade! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdmupJmCGftdRXz_LWqY9A2n_oK01zVm-FLf-lZx_eXsKIoLk5U1dTBUWSYrLAcRylF4A7FpISkoPMuJVvd0pv1pMis_niVB-fgAVxJkB9jmAgzV-3vvJy0_Oa8eIpjHfLvnundN9ybRqKsTVjcmqEYTpgJQvx5M3Iw8FoIB6aTARblkl7MsBZlQCYKcC/s1280/DSC01367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdmupJmCGftdRXz_LWqY9A2n_oK01zVm-FLf-lZx_eXsKIoLk5U1dTBUWSYrLAcRylF4A7FpISkoPMuJVvd0pv1pMis_niVB-fgAVxJkB9jmAgzV-3vvJy0_Oa8eIpjHfLvnundN9ybRqKsTVjcmqEYTpgJQvx5M3Iw8FoIB6aTARblkl7MsBZlQCYKcC/w640-h480/DSC01367.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The smaller stems around the bottom of the tree are stranger figs. They do take some nutrients from the host tree, but generally support it in a hurricane. They also produce a fruit which is eaten by a lot of animals and birds.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6PpeCWfiLaI4Xlt0jjbb2SEZRwFxY9Q0fy08CTOYU9D7RXkbQKO0rSSvvE2z2pMIWkQeMyKzmEQe-2XHggFJXjY1auSIzui1KuxCpkeG3k78o6lHjGW4rEsMmh7Y5ffuZZd4OI8jbdXgFJfXnm-nS9Hk4NDUAV5kT3LmZHukRpdt1vQtqK2nQCM0EP24/s1024/DSC01368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6PpeCWfiLaI4Xlt0jjbb2SEZRwFxY9Q0fy08CTOYU9D7RXkbQKO0rSSvvE2z2pMIWkQeMyKzmEQe-2XHggFJXjY1auSIzui1KuxCpkeG3k78o6lHjGW4rEsMmh7Y5ffuZZd4OI8jbdXgFJfXnm-nS9Hk4NDUAV5kT3LmZHukRpdt1vQtqK2nQCM0EP24/w480-h640/DSC01368.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>This sign points out one of the largest bald cypress in this virgin cypress forest. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignxWkN1dEZrltNUEhzuyZfsPeRObIw-9RmQfTnT6KY2heD47lmokwydiLVAo_DMY1MA1SxhPeYM7ibAm8zt_m-VJugQVKZtvHET7aD5qusDE25pa9qsDoimC0vu3I2XTOzYMgD3Pf17W1ARCoH9RCzDNt5-fQw44spa74LkN0pbbZneQC_vO3w7SdXacT/s1280/DSC01369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEignxWkN1dEZrltNUEhzuyZfsPeRObIw-9RmQfTnT6KY2heD47lmokwydiLVAo_DMY1MA1SxhPeYM7ibAm8zt_m-VJugQVKZtvHET7aD5qusDE25pa9qsDoimC0vu3I2XTOzYMgD3Pf17W1ARCoH9RCzDNt5-fQw44spa74LkN0pbbZneQC_vO3w7SdXacT/w640-h480/DSC01369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>More really big cypress trees in the next few photos. These huge trees used to be nesting places for endangered wood storks, but climate change has caused these birds to nest farther north these days. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WYyrGXfozoy9qFDVmQJIbfBWvKTlAHOuaX7tmkrXYQfejtqb77eXfjNVDB23aoEhID9pOZYLrtabjJN39hyaQmXdZjJbP1GI1weC-5EiRaSeCkDIiLVzNL8RHk0GWmkMcaifxDrk_9JQPZ7qLwodUxU0PT4UTjc-aNvpIglsYDmV8R6T1r1J95lMqV14/s1024/DSC01370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WYyrGXfozoy9qFDVmQJIbfBWvKTlAHOuaX7tmkrXYQfejtqb77eXfjNVDB23aoEhID9pOZYLrtabjJN39hyaQmXdZjJbP1GI1weC-5EiRaSeCkDIiLVzNL8RHk0GWmkMcaifxDrk_9JQPZ7qLwodUxU0PT4UTjc-aNvpIglsYDmV8R6T1r1J95lMqV14/w480-h640/DSC01370.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDOiviSaxCiBtrP-F6WCgAWfkOmg0oJaNMa0OuTpr-aKRIWUN1K3T4j2MY1Tb_VvmoGZnzoitoAwEhMQrHYlWLlh8E43jvgdjdBdsARhZQvMecr_V0WEliDJluT0H-KNtrkurKIIY1X0Dm6TEVe-_vsQ1jGm-bqPdzMJEjBMoGNEImuOnh88U_1LrpFnL/s1024/DSC01371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDOiviSaxCiBtrP-F6WCgAWfkOmg0oJaNMa0OuTpr-aKRIWUN1K3T4j2MY1Tb_VvmoGZnzoitoAwEhMQrHYlWLlh8E43jvgdjdBdsARhZQvMecr_V0WEliDJluT0H-KNtrkurKIIY1X0Dm6TEVe-_vsQ1jGm-bqPdzMJEjBMoGNEImuOnh88U_1LrpFnL/w480-h640/DSC01371.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiuhglRVFIRdEbCoWIqFGJMjGs1NSbi2OLJf37AWFWW3o_Ff1CUq3OKb3gA0yJklOBMCtMpjpl-9xyaR4Wge21mm7EfbcukoEC30ccgVNJouWk-MfiLlba01qsyr7wyWI21wRUSP7FMnTgSPpmlE5m2XmS1nx76xusZwf5UPmHSVXfHOUWxISg7QTB2mX/s1024/DSC01372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiuhglRVFIRdEbCoWIqFGJMjGs1NSbi2OLJf37AWFWW3o_Ff1CUq3OKb3gA0yJklOBMCtMpjpl-9xyaR4Wge21mm7EfbcukoEC30ccgVNJouWk-MfiLlba01qsyr7wyWI21wRUSP7FMnTgSPpmlE5m2XmS1nx76xusZwf5UPmHSVXfHOUWxISg7QTB2mX/w480-h640/DSC01372.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FeA1CwSW9xCD16aDbZMwTKNouWSNUqmuzTe0jyliM_qFBwfRJXxKN41VzTwX3YHssU3pbsqDTBENeXom45czDu19GS-iP_sEi0UaGfPyLva80ZTVP3eF1xbF3pV_gjXS-RNq6YxrxmS4lpAdLlqtJx9QrNYUXbvWG-jfJW3PwtZpknAPmuRPqwb3OnCy/s1024/DSC01378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7FeA1CwSW9xCD16aDbZMwTKNouWSNUqmuzTe0jyliM_qFBwfRJXxKN41VzTwX3YHssU3pbsqDTBENeXom45czDu19GS-iP_sEi0UaGfPyLva80ZTVP3eF1xbF3pV_gjXS-RNq6YxrxmS4lpAdLlqtJx9QrNYUXbvWG-jfJW3PwtZpknAPmuRPqwb3OnCy/w480-h640/DSC01378.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>More photos of this lovely swamp. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQAVNMPKzUZxWa_dlM0YxP2USN79-sJR3pFFcA_VHfumoEuUZZ0x5DfR226ijtJ4VUcRuOQKyCW6IwORMMj2nbBw4EEa6IAOd8HuVV3vddvm8-WvU_qKP05njlyc9RFdHXys_WZKPqV7NfzWbv689U2Ae8tGYEhzEEGJwbwPzLaWfmBYeHuedvRSm6gDy/s1280/DSC01379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQAVNMPKzUZxWa_dlM0YxP2USN79-sJR3pFFcA_VHfumoEuUZZ0x5DfR226ijtJ4VUcRuOQKyCW6IwORMMj2nbBw4EEa6IAOd8HuVV3vddvm8-WvU_qKP05njlyc9RFdHXys_WZKPqV7NfzWbv689U2Ae8tGYEhzEEGJwbwPzLaWfmBYeHuedvRSm6gDy/w640-h480/DSC01379.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFrKvBMQc6RkFfPf63Zbq60ZOf6qeg1twvfrwsMpzljuk15dNTCz5lzBHRotCshSSkUbWQFyuUOk7DLDguOz6YSyQb0dOGolyDKOx-fIAA2H8goLE0QZ0XG2w9kwg6v0tCCI-UIWTyop_LqTNRcf_m58vzA0DELigaUNAnkgtLVg3FGinXoFa21uZs871/s1280/DSC01380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFrKvBMQc6RkFfPf63Zbq60ZOf6qeg1twvfrwsMpzljuk15dNTCz5lzBHRotCshSSkUbWQFyuUOk7DLDguOz6YSyQb0dOGolyDKOx-fIAA2H8goLE0QZ0XG2w9kwg6v0tCCI-UIWTyop_LqTNRcf_m58vzA0DELigaUNAnkgtLVg3FGinXoFa21uZs871/w640-h480/DSC01380.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCOvp0XjSW9DE3YNzbgsYde6BfNGIdrVVm4na8rHpwrkRJqtVokIkMrEPkagfaeC1VixBthvw5K2-sT_Fz70V87peqo_ktogbD6pOEcAziU39ZsOz28sEAJ_U_sR9WyWkLTC0N_WoqDstStVf3quVeJU3LRR8Zti56Fb2TDZzcIdDfz0KptLt7zOEykYw/s1280/DSC01381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCOvp0XjSW9DE3YNzbgsYde6BfNGIdrVVm4na8rHpwrkRJqtVokIkMrEPkagfaeC1VixBthvw5K2-sT_Fz70V87peqo_ktogbD6pOEcAziU39ZsOz28sEAJ_U_sR9WyWkLTC0N_WoqDstStVf3quVeJU3LRR8Zti56Fb2TDZzcIdDfz0KptLt7zOEykYw/w640-h480/DSC01381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ2SwZTIEVYAINQmIAKUJqnXT_x5q4iSaaEb0D7yWiJUUg29CYFKstkO6CmtMTTP7EZGR8La3-MOr9Cb_edJbuqwoCuIi4Ewu9fK4hvRz2F0rMJmX2RPiORy645_4Vh6w7KW1o0mu6DFp_PiKk7pmmKuyaaUh4RJzODqzhgXV54h-fSjfF7ZKVoDTtxs1/s1280/DSC01383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJ2SwZTIEVYAINQmIAKUJqnXT_x5q4iSaaEb0D7yWiJUUg29CYFKstkO6CmtMTTP7EZGR8La3-MOr9Cb_edJbuqwoCuIi4Ewu9fK4hvRz2F0rMJmX2RPiORy645_4Vh6w7KW1o0mu6DFp_PiKk7pmmKuyaaUh4RJzODqzhgXV54h-fSjfF7ZKVoDTtxs1/w640-h480/DSC01383.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A swamp lily. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MDyjOHWKTka23sbfJPQ-luXsnpRR-FbPejRjUt-ZhTkZeaKWhlL5SBDKQXd0eSb8m4kVC9Ae86NRlJVu5iYabZygnv1QbZBNxmuYQrLrghwW7cHibHCZ9HfmpLM3CMTwEe885-VtapXdumCV1kIaW6GBcO3Zi7n_lGcVwA9AEHb7M3FQg74zm_Cd2rbv/s1280/DSC01385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4MDyjOHWKTka23sbfJPQ-luXsnpRR-FbPejRjUt-ZhTkZeaKWhlL5SBDKQXd0eSb8m4kVC9Ae86NRlJVu5iYabZygnv1QbZBNxmuYQrLrghwW7cHibHCZ9HfmpLM3CMTwEe885-VtapXdumCV1kIaW6GBcO3Zi7n_lGcVwA9AEHb7M3FQg74zm_Cd2rbv/w640-h480/DSC01385.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This red-headed woodpecker was being very noisy!! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3l8cZYeszymJZ-i6W6lvArCVpeMXuLOTuRipbbB5Ow_2gni7OKM5nR1MQzFcv70zX1OkenjFC1vced1s5SBs9pPMkyRytVuFj4oKNCwkS22xpOLY-Byy97J5LnW8ovNgdELtOFmpuhpJREEAtd9q_8AlKSwo2w1wchDFmQ1VrtXsUQedPJaOkwPskuw0z/s1280/DSC01389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3l8cZYeszymJZ-i6W6lvArCVpeMXuLOTuRipbbB5Ow_2gni7OKM5nR1MQzFcv70zX1OkenjFC1vced1s5SBs9pPMkyRytVuFj4oKNCwkS22xpOLY-Byy97J5LnW8ovNgdELtOFmpuhpJREEAtd9q_8AlKSwo2w1wchDFmQ1VrtXsUQedPJaOkwPskuw0z/w640-h480/DSC01389.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A bit hard to see his face, but this is a little blue heron. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGpwzNp5k1B8z_wt7LRbx7AumMk_Wx7GA8aBcyYjE3z6wSQ3yWRat8NqAajk8Mxv03O3cXwPVAL0B3WCH9LAqCHBlfuRqHMBUM0ENnGYuGDmKuZB285Ehido88sYXEPzVZIqj4QJesEUipydhpUzEwEH2SBSxo1gGhHN8EmTOgnOkw7dxmcsImCpaVwCB/s1280/DSC01394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGpwzNp5k1B8z_wt7LRbx7AumMk_Wx7GA8aBcyYjE3z6wSQ3yWRat8NqAajk8Mxv03O3cXwPVAL0B3WCH9LAqCHBlfuRqHMBUM0ENnGYuGDmKuZB285Ehido88sYXEPzVZIqj4QJesEUipydhpUzEwEH2SBSxo1gGhHN8EmTOgnOkw7dxmcsImCpaVwCB/w640-h480/DSC01394.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This tree truck is holding onto the boardwalk railing!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSRsIl7JJezRCpxjnfYMhv_vAO_eIqdb-0J8VABEePSx6PWThRl8kzmZmtgsZG5jEj2TERHaNyERpL315oyKJXIE5mQ_syq-WRoe7GSe1qS39THM7YToMFHVERxTLvJqgm_mhkUCUQMGBxsFQ5oSfB2fO3lM83WhTPvi32iMp4ef7Ssf3uTITyNCFv6EI/s1280/DSC01397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSRsIl7JJezRCpxjnfYMhv_vAO_eIqdb-0J8VABEePSx6PWThRl8kzmZmtgsZG5jEj2TERHaNyERpL315oyKJXIE5mQ_syq-WRoe7GSe1qS39THM7YToMFHVERxTLvJqgm_mhkUCUQMGBxsFQ5oSfB2fO3lM83WhTPvi32iMp4ef7Ssf3uTITyNCFv6EI/w640-h480/DSC01397.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Ditto for this one. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc9uc25g33OFiXFj7uzr7BHVICgPH8mCX0rHinNOg-lCAAl-bMttq3CApv4VMM-5-vobkjl1_Dg-uWQAbKqRpt-0U-oLR5g-BXWdiWu6lVO1ywFI7zMr9WSjX8TBprDjGriJFeIF8l5c7RSVoOrbMd80Tu-owd0ybr8kKCpEuGUM1tdPHVFRZ0w5kERrU/s1280/DSC01398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwc9uc25g33OFiXFj7uzr7BHVICgPH8mCX0rHinNOg-lCAAl-bMttq3CApv4VMM-5-vobkjl1_Dg-uWQAbKqRpt-0U-oLR5g-BXWdiWu6lVO1ywFI7zMr9WSjX8TBprDjGriJFeIF8l5c7RSVoOrbMd80Tu-owd0ybr8kKCpEuGUM1tdPHVFRZ0w5kERrU/w640-h480/DSC01398.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Heading back to the visitor center. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HGLEKI564ZF4FmEpgglgZmWYnb2eEkOxWPfDoTPyFh8HFnjm5RPm7HkIHiGSqyZ_3A79Qgr09ej6XkCZu8TigYu6kZy4lDsTtSQrZCN69lklERWD9CocR51xRVDfWf7MDbMrSXa9O6vcrT_armkHIbXj4yOtGb8IFv2OjqOPW5sYDXA0soaxkSLvJdaz/s1280/DSC01399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HGLEKI564ZF4FmEpgglgZmWYnb2eEkOxWPfDoTPyFh8HFnjm5RPm7HkIHiGSqyZ_3A79Qgr09ej6XkCZu8TigYu6kZy4lDsTtSQrZCN69lklERWD9CocR51xRVDfWf7MDbMrSXa9O6vcrT_armkHIbXj4yOtGb8IFv2OjqOPW5sYDXA0soaxkSLvJdaz/w640-h480/DSC01399.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Several of use saw the back of this bird, so we first thought it was a barred owl. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwPTE86HPA4lNK_FjffH-hpWmUzC_2w2VIORdrhYSzYCvaR3A6NfyuaxLWsWdCsl7IY8VMC03jujoXpI5h1R7uuyDFeuCP42zol_nBWAvcxDzi_Ws8oAOEh-8qdqEZSHu4Hb0u3yazFHFGe4Q6Z7KbtvhbB0vVuzVfA7mQ8f7CZT_4aSp8F4MdmhgvMJf/s1280/DSC01400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwPTE86HPA4lNK_FjffH-hpWmUzC_2w2VIORdrhYSzYCvaR3A6NfyuaxLWsWdCsl7IY8VMC03jujoXpI5h1R7uuyDFeuCP42zol_nBWAvcxDzi_Ws8oAOEh-8qdqEZSHu4Hb0u3yazFHFGe4Q6Z7KbtvhbB0vVuzVfA7mQ8f7CZT_4aSp8F4MdmhgvMJf/w640-h480/DSC01400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Finally, it turned around and we saw it was a red-shouldered hawk. We were told at the visitor center that it was a young bird, so his reddish shoulder marking has not yet developed. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HpAOeQpj96Lwqbt_15qa5u68EVNBOVsKJemc6RW9gAa5xPgJmXM_WCZyjPpl82tRXgdZIdIajX-SdxhrhBPjDJ1SJIYE4q00kWIiee4qgVg1AtfQXwnvm-XqSiScMhyphenhyphenMsrqdFrmNlELLpItoMalAwCp-ZLxXjQdlY66U8KkQ4tH0NsVjlPyKdfA2iDXe/s1280/DSC01402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HpAOeQpj96Lwqbt_15qa5u68EVNBOVsKJemc6RW9gAa5xPgJmXM_WCZyjPpl82tRXgdZIdIajX-SdxhrhBPjDJ1SJIYE4q00kWIiee4qgVg1AtfQXwnvm-XqSiScMhyphenhyphenMsrqdFrmNlELLpItoMalAwCp-ZLxXjQdlY66U8KkQ4tH0NsVjlPyKdfA2iDXe/w640-h480/DSC01402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Such a pretty bird!!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3EG3jt9to7h5x0C1VU_4FUtjM3im_SQX9stsf5XDcckzLgLCOCrFFMnbbSSsVBGdToswnE0sdh4yFoN4lvMojdhkPR6ChEKwcE8A29w6gxJJN-jxwe90f4AHeJSzwGdMM0NRbi8WlQk8HL5PVh1rcqnRlTsuakUPkS6sxbFgm01zeTeQOYwoTLcmrLh1/s2518/DSC01403edited.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1843" data-original-width="2518" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3EG3jt9to7h5x0C1VU_4FUtjM3im_SQX9stsf5XDcckzLgLCOCrFFMnbbSSsVBGdToswnE0sdh4yFoN4lvMojdhkPR6ChEKwcE8A29w6gxJJN-jxwe90f4AHeJSzwGdMM0NRbi8WlQk8HL5PVh1rcqnRlTsuakUPkS6sxbFgm01zeTeQOYwoTLcmrLh1/w640-h468/DSC01403edited.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-30527748437573210822023-12-23T20:00:00.000-05:002023-12-23T20:00:00.706-05:0012/22 W.P. Franklin Campground<p>This is another U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground on a lock and dam across the Caloosahatchee River, which is the same river that goes past the St. Lucie lock and dam campground I posted about a couple of weeks ago. Corps of Engineers campgrounds are nearly always in good shape and have paved campsites, along with electric and water hookups. They are always part of projects built by and managed by the Corps. The other bonus is that as a senior with a federal senior America the Beautiful pass, I get federal campgrounds at half price, which is very nice for my camping budget! </p><p>(FYI--if you are an American citizen and are at least 62 years old, you can buy an annual ($20) or a lifetime ($80) senior pass. This pass gets you and anyone else in your vehicle into national parks free, plus it gives you half price on most camping fees. <br /></p><p>One disadvantage to this campground is that the lock is on the far side of the river, and you cannot walk over the dam to the other side to watch boats come in and out of the locks, as you can in St. Lucie and Ortona South, which are the other two campgrounds on the Caloosahatchee River. An advantage to this campground is that it is supposed to be an excellent fishing place because of the long fishing pier that runs along the dam on the campground side. </p><p>Sorry for the fact that some photos below were taken on a sunny day and others on a more common cloudy day. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu89FupAAv2YOZuvjoDe5k56Fmm8tEY8eOdR9xyu2g2VVU9BUyn8nmsrh4ZJI50JyX7lf216xigHMLRhZk0i8L39KN2sdo44jBnE68aQOIL3j9sYMyNUSGKqk3zgmKDkvHPWMq512zbPGqOtcKYrxWBZ1B9UAo4ZQu3WUxo2zmEziNiq7ss2AgZecHI23/s1280/DSC01337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHu89FupAAv2YOZuvjoDe5k56Fmm8tEY8eOdR9xyu2g2VVU9BUyn8nmsrh4ZJI50JyX7lf216xigHMLRhZk0i8L39KN2sdo44jBnE68aQOIL3j9sYMyNUSGKqk3zgmKDkvHPWMq512zbPGqOtcKYrxWBZ1B9UAo4ZQu3WUxo2zmEziNiq7ss2AgZecHI23/w640-h480/DSC01337.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">The campground is on the north side of the river, just west of the little town of Alva, FL. The campground is on an island, so you have to enter via a long roadway. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbbbtCt-KDqp6hVswg-mH1ug1-3DZaz3I3mSm-fqUTLuXSRakUxzXDZNolMDBY6haJots2T2OujK_IfU01mdC-boXhZM47kadV7tCSq-6BiM7jOcYakpCF4ZGVS-mP63E6We9l52NuBDvT4kvfhYlru-aE0WByLYAmyplsj-IeGJsgmbX8bzKF23FWjvV/s1280/DSC01335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbbbtCt-KDqp6hVswg-mH1ug1-3DZaz3I3mSm-fqUTLuXSRakUxzXDZNolMDBY6haJots2T2OujK_IfU01mdC-boXhZM47kadV7tCSq-6BiM7jOcYakpCF4ZGVS-mP63E6We9l52NuBDvT4kvfhYlru-aE0WByLYAmyplsj-IeGJsgmbX8bzKF23FWjvV/w640-h480/DSC01335.jpg" width="640" /></a> </p><p style="text-align: left;">The photo belong is looking past the campground gatehouse down the road above to the highway. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxhBXHr7XvnPCC27T9lajWD_8evxfsM87GqQOFJVgGC2XBqGfvtgiebsrZIlTBRK2Q63iZm-VBcq6bPEqs0YQl-B7o3XCoDYSJAHbm1a9-quu867inF8GuQ5F_8ZNswwTaZ5D1srhb3I_gCljUOgHgb3tdOVewYfLYTWZjaHOGkVxImV1q-eZioIrE4LI/s1280/DSC01326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxhBXHr7XvnPCC27T9lajWD_8evxfsM87GqQOFJVgGC2XBqGfvtgiebsrZIlTBRK2Q63iZm-VBcq6bPEqs0YQl-B7o3XCoDYSJAHbm1a9-quu867inF8GuQ5F_8ZNswwTaZ5D1srhb3I_gCljUOgHgb3tdOVewYfLYTWZjaHOGkVxImV1q-eZioIrE4LI/w640-h480/DSC01326.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">First, some photos of the campground. This view faces east along the river. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgHN1AFjI9a2iJWUHxp4fNgy8pck-jWirbdxiS4XLMc0SkaDDiYbkS0n6ZFlA9kd142aTdwzmxn8cHHAgs9yEOkcz43oVQLk2mELQmuZ220F1EmHHWMCnq6jATguF13Ls0dqjvYG3H0gR_99D0yeySXPgrD3sSjSgNIKFV3gNeEcAAYf9vKNJbdJ3bGLm/s1280/DSC01311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidgHN1AFjI9a2iJWUHxp4fNgy8pck-jWirbdxiS4XLMc0SkaDDiYbkS0n6ZFlA9kd142aTdwzmxn8cHHAgs9yEOkcz43oVQLk2mELQmuZ220F1EmHHWMCnq6jATguF13Ls0dqjvYG3H0gR_99D0yeySXPgrD3sSjSgNIKFV3gNeEcAAYf9vKNJbdJ3bGLm/w640-h480/DSC01311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>My motorhome, parked on a spot with a good view of the dam and river. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHR2yEW6XIzMeiKuXG3Rl0PlPzeMoT7qa9ofUQA0FPtMJdetmX0Oq3GrbhaXLv3CCZk4g0YtYObdNcQZfstyKRo9G1ZkeUlNLBYQgKHbwtnTMboigc6pY_kUv16SguC9EWp5Xzy8DFo75HFbpck0XhsiLx_wPReUJW0jmkN10ehTSUHnjPkHpGJj0Rn1nd/s1280/DSC01312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHR2yEW6XIzMeiKuXG3Rl0PlPzeMoT7qa9ofUQA0FPtMJdetmX0Oq3GrbhaXLv3CCZk4g0YtYObdNcQZfstyKRo9G1ZkeUlNLBYQgKHbwtnTMboigc6pY_kUv16SguC9EWp5Xzy8DFo75HFbpck0XhsiLx_wPReUJW0jmkN10ehTSUHnjPkHpGJj0Rn1nd/w640-h480/DSC01312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSKSQjrT-PUZA3tS1_RfBLkVFa5J8a_MyNlB6HQaEhp5CVj3U-o05QNUPDIBh4sSBvgSBI-neZr6cNMeD6TZzB09xgq4I05bWWBCuCZa30BcHI0Lh0ZyffkNyQ_LNLmh8PWs-0d5WJWq_IPzRMlAkUzx7Cyxu9L5nbMMzJCg49KbQtgcXE9hsuTukEytw/s1280/DSC01313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTSKSQjrT-PUZA3tS1_RfBLkVFa5J8a_MyNlB6HQaEhp5CVj3U-o05QNUPDIBh4sSBvgSBI-neZr6cNMeD6TZzB09xgq4I05bWWBCuCZa30BcHI0Lh0ZyffkNyQ_LNLmh8PWs-0d5WJWq_IPzRMlAkUzx7Cyxu9L5nbMMzJCg49KbQtgcXE9hsuTukEytw/w640-h480/DSC01313.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph-1k-FdQop2w7oJSIgJgMZy79H7Q5MZ96MktHXpJOWJcV0q-IOZbDNSwRFg2xoU2xG5uY7x1vnJ0oELUfbdixC9AV0-AGurNSs2R-S9jdbHGsLfCAYPBANBltpPENcDSyhLxaDe178VQGpMtkyzVsZY0HYYj4zXK5a_ZidTHHABnwy80cf9sJE7_ZlG7/s1280/DSC01314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph-1k-FdQop2w7oJSIgJgMZy79H7Q5MZ96MktHXpJOWJcV0q-IOZbDNSwRFg2xoU2xG5uY7x1vnJ0oELUfbdixC9AV0-AGurNSs2R-S9jdbHGsLfCAYPBANBltpPENcDSyhLxaDe178VQGpMtkyzVsZY0HYYj4zXK5a_ZidTHHABnwy80cf9sJE7_ZlG7/w640-h480/DSC01314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE4ydla7ZGawu0CgGlTRiKv3bwoEXGvxfX7ig3Szq7pt706gQP9gYYEKDDr5n3toGz6yOiJ90xqp9HQw9S77GguUfGFdF2OITBDGbw2XzzCQi2ZPgiSgMfeDCZ0z2S_3ll9txR1rWoW5TF2OpA3z0s15WhEi5Oji1w-Lr9G4N-8qz0yzhpZj-lSGDePav/s1280/DSC01315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkE4ydla7ZGawu0CgGlTRiKv3bwoEXGvxfX7ig3Szq7pt706gQP9gYYEKDDr5n3toGz6yOiJ90xqp9HQw9S77GguUfGFdF2OITBDGbw2XzzCQi2ZPgiSgMfeDCZ0z2S_3ll9txR1rWoW5TF2OpA3z0s15WhEi5Oji1w-Lr9G4N-8qz0yzhpZj-lSGDePav/w640-h480/DSC01315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This view is the slightly larger part of the campground on the west side of the dam, looking towards Ft. Myers.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwPn73xe3y7udkKWUCqW9JHHGdOd7YS_NRbLQw8DxSL_PGEx3L67EpXV7pLptBLcW-CsmqHYEG8ZGW9AwLgowcDhpDvTrh7RqOi0UhWC1217gxY101zuIJj1qCETT6pppH94iHISJu4MpcL94VbvZzMbefb2JG_ucd9Uf_4kpIGL6jp6ccDKDEY9bxc3u/s1280/DSC01330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTwPn73xe3y7udkKWUCqW9JHHGdOd7YS_NRbLQw8DxSL_PGEx3L67EpXV7pLptBLcW-CsmqHYEG8ZGW9AwLgowcDhpDvTrh7RqOi0UhWC1217gxY101zuIJj1qCETT6pppH94iHISJu4MpcL94VbvZzMbefb2JG_ucd9Uf_4kpIGL6jp6ccDKDEY9bxc3u/w640-h480/DSC01330.jpg" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;"> And some photos of the dam and fishing pier. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxyD_5lYT8L2BHt6jKTQHfb1NX3rGXSM7cgillhF6taIUR-pln9rsgULWcKPelxUy2xVX4KhuXcexUtdQimKw8oUclGshMQrd1Y1ufzcM8j7KsGm1soxkmC9cyIm69PKr8qSnBm6NcfijhutqO0_nxJB4LD5w5gtGoddr1n9ABWmRBa6PA07uFOwHl0mi/s1280/DSC01316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyxyD_5lYT8L2BHt6jKTQHfb1NX3rGXSM7cgillhF6taIUR-pln9rsgULWcKPelxUy2xVX4KhuXcexUtdQimKw8oUclGshMQrd1Y1ufzcM8j7KsGm1soxkmC9cyIm69PKr8qSnBm6NcfijhutqO0_nxJB4LD5w5gtGoddr1n9ABWmRBa6PA07uFOwHl0mi/w640-h480/DSC01316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt-gqNFlqyTb1_ieU4UCcLl3jfNSAxorS0ywRkY42QlVwbc99NXZ4cs59WZvcrneRInw-b7bAXqevPLXUlE8p0mMhUmYU4mic4gl5MkDpiA2ehrmZ1VTM6D91zQCVBAMelwODOTB1aFxUZDZQJ7TwU35gA9O0DNwlWviq_IUzgVcdBjCWfieqr3TsKoxF/s1280/DSC01317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt-gqNFlqyTb1_ieU4UCcLl3jfNSAxorS0ywRkY42QlVwbc99NXZ4cs59WZvcrneRInw-b7bAXqevPLXUlE8p0mMhUmYU4mic4gl5MkDpiA2ehrmZ1VTM6D91zQCVBAMelwODOTB1aFxUZDZQJ7TwU35gA9O0DNwlWviq_IUzgVcdBjCWfieqr3TsKoxF/w640-h480/DSC01317.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a telephoto shot of a boat going through the locks on the far side of the river. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IlXu6pXOJApj1J6AyKTFJeLaG7l4bqFxk_pbepXN8t9fWojh_YJyZ6cnsoMhjWFIj6BwrSNHjZKufx_cFAMAVflZdOx_rESxtqnkY7nhP0xrLCxos6tYlNZukHfncO23ssXU5VudwyQ78-stqnt7ZEHlXLm5Om4Zm6PvOJYr_W8PsWnrsz3SfT8LD8u2/s1280/DSC01318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IlXu6pXOJApj1J6AyKTFJeLaG7l4bqFxk_pbepXN8t9fWojh_YJyZ6cnsoMhjWFIj6BwrSNHjZKufx_cFAMAVflZdOx_rESxtqnkY7nhP0xrLCxos6tYlNZukHfncO23ssXU5VudwyQ78-stqnt7ZEHlXLm5Om4Zm6PvOJYr_W8PsWnrsz3SfT8LD8u2/w640-h480/DSC01318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is the fishing pier. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilExuuGbsPbpdI37tacH5Yta2hamMHvsOT5a6SmgORiZzgmorlASO0uCdqt7Co-81gPV04XC-_BQY3Z0KN_7RpVglmM8cNXgYBZiLfFJF-qbuFh_tXc8MHlrM2F_4xkh9XbZQm3mWiPQi9dxTd6Zcn-gf7YQ29Fz1LNodC_4hXEhSRY6oDawX7bFN9JI8Y/s1280/DSC01320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilExuuGbsPbpdI37tacH5Yta2hamMHvsOT5a6SmgORiZzgmorlASO0uCdqt7Co-81gPV04XC-_BQY3Z0KN_7RpVglmM8cNXgYBZiLfFJF-qbuFh_tXc8MHlrM2F_4xkh9XbZQm3mWiPQi9dxTd6Zcn-gf7YQ29Fz1LNodC_4hXEhSRY6oDawX7bFN9JI8Y/w640-h480/DSC01320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIr-TKGtxVQXKi0tJVpR6aT2DELsXSD01g4rigAue66smsrc9PTyoNFu2GvzPorvnnL6cMxtdxgMWqKLod47qIL7CA6nC_GpD7PQ-HtvY7nzi2IK0WyGteb5t4IpOIDIUrDKuMgnBzRpwAzFmAdAiZDPxp7gHmg-HHV1XI452O4LI5BaH0UoY3LFVpnAxV/s1280/DSC01323.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIr-TKGtxVQXKi0tJVpR6aT2DELsXSD01g4rigAue66smsrc9PTyoNFu2GvzPorvnnL6cMxtdxgMWqKLod47qIL7CA6nC_GpD7PQ-HtvY7nzi2IK0WyGteb5t4IpOIDIUrDKuMgnBzRpwAzFmAdAiZDPxp7gHmg-HHV1XI452O4LI5BaH0UoY3LFVpnAxV/w640-h480/DSC01323.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ac3r6vzD-Rmnai89Ms6k8KbnjnIXiDZawcXCNYZZyK9WEaOQskf_AmNlXOgNbSjhzibtX2gHpo43eb2qHecuyreWIIule1Ew6yB04Ymo7Hhkweq1m_U84GG2MDHftJg5AY2AdzXfnOy6d1sjSMbh5lyl6XxVzSxXiMc4NEiK-krrOOln4M7jAM2N2y6l/s1280/DSC01322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ac3r6vzD-Rmnai89Ms6k8KbnjnIXiDZawcXCNYZZyK9WEaOQskf_AmNlXOgNbSjhzibtX2gHpo43eb2qHecuyreWIIule1Ew6yB04Ymo7Hhkweq1m_U84GG2MDHftJg5AY2AdzXfnOy6d1sjSMbh5lyl6XxVzSxXiMc4NEiK-krrOOln4M7jAM2N2y6l/w640-h480/DSC01322.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Looking east down the river. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b3AMvtvVYyPOpdGRC8O7C3iLvTaacPSXCbdmxwvfwb1GtWkdcS-t0p_UU0j5SA6HBj7PqiAOKu8cdRhMHlz6E1LfPCpvQ_KmNtFOlzPB99Dfw4_QQ2HuCrqz9cDhC6QMFDHKJdx1yIDUTCAXAi1xpGA2FmAGvJpSoU3du-_TUEsEGqgIOmArhKBiIAMR/s1280/DSC01324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6b3AMvtvVYyPOpdGRC8O7C3iLvTaacPSXCbdmxwvfwb1GtWkdcS-t0p_UU0j5SA6HBj7PqiAOKu8cdRhMHlz6E1LfPCpvQ_KmNtFOlzPB99Dfw4_QQ2HuCrqz9cDhC6QMFDHKJdx1yIDUTCAXAi1xpGA2FmAGvJpSoU3du-_TUEsEGqgIOmArhKBiIAMR/w640-h480/DSC01324.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br />I saw this limpkin today, just as I was getting packed up to leave tomorrow. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUTasLorGpRMPqEgt8rSAJ9g804U9-zCO8zfHKAZ2KUPbnqrE4eAEwwGJnyEvJyRxqCHc3giOSQz4njRRxOi5FgFpVvj2Zwb8nUnmGWhw1SJ30jrlmARwZ4TU5xI_uZoEEO-rF_XmAxnJNqxjvhDsh3fie7vtxSHMtZuaQuRv8k0OIRn_xxnSAQ2Exe_B/s1280/DSC01343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVUTasLorGpRMPqEgt8rSAJ9g804U9-zCO8zfHKAZ2KUPbnqrE4eAEwwGJnyEvJyRxqCHc3giOSQz4njRRxOi5FgFpVvj2Zwb8nUnmGWhw1SJ30jrlmARwZ4TU5xI_uZoEEO-rF_XmAxnJNqxjvhDsh3fie7vtxSHMtZuaQuRv8k0OIRn_xxnSAQ2Exe_B/w640-h480/DSC01343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-55692371140212601942023-12-18T23:21:00.087-05:002023-12-19T20:27:52.679-05:0012/18 Some Animals I Have Enjoyed on my Travels<p>Yesterday, I posted about some animals whose visits I did not enjoy, but there have been other animal visitors I remember fondly. Overall, I enjoy watching animals and their behavior. Here are some of my favorites:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One of my favorite campgrounds is at Willow Beach Marina. This place is part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, but on the Arizona side of the Colorado River about 13 miles south of Hoover Dam. It is very dry there, but amazingly beautiful with the mountains on all sides and the blue of the Colorado River as it heads toward Lake Mohave, about 30 miles south. The campground here is relatively new, and when it was built in this very dry area, they planted a lot of desert plants and clumps of grasses, each plant with its own drip irrigation connection. The result is a LOT of desert cottontails have taken up residence under the bushes and grass clumps. The number of bunnies and their friendliness is also increased by the fact that the long-term camp host feeds them, as do a few campers like me. Check out these adorable "pests" with their big ears on this post: <a href="https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2021/01/111-willow-beach-campground-critters.html">https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2021/01/111-willow-beach-campground-critters.html</a>. Note: Before you feed these little guys, make sure it is OK with the park and you know what they should and should not eat. For example, carrot top greens are better for them than carrots, and they should never be fed gas-producing vegetables like cabbage. <b>MOST IMPORTANTLY, NO WILD ANIMAL, EVEN DUCKS AND GEESE, SHOULD EVER BE FED BREAD, NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE OR HOW HUNGRY THEY LOOK!!! </b><br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Also, if you scroll down on the above post, past all the bunnies, check out the Gambel's Quail. These little guys do more running than they do flying. They stick together in large family groups, or coveys, searching for seeds. What makes them fun to watch is their running around on little legs at top speed, making sure they keep up with the group, and cheeping constantly to make sure they do not get lost. If a bird does get separated, it will panic and run even faster after the cheeps of the other birds. This also makes them very hard to photograph, although I have discovered that a tiny bit of bird seed will briefly slow them down. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I also like to watch chipmunks and ground squirrels. They are very similar looking animals, with stripes on their bodies. However, generally, but not always, chipmunks have stripes on their faces and bodies, while ground squirrels have stripes only on their bodies. I once spent most of a day while I was grading college student papers, looking out my window and watching a chipmunk steal dry dog food from a nearby RV patio. It was a state park in Oregon, and a family with a large dog had left a 50 lb bag of dog food outside while they were gone. The little ambitious chipmunk made dozens and dozens of trips with full cheeks, crossing the park road to add the kibble to his winter larder! (I know it was a chipmunk because it was in a wooded area, and because ground squirrels do not store food for the winter.) Here is a good article describing the difference: <a href="https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/what-the-difference-chipmunk-vs-ground-squirrel/">https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/news-events/the-buzz/what-the-difference-chipmunk-vs-ground-squirrel/</a><br /></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li> I once shared my campsite with a gopher tortoise. I have seen these in several campgrounds in Florida and Georgia, but this one had apparently dug his burrow right at the edge of my patio area in my campsite in a state park in Georgia. I suspect he did this over the winter, not realizing how busy the area would get during the summer. His burrow was about 6' from the side door of my motorhome, and every time I went outside and walked past him, he would hiss at me. Gopher tortoises live in wooded areas, and dig homes in sandy soil. They can live up to 70 years in the wild, and are federally protected because their burrows provide homes for a lot of other animals including snakes, foxes, and other animals. I did not post about him, but I did take photos of several other gopher tortoises this past November in St. Lucie Lock and Dam Campground. Scroll down about halfway: <a href="https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2023/11/1121-st-lucie-south-lock-dam-campground.html">https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2023/11/1121-st-lucie-south-lock-dam-campground.html</a><br /> </li><li>If you have ever visited the south rim of the Grand Canyon, you have probably seen elk wandering around the visitor areas. The CG website says, "Because elk are not native to northern Arizona, they are not well adapted to the dry climate. As a result, they are often dependent on human sources of water, and will drink from puddles underneath bottle-filling stations and graze on watered vegetation around homes and buildings." What this notice misses is that elk were introduced to the area by the original park superintendent in 1926. Not only will they drink from puddles underneath water fill stations, but many of them know how to turn the handles on the water fill stations in order to get a drink. In addition, they know how to turn on the water faucets in the campground. Check out the first photo on this blog page: <a href="https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2020/10/1024-grand-canyon-trailer-village-to.html">https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2020/10/1024-grand-canyon-trailer-village-to.html</a> (Unfortunately, the elk do a very poor job of turning off the faucets when they are finished, so if you see a faucet running, please turn it off for them.) Elk will also beg for water in the main full-hookup Trailer Village campground, as I learned as a female surprised me once by coming up next to me while I will filling up my fresh water tank at my campsite. Her nose was about 4" from my hand holding the hose, and her back was almost as tall as I am!! I held very still so as not to scare her, and when I was finished, she followed me to the opposite side of my rig where I gave her a drink. Elk are huge and can be dangerous, so I moved slowly and carefully. Next time I am there, I will leave out a very large dog bowl at the rear of my rig. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Another animal I enjoy are bighorn sheep. There are always some of the males hanging around the campground at Valley of Fire State Park, about an hour northeast of Las Vegas. The males/rams mostly stay in the valley, while the females or ewes stay up in the mountains with their lambs where they are safer. A few years ago, I had a fun experience watching a small bachelor herd try to take advantage of a leading water faucet at Site in the campground. I missed the head butting contest during which the oldest ram won ownership of the faucet. I arrived just as he was guarding it, but this did not last very long, as the park maintenance man arrived to fix it. Check out the saga and the results at this location: <a href="https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2021/01/14-valley-of-fire-bighorn-sheep.html">https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2021/01/14-valley-of-fire-bighorn-sheep.html</a> There are a couple of photos of ewes and almost grown lambs higher up towards the end of this blog posting. Notice their thinner and shorter horns. <a href="https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2022/11/1111-more-valley-of-fire.html">https://grandmajjb.blogspot.com/2022/11/1111-more-valley-of-fire.html</a><br /> </li></ul>There are a lot of other places you can experience elk, big horn sheep, and other animals, but these have been some of my memorable experiences. <br /> <div><div><br /> </div></div>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-33917909768437454172023-12-17T22:41:00.029-05:002023-12-18T13:08:04.121-05:0012/17 Camping & Critters That Invade<p>It rained all day yesterday, last night, and part of this morning in southern Florida, and I have been very lazy, so I thought that while I was watching television tonight, I would write about some of the experiences I have had with critters that invade my motorhome. </p><p>When you do the kind of traveling I do (in a motorhome and mostly in federal, state, and county campgrounds), you end up having experiences with critters. In eleven years, I have had more than most people simply because I have been to so many places over such a long period of time. I will try to write about the most memorable experiences I have had. </p><p><b>Insects that Invade</b></p><p>One important thing to know is that a motorhome is very different from a "sticks and bricks" home in several ways:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>First, nearly all motorhomes have slide-out walls that make your RV larger when you are camped, which means that unless they fit absolutely perfectly and have something that seals them against your rig, you will have a lot of cracks that critters that can get into. Even if you start out with slides that fit tightly, they will not stay that way. <br /></li><li>A motorhome also has an engine compartment, so there are spaces around things like your accelerator and brake pedals from that compartment. There also may be spaces around AC and heater vents, and other things. I have never seen anything enter that way, but I know a lot of cold air does. </li><li>Also, all RVs have entrances into your rig through spaces around water and sewer pipes, electrical connections, and who knows what else. They are supposed to be sealed, but often are not closed off. <br /></li><li>In addition, at least in my motorhome, window screens do not fit very well, so there are spaces where insects can get in when windows are open.</li></ul><p>I imagine that if I could have afforded one of those $500,000+ motorhomes, things would have fit better, but I am not 100% sure of that. Anyway, I am stuck with what I have. </p><p>Other than the normal, every day times insects get into my rig, I have had two major insect invasions. </p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>My first was about 7 years ago when I was camped at Dam West Campground, along Carlyle Lake in central Illinois. It was fall, and I did not realize that they were threshing and taking in soybeans from a large nearby field. This apparently disturbed several thousand ladybugs and stink bugs. In looking for a nice, warm place to spend the coming winter, they covered the entire one side of my rig, with a few hundred of each making their ways inside and hiding out. For the next 3-4 months, I killed and flushed a dozen or so ladybugs and captured at least 4-5 stinkbugs each day. Not wanting to crush the stinkbugs, I kept them in a ziplock bag and i sealed and tossed each day.</li><li>The most recent infestation I have had was early last June in Cherry Creek State Park, just east of Denver, Colorado. The first night, I slept fairly well, but woke up about 5 am to find dozens of moths flying around. I got up and started electrocuting them with my bug wand. It was just beginning to get to be daylight, but they were still coming in somehow, and it seemed like the more i killed and flushed, the more came in. These were the big miller moths, and I was getting frantic, with at least 100-200 moths flying around inside at any one time. I panicked and got out the can of outdoor insect spray and hit my bathroom and kitchen, killing a bunch, and closing the bathroom door. I got dressed quickly, put my slides in, unhooked, and took off, with dead moths littering the floor and everywhere. I headed east into Kansas and stopped for some breakfast and to use a McDonald's restroom because my bathroom was a disaster, taking a few minutes to do some quick research on moths in Colorado. Turns out that miller moths hatch in western Kansas and head for Colorado's front range every May or June, and this was a banner year for them. I stopped at a hardware to get traps and more spray, and then drove 384 miles to central Kansas which was apparently moth-free. (I almost never drive more than 200 miles in one day, but I was desperate.) Made it to a campsite, hooked up, put slides out, and got my vacuum cleaner going. I was exhausted, but could not even sit down or use my bathroom until I vacuumed and washed off all the spray I had used. Not a good day, but here is an article about moth invasions in Colorado. <a href="https://denverite.com/2023/05/15/colorado-miller-moths-horror-infestation-nuisance/">https://denverite.com/2023/05/15/colorado-miller-moths-horror-infestation-nuisance/</a></li></ol><p> <b>Other Invaders</b><br /></p><div>I have had some other non-insect visitors, but overall, these were a lot less bothersome than the usual insects.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In Sebastian State Park in Florida a few years ago, I was camped at the back of the campground, next to a swampy area. I started to hear some thumping and bumping under my bed just before daylight one night. To explain: My bed lifts up and has storage underneath it. That area is pretty well sealed from the outside, but under it, there are a couple of large storage compartments that are accessed from the outside. I had locked them, but what I did not realize was that there was access from a next door storage compartment I had left open. The locked storage area had a large bin on each side, and an 8" tall area connecting the two. I use this area to store my bunk ladders, my outside ladder, some tools and other long maintenance things. I was pretty sure the thumping was caused by something a lot bigger than a mouse, so as soon as it got light outside, I got dressed, grabbed a flashlight and my senior grabber and headed outside. (The grabber was to reach in for what I was pretty sure was a racoon.) I opened the storage bin door, saw two "bandit" eyes looking at me, and yelled at the racoon that was staring at me. It flew out and ran off into the swamp, but it took me half an hour to pick up the tiny bits of paper towel it had torn up to build its nest, I assume. </li><li>Two years ago in August, I stayed at Elk Creek Campground in the Curecanti Recreation Area, near Gunnison, CO. It is a pretty place, but extremely dry. On the second night, I was watching television about 11 pm, with all the lights on, and saw a little mouse come out from under my couch. It looked at me with an "Oops, didn't know you were awake" look and ran back under the couch. I had not had mice in years, so at midnight, I was outside with a flashlight trying to find my old mousetraps. No luck, so went to bed and the next day drove 35 miles back to Gunnison and spent $53 on mousetraps! I caught three mice that night and two mice the next night. Left the following day, for obvious reasons!!! Camp hosts admitted there were a lot of mice in the campground. I assumed they were getting in around my slides, but I really don't know how they got in. </li><li>I once had a tiny Florida lizard come in and race around, but it left on its own somehow, and really never bothered me. </li><li>I also once had a tiny tree frog in my motorhome. I had accidentally left my passenger's window down for a few hours, so I assume it crawled in that way. Two mornings later, I was lying on my side in bed at 5:30 am, facing the little shelf and the wall next to my bed. I opened my eyes and found a tiny green tree frog making its way up the wall about 10" from my face, which is a little startling that early in the morning. I jumped up, gently picked it up with a paper towel and tossed it out the door, watching it walk away. (They tend to walk instead of jumping.) They are rather cute little frogs with suction cups on their feet that enable them to climb even very smooth surfaces, so I did not want to hurt him or her. Then, of course, I had to wash the wall down where he had been, and by the time I got all that done, I was wide awake for the day. </li></ul><p>Tomorrow night, I will write about some of the outdoors animals that I have encountered who actually stayed outdoors!! <br /></p><div><p><br /></p></div></div>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-85454761256037991982023-12-07T23:44:00.001-05:002023-12-07T23:44:24.694-05:0012/7 Myakka River State Park & Old Prairie Campground<p>I have spent a couple of weeks at this state park in all of the Decembers I have been in Florida. (I alternate winters in Florida and the Western states.) I particularly like the full-hookup campground, Old Prairie, near the park entrance. It is a long way from the lake and store, but it is quiet and the camp sites are well-separated with vegetation and the sites are extremely large. </p><p>This is also the newest of the three campgrounds in this very large state park, and thus also has newer restroom/shower facilities, plus it has a washer and dryer in each of the two restroom facilities here. Roadways are paved, but campsites are the nice, larger gravel. </p><p>First, a photo of the store down by the lake. Usually, I spend more time down there, but not this year. If I have time on my way out on Saturday, I might go back and add some photos. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bHifhZ_PbY0Rr2U1UOltM1sVNJT93WSvhOHw4P8_-WFn0xlGq75sXY1pe0z8AjwVu8rQvoW8CF7XpZExFA-a5nFjktPoWBAYRR5LeYw8fmN8mHlutWbcnTGkvaXmnPtbpOuwOZndA1FFQYdLnd41tI0nOrX8yN3Y1cS-crymlouD97BLbULTbg2hsIKM/s1280/DSC01098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bHifhZ_PbY0Rr2U1UOltM1sVNJT93WSvhOHw4P8_-WFn0xlGq75sXY1pe0z8AjwVu8rQvoW8CF7XpZExFA-a5nFjktPoWBAYRR5LeYw8fmN8mHlutWbcnTGkvaXmnPtbpOuwOZndA1FFQYdLnd41tI0nOrX8yN3Y1cS-crymlouD97BLbULTbg2hsIKM/w640-h480/DSC01098.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next a photo of one of the two restroom/shower/laundry fcilities in the Old Prairie campground.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WDbigYtG2iR1YYjzWLUE5lZAUerSGYwiJCBdVWsK6wUwCOanXcdkWxB7c5JZLeo45uY5gnNiaXOjoqmRJXI5napkCz81N2QDW6k2YU7m9qABf1sy4kuQ07hVrJ0u6thQcJr3mJJ4g1Mb9C1QWKxtVgNz1quAIwe-u7OkdZc5W83LoUx2fMi7EMh7VMUV/s1280/DSC01186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WDbigYtG2iR1YYjzWLUE5lZAUerSGYwiJCBdVWsK6wUwCOanXcdkWxB7c5JZLeo45uY5gnNiaXOjoqmRJXI5napkCz81N2QDW6k2YU7m9qABf1sy4kuQ07hVrJ0u6thQcJr3mJJ4g1Mb9C1QWKxtVgNz1quAIwe-u7OkdZc5W83LoUx2fMi7EMh7VMUV/w640-h480/DSC01186.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>And my pull-through campsite. I am parked towards the far end because that is where the sewer hookup is, but you can see that you can fit a very long RV in this site, plus a couple of cars. This refutes all the RV owners who believe the myth that you can only fit in a state park or national park site if you have a rig shorter than 30' !!!!! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8eSit5E0UdDCkJSEpenjh-zm253xxmQn-hr559bWJ-yTNZrhBZDF2Vffv912Od51ScQmhCFsY9yEWObuWnQlApR4pYv_QAl9dTe3uVKwlXaftFg7GdmQB4TIrsSbSAJSCn-IXZ1IM-5JPEkMdgIpcb1w-XBKcP6tHoWINB-Fl7CJX8MhH5MgcGUDNWKh/s1280/DSC01184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8eSit5E0UdDCkJSEpenjh-zm253xxmQn-hr559bWJ-yTNZrhBZDF2Vffv912Od51ScQmhCFsY9yEWObuWnQlApR4pYv_QAl9dTe3uVKwlXaftFg7GdmQB4TIrsSbSAJSCn-IXZ1IM-5JPEkMdgIpcb1w-XBKcP6tHoWINB-Fl7CJX8MhH5MgcGUDNWKh/w640-h480/DSC01184.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAuKnQek9vmS0SKtwW-xuAUon2kFsFLKxs0ZIAzOz5uVaiB5i_lyfEtWqE1l_SHKp0CsdN8HmXhG5uBESqK_W7o1r05wtcTzqdSY2WlvYEhaD83AitpLv2x1VtsphgcsKm580QzYoIbZQyfYl6vT4BPVBDR6losgJAhdThEH3AqZcdBYrS9aUOtaLLS8m/s1024/IMG_3374.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAuKnQek9vmS0SKtwW-xuAUon2kFsFLKxs0ZIAzOz5uVaiB5i_lyfEtWqE1l_SHKp0CsdN8HmXhG5uBESqK_W7o1r05wtcTzqdSY2WlvYEhaD83AitpLv2x1VtsphgcsKm580QzYoIbZQyfYl6vT4BPVBDR6losgJAhdThEH3AqZcdBYrS9aUOtaLLS8m/w480-h640/IMG_3374.jpg" width="480" /></a> <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwuqPwJ_8fhsVTWr9gF9uAadfAK8X_MdsGHCQZBl1ex5wFYd_Jks9fUoDy_ZZazZNnuuzha0uOjiiRNWcBJitQTTHFfX2x7sluRhGx0sUZdGKgNrBQnMtZE2dee9BBqPQTyxJ6muMRKU8aeCKeqJE-w91pQWir3n7UrOjseV0SLS40mSeTxCh3lHZ43ND/s1280/DSC01185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlwuqPwJ_8fhsVTWr9gF9uAadfAK8X_MdsGHCQZBl1ex5wFYd_Jks9fUoDy_ZZazZNnuuzha0uOjiiRNWcBJitQTTHFfX2x7sluRhGx0sUZdGKgNrBQnMtZE2dee9BBqPQTyxJ6muMRKU8aeCKeqJE-w91pQWir3n7UrOjseV0SLS40mSeTxCh3lHZ43ND/w640-h480/DSC01185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And some of the other sites and campground roadways. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6tlhR-0H753L_b02el8OCtwd-5vRkvFvqxF6p5da66WndugoYbSMnT85UiPSEVvqPzbV2SANjk9rqfZKWjkaJqnjnjZIDLrfOQG0nJVlhsFDwM20-XarMjddaVuqSfFQ0hAJ2KDy3dNCq5Oyzkvb8-rafAl-1ZfLLdidhZ_5o5EufRJ0TKg2PMdx7BGE/s1280/DSC01187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6tlhR-0H753L_b02el8OCtwd-5vRkvFvqxF6p5da66WndugoYbSMnT85UiPSEVvqPzbV2SANjk9rqfZKWjkaJqnjnjZIDLrfOQG0nJVlhsFDwM20-XarMjddaVuqSfFQ0hAJ2KDy3dNCq5Oyzkvb8-rafAl-1ZfLLdidhZ_5o5EufRJ0TKg2PMdx7BGE/w640-h480/DSC01187.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Even the back-in sites are large!! You can also see how all the vegetation between and after sites makes each site very private. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1MyJCKZP4f_0GKa8nvK831IFtl7BCaZAiAOI_W4n4-MuSFcsc2ucV9nuqPKzfUouQvB7RUCAlTxCvJiPNNXzVVcsj0mUetP1WoKQ2tU6vTcF6050w2-elIUFEGn5VF_jiurTOqF7huNTgGNeW-D-FW7nVlrfrMPQMsRRrhUO-32RAud5hZvH8xTqWDkQ/s1280/DSC01188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1MyJCKZP4f_0GKa8nvK831IFtl7BCaZAiAOI_W4n4-MuSFcsc2ucV9nuqPKzfUouQvB7RUCAlTxCvJiPNNXzVVcsj0mUetP1WoKQ2tU6vTcF6050w2-elIUFEGn5VF_jiurTOqF7huNTgGNeW-D-FW7nVlrfrMPQMsRRrhUO-32RAud5hZvH8xTqWDkQ/w640-h480/DSC01188.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtgBypuU6CIEeCeG562wo5j0ENjBKeOWHs4jM9u7bs6Gl4fNRSNoWTS98FQiZc6Fz2zAhaRQwtQ_glnRa-TdwldUy6CFGZCW48Lh8GUvSAwDjrCyonNWFfo0A1H8dbRDAf9SVv4ePGsRhDh5yaXW2g-uCYuvP5Mz0jN9FynlP0FIGhbr1AU803-30Hx7X/s1280/DSC01189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtgBypuU6CIEeCeG562wo5j0ENjBKeOWHs4jM9u7bs6Gl4fNRSNoWTS98FQiZc6Fz2zAhaRQwtQ_glnRa-TdwldUy6CFGZCW48Lh8GUvSAwDjrCyonNWFfo0A1H8dbRDAf9SVv4ePGsRhDh5yaXW2g-uCYuvP5Mz0jN9FynlP0FIGhbr1AU803-30Hx7X/w640-h480/DSC01189.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYTkTSbs7qzyMLz-z6o8Ka2BhO9h4DwjJmviccPsLlhGJ5b_xvNEb6TWvnXAMATSDI19MKdZGcdzaKa1SSMbRUQNNAROFe4U0Cgta3tyc6qhOzXD-roxSaJVS15gu1LPER53g2uj_7aJixjn6wqa0_U1X-Zh8XL2RaR_w25VNHq_uYfga8UX28sl6F_sf/s1280/DSC01190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYTkTSbs7qzyMLz-z6o8Ka2BhO9h4DwjJmviccPsLlhGJ5b_xvNEb6TWvnXAMATSDI19MKdZGcdzaKa1SSMbRUQNNAROFe4U0Cgta3tyc6qhOzXD-roxSaJVS15gu1LPER53g2uj_7aJixjn6wqa0_U1X-Zh8XL2RaR_w25VNHq_uYfga8UX28sl6F_sf/w640-h480/DSC01190.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyyJx7xzOV8cBSXOqlNhqhcCGs0AKBFSjBvnGedLIXn5e2u1ZMimdaER0uoDlT9yr9DUqr0tcTf5tdiq7OH-dQ0dwggn8MuKR94Rs96h1x8fWQOKnxaQqDvvp5uib1n7ioPmhoRu5W16EbNKvrxBGkc53hH67A1KYLyVN-WgjW6Dbk9hNUJfTmjbsvV6Z/s1280/DSC01191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyyJx7xzOV8cBSXOqlNhqhcCGs0AKBFSjBvnGedLIXn5e2u1ZMimdaER0uoDlT9yr9DUqr0tcTf5tdiq7OH-dQ0dwggn8MuKR94Rs96h1x8fWQOKnxaQqDvvp5uib1n7ioPmhoRu5W16EbNKvrxBGkc53hH67A1KYLyVN-WgjW6Dbk9hNUJfTmjbsvV6Z/w640-h480/DSC01191.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br />A couple of days ago, I was driving on the road that goes to what they call the Bird Walk. It is a raised boardwalk in an area along the lake that is a good place for watching birds.</p><p>However, there was a traffic jam with people stopping cars from passing as they were stopped along the roadway. I saw a big snake crossing the road and causing all the fuss, so I quickly pulled over and ran up to take photos. </p><p>This is the biggest and fattest Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake I have ever seen! He was about 6' long and at least 3-4" in diameter--one big and healthy snake!! He was also a very laid-back snake and not in a hurry to go anywhere, but eventually he headed into the woodsy area. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9AFjfJ878A0cDY6gxYC7RVKDAWCdN9WOuhs6fhkq13PptjIjNH2-mAhF_62pKFwZyPb2FZ3Cb6Lf_mTZbCb6GIEJRGtEYu6zK8bcIuOpNIPIDvveA855XtnxB-5hddcc0trOxNL7NoBfTAZl7qMXGtUSa-_LZgUoIUNIddXudTrGqMnEtwGuzbACPFXk/s1280/Snake%20edited.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9AFjfJ878A0cDY6gxYC7RVKDAWCdN9WOuhs6fhkq13PptjIjNH2-mAhF_62pKFwZyPb2FZ3Cb6Lf_mTZbCb6GIEJRGtEYu6zK8bcIuOpNIPIDvveA855XtnxB-5hddcc0trOxNL7NoBfTAZl7qMXGtUSa-_LZgUoIUNIddXudTrGqMnEtwGuzbACPFXk/w640-h342/Snake%20edited.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopJctB_raICMHYgWCG7J-ygAAJAgK6P7mJauKzk8D6QGuM_6x_YeKCJ4rRBICfBEzjAKX-_QwwM9oFKhhFfRdSLNJVQkF1SMnz_4GEoDRnuVxZQXWD5NKKXGQl_zIB0lxmtlIrzzIkREA14UyzG-HFSrSR3R1esJHjq1VO8XT6W49qSVnIz6AGKIN7zym/s1024/IMG_3390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopJctB_raICMHYgWCG7J-ygAAJAgK6P7mJauKzk8D6QGuM_6x_YeKCJ4rRBICfBEzjAKX-_QwwM9oFKhhFfRdSLNJVQkF1SMnz_4GEoDRnuVxZQXWD5NKKXGQl_zIB0lxmtlIrzzIkREA14UyzG-HFSrSR3R1esJHjq1VO8XT6W49qSVnIz6AGKIN7zym/w480-h640/IMG_3390.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As he disappeared into the leaves, I got a good picture of his tail!! His rattler was about 4-5" long. He did not try to rattle it, however. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nrb_zi2XudsBZaRhgxr-EayVtsMxuQp9Sozutg2OLpxJ22sGenUfsJfc2lyXn97yxDaVuYPILV9HGoDjycin5TupA1ogszYUKgWHpb0Khyhm-hB3SWrV4vV7biILWer9vpnasnkabcmjc__dI9raaUZCZKIomY0RBkesRZ27CI8r9R9_x4lv5YYw_yvs/s1024/IMG_3393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nrb_zi2XudsBZaRhgxr-EayVtsMxuQp9Sozutg2OLpxJ22sGenUfsJfc2lyXn97yxDaVuYPILV9HGoDjycin5TupA1ogszYUKgWHpb0Khyhm-hB3SWrV4vV7biILWer9vpnasnkabcmjc__dI9raaUZCZKIomY0RBkesRZ27CI8r9R9_x4lv5YYw_yvs/w480-h640/IMG_3393.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is the Bird Walk.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98pBPIzN2DCEWcOk3YRvwnyZr4cJFfWZ69ca1hkxiq706M2FxvfVM5PxYti4eY8hSpIVylUrrT9SNdYdUuzDE_nqPFnQtoMdl9pUBVKuicPxLfbgKckZeQJ9pnyVNPdKsyWHVDp4Sr_IkaljyVoKvBq0XTKr_Ifbv1x6JmBxaYLTyoMfDfl0hyphenhyphen9tRt1Lc/s1024/IMG_3394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98pBPIzN2DCEWcOk3YRvwnyZr4cJFfWZ69ca1hkxiq706M2FxvfVM5PxYti4eY8hSpIVylUrrT9SNdYdUuzDE_nqPFnQtoMdl9pUBVKuicPxLfbgKckZeQJ9pnyVNPdKsyWHVDp4Sr_IkaljyVoKvBq0XTKr_Ifbv1x6JmBxaYLTyoMfDfl0hyphenhyphen9tRt1Lc/w480-h640/IMG_3394.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtgK8Umez4LjMogLWfzTIRF5JFWy4r8hY0jv_joqIoBqfFEPsT7U47-B-co8bmOWIeRU6Hb_ikfU1D1igqph_kQnsK6yBiOnVHOBhVc3x9ehNBsNnrTO5elkHxT5oQbtMyYB5lk8bHOaXiud5UYXzM8Tn1LIbXjqO4z2wjcYSdgpQfXT8JJt-53YEM20s/s1024/IMG_3395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtgK8Umez4LjMogLWfzTIRF5JFWy4r8hY0jv_joqIoBqfFEPsT7U47-B-co8bmOWIeRU6Hb_ikfU1D1igqph_kQnsK6yBiOnVHOBhVc3x9ehNBsNnrTO5elkHxT5oQbtMyYB5lk8bHOaXiud5UYXzM8Tn1LIbXjqO4z2wjcYSdgpQfXT8JJt-53YEM20s/w480-h640/IMG_3395.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It's been a good 12 days here, with highs varying from mid-80s to low 70s. Some nights have been warm enough to run AC all night and some cool enough to keep the furnace on!! Highs in southern Florida are expected to hang around the 70s for the next month, with lows in 40sand 50s, which I hope will slow the mosquitos down a bit. <br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-89571075272711125142023-12-07T01:04:00.006-05:002023-12-21T16:08:01.877-05:0012/5 Marie Selby Gardens<p>Marie Selby Gardens are located close to downtown Sarasota on the bay. It focuses heavily on air plants--plants that do not root on soil, but attach themselves to trees or other objects and get their water from rain and humidity. </p><p>I purposely rented a car for a few days because I knew that they had major construction around this botanical gardens, and that I would almost certainly not be able to park my big motorhome. It was a good decision. <br /></p><p>Below is a map of what the gardens look like now. It may not mean much to you if you have not been here, but basically, the original gardens have been the 15 acres occupied by two homes on the old estate of Marie Selby. They have owned the land across the road for several years and used it as a parking lot, but they have now also acquired and removed several homes next to the old parking area. <br /></p><p>On that land, they are building a new multi-level parking garage, which they have almost finished, but since it was not quite done, they had mandatory
complimentary valet parking. They have also almost finished the new
visitor center next to the parking garage. (I tried to take photos but there were too many big pieces of equipment in the way.) When the parking structure and new visitor center open in a few weeks, they will begin tearing down the old visitor center and building several brand-new greenhouses, which will give them more space to house their collections. That new area may take another year or two, but I am looking forward to sometime returning to see it when it is finished. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEKJevUThgYMyYFI1HqLgFk3NFfOBaLQtz4WiEY8bFmE_2Nx9JeHks7zrBW9obwk8Thj7aOiJX9fM8nHfsuqfxa0v8m8kIqSDO0ELYcRH8sOyB3ZUfloNaEWMkDJN27kv8H1g0qhgYyR9IfeXpxm044IcQrCR0x78gthi2jUrnPvS1zCGPcGzP7QzkrkX/s1280/DSC01210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEKJevUThgYMyYFI1HqLgFk3NFfOBaLQtz4WiEY8bFmE_2Nx9JeHks7zrBW9obwk8Thj7aOiJX9fM8nHfsuqfxa0v8m8kIqSDO0ELYcRH8sOyB3ZUfloNaEWMkDJN27kv8H1g0qhgYyR9IfeXpxm044IcQrCR0x78gthi2jUrnPvS1zCGPcGzP7QzkrkX/w640-h480/DSC01210.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>So, after parking and walking a long block, you enter the current visitor center. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh-t4G7ofGSDLeZSYVfS_c4lzF9dAcyG9C-9_6NHj7W5xYFgccPbPQRenSUQuL815RHHF74CZqHO-iOS5LpcT1vn_HNj3D0VjZCSGqnaCtWEET58Y-X5JU9wnz4pjKpZCAzFF5W-z4jHod9MBJBsEhbzlc9VwxAfCexpTHqZ463AuIjIR4HCD9FyiEWOU/s4896/DSC03868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh-t4G7ofGSDLeZSYVfS_c4lzF9dAcyG9C-9_6NHj7W5xYFgccPbPQRenSUQuL815RHHF74CZqHO-iOS5LpcT1vn_HNj3D0VjZCSGqnaCtWEET58Y-X5JU9wnz4pjKpZCAzFF5W-z4jHod9MBJBsEhbzlc9VwxAfCexpTHqZ463AuIjIR4HCD9FyiEWOU/w640-h480/DSC03868.JPG" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">As usual, after paying my entrance fee, I immediately headed for the greenhouses. Here are some photos of the orchids in bloom. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkPF3REB0py7R7RP1st4J0w0Fdpz3lE7PwOCa8hY_J073cyFmVhN6sb9aNiIrUgUrSQDEwMfrAG0jAX8G-xpXCmCF_3gklS0wR7IjZC-qh2I4-zOPEgk1cOudSVfBJKh8yUx1gIuZsosCYiZLVB5DW04gzY1BUnDryjZ8twPz2crXGlh5czNhzXk8bldh/s1280/DSC01209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkPF3REB0py7R7RP1st4J0w0Fdpz3lE7PwOCa8hY_J073cyFmVhN6sb9aNiIrUgUrSQDEwMfrAG0jAX8G-xpXCmCF_3gklS0wR7IjZC-qh2I4-zOPEgk1cOudSVfBJKh8yUx1gIuZsosCYiZLVB5DW04gzY1BUnDryjZ8twPz2crXGlh5czNhzXk8bldh/w640-h480/DSC01209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jbStgtw7wcnUcffSn6VTq41AyXYQ5SqbZ0IUrAGvuOxAsqzlhjnuG6OH1pCzU6Cqau3VcdM6MkhcPIfMChz7QX5QLyGXDkuL9Wbx6zhP5flQaBzZo4iGFkee9KMKBvwACaUv1P-Axe_LviQa5Tn-7C5QbzPynBFhH-AOV5YyHpRRMIkuP-wvgLGtmmix/s1280/DSC01208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jbStgtw7wcnUcffSn6VTq41AyXYQ5SqbZ0IUrAGvuOxAsqzlhjnuG6OH1pCzU6Cqau3VcdM6MkhcPIfMChz7QX5QLyGXDkuL9Wbx6zhP5flQaBzZo4iGFkee9KMKBvwACaUv1P-Axe_LviQa5Tn-7C5QbzPynBFhH-AOV5YyHpRRMIkuP-wvgLGtmmix/w640-h480/DSC01208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSx1tq8Vq0DY-jDj5i4kg7-cg63CcfnIx0JYqfvn3jf3CTzeL5ZC5bb6nRUh919HnZ06dSVNJYt8J_NjoyuJBsTPcrC72m6iZhaxVoKevsDg4Wp9hxMGDVApj153-fbdOGpGYAmxVY_m_-pEfpCxakQIOvjImo_eSt6US9FwksQ3yw-VYdBPE9wS1ZcDQe/s1280/DSC01207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSx1tq8Vq0DY-jDj5i4kg7-cg63CcfnIx0JYqfvn3jf3CTzeL5ZC5bb6nRUh919HnZ06dSVNJYt8J_NjoyuJBsTPcrC72m6iZhaxVoKevsDg4Wp9hxMGDVApj153-fbdOGpGYAmxVY_m_-pEfpCxakQIOvjImo_eSt6US9FwksQ3yw-VYdBPE9wS1ZcDQe/w640-h480/DSC01207.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLV6-7pZgjPQzyyULItzsKDU7whtTU8sL-zCveZ86Qi-IIdaZilMMQ5chEPvwz5L9tnUC7476tfwlr2Yyh69C29SqBPxvTbtgZp5bNGpWHWjY3zWK5U7zOkBncweK5ilsYbB-fzQP_MqnOKgcgBI1p25ht_QysDwYoCCN_Iuh-geQ6iZwIU9c6PQef8_A/s1280/DSC01216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLV6-7pZgjPQzyyULItzsKDU7whtTU8sL-zCveZ86Qi-IIdaZilMMQ5chEPvwz5L9tnUC7476tfwlr2Yyh69C29SqBPxvTbtgZp5bNGpWHWjY3zWK5U7zOkBncweK5ilsYbB-fzQP_MqnOKgcgBI1p25ht_QysDwYoCCN_Iuh-geQ6iZwIU9c6PQef8_A/w640-h480/DSC01216.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Lots of ferns here. Many ferns attach themselves to trees, so they also quality as air plants. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x8KsrXfxiHVt5YzR85F5XZ6v3ggNjLnqPlTHVEub4UbI5odu4vfQoPnobqcH2vnW9PQ60NjUFKiOmFu8XIh1s6_0-x1V4MVe91yiBFU4zlH3pSvJmFiFrQijhsbCsQsJeTayLivpafJ7XlwzjWOjd3aFRMjjiX1gkyTjKJoMDkDVBT6O1T0awgzbvDqd/s1280/DSC01206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7x8KsrXfxiHVt5YzR85F5XZ6v3ggNjLnqPlTHVEub4UbI5odu4vfQoPnobqcH2vnW9PQ60NjUFKiOmFu8XIh1s6_0-x1V4MVe91yiBFU4zlH3pSvJmFiFrQijhsbCsQsJeTayLivpafJ7XlwzjWOjd3aFRMjjiX1gkyTjKJoMDkDVBT6O1T0awgzbvDqd/w640-h480/DSC01206.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2jWpweS7mp3FWZuIN1-SNJ8dFxAiPnrWOOD2xBQvuL9dJ3has3H9ZbBpVhVRjjixMdhvVxathjb0fJf9uMbfNa4Bhw6sSNXYkORBUu3MHt2lRQmsG-JaQzDpfVQnRPmEK5bGB2uuDFIlSMuwrOh3cwIh14kSPUmZa8GSOehaahYMh_JDVNzZoSrWUhoY/s1280/DSC01200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2jWpweS7mp3FWZuIN1-SNJ8dFxAiPnrWOOD2xBQvuL9dJ3has3H9ZbBpVhVRjjixMdhvVxathjb0fJf9uMbfNa4Bhw6sSNXYkORBUu3MHt2lRQmsG-JaQzDpfVQnRPmEK5bGB2uuDFIlSMuwrOh3cwIh14kSPUmZa8GSOehaahYMh_JDVNzZoSrWUhoY/w640-h480/DSC01200.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Another category of air plants are the ones that collect rainwater and unsuspecting insects in cups or other receptacles, and live on those. The next few photos show these insect-eating plants. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF2cyB3_dMZ0OgyvMabnJLDpWpEFJoHKGSmTy7MJbl-EDMF0cwkSj-eBRyajBgDd4a6uK-HW7wlzo_jCpFGlvtdO9oOvKz95HvnE03p3kewUKFU_hF1igaakM9wtE37HH3BqXiC9K6hCX3_elsVBBC2lUlUHH4fztrnPGuDSvo-7D2va2lWkxI9cvcG1R/s1280/DSC01205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDF2cyB3_dMZ0OgyvMabnJLDpWpEFJoHKGSmTy7MJbl-EDMF0cwkSj-eBRyajBgDd4a6uK-HW7wlzo_jCpFGlvtdO9oOvKz95HvnE03p3kewUKFU_hF1igaakM9wtE37HH3BqXiC9K6hCX3_elsVBBC2lUlUHH4fztrnPGuDSvo-7D2va2lWkxI9cvcG1R/w640-h480/DSC01205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ5YVhpsykEtHwUUE11mKV1QcqSJlrsutf9BwnNlokYldxUqv-5_U_jGQ3i9y3GJwC3SraPHmOvWTv5VMUFnSi0M5LnLqrPRjEITjxJOQNBBmQTEyvM5p9DrEsL_-fK5bHYzCY2lQ5ViSvu7GNlFbRk_jnIw9EOHikcYElU4NFMjBQjwx7WI0iRzGeCYV/s1280/DSC01204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJ5YVhpsykEtHwUUE11mKV1QcqSJlrsutf9BwnNlokYldxUqv-5_U_jGQ3i9y3GJwC3SraPHmOvWTv5VMUFnSi0M5LnLqrPRjEITjxJOQNBBmQTEyvM5p9DrEsL_-fK5bHYzCY2lQ5ViSvu7GNlFbRk_jnIw9EOHikcYElU4NFMjBQjwx7WI0iRzGeCYV/w640-h480/DSC01204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FAYAGxBeJcika8lhZ-rMvb9-MAWynIZ6ZEfZ7KoolnJAfIFm9NbPOItK_ahcGXRT67iMD06q0LabatNUVZ2rjkroJLnK3dIEcWDZ4enL-BhBQOr1zDk7vplThV8F91NoFk00XCnyI9uBwY_fSasu9zX8iikDduCLXdw3O-VPNX5eFTnjoaRbM-FIdxMi/s1280/DSC01202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FAYAGxBeJcika8lhZ-rMvb9-MAWynIZ6ZEfZ7KoolnJAfIFm9NbPOItK_ahcGXRT67iMD06q0LabatNUVZ2rjkroJLnK3dIEcWDZ4enL-BhBQOr1zDk7vplThV8F91NoFk00XCnyI9uBwY_fSasu9zX8iikDduCLXdw3O-VPNX5eFTnjoaRbM-FIdxMi/w640-h480/DSC01202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VwJ-5IPMRwQvJxBmqDMoKnJcLP4K5dk9eunbkPWog5xU9Emm5NxgScnfosrmf6ZfAw9frtrsBLBxsOrg7kyEi-7H_UMxVf8NgIOwCPxQmkoEsz4LaWD13OPj_5FgUBsjdA-neaZ9I4AlV1VC-G9GHKd5spwrlkwNPtow6tJ-9DH22r_tEO0OvdjTNRkH/s1280/DSC01199.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VwJ-5IPMRwQvJxBmqDMoKnJcLP4K5dk9eunbkPWog5xU9Emm5NxgScnfosrmf6ZfAw9frtrsBLBxsOrg7kyEi-7H_UMxVf8NgIOwCPxQmkoEsz4LaWD13OPj_5FgUBsjdA-neaZ9I4AlV1VC-G9GHKd5spwrlkwNPtow6tJ-9DH22r_tEO0OvdjTNRkH/w640-h480/DSC01199.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOJPCGCoQG70PQoquEOJSHKH7oFLwEo82ICVcD-IdRKepXEGek0l_TOBZlDqKmiZiI8BOQds2924SE1T64hjJ2CYLrh5o8VAE9hoRDSWaRdPkw7HcVXrxQ-5uZX9GoS4z6LqtpUl_zaOHgISpqaTG5xemQJskd4yyDEM0116-bqE7XtX6OPYVcbub00dm/s1280/DSC01197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjOJPCGCoQG70PQoquEOJSHKH7oFLwEo82ICVcD-IdRKepXEGek0l_TOBZlDqKmiZiI8BOQds2924SE1T64hjJ2CYLrh5o8VAE9hoRDSWaRdPkw7HcVXrxQ-5uZX9GoS4z6LqtpUl_zaOHgISpqaTG5xemQJskd4yyDEM0116-bqE7XtX6OPYVcbub00dm/w640-h480/DSC01197.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WSl4GXvMPVspJ-HiMv16DOcDuP6AajHNP1ySF7hPmvoipdDU_46bh6zyKWFRXUFngGoWLeABKfXZYEONtYngWjFN2y2WRyFHa0OMJeErXxs4yhh7pv3EoZZPkNyII2lv0YrJe8pHp-4JDkCaEKTYQ-zdyDUCG3sKo6mxQWnpxVo7sh-ggIF1PDVu4HL5/s1280/DSC01196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WSl4GXvMPVspJ-HiMv16DOcDuP6AajHNP1ySF7hPmvoipdDU_46bh6zyKWFRXUFngGoWLeABKfXZYEONtYngWjFN2y2WRyFHa0OMJeErXxs4yhh7pv3EoZZPkNyII2lv0YrJe8pHp-4JDkCaEKTYQ-zdyDUCG3sKo6mxQWnpxVo7sh-ggIF1PDVu4HL5/w640-h480/DSC01196.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDDASi5-kHilpTkuprRJk1WUQCuuncPG_W3Q85xC3ydCYownNzdGoTCHa8qiH5ChGxbormIg54wSoyXn6i7MxHm7gWUf4WGjs1SrdaaWd29RJfxtrKUkXkM5l7dZBncYYt6zBi6-GOFS41yhJZfhoM8ZK1ImZ18VDP5rEEvc6e82-L0FSNJ0h21c4OZuF/s1280/DSC01194.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDDASi5-kHilpTkuprRJk1WUQCuuncPG_W3Q85xC3ydCYownNzdGoTCHa8qiH5ChGxbormIg54wSoyXn6i7MxHm7gWUf4WGjs1SrdaaWd29RJfxtrKUkXkM5l7dZBncYYt6zBi6-GOFS41yhJZfhoM8ZK1ImZ18VDP5rEEvc6e82-L0FSNJ0h21c4OZuF/w640-h480/DSC01194.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Some cycads. These are the ancient plants that dinosaurs ate before there was grass or flowering plants. Cycads are either male of female and produce very large cones with seeds in them. They are NOT air plants, but the gardens have a very large and interesting collection. Here are some examples. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84VK72PEzVmxsval1ykW5t-UZbAm6l9HQD8r10QTTk2-WOPuxVv45KvnJnccJ-dGVXbxaELCvIt2hB1znHB8350n_39bjoSsYnXZtOFT6i1PeRrB7e-ZfrIqfdRoCuTg_rJqxdeipfjs7MgsHKD9SqRImFVMPZjTXr-N5MWHJNNd4GDiFKSVjyMmIH1id/s1280/DSC01217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg84VK72PEzVmxsval1ykW5t-UZbAm6l9HQD8r10QTTk2-WOPuxVv45KvnJnccJ-dGVXbxaELCvIt2hB1znHB8350n_39bjoSsYnXZtOFT6i1PeRrB7e-ZfrIqfdRoCuTg_rJqxdeipfjs7MgsHKD9SqRImFVMPZjTXr-N5MWHJNNd4GDiFKSVjyMmIH1id/w640-h480/DSC01217.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQa2XF5enlSl7FVbUi_ZvtkrV9KhzSqNAz3D4ZXLx-O60tGjS_RI0mFpHNH7MN7aEfM1EqsdzQA8u5M5At7l_JHuUJ2UKZtaKVyw3bSISnTnbAIQtELnR9UrNe1KbXGIynYjsQX2JvKvGRnG4ALK1HmU-bn0Sf31kyjJv_vCWPIEOr8CreFnPxLs2sJzC/s1280/DSC01218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQa2XF5enlSl7FVbUi_ZvtkrV9KhzSqNAz3D4ZXLx-O60tGjS_RI0mFpHNH7MN7aEfM1EqsdzQA8u5M5At7l_JHuUJ2UKZtaKVyw3bSISnTnbAIQtELnR9UrNe1KbXGIynYjsQX2JvKvGRnG4ALK1HmU-bn0Sf31kyjJv_vCWPIEOr8CreFnPxLs2sJzC/w640-h480/DSC01218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YkIE6U4QdhJ3ujcM44fgTa_IZE5y8sBXSWHDKL07gxyXJgHeoVgvkx_j8py2izIOBCW_hzf6XlXjEi-y57_JxfW1R1qv0UajXGWrTPfOzDE0yOgYwidPOdbmiuSojr4HdbAShu6GDMXw3qLKiOWZIfGpKbk_l3IJRjxUrCvpiHV3Wj7iKo0vwECfWPdT/s1280/DSC01219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YkIE6U4QdhJ3ujcM44fgTa_IZE5y8sBXSWHDKL07gxyXJgHeoVgvkx_j8py2izIOBCW_hzf6XlXjEi-y57_JxfW1R1qv0UajXGWrTPfOzDE0yOgYwidPOdbmiuSojr4HdbAShu6GDMXw3qLKiOWZIfGpKbk_l3IJRjxUrCvpiHV3Wj7iKo0vwECfWPdT/w640-h480/DSC01219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This is a cone I found in the above plant. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDp13lY9SjjcdoMCEBjd30kb0Yu89Lh3xwF3M3nFA7xf1DexgKHINnDQhOLMkHfV1bTy17LGDZmSnaqJgdcdK6Becyhizg37VOwgfu8mKe48lz_pNKRMJQYwhHnkzJe_G6nr-vScZl_3tZDBnpDJVOXconj7n5VZ-SXONRXqMM1lHRr_sD_U2KDog9P_z/s1280/DSC01220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDp13lY9SjjcdoMCEBjd30kb0Yu89Lh3xwF3M3nFA7xf1DexgKHINnDQhOLMkHfV1bTy17LGDZmSnaqJgdcdK6Becyhizg37VOwgfu8mKe48lz_pNKRMJQYwhHnkzJe_G6nr-vScZl_3tZDBnpDJVOXconj7n5VZ-SXONRXqMM1lHRr_sD_U2KDog9P_z/w640-h480/DSC01220.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I was told these were developing leaves, not a cone. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCwPLiDsMXWXwSrrjCsIcYWgtabwDzUXfur-fDVsLPWznp-2bDJFEeWLEvrFMWeNQKsHEc3lUsvtaOc7SO-pqd4u3MpNgnODRbAceSwMbzjcobhawrPAyqRlPz0Iq-vn3qVEi_yWlOmJzbVTfaWOkb6yck3hpHdwfDDKGrkYajYWAlgOO9Mz_UVbJTyeM/s1280/DSC01222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCwPLiDsMXWXwSrrjCsIcYWgtabwDzUXfur-fDVsLPWznp-2bDJFEeWLEvrFMWeNQKsHEc3lUsvtaOc7SO-pqd4u3MpNgnODRbAceSwMbzjcobhawrPAyqRlPz0Iq-vn3qVEi_yWlOmJzbVTfaWOkb6yck3hpHdwfDDKGrkYajYWAlgOO9Mz_UVbJTyeM/w640-h480/DSC01222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ke4kbnjym0cOC4dhLSWwYoJe2a1ZIBtuKjZuB_3UycoRK4H7slnqD8MNgNyZQOEJf_L3-jgQqLmK-2ivOMEd9Fe2H6foOXIiwK6f8A_wRXJKnKh6ckrBywr4Ze_tQO_1AJyHVhApc4ojhzlJHGp_61yGx98-ZUvLcgFehqe28ori6sp10JFWBDTfk7LJ/s1280/DSC01225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ke4kbnjym0cOC4dhLSWwYoJe2a1ZIBtuKjZuB_3UycoRK4H7slnqD8MNgNyZQOEJf_L3-jgQqLmK-2ivOMEd9Fe2H6foOXIiwK6f8A_wRXJKnKh6ckrBywr4Ze_tQO_1AJyHVhApc4ojhzlJHGp_61yGx98-ZUvLcgFehqe28ori6sp10JFWBDTfk7LJ/w640-h480/DSC01225.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Back to the main garden, this is a candle tree. The fruits are very waxy and resemble candles. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrp11KFKLWSD9txjEX-I3RoMzzrt3xPAUp15dkPsmuHrHQciFz1Ejj2mlZ_z-ltuKAjfI-VrzBWPZqdNa7mI5ahad9WeBtenSPVYrIgj2iZ9-NPJd3dybdqniGmWP0ku2XQoON87EIHxtxXAReOrZg_0TvFfmBoHFgzji9rx2gmBsVqtDti4tnP09CTaF/s1280/DSC01226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrp11KFKLWSD9txjEX-I3RoMzzrt3xPAUp15dkPsmuHrHQciFz1Ejj2mlZ_z-ltuKAjfI-VrzBWPZqdNa7mI5ahad9WeBtenSPVYrIgj2iZ9-NPJd3dybdqniGmWP0ku2XQoON87EIHxtxXAReOrZg_0TvFfmBoHFgzji9rx2gmBsVqtDti4tnP09CTaF/w640-h480/DSC01226.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one of two very large banyan trees that were planted by the Selbys. <br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yaZHoTGg_urp7sX_WhuOY1Llha06RsYh8TZ9TLMwKhZc210hYyZY06Kp3Ip4lZfcquoCsAXv0Uul7yCPazittFsb4Z30FKnY3dMTyaqZyXEfekb1EkQ8Pex-uywFWhxFDJQkPY9aS2VhzWLc9MMss_ybHr3gAeVMG7Nx9r0-JZ-_3uRgBmcYA8MTjw6C/s1280/DSC01213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yaZHoTGg_urp7sX_WhuOY1Llha06RsYh8TZ9TLMwKhZc210hYyZY06Kp3Ip4lZfcquoCsAXv0Uul7yCPazittFsb4Z30FKnY3dMTyaqZyXEfekb1EkQ8Pex-uywFWhxFDJQkPY9aS2VhzWLc9MMss_ybHr3gAeVMG7Nx9r0-JZ-_3uRgBmcYA8MTjw6C/w640-h480/DSC01213.jpg" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Last trip in December 2021, I took photos of the main house on the estate, but this is just a secondary house on the property. It is now used as a cafe and ice cream shop. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXDU9SttfQ4UxG1If-stHXWdQM1gi_5ik6b7bxT7aXhjmO9Gm5mP5OYvZNLBHCeCG3oPcGkcadaCCyOhUEKB3qHJR0LFV1-qWhrbDmeNjjjlCDVDInrBntrqtDj8jPHt4ZUGTWLv6HXfj2EpVQsf9NeqHXZ3fGMJUZVxQ1jPG9cYTzBJk_u9HVMUP9o2D/s1280/DSC01227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXDU9SttfQ4UxG1If-stHXWdQM1gi_5ik6b7bxT7aXhjmO9Gm5mP5OYvZNLBHCeCG3oPcGkcadaCCyOhUEKB3qHJR0LFV1-qWhrbDmeNjjjlCDVDInrBntrqtDj8jPHt4ZUGTWLv6HXfj2EpVQsf9NeqHXZ3fGMJUZVxQ1jPG9cYTzBJk_u9HVMUP9o2D/w640-h480/DSC01227.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The estate was facing Sarasota Bay, but behind the house, they have a large river with homes and boat docks for each. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotpkSq7Sr4AXQvUikSQNKwacPppzvSxZUl3Ax0EgqsxI8Fg8N363TJSD8PG11KfQTiBNn3ywReJJ-jQPPwsWZS8b_e7htVvsOmpS0fkc5FIRAqYId5BhNJjCoV6VDewUuGUopiU7QxggT48fF_CBEENAhIPfa3x1283alaQuZtJrSDzTQpaMQMzNmyeQh/s1280/DSC01228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotpkSq7Sr4AXQvUikSQNKwacPppzvSxZUl3Ax0EgqsxI8Fg8N363TJSD8PG11KfQTiBNn3ywReJJ-jQPPwsWZS8b_e7htVvsOmpS0fkc5FIRAqYId5BhNJjCoV6VDewUuGUopiU7QxggT48fF_CBEENAhIPfa3x1283alaQuZtJrSDzTQpaMQMzNmyeQh/w640-h480/DSC01228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkZF1jXLSUsOfirvmTS-2d5jSPn_BeHzzoHeC1RJREKcVsg29gkVnmZCgaVmIgdM6hqICYvy0TsP3rTY4Tqj8JKJjGV8NCuYqSXuOq83O17RsgwunwL-e-Ur5VFr4Y_2Laos3f-UkRlDtsYPtCdMtILOc8BJE7AJoAUXs3-5r3ROeAMBcdQLrBBp-bGQ2/s1280/DSC01229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkZF1jXLSUsOfirvmTS-2d5jSPn_BeHzzoHeC1RJREKcVsg29gkVnmZCgaVmIgdM6hqICYvy0TsP3rTY4Tqj8JKJjGV8NCuYqSXuOq83O17RsgwunwL-e-Ur5VFr4Y_2Laos3f-UkRlDtsYPtCdMtILOc8BJE7AJoAUXs3-5r3ROeAMBcdQLrBBp-bGQ2/w640-h480/DSC01229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Several of us watched this great white egret for about 10 minutes. He/she was not very shy, and tolerated us as he found and ate three small lizards and one bug. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi305P6Lkwpy0FLXMmpELyBmVLdaoxCJKMVnbdqJwQpbHPBWyaXytCclvp6hLmly4L0tIhV7nHTauw4wH5X9LpMbtPGL-1-S36nFLMZjDa-OwbAneZR9f1P0ZDo0hfKIamP7hS5Us3ur6LeyImlR67ngDRsktZ1twu69zc14mwNWW1T3wxyghGgqQrEys3i/s1280/DSC01233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi305P6Lkwpy0FLXMmpELyBmVLdaoxCJKMVnbdqJwQpbHPBWyaXytCclvp6hLmly4L0tIhV7nHTauw4wH5X9LpMbtPGL-1-S36nFLMZjDa-OwbAneZR9f1P0ZDo0hfKIamP7hS5Us3ur6LeyImlR67ngDRsktZ1twu69zc14mwNWW1T3wxyghGgqQrEys3i/w640-h480/DSC01233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Down the hatch!!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgde7rv7rWRIN18zJm7dfDHNiPY_o0cfqvzzSAvsIf0YvSsCbZ9WtUpB9ZkUo4XpbD2xNJ41dTBMWendLqk6Q4h-ZfD7qUbwpK8XcA-KPjVOxXlqZZs0_wEJQz5FqEE10j2DZn_ScN1psG3MNEE12gVhHRxaeQNT1OevUqKqdNzOG8qPYXO6zmQtWvDTVhY/s1280/DSC01236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgde7rv7rWRIN18zJm7dfDHNiPY_o0cfqvzzSAvsIf0YvSsCbZ9WtUpB9ZkUo4XpbD2xNJ41dTBMWendLqk6Q4h-ZfD7qUbwpK8XcA-KPjVOxXlqZZs0_wEJQz5FqEE10j2DZn_ScN1psG3MNEE12gVhHRxaeQNT1OevUqKqdNzOG8qPYXO6zmQtWvDTVhY/w640-h480/DSC01236.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nice, cool breeze off Sarasota Bay. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5DVNCnzh5bNs78xf1tsq09XZ5S59n8p3-W8X0rZrNs_7Ha1Gs0SP4opLhc0BR-3NAxbUUn3xmi51hllIGL3fCFFoPa5_eN4KPLa-HBxTiqIavxXz4Vy4uBk8iwdjBESff_wHWkuBLepDk58ErHsQNVHnL0UK2k83ephhM0QwhoQdtlF7BMOURmAQQFN3/s1280/DSC01235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5DVNCnzh5bNs78xf1tsq09XZ5S59n8p3-W8X0rZrNs_7Ha1Gs0SP4opLhc0BR-3NAxbUUn3xmi51hllIGL3fCFFoPa5_eN4KPLa-HBxTiqIavxXz4Vy4uBk8iwdjBESff_wHWkuBLepDk58ErHsQNVHnL0UK2k83ephhM0QwhoQdtlF7BMOURmAQQFN3/w640-h480/DSC01235.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>And the walkway back to the visitor center. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYZSGP_TbkEiFYpy9RUcrLGOGiDJxhU6KoAD7orNFFNb3MkS685a-Fd434hI4QOzx1oI7luAH5uHi0np6mFmBJo60sOp3KL11v7xT3CpEwsCOK7yXC-50LFvrDfE25PT9kj7hPLQltT73YCFyVKd1Ou_YjmWeqS2X4uRsOujJKhg7RgoOvBsztZAsbyR6/s1280/DSC01239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYZSGP_TbkEiFYpy9RUcrLGOGiDJxhU6KoAD7orNFFNb3MkS685a-Fd434hI4QOzx1oI7luAH5uHi0np6mFmBJo60sOp3KL11v7xT3CpEwsCOK7yXC-50LFvrDfE25PT9kj7hPLQltT73YCFyVKd1Ou_YjmWeqS2X4uRsOujJKhg7RgoOvBsztZAsbyR6/w640-h480/DSC01239.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFadTNs9tXLYDx0PLRYkupbcoQn31xIHup_U5tzhNNvyxatnMREbPh5z49oDndFryJbMoGWSTV_ox7QpLXginkKkmQV0CieHE7By9Fmy3b3clvahXIVjHmoGLoZHwVWRFZYn8m8JkqCKHyYolooniZ7tMBoAWK3KjaW33dF-zcKCpwmh69oXDTkk82mJic/s1280/DSC01240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFadTNs9tXLYDx0PLRYkupbcoQn31xIHup_U5tzhNNvyxatnMREbPh5z49oDndFryJbMoGWSTV_ox7QpLXginkKkmQV0CieHE7By9Fmy3b3clvahXIVjHmoGLoZHwVWRFZYn8m8JkqCKHyYolooniZ7tMBoAWK3KjaW33dF-zcKCpwmh69oXDTkk82mJic/w640-h480/DSC01240.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There was still more to see, but I was tired and needed to pick up some groceries and get back to my campsite before the sun set. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-25877965278683909212023-12-07T00:24:00.001-05:002023-12-07T00:24:09.974-05:00 12/2 Myakka River SP Tram Tour<p>Myakka River State Park is one of the oldest and wildest of Florida State Parks. It is also one of the largest, consisting of 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, and hammocks, along with two large lakes. (No swimming in these shallow lakes, by the way, not even any wading, because they are filled with thousands of alligators.) The Myakka River, which feeds these lakes has been designated a wild and scenic lake, so its entire length, whether in or out of the park is protected. </p><p>Myakka River SP is located about 8 miles east of I-75, as it bypasses Sarasota, and is well worth a couple of hours detour if you are in this area. <br /></p><p>Normally, Myakka River State Park offers two types of tours--a boat tour on the lake and a tram tour that takes you into the back country of this park. However, because the lake level is currently low, the boat tours have been suspended. It has been several years since I took the tram tour, so I decided to give it a try this visit. (After thoroughly spraying myself with mosquito spray!)</p><p>The tram tour leaves at the far end of the park entrance road, next to the bike rental place and across the road from the store. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1WVNrfUtUi2bLnwx3CBlfq59HXUnH6mBse5qlcRXoMAy9ManGvOtlOCQmd0FC6EXZ7cRXZVKJR2BUtDfvPwRsCn7fVWsymGnIdR3ZQPeBtnU8VkjauZO8hceuui0luPvJrHiZnFh98WdrmxNG60C5HMj_VhB2Sldn50lE0c0q5x41xg1UYH0NGMlryZ8/s4896/DSC01183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1WVNrfUtUi2bLnwx3CBlfq59HXUnH6mBse5qlcRXoMAy9ManGvOtlOCQmd0FC6EXZ7cRXZVKJR2BUtDfvPwRsCn7fVWsymGnIdR3ZQPeBtnU8VkjauZO8hceuui0luPvJrHiZnFh98WdrmxNG60C5HMj_VhB2Sldn50lE0c0q5x41xg1UYH0NGMlryZ8/w640-h480/DSC01183.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tram was not full today because the main bunch of travelers to Florida will not arrive until after the holidays. <br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa08oeTNsrIXjH8QanWrzcxkCF3J_Rifx7feNr5nDCsz4SIDiBPkPJtMJ6ldzec3YO99ZJwZvvEgtHgO-RAu3uH0RqtUfDROpExvOJcQSc-Rg-pCwC6ZhFO-pH8LwwfX7oAi9MFX_x-53A1r2fCKPIAFISHDy1D9B2t2sd-fpfzMCz710WmLP3p5WUHid/s4896/DSC01158.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUa08oeTNsrIXjH8QanWrzcxkCF3J_Rifx7feNr5nDCsz4SIDiBPkPJtMJ6ldzec3YO99ZJwZvvEgtHgO-RAu3uH0RqtUfDROpExvOJcQSc-Rg-pCwC6ZhFO-pH8LwwfX7oAi9MFX_x-53A1r2fCKPIAFISHDy1D9B2t2sd-fpfzMCz710WmLP3p5WUHid/w640-h480/DSC01158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp0Bdpy6B4JZtBOrCpY4zrNEkFT-BlnwjBJU2bh9-rIdlAcAmW1w5fBq1ROkkw-bFI8gG5CT2Cm-2NwZSUq-4uOMaFoCyVBTNIou0obJHtSeWLpP5RVqXv7RX1M8cYoogIdQugca9LTdnuDMxcEyNS66czQ-Ft1WajX-DtTxXLRN1dMsU0PsWXJJXuce1/s4896/DSC01159.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqp0Bdpy6B4JZtBOrCpY4zrNEkFT-BlnwjBJU2bh9-rIdlAcAmW1w5fBq1ROkkw-bFI8gG5CT2Cm-2NwZSUq-4uOMaFoCyVBTNIou0obJHtSeWLpP5RVqXv7RX1M8cYoogIdQugca9LTdnuDMxcEyNS66czQ-Ft1WajX-DtTxXLRN1dMsU0PsWXJJXuce1/w640-h480/DSC01159.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>To the west of the entrance road is a large area that is either dry prairie or wet swamp, depending on the time of year and rainfall. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQg8jYauXIJPXrtZTov2Rk3vYqRvXFCAgxTxrUU7Zx0y-573f6MsfLVHHeDyWtXiGtLE3VXbgo1OEZCnx4kJVEX4TAdiq8h18iEEmwiZ_c5OUOZZm2YYscbNc6oAjVhyVHurx2dI_rC1m6Vzeo9zektzcGy0kNo2uUdJmQ-DoAGKWE-jzAlrmgGhYuOx8/s4896/DSC01160.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQg8jYauXIJPXrtZTov2Rk3vYqRvXFCAgxTxrUU7Zx0y-573f6MsfLVHHeDyWtXiGtLE3VXbgo1OEZCnx4kJVEX4TAdiq8h18iEEmwiZ_c5OUOZZm2YYscbNc6oAjVhyVHurx2dI_rC1m6Vzeo9zektzcGy0kNo2uUdJmQ-DoAGKWE-jzAlrmgGhYuOx8/w640-h480/DSC01160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_T2xOCMMaJs-0KiTAtoJmZ5yLwfuInl_51GCRnc5a6SjRfsdqAGfjBTK45z6cpbO7X5Uek66rxjjD7_xnzg3LhK21rJB9-_za8SJ8DEMipZaYHMNXlF_KCBnkYMkOjSO1IsZdebHclbQ-cOFgwe5ZMyNGf2Y2F2kcsRjHbQkigvxrwy_GLnQkb1Zfv0G/s4896/DSC01161.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_T2xOCMMaJs-0KiTAtoJmZ5yLwfuInl_51GCRnc5a6SjRfsdqAGfjBTK45z6cpbO7X5Uek66rxjjD7_xnzg3LhK21rJB9-_za8SJ8DEMipZaYHMNXlF_KCBnkYMkOjSO1IsZdebHclbQ-cOFgwe5ZMyNGf2Y2F2kcsRjHbQkigvxrwy_GLnQkb1Zfv0G/w640-h480/DSC01161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>About halfway to the entrance booth, the tram headed down a gated power road into the area that was owned by Bertha Palmer from 1910-1918, and used as a ranch for her and her husband, who owned the Palmer Hotel in Chicago. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW81-w5gLfP7Hd7XSYjxjCPOCzzN35WnoIYh2ehgZaOk9YX65zsDE9e4gfnWmjiIi1inIRfYEmwkYtAyH7dcRZnuUHArxmG0GjBpFevS_MJTfooTYLKkMjFC68KldKAuRTWVQHdw5YENnsKNArZOUo2seQh4HDjs2DhZiSMB760ratZl2lhXIv6jlrY9xQ/s4896/DSC01163.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW81-w5gLfP7Hd7XSYjxjCPOCzzN35WnoIYh2ehgZaOk9YX65zsDE9e4gfnWmjiIi1inIRfYEmwkYtAyH7dcRZnuUHArxmG0GjBpFevS_MJTfooTYLKkMjFC68KldKAuRTWVQHdw5YENnsKNArZOUo2seQh4HDjs2DhZiSMB760ratZl2lhXIv6jlrY9xQ/w640-h480/DSC01163.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You cannot drive down this area, but you can walk and ride a bike here. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSvzeOw8qFhg8Umyz3DCmWkLC8DZ1HFd3LnUrKJK04DFZs76RM3K-BxdWbukmPM0VB2rLNvYod1AaRq8UDfea4Tlpn1bmYKdJGendPJDYf7MUA9uTilu0TeRtHwrmQqgZTdMzgVxxhApuXs3arnk_L1BtZ29kbO_C4AvAnJd-fCNbODdpWjmx8pwds27f/s4896/DSC01164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSvzeOw8qFhg8Umyz3DCmWkLC8DZ1HFd3LnUrKJK04DFZs76RM3K-BxdWbukmPM0VB2rLNvYod1AaRq8UDfea4Tlpn1bmYKdJGendPJDYf7MUA9uTilu0TeRtHwrmQqgZTdMzgVxxhApuXs3arnk_L1BtZ29kbO_C4AvAnJd-fCNbODdpWjmx8pwds27f/w640-h480/DSC01164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilehtaQteueOL_iyxGfOP6thcYrbpL6dXOV2zI8ekxE04s64hjfeACkivNGL0XcrbRqFZQuJBvPXyWw_0M0qjlh0Y3yRGSylh4HJw52pRVlrpDDmwbOS6ObBZD-vLcqtLDNcVLWK7m4CFiiyCmHJ6zdsUoEX2vogRmLc-3CZHg9LRGMzYnCHe2E1N4Ni80/s4896/DSC01165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilehtaQteueOL_iyxGfOP6thcYrbpL6dXOV2zI8ekxE04s64hjfeACkivNGL0XcrbRqFZQuJBvPXyWw_0M0qjlh0Y3yRGSylh4HJw52pRVlrpDDmwbOS6ObBZD-vLcqtLDNcVLWK7m4CFiiyCmHJ6zdsUoEX2vogRmLc-3CZHg9LRGMzYnCHe2E1N4Ni80/w640-h480/DSC01165.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Some turkeys along the road. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpCPwezqfz-uuorDMw8DRgajv8dRX7t1V8sWYaz5EXyze8xAV0CIGEWhBVDqMT6XUAgHV2kv32BuLhoOZ23_7mf17HCqA4BabKm_Rk81Vu82tyhwCwi78d8D09_vQUa_VOve_XvxN0qQypJqAFMjRi6IWyK5X5syHpyM-h1J3sBWKtS7_92dcwEdYobbv/s4896/DSC01166.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpCPwezqfz-uuorDMw8DRgajv8dRX7t1V8sWYaz5EXyze8xAV0CIGEWhBVDqMT6XUAgHV2kv32BuLhoOZ23_7mf17HCqA4BabKm_Rk81Vu82tyhwCwi78d8D09_vQUa_VOve_XvxN0qQypJqAFMjRi6IWyK5X5syHpyM-h1J3sBWKtS7_92dcwEdYobbv/w640-h480/DSC01166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>And a big alligator. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpebMArXqGNxPwEZZzc1nZN0Nv95I-gNbMZsxsHc539Aw8Aw9p1vw8gCOGhgtbNGQ8dymBdgVmYP-fvetvDkZ4hnKcBz2YD9CTuMJAuNPdOQ162vfncb-jLHfal9t9zqPgSkkNRqvZI9oABMIpWnnLsHWduB8WWbM9gVR8ApU8fJwkdaBmEb2kgza6AqT/s4896/DSC01167.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpebMArXqGNxPwEZZzc1nZN0Nv95I-gNbMZsxsHc539Aw8Aw9p1vw8gCOGhgtbNGQ8dymBdgVmYP-fvetvDkZ4hnKcBz2YD9CTuMJAuNPdOQ162vfncb-jLHfal9t9zqPgSkkNRqvZI9oABMIpWnnLsHWduB8WWbM9gVR8ApU8fJwkdaBmEb2kgza6AqT/w640-h480/DSC01167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoemq738cWNSxVdFHXCLYGSx8XYHnUQH5PFTFZhK92xxCLGbDCmeVXDlqa8CzLD6Ym0IzoGw7o-5AsuaEycf8H8DGkrzWLOAvd9t_s1mOuv4kDSpg3hnS_N2grD1v7xX8tPpzkf7R0TlLj93qDbiuUK9_0wHsHAlNvaUHgZTd5n-qeq225HZL7CMlVQeTw/s4896/DSC01168.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoemq738cWNSxVdFHXCLYGSx8XYHnUQH5PFTFZhK92xxCLGbDCmeVXDlqa8CzLD6Ym0IzoGw7o-5AsuaEycf8H8DGkrzWLOAvd9t_s1mOuv4kDSpg3hnS_N2grD1v7xX8tPpzkf7R0TlLj93qDbiuUK9_0wHsHAlNvaUHgZTd5n-qeq225HZL7CMlVQeTw/w640-h480/DSC01168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Great blue heron in breeding plumage. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQhs6NwU9nc5yi04M93pf_CS1Wcql8elR2H_ukEH2oo46tNkUxR2yzPB3iWnX7IjavM0LWtzODk53FhiTXeUrNd9T0udcLVCKxkgj0uGnCPlOADQ-vGaaLcRGJ1mWB3W6YKTGg-NYYCSue-fr9XmuNEfFrGqIk6R7S137mAwKSCnVCUVlwwlRsZZpPR-C/s4896/DSC01169.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQhs6NwU9nc5yi04M93pf_CS1Wcql8elR2H_ukEH2oo46tNkUxR2yzPB3iWnX7IjavM0LWtzODk53FhiTXeUrNd9T0udcLVCKxkgj0uGnCPlOADQ-vGaaLcRGJ1mWB3W6YKTGg-NYYCSue-fr9XmuNEfFrGqIk6R7S137mAwKSCnVCUVlwwlRsZZpPR-C/w640-h480/DSC01169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Imagine this as a cattle and pig pasture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W0Ba2hB3KyMA0oGKTOADw6NpPLr-W-1olpdu3wdAKV6J67Kxn8snVxrWO3x6nDwk2c7unUtoS6Gie6akSk4d24siKF50ZvQprmfS-1zjmjD3MhiH1xFbLOjNpa3mH3BmzPcEapYbxil9TnjUcwBOa7HMgJweHLfHT0XhqwUmzBu1LT55lylWKaa3n9aj/s4896/DSC01171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W0Ba2hB3KyMA0oGKTOADw6NpPLr-W-1olpdu3wdAKV6J67Kxn8snVxrWO3x6nDwk2c7unUtoS6Gie6akSk4d24siKF50ZvQprmfS-1zjmjD3MhiH1xFbLOjNpa3mH3BmzPcEapYbxil9TnjUcwBOa7HMgJweHLfHT0XhqwUmzBu1LT55lylWKaa3n9aj/w640-h480/DSC01171.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhocBZ12rssNZpmVqJcAJgLIj9UHFluQo_aQ0hJBJ32ydCOUmU_OSuGd9GQG0_DqBRWvRZen2gmXpAiGDR-8eH60eIir7R-9tK7TxfelDKPzbOpCVl7cl24DTniGmiDgqT359rUVH0EsV2OsG3GZgsOq0YlWkx4UC_5GNnKi8Co1xJPB-Qsuj25FfAB40w/s4896/DSC01172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhocBZ12rssNZpmVqJcAJgLIj9UHFluQo_aQ0hJBJ32ydCOUmU_OSuGd9GQG0_DqBRWvRZen2gmXpAiGDR-8eH60eIir7R-9tK7TxfelDKPzbOpCVl7cl24DTniGmiDgqT359rUVH0EsV2OsG3GZgsOq0YlWkx4UC_5GNnKi8Co1xJPB-Qsuj25FfAB40w/w640-h480/DSC01172.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOnx7lMO9MUily4GowriABXPlqNlzT3NFzuAYzF6D77rOivlTSI7QsDDvp9mt8kNMIiDKjNt5hkWS56AtyNTeP8CTz42z2_g33jolpdlqegItXCERWrwI0TwonNrw3iL2EmXqcrRsM0KDUgtI1qcIElQStAhklLHNM8VTYjD6BqriWzd5-0eoO-__Oi2f/s4896/DSC01173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguOnx7lMO9MUily4GowriABXPlqNlzT3NFzuAYzF6D77rOivlTSI7QsDDvp9mt8kNMIiDKjNt5hkWS56AtyNTeP8CTz42z2_g33jolpdlqegItXCERWrwI0TwonNrw3iL2EmXqcrRsM0KDUgtI1qcIElQStAhklLHNM8VTYjD6BqriWzd5-0eoO-__Oi2f/w640-h480/DSC01173.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo2-Kq85J1kzoz_wflWP9qBmxBSOaplGFtjAmHK1oynBU6LDtKn-NONq56MSwRtTIf2XCUG6iCXkSk4ymUeOJktN-yRijse5HpbKYOCOMuucQnIrV4Um7P7cFuZzfCHRjpVGS6e0TJFfsgd1N9W2XD8-CcJtoFPXU8X8yeU3fsrtGiBgAiwlMzyY5nVNo/s4896/DSC01175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLo2-Kq85J1kzoz_wflWP9qBmxBSOaplGFtjAmHK1oynBU6LDtKn-NONq56MSwRtTIf2XCUG6iCXkSk4ymUeOJktN-yRijse5HpbKYOCOMuucQnIrV4Um7P7cFuZzfCHRjpVGS6e0TJFfsgd1N9W2XD8-CcJtoFPXU8X8yeU3fsrtGiBgAiwlMzyY5nVNo/w640-h480/DSC01175.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dead looking stuff on the trunk of this tree is resurrection fern. When there is no rain for a long time, it dries up and becomes dormant. As soon as it rains, it perks up and becomes green again. <br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq7ePCAHiZBjYgP9C4yfel9Gici9t5-aSfQ5yqzGiYMCNE06N4F1AA-HZBHnUxVDp2uve6l7VgskKFt16wLiQbbEAfmsgwiwa-PgqRBuhCfBa73Y0_Bw73zPlB_rnfBjEfQIeq6HlRklrv6Z9mhjt19UZQ6isU1QiokNtyT2oNJlI_YjPnNdYyTA_XvFd/s1280/DSC01176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq7ePCAHiZBjYgP9C4yfel9Gici9t5-aSfQ5yqzGiYMCNE06N4F1AA-HZBHnUxVDp2uve6l7VgskKFt16wLiQbbEAfmsgwiwa-PgqRBuhCfBa73Y0_Bw73zPlB_rnfBjEfQIeq6HlRklrv6Z9mhjt19UZQ6isU1QiokNtyT2oNJlI_YjPnNdYyTA_XvFd/w640-h480/DSC01176.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The next couple of photos is where the old ranch home of Bertha Palmer was located. It is long gone, but I cannot imagine her living here even in winter without air conditioning and window screens!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ne66xHyeShyphenhyphenSDRkzGas4I9TnZ1d8W8B2FesSm4atZSszJopPu4ec2_LUBKqB-7sHVBcDr31EZi5GOrj6dMEmRpdhn8_9FImVjRqhOdvCgIT-7pXSky7CutLzQFEkxTsBK24GHBvXWpD6V0epYiOFuGaGTzrmiAqaW0_ajEnl_3aDX9ixAxxMbUkBqdEK/s1280/DSC01177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ne66xHyeShyphenhyphenSDRkzGas4I9TnZ1d8W8B2FesSm4atZSszJopPu4ec2_LUBKqB-7sHVBcDr31EZi5GOrj6dMEmRpdhn8_9FImVjRqhOdvCgIT-7pXSky7CutLzQFEkxTsBK24GHBvXWpD6V0epYiOFuGaGTzrmiAqaW0_ajEnl_3aDX9ixAxxMbUkBqdEK/w640-h480/DSC01177.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsnCv34IVKrj8da1MItxmbZ2XQgFqMFKIP5TH2DJEdUpXkvYE1ZRRNQxAlw0VmPWvrh3FWPf7CCJF2QnDLkJvS9FtzthJZtPL4DfejkBfNy0GVzeXPJ-0SEWZ282H3A0PN9Ar1ah2K-WkFF99On7frCqXaumz1YH5IzQzJOJSfkEewDM0ACSghyx4jNjA/s1280/DSC01181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsnCv34IVKrj8da1MItxmbZ2XQgFqMFKIP5TH2DJEdUpXkvYE1ZRRNQxAlw0VmPWvrh3FWPf7CCJF2QnDLkJvS9FtzthJZtPL4DfejkBfNy0GVzeXPJ-0SEWZ282H3A0PN9Ar1ah2K-WkFF99On7frCqXaumz1YH5IzQzJOJSfkEewDM0ACSghyx4jNjA/w640-h480/DSC01181.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Just a jumble of branches and swamp growth. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWDXhRiU8QDTVTjkoX7X8RIkI9xSVQzIvM8rvZfmqxZd8_AYYI_C48BZis4SLQiG90_V_tkjfYJ5_mq71qzBzckj9abNu4ofsIeOl2zq-8Muz3XczMMcVDfJ2MfEPIX08qp2xRx8HItSSLrqn2cQzs4bg7-uS1Ih97aKThzobMAUR6h3uV6g6xHEhSHFM/s1280/DSC01182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWDXhRiU8QDTVTjkoX7X8RIkI9xSVQzIvM8rvZfmqxZd8_AYYI_C48BZis4SLQiG90_V_tkjfYJ5_mq71qzBzckj9abNu4ofsIeOl2zq-8Muz3XczMMcVDfJ2MfEPIX08qp2xRx8HItSSLrqn2cQzs4bg7-uS1Ih97aKThzobMAUR6h3uV6g6xHEhSHFM/w640-h480/DSC01182.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Done with the tour, and I only got one mosquito bite. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-87774751302351618502023-12-02T13:55:00.012-05:002023-12-02T19:45:33.500-05:0012/1 Myakka River Boat Tour at Snook Haven<p>The Myakka River is the only river in Florida that is designated as a "Wild and Scenic River." This means it has no dams on it to restrict flow and new development along its banks is limited. More information can be found here: <a href="https://www.conservationfoundation.com/properties/the-wild-scenic-myakka-river/">https://www.conservationfoundation.com/properties/the-wild-scenic-myakka-river/</a><br /></p><p>I am camping for a couple of weeks at Myakka River State Park, which is about 10 miles east of Sarasota, FL. I will write more about this state park later in the week, but it is a place I have stayed at several times. I like it because it is so large and has a lot of things to see and do here. Most importantly, the state park contains two lakes and a several mile chunk of the Myakka River. </p><p>I discovered Snook Haven and the boat tours available there a few years ago when a cousin and his wife took me there for lunch. I went there a couple of years ago when I was in this area, but the boat tours were booked, so this year, I made sure I made reservations in advance. I also rented a car to go there because parking is very difficult at this very popular restaurant, plus I had some other places I wanted to visit on this trip. </p><p>If you have never been to Snook Haven, you really need to go there for a meal, but check in advance when they are open and if they have entertainment at that time, and plan your trip around those things. (They often close in hot weather, especially when the mosquitos are bad because they have so much outdoor seating. They also are seldom open after dark.)</p><p>Anyway, the drive in is interesting. Take Venice Avenue from the town of Venice, and drive east. At one point, you will think the road has ended, but not to worry, just keep going on this recently paved road. (It used to be dirt.) <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcjQ4meL48m6xLJ9ETVznWeOYrMCUcA8x8nPIG3XCeuLoqLvUnGbzAF7iCk5anfJWWOtubgRobd0DGD2TF3hwfsZJybEqKXhHI_M9rtadAeSGvH-9uGDhMTwodyBJ9HqL0K5JPqZub2DldGivfwLzndtd8itGFhlBT7LWc3KOKVUy_2KtQojAgcn5oIZ4/s1280/DSC01099.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcjQ4meL48m6xLJ9ETVznWeOYrMCUcA8x8nPIG3XCeuLoqLvUnGbzAF7iCk5anfJWWOtubgRobd0DGD2TF3hwfsZJybEqKXhHI_M9rtadAeSGvH-9uGDhMTwodyBJ9HqL0K5JPqZub2DldGivfwLzndtd8itGFhlBT7LWc3KOKVUy_2KtQojAgcn5oIZ4/w640-h480/DSC01099.jpg" width="640" /> </a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You are now, as they say, entering "The Real Florida" or the way it was before the big hotels and incredibly numerous subdivisions took over the state. It's only a couple of miles down this road. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0srwkL7ZTyjIv-GlMLeTtC78dJfO_oBUkIbAM7yesrBlq2B0T5Qh4QMhusjpb8nRjwOf14bz1YU_NOirScrbum7qSlkCCRxkb6SA1hOBMR4TgQgOvvv8XDb2-sbhKPFeSgoVPEWvnD-H_1gd_52-A46BgnMBP0Ot4d2FXATf70r4ptob3fKSXPIaCetPb/s1024/DSC01157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0srwkL7ZTyjIv-GlMLeTtC78dJfO_oBUkIbAM7yesrBlq2B0T5Qh4QMhusjpb8nRjwOf14bz1YU_NOirScrbum7qSlkCCRxkb6SA1hOBMR4TgQgOvvv8XDb2-sbhKPFeSgoVPEWvnD-H_1gd_52-A46BgnMBP0Ot4d2FXATf70r4ptob3fKSXPIaCetPb/w640-h480/DSC01157.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YxoTMiR3oF6Q61WQqJ7mwy7O-UZXGZOrSrsSZf1u_iAzjaCSfb5m57mNula1nO9qzStOwxsKj_z5f6bLd4zbn4H4HZkkEyYl8GzrxwLx-heViyCPOHRhicRVIm_goVDRr20nLS-rdm939xVpShxdRteXHbgK7OSs7GcMeEy-kh3GomldYClugpcEKuK-/s1280/DSC01102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YxoTMiR3oF6Q61WQqJ7mwy7O-UZXGZOrSrsSZf1u_iAzjaCSfb5m57mNula1nO9qzStOwxsKj_z5f6bLd4zbn4H4HZkkEyYl8GzrxwLx-heViyCPOHRhicRVIm_goVDRr20nLS-rdm939xVpShxdRteXHbgK7OSs7GcMeEy-kh3GomldYClugpcEKuK-/w640-h480/DSC01102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>I arrived much too early for my noon boat trip, but got a good parking spot and had time to watch the employees and the musicians set up for the day. Very good food here, by the way, and you MUST go inside the indoor restaurant to check out the big alligator hanging on the wall. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1iTQ5k8QuFl3Neq-7bun6EnF-fYKfFfArgKkzUnbmjacVoS4bI-bzhU6kmK-0SZpQayCP7sJHas1JuwMeit3YlPA08LLoYvjzxQsVolxeWyuHwv_ckWZvTid6TfFWch7hwkGPLOhS7qCx_U0uB3iauHuKETOLAXkxlYokpkHl18iXLJch39Qm5ZSDB9k/s1280/DSC01103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1iTQ5k8QuFl3Neq-7bun6EnF-fYKfFfArgKkzUnbmjacVoS4bI-bzhU6kmK-0SZpQayCP7sJHas1JuwMeit3YlPA08LLoYvjzxQsVolxeWyuHwv_ckWZvTid6TfFWch7hwkGPLOhS7qCx_U0uB3iauHuKETOLAXkxlYokpkHl18iXLJch39Qm5ZSDB9k/w640-h480/DSC01103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zg_ioiICO6pa1u3SyQ2iyXO7PJwUmpu8uPeOfWmjy0rK7TEcpJ76SdMInLw8vJhdGoQSq1svq6TcIhawC2ScOPZYlWAehq7sSPFV1uYWcGSvZOWWmPMxZ5lovSWtEtR4_sh04Mb2v4wsHMvU4S0Zx1rmoErTFOEEWOemkHtoXL2V29BefbG-4wy4uOT9/s1280/DSC01105.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zg_ioiICO6pa1u3SyQ2iyXO7PJwUmpu8uPeOfWmjy0rK7TEcpJ76SdMInLw8vJhdGoQSq1svq6TcIhawC2ScOPZYlWAehq7sSPFV1uYWcGSvZOWWmPMxZ5lovSWtEtR4_sh04Mb2v4wsHMvU4S0Zx1rmoErTFOEEWOemkHtoXL2V29BefbG-4wy4uOT9/w640-h480/DSC01105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCcSeKCJFP4c4-dgmzlzATUM9FA38MntY4g80-C-wQrUA3OsANN2fdrqUCEyKKkJxIOQ-21o5Chh7taQLvqujQIVUkYWiK5NzvbH8RtWxRclUScBcLXYpIFCfL3IX0ui8RbuWcH9ot2HpmYTVkm4r3NuR4-fCbNzqIfpXUX3_aD5XBLUQp46BqiUtDGnj/s1280/DSC01107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCcSeKCJFP4c4-dgmzlzATUM9FA38MntY4g80-C-wQrUA3OsANN2fdrqUCEyKKkJxIOQ-21o5Chh7taQLvqujQIVUkYWiK5NzvbH8RtWxRclUScBcLXYpIFCfL3IX0ui8RbuWcH9ot2HpmYTVkm4r3NuR4-fCbNzqIfpXUX3_aD5XBLUQp46BqiUtDGnj/w640-h480/DSC01107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The musicians were setting up for the day, practicing their repertoire of Christmas music. Really good!! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtpPKC0S-Jsi4W-IKzOgW_IA21F68f1BW-FfK5UPOYDwbaXhUXGCgG16CQ_GfEcy2prh_OW2klDyPLbbZQdbWLPM55ei_bTX9cxGXC_qPxbfRmXq4XzaTPy_xm6aj-EVdiDhGvig-Dsl_2bXi6y5Hw_vjN7eNi7ri3iqw8RygYDP8fUaevzL60p4JXK_R/s1280/DSC01108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtpPKC0S-Jsi4W-IKzOgW_IA21F68f1BW-FfK5UPOYDwbaXhUXGCgG16CQ_GfEcy2prh_OW2klDyPLbbZQdbWLPM55ei_bTX9cxGXC_qPxbfRmXq4XzaTPy_xm6aj-EVdiDhGvig-Dsl_2bXi6y5Hw_vjN7eNi7ri3iqw8RygYDP8fUaevzL60p4JXK_R/w640-h480/DSC01108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The boats are run by a separate company and are located behind the outdoor restaurant seating. Best to make reservations for this tour. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-xgMDAz67ScDe1IP3uFysMNLQGNHciunI-brYLGrBg7n6LJZ2h-EiOTSBBYsnn1zF1sxKPI9IUKS74cdqIoex7r_lIUyjnCgn7wFIDkbW49zg0r43mu2uFIj5FOdx3nge7ZhI7m49AiylzHuHt615Nh3JoqMnwG2tufBO_m4D0aR8YlGiOczakyZGda_/s4896/DSC01106.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-xgMDAz67ScDe1IP3uFysMNLQGNHciunI-brYLGrBg7n6LJZ2h-EiOTSBBYsnn1zF1sxKPI9IUKS74cdqIoex7r_lIUyjnCgn7wFIDkbW49zg0r43mu2uFIj5FOdx3nge7ZhI7m49AiylzHuHt615Nh3JoqMnwG2tufBO_m4D0aR8YlGiOczakyZGda_/w640-h480/DSC01106.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A view of the restaurant as we were pulling out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjnex0I6FnVvizMltNK1Srv7VUVfDAfNRd1IM0LtMcCoV-rQbQKAxSRszLV8-rHV6BJHNcDjXsKsrjorj4IH3mNvJfGiuYmkrnMSJ87WaaYIlr3Wa70iQJnxNtGJP8xQ0spmMEWS66guqNaeD59VcP6g77GCNAHZEgyz2P-Yqt1Nz9vijHXH9YSM2XyIx/s1280/DSC01110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjnex0I6FnVvizMltNK1Srv7VUVfDAfNRd1IM0LtMcCoV-rQbQKAxSRszLV8-rHV6BJHNcDjXsKsrjorj4IH3mNvJfGiuYmkrnMSJ87WaaYIlr3Wa70iQJnxNtGJP8xQ0spmMEWS66guqNaeD59VcP6g77GCNAHZEgyz2P-Yqt1Nz9vijHXH9YSM2XyIx/w640-h480/DSC01110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The boat tour goes downstream. It is a pretty big river though not terribly deep. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-d7N9MDqur1YhxgqVhhkBEX5Swp0GGatSMVDrUTyfqxdK_Z9Z84smCnlPI5vQzMnkXrJWIUL6Ptc41MfvvIsIfJOEP3Hcg3OrRNzhF3vSqyInNlSSwqtLj2W2_yvcGCcLMyORJjMydKruzAAQLfU6NWIgzKoykDkqXwBnGHh844PtHdpGtFmFNlEb965/s1280/DSC01111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-d7N9MDqur1YhxgqVhhkBEX5Swp0GGatSMVDrUTyfqxdK_Z9Z84smCnlPI5vQzMnkXrJWIUL6Ptc41MfvvIsIfJOEP3Hcg3OrRNzhF3vSqyInNlSSwqtLj2W2_yvcGCcLMyORJjMydKruzAAQLfU6NWIgzKoykDkqXwBnGHh844PtHdpGtFmFNlEb965/w640-h480/DSC01111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>A log full of cooter turtles and a baby alligator behind them. All are warming up in the sun after a very chilly night. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvruHf0UNDplMfpM557kP-LedsXnS8-DaIxCa52kSlNR3r720LxKzoSzsnbgfIiA8Fx3nDnz0ctcUoIq1NjI-EqMJs9ri9vFiF-GUP5lEx_8Azk687xkoZmDAMERH48BDCmAbb8GAQHf9a5IRTgn0DxkxpUAZMfkOo9U6tQeuVKUc5qoFdSN40CucfTyF1/s1280/DSC01117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvruHf0UNDplMfpM557kP-LedsXnS8-DaIxCa52kSlNR3r720LxKzoSzsnbgfIiA8Fx3nDnz0ctcUoIq1NjI-EqMJs9ri9vFiF-GUP5lEx_8Azk687xkoZmDAMERH48BDCmAbb8GAQHf9a5IRTgn0DxkxpUAZMfkOo9U6tQeuVKUc5qoFdSN40CucfTyF1/w640-h480/DSC01117.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>We saw 7 or 8 really big bull alligators keeping vigils on the river banks as we went down the river. These guys are at least 9' long, and can be as big as 12 or 13' long. These are the guys you do NOT want to encounter if you tip your kayak!! The one below jumped into the water as we approached. Mostly the big bulls are guarding a territory along the river against younger bulls. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgfY3AeQXmBsEaEVt_wtgqFkh5-D6q6AeE_uteENGjGu0_SJR3wFNEGo3K4DCGwzVYC31QiLag5dFpk8E0dpdChG9F_yPBB5qiAdhVzSzsUnbrVZchJjJXpjT8cPkUikHcVYsZKiwX1x4LeXV5IhNBn6qUMo4e-O4j8fnC_0VyIBVVfisYgCQZWJhWK9p/s1280/DSC01123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgfY3AeQXmBsEaEVt_wtgqFkh5-D6q6AeE_uteENGjGu0_SJR3wFNEGo3K4DCGwzVYC31QiLag5dFpk8E0dpdChG9F_yPBB5qiAdhVzSzsUnbrVZchJjJXpjT8cPkUikHcVYsZKiwX1x4LeXV5IhNBn6qUMo4e-O4j8fnC_0VyIBVVfisYgCQZWJhWK9p/w640-h480/DSC01123.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>He looks a bit bigger as he got closer! Additional evidence of his age and size, by the way, is the width of his back. Younger males are long and thin, but put on weight as they age. This one is pretty chunky--maybe 500-600 pounds of muscle. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSe3MJpSGVqBi_lhAhQeg3qtxBUukwqfSIWi8Y1TccFGgZpK-fU21KHhtbZxmF5aCgcMbAB_jMRikwNvQOizbcAkjEJhnAGEtfKP3jmOg23C0i9_gJ6alYnLf9CL8DLmCrK8nkoJOvDYwcLTJQ9GmQFGrswggsEtOVWsq-ptedwmOf-QatqIlD_n45_Kkf/s1280/DSC01124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSe3MJpSGVqBi_lhAhQeg3qtxBUukwqfSIWi8Y1TccFGgZpK-fU21KHhtbZxmF5aCgcMbAB_jMRikwNvQOizbcAkjEJhnAGEtfKP3jmOg23C0i9_gJ6alYnLf9CL8DLmCrK8nkoJOvDYwcLTJQ9GmQFGrswggsEtOVWsq-ptedwmOf-QatqIlD_n45_Kkf/w640-h480/DSC01124.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another one hiding in the reeds. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSvSFVR04E_hIuAK9QTX1vz4F1KahoM4rWqzl3vF75YtPmKVDbgpFvwV-6Z8mmpChTGSPtnqbRkJGv9CZVQ-n9krTBr1ycv-d5TtiUu7Q2FIriIN-rKz3r3aLJ4-zL536-8p7tusgQwpQ_2rhkYAb6fyiJvYXEkSNLt6H1HfFnNWA2aWb4_SB0XS_M16p/s1280/DSC01129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSvSFVR04E_hIuAK9QTX1vz4F1KahoM4rWqzl3vF75YtPmKVDbgpFvwV-6Z8mmpChTGSPtnqbRkJGv9CZVQ-n9krTBr1ycv-d5TtiUu7Q2FIriIN-rKz3r3aLJ4-zL536-8p7tusgQwpQ_2rhkYAb6fyiJvYXEkSNLt6H1HfFnNWA2aWb4_SB0XS_M16p/w640-h480/DSC01129.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looked it up and this very pretty white wildflower is a string lily or swamp lily. We passed quite a few of these blooming along the waterway. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIN2exjjIHg9MJEXQbiOx2wTzL8m_K4vtRT_7dgZPdVeqcMAd6Zx2LxeKYx_OohtmVJ1CQ1TZlYpSM6Rp43W8vUT-P2bQYznrqs215-IR8Lecd5_8W9iBVtRbql5H7DYOmc5m5AmL8gLIRdFXVvqiaFuMQ-5xtsKaMkkhj2q6W6jWbu22EjCZczbYaP97/s1280/DSC01130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIN2exjjIHg9MJEXQbiOx2wTzL8m_K4vtRT_7dgZPdVeqcMAd6Zx2LxeKYx_OohtmVJ1CQ1TZlYpSM6Rp43W8vUT-P2bQYznrqs215-IR8Lecd5_8W9iBVtRbql5H7DYOmc5m5AmL8gLIRdFXVvqiaFuMQ-5xtsKaMkkhj2q6W6jWbu22EjCZczbYaP97/w640-h480/DSC01130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKIDneSHgLSVuAie-m7IxgjBRjubP3ayBkqZ754mMr0gUhfx0MIiOYW_bJIDPNwPcK2rBuKEXRoR6yQa7GHI4Sa733JI0aJwgOAAr9VgEpj8A25qDXl7DhkdXK1IzLx1pApdihwFaVOVhcDN-jBmDff4JVfC8K0w2PVN_67ZkJNTTy8-hjO38IXw1u7Lg/s1024/DSC01132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKIDneSHgLSVuAie-m7IxgjBRjubP3ayBkqZ754mMr0gUhfx0MIiOYW_bJIDPNwPcK2rBuKEXRoR6yQa7GHI4Sa733JI0aJwgOAAr9VgEpj8A25qDXl7DhkdXK1IzLx1pApdihwFaVOVhcDN-jBmDff4JVfC8K0w2PVN_67ZkJNTTy8-hjO38IXw1u7Lg/w640-h480/DSC01132.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Several photos of other big bull alligators. Some of these guys can weigh several hundred pounds. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00dE15ixJG8y1mkYWDxPOKtQKmkBFKwxLCp1qvzqFNzAyX0-fr-BDHuQATt5mD6oyGLuIjlEniVXkd-pPuufD7Y8riKmYx5E9XEIXOJ6ny0YaaB-bTkJRmk_wnGA7sMjNhmc3a4AZCT7mlak5fqn875LvSOataWQBVGhvmdDWRp3cveA9zDT4XKQ9V2M4/s1024/DSC01133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00dE15ixJG8y1mkYWDxPOKtQKmkBFKwxLCp1qvzqFNzAyX0-fr-BDHuQATt5mD6oyGLuIjlEniVXkd-pPuufD7Y8riKmYx5E9XEIXOJ6ny0YaaB-bTkJRmk_wnGA7sMjNhmc3a4AZCT7mlak5fqn875LvSOataWQBVGhvmdDWRp3cveA9zDT4XKQ9V2M4/w640-h480/DSC01133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Il5jdnE_psAlpKH00j4Ws8yEMWnhkLFt3QP_E4xevAJzBEXv6duwNmi_INPHAlxdYqWPRCM_jtliQ7KTdTOM4ag6C-HHimwNyTFEW2P6tQChESAmh79ELzPUaSY23UPs2xvR-VWU4Al9Ay7eQXUcojbq50bClG6JNEPDXCCuGhruIijW4D3tJMwEWjO/s1024/DSC01139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Il5jdnE_psAlpKH00j4Ws8yEMWnhkLFt3QP_E4xevAJzBEXv6duwNmi_INPHAlxdYqWPRCM_jtliQ7KTdTOM4ag6C-HHimwNyTFEW2P6tQChESAmh79ELzPUaSY23UPs2xvR-VWU4Al9Ay7eQXUcojbq50bClG6JNEPDXCCuGhruIijW4D3tJMwEWjO/w640-h480/DSC01139.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A pretty view of the river. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GgYeiv1DYzNh2lrsmMeYdfVqnxEZooTOtDmb3xVQFeg9aLkSI7eZt3r8xdutjbqnu97xz_TdsCra0G8FdmBic4GAXEySAEgxEbI0JNw_mDNPGbZnRNTbwf2IiwMQVpQLK-flK8piM6sRMUn7ha2O5YDlzuo9F4huV0hno8x4RZD-AtyG4w6ZFFjrJmFA/s1024/DSC01140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0GgYeiv1DYzNh2lrsmMeYdfVqnxEZooTOtDmb3xVQFeg9aLkSI7eZt3r8xdutjbqnu97xz_TdsCra0G8FdmBic4GAXEySAEgxEbI0JNw_mDNPGbZnRNTbwf2IiwMQVpQLK-flK8piM6sRMUn7ha2O5YDlzuo9F4huV0hno8x4RZD-AtyG4w6ZFFjrJmFA/w640-h480/DSC01140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7hpT5UA55P6zaomerxrpPbObsgeen_vi6WsuDSmDMyd03cRlacD8nxBcgYU8v-fRnQnK97kMDqNwDkUp0tu4Aiy4a3Hzft3a2X2oX337KG74PYBp94lI8BEHRV1SV_evdmye-nQVnlJ1208isIzn2SqBgNWstsQjBPwwq-XzAxIdeYVZ5jOrHSD9ja5m/s1024/DSC01142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7hpT5UA55P6zaomerxrpPbObsgeen_vi6WsuDSmDMyd03cRlacD8nxBcgYU8v-fRnQnK97kMDqNwDkUp0tu4Aiy4a3Hzft3a2X2oX337KG74PYBp94lI8BEHRV1SV_evdmye-nQVnlJ1208isIzn2SqBgNWstsQjBPwwq-XzAxIdeYVZ5jOrHSD9ja5m/w640-h480/DSC01142.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And just because they look lazy and are often seen laying down, even big alligators can move amazingly fast. Look at how this one has picked himself up. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuMdfnx5TY6m1TIwlFUaYMdSUMEtCXgsoQ_zKrSSxkC2BC7q6Wo8KZ2LM5ua3YJVFfMABD5vBPlW5OAOld5ULd6J8dOj1LFGNrfQ8YIVGY5OpCZypKbrUNqvvEkSOPs7-WFFXMuv6fxqMPefgJHrbBzhNKKPg6mNb5-90L7nyr8a7CXAAZapZI7ew02Ks/s1024/DSC01143.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuMdfnx5TY6m1TIwlFUaYMdSUMEtCXgsoQ_zKrSSxkC2BC7q6Wo8KZ2LM5ua3YJVFfMABD5vBPlW5OAOld5ULd6J8dOj1LFGNrfQ8YIVGY5OpCZypKbrUNqvvEkSOPs7-WFFXMuv6fxqMPefgJHrbBzhNKKPg6mNb5-90L7nyr8a7CXAAZapZI7ew02Ks/w640-h480/DSC01143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEK04ErYHpjvGr5mmGVcjgZ1hMCIo-FryvgMe75Vo1MWGb32AWLhKjpgXUaPCoEvWoMbSOn-xns8YdNr3a56Bps0Wh7Vg56wLzKkxPTIIc0CCNRCRXmGV6ZLdYm5hXz6yrh-GCri-_hx-PTA1M5Ms47hKzfKF6B3PpCUf9Ff3D3mG2PDIqrkYchaWuJ_eZ/s1024/DSC01149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEK04ErYHpjvGr5mmGVcjgZ1hMCIo-FryvgMe75Vo1MWGb32AWLhKjpgXUaPCoEvWoMbSOn-xns8YdNr3a56Bps0Wh7Vg56wLzKkxPTIIc0CCNRCRXmGV6ZLdYm5hXz6yrh-GCri-_hx-PTA1M5Ms47hKzfKF6B3PpCUf9Ff3D3mG2PDIqrkYchaWuJ_eZ/w640-h480/DSC01149.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tour was a little over an hour long and well worth the price. Note that you can also rent kayaks and canoes here. (Think I would pass on this, however.) <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l1UrHiTr5Cgn44MqCBZKJPpXDfXvmNz2bt1DasiGPUbBhUTbkGEaQlRhnIWSn67eAMajYr_UNPKnQT_VmrU1VYdv15yDNTX7rsp43JD0h7xVzigxEpRC0GyJ0jJ-XOoB9FNiK1Bhh9RsikXvVFysKIbXWQqpdXoVdlaUhzBWHDbdokunBqxfmOt0-0Bu/s1024/DSC01154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l1UrHiTr5Cgn44MqCBZKJPpXDfXvmNz2bt1DasiGPUbBhUTbkGEaQlRhnIWSn67eAMajYr_UNPKnQT_VmrU1VYdv15yDNTX7rsp43JD0h7xVzigxEpRC0GyJ0jJ-XOoB9FNiK1Bhh9RsikXvVFysKIbXWQqpdXoVdlaUhzBWHDbdokunBqxfmOt0-0Bu/w640-h480/DSC01154.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Snook Haven had become a lot busier by the time I returned. It gets really busy on weekends, however, so best to come on a weekday, as I did. <br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncnzXLxswx-9bDepgPuqDGwzlgOfDuWi0GJN1XtOdbx86CfpuyeHep0AUfav8sD5mwcjLWKm_EPlMaYsENYS6ZbvfWIwGsjtoQYuDgNrGzfD8JNrfJ31sN-cYzvjXi-StjMLQ2OKYK7RZA4YHAywHOV3j2UrtiukNZRvPcrU-iU299VpiFBdtC4AuuNN5/s1024/DSC01155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjncnzXLxswx-9bDepgPuqDGwzlgOfDuWi0GJN1XtOdbx86CfpuyeHep0AUfav8sD5mwcjLWKm_EPlMaYsENYS6ZbvfWIwGsjtoQYuDgNrGzfD8JNrfJ31sN-cYzvjXi-StjMLQ2OKYK7RZA4YHAywHOV3j2UrtiukNZRvPcrU-iU299VpiFBdtC4AuuNN5/w640-h480/DSC01155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz9b7IpfbTFDa-2zvr3TkO-Lns_sfk-hLzlQr7zRf8v17VieN8_2SaDOG9dZHAXrLBE6Db5DmhAS_yy5Vbo6Vb4-hdCod_yPQ7heA81CGW60JletA3Sx5HVxQudbckk_SVl8VIoWTgGzOzBV3MxSahqr97s3_tq6XiT5Ni_-LupQZJkDNVndr9eeUz-PS/s1024/DSC01156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRz9b7IpfbTFDa-2zvr3TkO-Lns_sfk-hLzlQr7zRf8v17VieN8_2SaDOG9dZHAXrLBE6Db5DmhAS_yy5Vbo6Vb4-hdCod_yPQ7heA81CGW60JletA3Sx5HVxQudbckk_SVl8VIoWTgGzOzBV3MxSahqr97s3_tq6XiT5Ni_-LupQZJkDNVndr9eeUz-PS/w640-h480/DSC01156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /> </div><br /><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-40857223386595483762023-11-22T23:05:00.000-05:002023-11-22T23:05:10.286-05:0011/22 St. Lucie Lock & Dam, Stuart, FL<p>This is some detail of the lock and dam that is adjacent to the St. Lucie South Campground. Watching the boats come in and out of the lock is part of what makes this a fun campground. You just never know what you will see next. </p><p>The purpose of this lock and the four other locks along the Okeechobee Waterway is to control the level of Lake Okeechobee. Way back about 100 years ago, Lake Okeechobee was raised about 20 feet when a tall dyke was built around it in order for it to hold more water for agricultural purposes. The rivers into and out of the lake also provide fishing and other recreational opportunities. The locks are open from 7 am to 5 pm, though the last lockage trip begins at 4:30 pm. If your boat misses the last opening, you will have to wait in the river or find a place to tie up until the next morning. </p><p>The nicest thing about this lock is that, at least during most times it is operating, you can walk right up to the lock and watch boats entering and exiting. In addition, as long as the western end gates are closed, you can walk and even stand directly on the lock gates! It is a pretty big lock and occasionally has to handle large barges and tugboats.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqb-8ycnwigljsmaK5cviwhAkpahnsVuFV4Agq_2jKepwnVnYlKrv5EEwBCcsq0-BHzLH8apThaFqsVUhUh-PCzgAMcrjSFSsCTGP7iSXdFsVTDWsp_E7PHvyaOUw9IpxBcHza-DkqyRITxb1xw46bKefMtg6FibN1m3qGep3vHMC0hBkOaL2EPrCVHwe/s4896/DSC01055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqb-8ycnwigljsmaK5cviwhAkpahnsVuFV4Agq_2jKepwnVnYlKrv5EEwBCcsq0-BHzLH8apThaFqsVUhUh-PCzgAMcrjSFSsCTGP7iSXdFsVTDWsp_E7PHvyaOUw9IpxBcHza-DkqyRITxb1xw46bKefMtg6FibN1m3qGep3vHMC0hBkOaL2EPrCVHwe/w640-h480/DSC01055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The western end gate is closed, but it will soon open to let water enter from the higher level so some waiting small boats can enter. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh_JKx1L2-fzq0Ndwme1tzoF93YLCXXZ5wYYENrWofUXS5Ee7dkMZAn_RcEFDIOPVJ8q3rIVLFuBJuGlbYLCpSKIIwjm_9MYcGuDbxpnB5k5ckG55f2qrh46_yo01DekwUjfb7sX-GQCougOZz9VDChpDrs4BGp1l43JJwAN1w_HwozB-09FNacIPz4HX/s4896/DSC01056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh_JKx1L2-fzq0Ndwme1tzoF93YLCXXZ5wYYENrWofUXS5Ee7dkMZAn_RcEFDIOPVJ8q3rIVLFuBJuGlbYLCpSKIIwjm_9MYcGuDbxpnB5k5ckG55f2qrh46_yo01DekwUjfb7sX-GQCougOZz9VDChpDrs4BGp1l43JJwAN1w_HwozB-09FNacIPz4HX/w640-h480/DSC01056.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>It does not take long for the level to rise a full 13'.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSuazZww6Ok0e3a1SR_kbWMmoftoqzsC6kuWbxBYasR7YCIEbqidh1x06zRHFy47Uh0-pvmSBC-KzSucsxtk8PF8W8byLX_hTQ4uHirt3SKeinHq51H0s1irVMIjtMVWQGD6M1givi-GLAyjV6XuK2VnV3KGvd4HIfrxoWTmHPMu-PVt0asguxvUbIx1A/s4896/DSC01058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSuazZww6Ok0e3a1SR_kbWMmoftoqzsC6kuWbxBYasR7YCIEbqidh1x06zRHFy47Uh0-pvmSBC-KzSucsxtk8PF8W8byLX_hTQ4uHirt3SKeinHq51H0s1irVMIjtMVWQGD6M1givi-GLAyjV6XuK2VnV3KGvd4HIfrxoWTmHPMu-PVt0asguxvUbIx1A/w640-h480/DSC01058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64uZUjYcF8YE5vdXs3p2I1YYMgA_ZILafb2ectTYH9OENdVnsXgD74jkCqKoI5-UpkHPN4Zd3PW_LAHFRaaOIaAogYQh75QHqIos-TMskBBz5W3yEuAMXlYL0LL_S2wWAI4Y_0k4BuXGjL_j-Qs6EgrYS-dxCwQdiH1vXYknlY3ep7iGsUdAeiMTguuha/s4896/DSC01059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64uZUjYcF8YE5vdXs3p2I1YYMgA_ZILafb2ectTYH9OENdVnsXgD74jkCqKoI5-UpkHPN4Zd3PW_LAHFRaaOIaAogYQh75QHqIos-TMskBBz5W3yEuAMXlYL0LL_S2wWAI4Y_0k4BuXGjL_j-Qs6EgrYS-dxCwQdiH1vXYknlY3ep7iGsUdAeiMTguuha/w640-h480/DSC01059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The gates are opening. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHvWvRrVVFMJ3d7eoCQOx6PJGP_hlV7F9IWRb2mEfY5B8CLIrE-pl-OVY5Iho0iScQ294y2aMaku-tmve1z2YVvvXvdpOc-8y4bUWISfNFtKJI9rfpqwZtr0KN4rp45FebThLNfYYWoxye6OcXa8cU3hHSg0j-FAxfPpvhjegc-LbDfAkGcJVSsJtzu8R/s4896/DSC01062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHvWvRrVVFMJ3d7eoCQOx6PJGP_hlV7F9IWRb2mEfY5B8CLIrE-pl-OVY5Iho0iScQ294y2aMaku-tmve1z2YVvvXvdpOc-8y4bUWISfNFtKJI9rfpqwZtr0KN4rp45FebThLNfYYWoxye6OcXa8cU3hHSg0j-FAxfPpvhjegc-LbDfAkGcJVSsJtzu8R/w640-h480/DSC01062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Boats tie up loosely to one of the sides, as directed by the lock operator. They have to tie up loosely so that the ropes can be adjusted as the water level changes. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIThVyg66RIFKrh80ZgwAFDEBOJNjM-Jq05iG4BXJrlU9beCVevSgaXhqnCMBkWovpm-kiraAKaDrpayIyHEKfVzxnj2OAewrBmJM1d0XjduDsec8sc-UW6DSvZT1VKGabxfvfVMtTxJCX12s-nwQy7eLocJ7pni-6Aw79787KaNxBWcS6_veoAuazsuN/s4896/DSC01063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIThVyg66RIFKrh80ZgwAFDEBOJNjM-Jq05iG4BXJrlU9beCVevSgaXhqnCMBkWovpm-kiraAKaDrpayIyHEKfVzxnj2OAewrBmJM1d0XjduDsec8sc-UW6DSvZT1VKGabxfvfVMtTxJCX12s-nwQy7eLocJ7pni-6Aw79787KaNxBWcS6_veoAuazsuN/w640-h480/DSC01063.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The far gates open and the boats leave.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafUz-V7dloUxEha_XaarQ3MVh0UL5lrMmpDnsTQOM-bA3nBRTGpDkZhL_5HiAevS05ZqMzq_7dPrJXhh5q3Bb43GFKZ7741s3zJNra7HBsCz2r1mK708LRe0-IlgiJkHBc-AEi0O4KTJ22lgUTQ_XyNrCNS2JRfwkr5AW-KAQsC6jmCyfGnxcBm0cXzAb/s4896/DSC01066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafUz-V7dloUxEha_XaarQ3MVh0UL5lrMmpDnsTQOM-bA3nBRTGpDkZhL_5HiAevS05ZqMzq_7dPrJXhh5q3Bb43GFKZ7741s3zJNra7HBsCz2r1mK708LRe0-IlgiJkHBc-AEi0O4KTJ22lgUTQ_XyNrCNS2JRfwkr5AW-KAQsC6jmCyfGnxcBm0cXzAb/w640-h480/DSC01066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Another boat is coming in. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMP2EUOisWbjCJNlXOGKRHgBYX78VumV1CBaYiVp-UO5dqEsid1QF7ppatryMInS27rUoWdhli5bIW93Vrm3mQmkO9zBUSZxroKUHN3iVRbmgxgnKPs_nG4RGm-6_ZehwZeZoHU0Ufzg04aWZeC4pgoQc6lrQpJiBEck0tBLoz3IQBhK7slrTZF2uKnbm/s4896/DSC01069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMP2EUOisWbjCJNlXOGKRHgBYX78VumV1CBaYiVp-UO5dqEsid1QF7ppatryMInS27rUoWdhli5bIW93Vrm3mQmkO9zBUSZxroKUHN3iVRbmgxgnKPs_nG4RGm-6_ZehwZeZoHU0Ufzg04aWZeC4pgoQc6lrQpJiBEck0tBLoz3IQBhK7slrTZF2uKnbm/w640-h480/DSC01069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUne8Wxd7L3XvAP2AUjkjd3C80Er7eejxXl-JxiPJQVKTIOpul3M1Qh4ZQNcL9PSyFlzqK8SBjDB7WmIw49lwGe5DpVwQKk0Y2Ge-araHBv_GFcvuhajXdVyBQlQd5oE-h-qWVQSs6ONASwWlhDslKE5Y6UnvklKUEHFZcyNK2Wv0AL4jI_kszde6IoTM/s4896/DSC01070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbUne8Wxd7L3XvAP2AUjkjd3C80Er7eejxXl-JxiPJQVKTIOpul3M1Qh4ZQNcL9PSyFlzqK8SBjDB7WmIw49lwGe5DpVwQKk0Y2Ge-araHBv_GFcvuhajXdVyBQlQd5oE-h-qWVQSs6ONASwWlhDslKE5Y6UnvklKUEHFZcyNK2Wv0AL4jI_kszde6IoTM/w640-h480/DSC01070.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSs1Nno5OAuXbz4kixu0gZ1ypIyU9E4oLz89kOLnAfw9XXx2sUKAaSKNLh2gmHHSvGbiDZqnJtXKIYjCq3Pufq2wCEfdBWGWzrW-mpmRcfJL9OpZcThf6sxzTs08Cjr4-5aYr0ztXHRSZ2hhqI12m5AMez9SIM0xCxhk1XaK0Db9eHMFK_XpYGhDsofYt1/s4896/DSC01071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSs1Nno5OAuXbz4kixu0gZ1ypIyU9E4oLz89kOLnAfw9XXx2sUKAaSKNLh2gmHHSvGbiDZqnJtXKIYjCq3Pufq2wCEfdBWGWzrW-mpmRcfJL9OpZcThf6sxzTs08Cjr4-5aYr0ztXHRSZ2hhqI12m5AMez9SIM0xCxhk1XaK0Db9eHMFK_XpYGhDsofYt1/w640-h480/DSC01071.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Later in the day, two larger boats came to go through the locks. This one may not look very big, but it is 92' long and is for sale for $8,149,000. It has 6 staterooms, each with its own full bathroom, and crews quarters in the rear. You can get a better idea of how big it is by looking at the crew member standing on the bow. It is a 2015 Viking 92 and is called "High Cotton." </p><p>If you happen to have a few million $$ extra and are interested, check out the photos of the interior on this site: <a href="https://www.galatiyachts.com/yachts/details/2801555/2015/viking/92-enclosed-bridge/">https://www.galatiyachts.com/yachts/details/2801555/2015/viking/92-enclosed-bridge/</a> (Click on the Gallery of photos on the right side of the opening page.) If you get bored with the luxurious interior photos, check out the engines on slides 57 - 78. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_c-mURL2tAu1jLvW4VbomytrUQHaSP-McNK2zhZt495JOR6oLkOFl3xOzKUnpPMYyEnAA0VQsdVZqjgx2Ux0vobT8D-d-CGWyearu5DGj8NVUEWsCFFlIWvvgCykthM_usmYGtIBhR0tED8NNnnDPUYGOjge6m5A6juM_JRHQdYPbUoD_2JIvzPcF7mW/s4896/DSC01079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_c-mURL2tAu1jLvW4VbomytrUQHaSP-McNK2zhZt495JOR6oLkOFl3xOzKUnpPMYyEnAA0VQsdVZqjgx2Ux0vobT8D-d-CGWyearu5DGj8NVUEWsCFFlIWvvgCykthM_usmYGtIBhR0tED8NNnnDPUYGOjge6m5A6juM_JRHQdYPbUoD_2JIvzPcF7mW/w640-h480/DSC01079.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The yacht behind it is only 60' long, but has only 3 cabins for owners and guests, plus crews quarters. Cost is less than $2 mil, however, so it is much more affordable. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGiTfK7lVJfpc0buS0hqRRs7LY5FepQMbCFiIG6SOUYdFSiLAQDwl3e51RqWD3__k8whuYZZS5PfISUV8A9Gmz1PdxFdJn1pNj8A0RfMfOGftA8w4Fb9lt8PGo-REUifjv6c_YiJrzD6D3a36l0Tjw_N5dyabMo-Q2UjJMuNk1_EoKavQY_0PiAUlO0mn/s4896/DSC01080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXGiTfK7lVJfpc0buS0hqRRs7LY5FepQMbCFiIG6SOUYdFSiLAQDwl3e51RqWD3__k8whuYZZS5PfISUV8A9Gmz1PdxFdJn1pNj8A0RfMfOGftA8w4Fb9lt8PGo-REUifjv6c_YiJrzD6D3a36l0Tjw_N5dyabMo-Q2UjJMuNk1_EoKavQY_0PiAUlO0mn/w640-h480/DSC01080.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQJP8ZY16JX4ZAR8CmOHy6Nj3hyoTe10LTYFb2XO15YEVsr38-SI6CWGc_Ny112NJdWNpjAQOTi-TR7iTHvoNihgWxUA32Iyn37kl3rLvT0ZFCyxa2QyTxaHpXg57bZFjAy9VezRkGd1eyWTLiqwJHYk2P95zSiy_oUPv4u3YdJq5ZL7_PrpWHlxyzqVy/s4896/DSC01082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQJP8ZY16JX4ZAR8CmOHy6Nj3hyoTe10LTYFb2XO15YEVsr38-SI6CWGc_Ny112NJdWNpjAQOTi-TR7iTHvoNihgWxUA32Iyn37kl3rLvT0ZFCyxa2QyTxaHpXg57bZFjAy9VezRkGd1eyWTLiqwJHYk2P95zSiy_oUPv4u3YdJq5ZL7_PrpWHlxyzqVy/w640-h480/DSC01082.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9Mk0Zd1RPo2wH05pUvMMe_ggWwsR19jGH_gFwsNrs5KTPWrQ6TVDeXsbzRFc1cFNELl3FF4c3yOgnWCKZuqilc0jfka2x9ytot3g-LB08GSAloWaueMqQ0Q1OX25ROyxk6HsfyauCv5tQYl12a-_sMWjDT3Vm5PHVkb_VqP9fjOJ3MnfpHMN-oQpRSN4/s4896/DSC01084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9Mk0Zd1RPo2wH05pUvMMe_ggWwsR19jGH_gFwsNrs5KTPWrQ6TVDeXsbzRFc1cFNELl3FF4c3yOgnWCKZuqilc0jfka2x9ytot3g-LB08GSAloWaueMqQ0Q1OX25ROyxk6HsfyauCv5tQYl12a-_sMWjDT3Vm5PHVkb_VqP9fjOJ3MnfpHMN-oQpRSN4/w640-h480/DSC01084.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0NInT7GN-ghs-pCgeXVv1X-1EIRVUosLeWo4obFH_15uqqO-agVrSFopNesi_b-8vEFmJS6gQR4sJ5fWeCoVGkzKh9ch5MMYxAG1fmxQtNUShoShJg8mbtCHI-TtYrfCshvN4hZFRKc7ZzqAXzQp8U7W_E8RpMPSLoB9Wu0kMMHvddBlyiiGTJP9t2Vs/s4896/DSC01086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0NInT7GN-ghs-pCgeXVv1X-1EIRVUosLeWo4obFH_15uqqO-agVrSFopNesi_b-8vEFmJS6gQR4sJ5fWeCoVGkzKh9ch5MMYxAG1fmxQtNUShoShJg8mbtCHI-TtYrfCshvN4hZFRKc7ZzqAXzQp8U7W_E8RpMPSLoB9Wu0kMMHvddBlyiiGTJP9t2Vs/w640-h480/DSC01086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />On their way....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi8alCNIc7tUqGEKSWUeQakSyqWA1kyQd4dks_h_6eVhNdxSP85A9yo6-Gse5VhvyorsbbcbvYga_AqoQMDAHjyHDkz4tEy2bXudhcgSI60NiAiPN0vAhUmr7NO4tqaHFMsOr2Eip8D_aQEbC9IvMRVqkg-dhgiIdYGnBS1suWLz_FHYKXHW64urtmHGE/s4896/DSC01088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZi8alCNIc7tUqGEKSWUeQakSyqWA1kyQd4dks_h_6eVhNdxSP85A9yo6-Gse5VhvyorsbbcbvYga_AqoQMDAHjyHDkz4tEy2bXudhcgSI60NiAiPN0vAhUmr7NO4tqaHFMsOr2Eip8D_aQEbC9IvMRVqkg-dhgiIdYGnBS1suWLz_FHYKXHW64urtmHGE/w640-h480/DSC01088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Later in the day yesterday, I saw a tugboat pushing an older boat. They were tied together with steel cable. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5395gtC4fjLvgCIo9K9ZRcK1AMky6GCIHpL49oOy4cSFXkWiAfpLqY5wRynyeowmR7LcI4XkBFW8cKGRJlD5Ala3frNBI-7_Qh0bLaGFfWViHsO3fT70qZQfaCdjQFIXHiDeDHRAwRkpO48jYXZ6beiuhY-FLoeGDvjtbMD0YcbqmKGvm1aVIAsx9CgB2/s4896/DSC01089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5395gtC4fjLvgCIo9K9ZRcK1AMky6GCIHpL49oOy4cSFXkWiAfpLqY5wRynyeowmR7LcI4XkBFW8cKGRJlD5Ala3frNBI-7_Qh0bLaGFfWViHsO3fT70qZQfaCdjQFIXHiDeDHRAwRkpO48jYXZ6beiuhY-FLoeGDvjtbMD0YcbqmKGvm1aVIAsx9CgB2/w640-h480/DSC01089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKUM9HWwOt0Peua1fIRM6yns7yh2UFRWOm-KmJB4H-krbApbC44DnKtnDqDggCiCfUwAxlRk0KuHmAQ2N4PsVRl-I48MsQX-RYnxkeS3pZLLllSSkulh5Bkr9AHN7hG88Gl9mDtStkwq472hyphenhyphentzMaxnA7ioA-5YPCUqxnjvFi1DAnFc9j11OWHqliJZr4/s2016/IMG_3368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKUM9HWwOt0Peua1fIRM6yns7yh2UFRWOm-KmJB4H-krbApbC44DnKtnDqDggCiCfUwAxlRk0KuHmAQ2N4PsVRl-I48MsQX-RYnxkeS3pZLLllSSkulh5Bkr9AHN7hG88Gl9mDtStkwq472hyphenhyphentzMaxnA7ioA-5YPCUqxnjvFi1DAnFc9j11OWHqliJZr4/w480-h640/IMG_3368.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm sure there will be more boats this weekend, so I might add to this posting if there is anything interesting. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-36911233128705331172023-11-22T18:54:00.119-05:002023-11-22T22:11:49.622-05:0011/21 St. Lucie South Lock & Dam Campground, Stuart, FL<p>This is one of my favorite places in Florida. If you own a large boat you can sleep on and want to take a shortcut from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, you can take the St. Lucie River to Lake Okeechobee and then take the Caloosahatchee Canal west to Fort Myers. There is lock and dam east of the lake and two west of the lake. This is 200 miles shorter than going all the way around southern Florida. <br /></p><p>Nearly always, when the U.S. Corps of Engineers builds a dam and/or a lock it also builds recreational facilities--usually this includes a campground. I have stayed at all three campgrounds on this particular shortcut. They are well taken care of and cheap for seniors like me who have a federal pass. </p><p>This campground is unusual for a COE campground in that it has only 9 campsites for RVs, 3 tent sites, and 8 boat sites. All but the tent sites have both electric and water hookups. The RV sites are paved with gravel patio areas and covered picnic tables. Because of the trees, it was hard to get a photo of the entire campground, but here are a few. The first photo shows the view from my site, looking back towards the entrance. The river, dam, and locks are on the left. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG9rZVAIJMjsZHQzvGyUPULS1Q840m5lKBKEPtgCwvi4JD49pz1EJdb6bWKKJ0bY71x7HhoJQMyrKgsARH5CrnZbfR-njl62swgPTqHzGxsggjPrJG3eOcHgUt__aY-3F4i6tc6AYigzUrxBLeS09P1QbARb67kKsDXF2yKhk1zgdjM4qK9IXAqPy5nYr/s4896/DSC01048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG9rZVAIJMjsZHQzvGyUPULS1Q840m5lKBKEPtgCwvi4JD49pz1EJdb6bWKKJ0bY71x7HhoJQMyrKgsARH5CrnZbfR-njl62swgPTqHzGxsggjPrJG3eOcHgUt__aY-3F4i6tc6AYigzUrxBLeS09P1QbARb67kKsDXF2yKhk1zgdjM4qK9IXAqPy5nYr/w640-h480/DSC01048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This shows four of the campsites, except that two were unoccupied when I took this. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq4nr_cupLPGorIo0AI5wSadaNVKEMwbSVmyf-gh8b8UEM2NU7TMqHQ8JTMUDm8NcfSt7rdCY3wHa-PBs-4yfNw5R2UrmrmXRLruMfuDWffqDcgl1YcwoHFcqQhkcfPgglpXQbHYy01EXELg2cu0FoKDvaX9me2EgFeio1sfeoabaK8WWv5tLyoANKwZm/s4896/DSC01049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtq4nr_cupLPGorIo0AI5wSadaNVKEMwbSVmyf-gh8b8UEM2NU7TMqHQ8JTMUDm8NcfSt7rdCY3wHa-PBs-4yfNw5R2UrmrmXRLruMfuDWffqDcgl1YcwoHFcqQhkcfPgglpXQbHYy01EXELg2cu0FoKDvaX9me2EgFeio1sfeoabaK8WWv5tLyoANKwZm/w640-h480/DSC01049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Another photo showing four of the sites, including mine, second from the right behind the trees. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK49-7dyJ6fOovSlYTv_Ij8n3ksj-9eiCkhn1qUIAv8A0CryS9K7P8ZH8TX9sILzwvFtL4Cu9RB37UzWHEIFkbLg_nd_clhpQOGykIgS6CSAJg_uLpZXvZci1rSXk964flQ1eGMYPzSmBM_A7shSXlYmdQN_L8sI0s3tCLxAb1AEdBWHMiyIfA5wcdJKK7/s4896/DSC01090.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK49-7dyJ6fOovSlYTv_Ij8n3ksj-9eiCkhn1qUIAv8A0CryS9K7P8ZH8TX9sILzwvFtL4Cu9RB37UzWHEIFkbLg_nd_clhpQOGykIgS6CSAJg_uLpZXvZci1rSXk964flQ1eGMYPzSmBM_A7shSXlYmdQN_L8sI0s3tCLxAb1AEdBWHMiyIfA5wcdJKK7/w640-h480/DSC01090.JPG" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">This is my site--#5. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFeyEJKzXV9dFwM1Q9hHXnI9wNaIv0d2L0W213PvWwG0YKZYYKm8qekf76X9uRc-I9Vdi5RPkHQNylcvjbPgJF7UJrooQhv3RoI3wG5RPm7tTgtIescic5AVmoP0SC_GuVeb1w7S-TRqYLPekPedbRsGzxkmPYp5VlU5A__cRGv2WYlyumILl6qXzLput/s4896/DSC01097.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFeyEJKzXV9dFwM1Q9hHXnI9wNaIv0d2L0W213PvWwG0YKZYYKm8qekf76X9uRc-I9Vdi5RPkHQNylcvjbPgJF7UJrooQhv3RoI3wG5RPm7tTgtIescic5AVmoP0SC_GuVeb1w7S-TRqYLPekPedbRsGzxkmPYp5VlU5A__cRGv2WYlyumILl6qXzLput/w640-h480/DSC01097.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p>The prime sites are these three because they are directly on the river and have an excellent view of boats coming into and out of the locks. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR0yYyhyK9pSxrfQXmm569i3N3xAvFAQXYEP_MzWxwRPsOOXKiBlYdbP-fwgETfjKgcJWfvCg2VNZ7p23uAbxYTuW3zoVzXHzfC-gwS0g2_J1_2iBVwO2zkEqN4CGech50ZaMgtDKG2YZozUbsKDrZy_oYSpXUuFtkrvj2EKjgNuw001lXydsyoL35Fht/s4896/DSC01095.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwR0yYyhyK9pSxrfQXmm569i3N3xAvFAQXYEP_MzWxwRPsOOXKiBlYdbP-fwgETfjKgcJWfvCg2VNZ7p23uAbxYTuW3zoVzXHzfC-gwS0g2_J1_2iBVwO2zkEqN4CGech50ZaMgtDKG2YZozUbsKDrZy_oYSpXUuFtkrvj2EKjgNuw001lXydsyoL35Fht/w640-h480/DSC01095.JPG" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">And these are the 8 boat sites. Each has electric and water hookups. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj101uE_CZTmKEjuA175caHGyLjZACdcd44AYJk0VGUcDn3XIdZ_ZtWaGYhVJLKncppenE2nzyKBgcpyf_SgsxWlbwIO5E_jqKXlSNLV1RLEMU30SK5rH5PFbtFNLT6wfDPuTgPeixGMQdqnkW-d7p_NGDyFVdI9_Xlenv7lpzYR7xbI5ud3uUg4gdXCkZY/s4896/DSC01094.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj101uE_CZTmKEjuA175caHGyLjZACdcd44AYJk0VGUcDn3XIdZ_ZtWaGYhVJLKncppenE2nzyKBgcpyf_SgsxWlbwIO5E_jqKXlSNLV1RLEMU30SK5rH5PFbtFNLT6wfDPuTgPeixGMQdqnkW-d7p_NGDyFVdI9_Xlenv7lpzYR7xbI5ud3uUg4gdXCkZY/w640-h480/DSC01094.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: left;">There is a very small day-use area near the boat sites and closer to the dam and lock. The fire pit is for the use of the boaters. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-2IWhfBEuLsuu028GSvRquJ_7Z4i6XVBaLnYTKoKFSNdQGEQqu1N7Hs9DSnZdvS2cc7OnHoOMAgIcsDSeFZKqtgtwYv-B1n4v_nFp_u5vjxHslTceUmo7MzNH0QVUOE8Sv7eJ-kgfd7JbF3faOtYln9-gpf0l3n5haTDO3qH45Wni2VpZO4xGhb0JeZI/s2856/IMG_3343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2856" data-original-width="2142" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-2IWhfBEuLsuu028GSvRquJ_7Z4i6XVBaLnYTKoKFSNdQGEQqu1N7Hs9DSnZdvS2cc7OnHoOMAgIcsDSeFZKqtgtwYv-B1n4v_nFp_u5vjxHslTceUmo7MzNH0QVUOE8Sv7eJ-kgfd7JbF3faOtYln9-gpf0l3n5haTDO3qH45Wni2VpZO4xGhb0JeZI/w480-h640/IMG_3343.jpg" width="480" /> </a> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5IQTnDOWIVGdKl0tjN-NzmDPe7uXegr4I1GGyVWo1Abkst2vgXAlOH59M4KbaT2sREeHK5tjqByiSs3pp2DWiUIX5OxWoa72IEacc67iAoXFPid8olPjy3RUq3DcmQ8LqHZ_cF8M4JT_dZrH32bFHptZ2AnheAy27Bju-fglV-FceXcHoNo_RfR9OcXj/s4896/DSC01053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5IQTnDOWIVGdKl0tjN-NzmDPe7uXegr4I1GGyVWo1Abkst2vgXAlOH59M4KbaT2sREeHK5tjqByiSs3pp2DWiUIX5OxWoa72IEacc67iAoXFPid8olPjy3RUq3DcmQ8LqHZ_cF8M4JT_dZrH32bFHptZ2AnheAy27Bju-fglV-FceXcHoNo_RfR9OcXj/w640-h480/DSC01053.JPG" width="640" /> </a></p><p style="text-align: left;">There are a lot of gopher tortoises in the campground and surrounding woods, so you never know who is going to drop by. Gopher tortoises graze on grass and other plants, and lay their eggs in the burrows they dig. This adult is probably at least 40-60 years old, and it can move amazingly fast! <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NQ9iN3UhyphenhyphenvBDYeLPZM6teM0c1IsupWjJugAWoqDotbbEeVZftquFpHbl6R9VN7A2CydmaTdD7rxyZWrCmU3SJvzrg7fJfji-4AXzYTgUhQBkb2CQU0viADmdtJK4HvOQHJ8YBIYpnCwbeIM3LLkwlRsj3GNclyIT5RMb-uDCQp1QOwE34w9DnzQWvUoF/s4896/DSC01050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NQ9iN3UhyphenhyphenvBDYeLPZM6teM0c1IsupWjJugAWoqDotbbEeVZftquFpHbl6R9VN7A2CydmaTdD7rxyZWrCmU3SJvzrg7fJfji-4AXzYTgUhQBkb2CQU0viADmdtJK4HvOQHJ8YBIYpnCwbeIM3LLkwlRsj3GNclyIT5RMb-uDCQp1QOwE34w9DnzQWvUoF/w640-h480/DSC01050.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuSoFF-huOtCKNI0hFNCyNo3Hi_WWnq0-KqGmpN6Egd82Slo94K27vhqomycCdE34h_woABoZZZ2F7GN7UVHafLmBLlGCK0Gq-UFdF-edyhxCby_1pe1iiVfdram6YewPK2p64m2G_9N1ZeBail2zSrd6UsVHlBVnaI8mcYmn5dERMZIHxJtz9nyrS-ec/s4896/DSC01051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuSoFF-huOtCKNI0hFNCyNo3Hi_WWnq0-KqGmpN6Egd82Slo94K27vhqomycCdE34h_woABoZZZ2F7GN7UVHafLmBLlGCK0Gq-UFdF-edyhxCby_1pe1iiVfdram6YewPK2p64m2G_9N1ZeBail2zSrd6UsVHlBVnaI8mcYmn5dERMZIHxJtz9nyrS-ec/w640-h480/DSC01051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lots of tortoise food around here, but they prefer to graze when the day is warm and sunny. Gopher tortoises are very different from turtles, as they dig burrows and never go into water. When they abandon their burrows, they get used by foxes, snakes, and other small animals looking for a home. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3bxDheU4NlQ_loELbqrh8Is9lIsQGYN1J6xsmd07O1RKUxjBAFS0Sna1YxdU_VV22nVNvIA8sOZbhAZWdpSTbLLxtW0qjiFhc7oHhRqY2Uuc7vMTgniog2h1jDdp0ik1U-bE9foo3yvQwl-vV0QKszre4FQldqnTA0ksIcF03XsiS-_ilaUzVnTX5Vw2/s4896/DSC01052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3bxDheU4NlQ_loELbqrh8Is9lIsQGYN1J6xsmd07O1RKUxjBAFS0Sna1YxdU_VV22nVNvIA8sOZbhAZWdpSTbLLxtW0qjiFhc7oHhRqY2Uuc7vMTgniog2h1jDdp0ik1U-bE9foo3yvQwl-vV0QKszre4FQldqnTA0ksIcF03XsiS-_ilaUzVnTX5Vw2/w640-h480/DSC01052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Gopher tortoises are federally protected because their burrows are so valuable to other animals. Note all the sand this one has tossed around in digging a burrow. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBCqHDXq3xnsPtzGg3sPujt2UbzM3Q0erf4V_kUPZUvHEhrO_0RPXtDF2Zv29gdf9j0BpxV8YGk7NrCOR81im21E7w8CcaubBFV2Pr09AECdiNmNQ6faBvawrncb4qW4gOipJm3CY1zKjFVjVhViJL27o1u4fEiFr3BUcIEForZaMJcnTXpwYZnos-Tra/s4896/DSC01073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijBCqHDXq3xnsPtzGg3sPujt2UbzM3Q0erf4V_kUPZUvHEhrO_0RPXtDF2Zv29gdf9j0BpxV8YGk7NrCOR81im21E7w8CcaubBFV2Pr09AECdiNmNQ6faBvawrncb4qW4gOipJm3CY1zKjFVjVhViJL27o1u4fEiFr3BUcIEForZaMJcnTXpwYZnos-Tra/w640-h480/DSC01073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;">On a sunny day, you can often see a tortoise sunning itself on the edge of its burrow. They don't seem to be bothered by humans watching, but will hide if you get too close. Here are some rules and regulations about gopher tortoises: <a href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/gopher-tortoise/rules-and-regulations/">https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/gopher-tortoise/rules-and-regulations/</a> Note that if one is on land you own, you need to get a permit before relocating them. Also, you may not "take, attempt to take, pursue,hunt, harass, capture, possess, sell or transport any gopher tortoise or pars thereof or their eggs, or molest, damage, or destroy gopher tortoise burrows" without permission from the proper authorities.<span face="Raleway, sans-serif" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: #fffffe; color: #020101; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 20px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> <br /></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojVo2rBsU-MZDKbcEnNxhJQKQ6wcE_B7mX9y5rBU38oYzEYo77avUTIIX8z83h4FJWmt973m5HXeuQMLCGKv-jdiUBVk4vcJzzmZGkocmI1967ErhJhJ6N7LRLIJGNn3v6rGlAqlj79VoalM3Zw8rts6SS7lk-0fB4_PnwrGkkhWUn7r9IweMWWGBHnVZ/s2016/IMG_3344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojVo2rBsU-MZDKbcEnNxhJQKQ6wcE_B7mX9y5rBU38oYzEYo77avUTIIX8z83h4FJWmt973m5HXeuQMLCGKv-jdiUBVk4vcJzzmZGkocmI1967ErhJhJ6N7LRLIJGNn3v6rGlAqlj79VoalM3Zw8rts6SS7lk-0fB4_PnwrGkkhWUn7r9IweMWWGBHnVZ/w480-h640/IMG_3344.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /></p><p>Behind the campground is a nice little pond with assorted birds.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCup0RU-WWtecrDfUZcMN6CcB-HPxUL4Tcq4pce6z-kYdCB_YIHdSFu_zJ1XXtqB6I3yv_DBQdYEU3YiWegdG5VO3um18pgICJoHA8KaacyB0FiBHEChvoPofQSIVsVVwLxps-nR0cULyDxnmVgRKQbl6COUOzii6YMkC4lIt6ZPq5h0wKH6sysTmm0xt/s4896/DSC01091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCup0RU-WWtecrDfUZcMN6CcB-HPxUL4Tcq4pce6z-kYdCB_YIHdSFu_zJ1XXtqB6I3yv_DBQdYEU3YiWegdG5VO3um18pgICJoHA8KaacyB0FiBHEChvoPofQSIVsVVwLxps-nR0cULyDxnmVgRKQbl6COUOzii6YMkC4lIt6ZPq5h0wKH6sysTmm0xt/w640-h480/DSC01091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>These are apparently black-bellied whistling ducks. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw85SsMRW7uXewm5iKP5Q8iTR-dCT9-Llp3lRrhNompjk8g4Ax2Hb9X_fxgpHUvkuchIjZeJP0_5aoIJBz62k-9SYW8oJuSrqKkeF79C5aTbkGQRBW3F9Bw-js26DAgLQuWA-_tBeRhDKtQe0HNoIbx4NBUQC7Sd579UllkJt6R4BE8Ol0MHzTvTiVX8YW/s4896/DSC01092_brown%20ducks.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw85SsMRW7uXewm5iKP5Q8iTR-dCT9-Llp3lRrhNompjk8g4Ax2Hb9X_fxgpHUvkuchIjZeJP0_5aoIJBz62k-9SYW8oJuSrqKkeF79C5aTbkGQRBW3F9Bw-js26DAgLQuWA-_tBeRhDKtQe0HNoIbx4NBUQC7Sd579UllkJt6R4BE8Ol0MHzTvTiVX8YW/w640-h480/DSC01092_brown%20ducks.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-34184170244641476562023-11-10T22:47:00.000-05:002023-11-10T22:47:00.198-05:0011/10 Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park, Flagler Beach, FL<p>This also is one of my favorite campgrounds. The biggest reason is that it is the only state park in Florida (other than Fort Clinch) that is directly on the Atlantic Ocean. It has a lot of disadvantages because the beach part of the campground is very long and narrow and is very close to Highway A1A, so there is a lot of road noise day and night. Also, sites are not paved, and the sand somehow tracks into RVs a lot easier than the sand did in Fort Clinch. And like Fort Clinch, it is very difficult to get a spot here. There are other campgrounds directly on the Atlantic like this one is, but they cost about 5-6 times as much!! </p><p>This state park was named after a folksinger who lost his own life while saving the life of a swimmer at this park. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYPeXvtj8qZyz_J6CFAb-v5wv0auDGJgd5w_QjD9vl_bw2e7CNfXk6_pmxqa7vzYdnI6iJrPti-aczhhIl_iDyWgrW1_mv48FRgzeNQrzyfROU1YAaiwx3skIwYgFHXzCUnMMwc4CbqpgLuJnucmQegL6_wHf0n5cRs58rxjUCSiEuaub446auH6y9T1a/s1280/DSC01046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYPeXvtj8qZyz_J6CFAb-v5wv0auDGJgd5w_QjD9vl_bw2e7CNfXk6_pmxqa7vzYdnI6iJrPti-aczhhIl_iDyWgrW1_mv48FRgzeNQrzyfROU1YAaiwx3skIwYgFHXzCUnMMwc4CbqpgLuJnucmQegL6_wHf0n5cRs58rxjUCSiEuaub446auH6y9T1a/w640-h480/DSC01046.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Gamble Rogers is about three miles south of Flagler Beach and about 20 miles north of Daytona Beach. One of the nice things about this area is that the main highway was built directly along the ocean, so there was no space to built the huge hotels that are common farther south. This means you can drive along the coast and have a terrific view of the ocean. You can also own a home or rent a place to stay that is directly across from the beach, which is very unusual in Florida. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkiu2xhPhGJaQxpcB4lYiiKTzwwTcWu5j4O-pnrBUXhIL9Nsl_NVB5sTCQK8ofPz3idJ-k25iresct_bCX9HwyAbD3K-D2O2eHPcd_wyscQChWMJGeZrKxrWDjvBqnXWGlP8zLq5PIfQK7BfBIM1-3SsRBDNF2KcqWP6135En2AdV4kaf3ai7iWGPdmxQ/s1280/DSC01027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkiu2xhPhGJaQxpcB4lYiiKTzwwTcWu5j4O-pnrBUXhIL9Nsl_NVB5sTCQK8ofPz3idJ-k25iresct_bCX9HwyAbD3K-D2O2eHPcd_wyscQChWMJGeZrKxrWDjvBqnXWGlP8zLq5PIfQK7BfBIM1-3SsRBDNF2KcqWP6135En2AdV4kaf3ai7iWGPdmxQ/w640-h480/DSC01027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4J-hWUN4km3zHk7IJhETpV7INqt2yzcesXRoXHgVwUmZNVYcKSe2oA-Hj0HnEDbPTqXnkPDY8I-CH121uEpz7TLZovxeVFk1Eh7TJM27VsNpxXtmulYfMI0wZtQaVOx9TNX40dwClBtoZYqlooPmsYO2ULxTeZG2EL40EMg-j9i6_lwU5ZZekCUe1cL8/s1280/DSC01028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4J-hWUN4km3zHk7IJhETpV7INqt2yzcesXRoXHgVwUmZNVYcKSe2oA-Hj0HnEDbPTqXnkPDY8I-CH121uEpz7TLZovxeVFk1Eh7TJM27VsNpxXtmulYfMI0wZtQaVOx9TNX40dwClBtoZYqlooPmsYO2ULxTeZG2EL40EMg-j9i6_lwU5ZZekCUe1cL8/w640-h480/DSC01028.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see from the photos below, this is a very basic campground. The highway is right behind the RVs on the right, and the ocean is directly in front of the ones on the left. There is a newer and much larger camping area across the highway. It does have a view of the inland waterway, but there is nothing like being directly on the ocean, so the beach campground is much more popular. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYez1CXhgk128nLbiwfmy88ut4LpeW-NsZRvzCY6bLRXK8dirVNAJvJbTJZeOhkNT1OVYgkJx4O6W8-jN_1Cy0f1v04pGb1opDeqQFKProirw4LDxrTorc9JF9UMkOV9HHHXAAbQOvoRAPtz3b8iaTzbOB5Y2kHLgS4oYXq2VICvBqb50J3Z5eabvGUj3S/s1280/DSC01036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYez1CXhgk128nLbiwfmy88ut4LpeW-NsZRvzCY6bLRXK8dirVNAJvJbTJZeOhkNT1OVYgkJx4O6W8-jN_1Cy0f1v04pGb1opDeqQFKProirw4LDxrTorc9JF9UMkOV9HHHXAAbQOvoRAPtz3b8iaTzbOB5Y2kHLgS4oYXq2VICvBqb50J3Z5eabvGUj3S/w640-h480/DSC01036.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmr5M2Gu1UXpaX_YfLLXe5DgF9iqxVERApER0Hw3Tz3pqtueMWjsFmK-uMuHz68Ka_On4hgzBbNhiG8N9mjlZDkcYTWIVUWco1Wpsi7yLh0LMQd7QF1ZcDIXOpgyZSn6wXnSbRrDhdvxJSs5zJmjJwyu0NbxEU63_G6Elf8w5Fa5GlztQv3b6Xywqjf6C/s1280/DSC01037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmr5M2Gu1UXpaX_YfLLXe5DgF9iqxVERApER0Hw3Tz3pqtueMWjsFmK-uMuHz68Ka_On4hgzBbNhiG8N9mjlZDkcYTWIVUWco1Wpsi7yLh0LMQd7QF1ZcDIXOpgyZSn6wXnSbRrDhdvxJSs5zJmjJwyu0NbxEU63_G6Elf8w5Fa5GlztQv3b6Xywqjf6C/w640-h480/DSC01037.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My motorhome is the multi-color one on the left about halfway to the restroom building in the distance. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPtym3HYk9Zw0dkJ0mfTooxKrwCm1Buh2LDZTq43jhMo4Nr4edcu26mX7avJNg4IpBl9VryOwrKSW20KRLxVzjpUl0rZ5TOOQdJFeAY3m0XkeGSHQM6nm_O6dcyA8LVoV2iR67JI2PC3n6xzBEG-TutFA7Y5BRIpTc9jy9ozi-f4X4SgYYcJQE5gAwKXz/s1280/DSC01038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPtym3HYk9Zw0dkJ0mfTooxKrwCm1Buh2LDZTq43jhMo4Nr4edcu26mX7avJNg4IpBl9VryOwrKSW20KRLxVzjpUl0rZ5TOOQdJFeAY3m0XkeGSHQM6nm_O6dcyA8LVoV2iR67JI2PC3n6xzBEG-TutFA7Y5BRIpTc9jy9ozi-f4X4SgYYcJQE5gAwKXz/w640-h480/DSC01038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got my reservation 11 months ago, and was lucky to get this site where there was not much greenery blocking my view. The maximum stay in Florida State parks is 14 days, so I made my reservation for the maximum. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLvjxvWZ2YWTx1TMrXjiZwwfn32MpVEkJUq5A1Txd_6Vu5iO8W6vf7wZKbNm7HpNK_lHpo3gf0y5rEYgwomoSV8PI9tR1IV44zwVNU6MXrNKnKJ4o9zjCgSMqM9zJAbCweCJpH-kmnS78SZLODWFFm3GGg5H1dmmrCR6FgSAeg-bcCvLVcMTrKvrnI7jC/s1280/DSC01039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLvjxvWZ2YWTx1TMrXjiZwwfn32MpVEkJUq5A1Txd_6Vu5iO8W6vf7wZKbNm7HpNK_lHpo3gf0y5rEYgwomoSV8PI9tR1IV44zwVNU6MXrNKnKJ4o9zjCgSMqM9zJAbCweCJpH-kmnS78SZLODWFFm3GGg5H1dmmrCR6FgSAeg-bcCvLVcMTrKvrnI7jC/w640-h480/DSC01039.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You are not allowed to walk on the dune areas anywhere in Florida, but my site was right next to one of the walkways to the beach. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchJXE7WS9Ll1N6HO9p1aC9UqFz7Ix3Om6wRLqOMKiUOtF9mbEpYhapMcmxHVFmjwE0Qj6IfIGwZCLjuFfoICZKjkd4num5saTppzslUzQiqIn0OZTUDvO7u30uBfHKl3ZAvCyWXatBAPsws18RDO_xrq8C9K2AwQoh8Bl-biFh79hMomLr4jsdYOOLxDO/s1280/DSC01047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjchJXE7WS9Ll1N6HO9p1aC9UqFz7Ix3Om6wRLqOMKiUOtF9mbEpYhapMcmxHVFmjwE0Qj6IfIGwZCLjuFfoICZKjkd4num5saTppzslUzQiqIn0OZTUDvO7u30uBfHKl3ZAvCyWXatBAPsws18RDO_xrq8C9K2AwQoh8Bl-biFh79hMomLr4jsdYOOLxDO/w640-h480/DSC01047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was very rough when I arrived here, with strong winds, as you can see from the nearby walkway. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhe0FbWZYZVS0xo4fogA-XXn2ogFMc1AgmTg4NAuXLHJDLBM3XIUl_g8ktuFLjT4n1CidHQV32VowSMFD2xNT7v7UMGVgxp6jxaQbGgJHtb2w8nyFJ8tPPfcLb0RHxIF5M2sB6fMqWrx3L9-z1mgd9r1CCRagwvAiEbQlN9YQNyMs-CswVvhrlpxSQ29t/s1024/IMG_3326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhe0FbWZYZVS0xo4fogA-XXn2ogFMc1AgmTg4NAuXLHJDLBM3XIUl_g8ktuFLjT4n1CidHQV32VowSMFD2xNT7v7UMGVgxp6jxaQbGgJHtb2w8nyFJ8tPPfcLb0RHxIF5M2sB6fMqWrx3L9-z1mgd9r1CCRagwvAiEbQlN9YQNyMs-CswVvhrlpxSQ29t/w480-h640/IMG_3326.jpg" width="480" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p>It's hard to tell, but these waves are 5-7' tall. This photo below looks towards Daytona Beach. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5GPIydWz__rZM6kTef_kg9clQYkPbTxs_5Zfm-3SLNXI_1WlVHBQw1n358ntxwyr3ewHvRe8ALgMZ9lSVbQy2NVv20MPn_2bXGjNJ-GrQzgC9PT3MWbywIzfWJa_fQtj6_die_vm1tCVmpc6-KK76rjEZ3DkMSLPkbfL4xC_e3xoDjRN_reU3Mex_V88/s1280/DSC01029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV5GPIydWz__rZM6kTef_kg9clQYkPbTxs_5Zfm-3SLNXI_1WlVHBQw1n358ntxwyr3ewHvRe8ALgMZ9lSVbQy2NVv20MPn_2bXGjNJ-GrQzgC9PT3MWbywIzfWJa_fQtj6_die_vm1tCVmpc6-KK76rjEZ3DkMSLPkbfL4xC_e3xoDjRN_reU3Mex_V88/w640-h480/DSC01029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8NVW5jOZW59SboeQfEXeLptePJW9QlF8BL7U8b3xfhoggfj6vojVM25gyeg5knvrTtCWF4A_DlugENA3JWZg0pZ0hQ42VC5LGcgW37It6cIQQ7DMxyAx6Uvwtt4xBl_181PTpvWpKiAafWmk6Ffgl_5J6S5CO8OjPdtwE_DzF-KEpFKrKZhEa704Z7EF/s1280/DSC01030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8NVW5jOZW59SboeQfEXeLptePJW9QlF8BL7U8b3xfhoggfj6vojVM25gyeg5knvrTtCWF4A_DlugENA3JWZg0pZ0hQ42VC5LGcgW37It6cIQQ7DMxyAx6Uvwtt4xBl_181PTpvWpKiAafWmk6Ffgl_5J6S5CO8OjPdtwE_DzF-KEpFKrKZhEa704Z7EF/w640-h480/DSC01030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0lzQTwz5llOABGQQLjGkglp0rU-GhEh1kbvgvOVCXc1kUtyb3O8bPRSpzuvXATsnqrrbHFSsyg0hq63yk_n8wkm-wCA9XpsEsG54EHNI9yrUam8QmtiItzB-Z7KWgjc7u-ELE1LbvpK7JH9VmIZPGQWJfoXd7Wj0UMuTtsuPFFgU79DEruhI9q8X-ayU/s1280/DSC01032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV0lzQTwz5llOABGQQLjGkglp0rU-GhEh1kbvgvOVCXc1kUtyb3O8bPRSpzuvXATsnqrrbHFSsyg0hq63yk_n8wkm-wCA9XpsEsG54EHNI9yrUam8QmtiItzB-Z7KWgjc7u-ELE1LbvpK7JH9VmIZPGQWJfoXd7Wj0UMuTtsuPFFgU79DEruhI9q8X-ayU/w640-h480/DSC01032.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Only a few people on the beach. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvW_v8P1qI6X43LZdZaVPGZz5NuGaNfAewTvPoF6hw8Jims2ZsAFBMh6KK6lqZgvAUl37TS0Sp_JtiZoC5oeCnRHRfBVP5BJ04SoYu51lbxpRjOOU0IFn3j0uahs1fWi_MN8sZHEXExVnWZRVbXX1g9NFlpZgJ-JCLSthG_9gRw86buYCiqV6d7J5jEhJ/s1280/DSC01033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvW_v8P1qI6X43LZdZaVPGZz5NuGaNfAewTvPoF6hw8Jims2ZsAFBMh6KK6lqZgvAUl37TS0Sp_JtiZoC5oeCnRHRfBVP5BJ04SoYu51lbxpRjOOU0IFn3j0uahs1fWi_MN8sZHEXExVnWZRVbXX1g9NFlpZgJ-JCLSthG_9gRw86buYCiqV6d7J5jEhJ/w640-h480/DSC01033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3g9f78X1LyfgROCYByZ5y25DT-UEPKsooVjGDQfqfvjW1P8ahro28NoiIBlIlErSrfULAqZSqHW3-ToczSQMEW08cA1c1SPXVS9NYfIVao0a8i556y2n83xFZyD6fETZESp8pnN_BbuNFYcEsigU2XcJJqcBW4x_os3YFLza6UW0Q1gLUKuTnOy3pkiXu/s1280/DSC01034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3g9f78X1LyfgROCYByZ5y25DT-UEPKsooVjGDQfqfvjW1P8ahro28NoiIBlIlErSrfULAqZSqHW3-ToczSQMEW08cA1c1SPXVS9NYfIVao0a8i556y2n83xFZyD6fETZESp8pnN_BbuNFYcEsigU2XcJJqcBW4x_os3YFLza6UW0Q1gLUKuTnOy3pkiXu/w640-h480/DSC01034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfxFoMTIjlIyg9uR5CHhG2ty8kM9ou4_gFiPzf9Ggtl1ixdvvxu1nfZiL6kzP3Yav5FNgwCL3fSHM0FQ35zQJsnoLyZvRzcGchkX6Ynz4-Z-Rujn1d8B1dY2MBaQJikZKlE9YcQd5TCsNIojgWvUR9mKbKLbofPhGDRBijDSlW1Su6-uhGIEob_mMa69f/s1280/DSC01035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfxFoMTIjlIyg9uR5CHhG2ty8kM9ou4_gFiPzf9Ggtl1ixdvvxu1nfZiL6kzP3Yav5FNgwCL3fSHM0FQ35zQJsnoLyZvRzcGchkX6Ynz4-Z-Rujn1d8B1dY2MBaQJikZKlE9YcQd5TCsNIojgWvUR9mKbKLbofPhGDRBijDSlW1Su6-uhGIEob_mMa69f/w640-h480/DSC01035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few birds looking for a meal. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUxy4zb5UG347UroBY4CJWxJYf3pk6GMqmaboThQokW-5P6yukLrXjgFL2im2KxBvO7QfisXL5ZuOKz7SGjMfIJ7iz_YdPZyhjxpRlUwXdAhqFPA0b7tWsePfGTo7TzsxC_IVwQejxLmGBH6ZkkGe-UsmYAGrXgWTQQr8X9LO4r-MjWLAidMqfC4350zp/s1280/DSC01041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUxy4zb5UG347UroBY4CJWxJYf3pk6GMqmaboThQokW-5P6yukLrXjgFL2im2KxBvO7QfisXL5ZuOKz7SGjMfIJ7iz_YdPZyhjxpRlUwXdAhqFPA0b7tWsePfGTo7TzsxC_IVwQejxLmGBH6ZkkGe-UsmYAGrXgWTQQr8X9LO4r-MjWLAidMqfC4350zp/w640-h480/DSC01041.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The second week here was much warmer and calmer than the first week, as you can tell by the lack of clouds and smaller waves. People even started fishing and walking on the beach. <br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX2xfEeVpAZ_N7Et5xqk3U8F77dDm2HTtrZDxq7J7ays_VMpAHsZyfzhMaVPyd1iLRmEjXWI4hpfmSVkmc6Kl36XvUp0ol7LAwcnPAZ6KxCdMSbLYW3z_v5WWJAjmvgHP1bharYd-pgKjqjnrSgzzs1FZzkcxXu5TYDyZ1RpClaZUGGu4e9XWGaCQUr8P/s1280/DSC01042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXX2xfEeVpAZ_N7Et5xqk3U8F77dDm2HTtrZDxq7J7ays_VMpAHsZyfzhMaVPyd1iLRmEjXWI4hpfmSVkmc6Kl36XvUp0ol7LAwcnPAZ6KxCdMSbLYW3z_v5WWJAjmvgHP1bharYd-pgKjqjnrSgzzs1FZzkcxXu5TYDyZ1RpClaZUGGu4e9XWGaCQUr8P/w640-h480/DSC01042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdhTsWhzbNElJvUpoBSIeHpknmhpdYbIUxSB8T2Wmv2GLropcypIn9yoQrDxpksYbYw_6zHwXNx3Oacbqn7B4mGyJVgZOiluEZs6zS2rH8w4UT68ZzlnqoH8aPoOCzNzMtgcznSu0vlu4cU8INRx5agmoOhyphenhyphenv88Jnvy00ZlihdVtrJGmk0QoWCyDAk235/s1280/DSC01043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdhTsWhzbNElJvUpoBSIeHpknmhpdYbIUxSB8T2Wmv2GLropcypIn9yoQrDxpksYbYw_6zHwXNx3Oacbqn7B4mGyJVgZOiluEZs6zS2rH8w4UT68ZzlnqoH8aPoOCzNzMtgcznSu0vlu4cU8INRx5agmoOhyphenhyphenv88Jnvy00ZlihdVtrJGmk0QoWCyDAk235/w640-h480/DSC01043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNPcvSgvnsL7D8530kKndVmhxgXdZjmBngKgqZ4TuOqwwO2MF6XKwiCzERUuure0uTuA97qdEfQm9A1T_2BvKjmTwKXhhrzbOi3n9bN62JM4_B_gVH-XQZvp1WRR2ESGHeqZSuqmOt_LHBZ98ST_NXWW1JX2krSWa785QUk8YO29YMVUTC6jlkBizdjM0/s1280/DSC01045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglNPcvSgvnsL7D8530kKndVmhxgXdZjmBngKgqZ4TuOqwwO2MF6XKwiCzERUuure0uTuA97qdEfQm9A1T_2BvKjmTwKXhhrzbOi3n9bN62JM4_B_gVH-XQZvp1WRR2ESGHeqZSuqmOt_LHBZ98ST_NXWW1JX2krSWa785QUk8YO29YMVUTC6jlkBizdjM0/w640-h480/DSC01045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am heading farther south in a couple of days. I have spent most of my time indoors while I have been here, but it has been great that I have had such a good view out of my front window!<br /></div><p></p><br />Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878385611181443726.post-57689369459379579352023-10-30T22:20:00.002-04:002023-10-30T22:20:16.714-04:0010/30 St. Augustine Lighthouse<p> I have been to St. Augustine several times, but never stopped at the impressive lighthouse, so today, as I was driving past, I decided on the spur of the moment to turn in and stop here. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35DuctR7jG0hLsla-HVs-UlxfzXjZyb2iubG9yLYDNNQokefbyQO7i2mQJ6GB7ZlheoLixMO4VIcLkLtzs27ChQKn5Rd7_N8QYmgEbHLuOe1afNa_7Mlvs7LJwKkSwfiS6m2fcoT5SvwjIVvpsDI5GQZhJmuBY0DtUasj1R-LREmrqzynnGmC_t8bjfP3/s4896/DSC01026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh35DuctR7jG0hLsla-HVs-UlxfzXjZyb2iubG9yLYDNNQokefbyQO7i2mQJ6GB7ZlheoLixMO4VIcLkLtzs27ChQKn5Rd7_N8QYmgEbHLuOe1afNa_7Mlvs7LJwKkSwfiS6m2fcoT5SvwjIVvpsDI5GQZhJmuBY0DtUasj1R-LREmrqzynnGmC_t8bjfP3/w640-h480/DSC01026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The grounds of the lighthouse were covered in old growth live oak trees. This is the front of the light keepers residence. <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxoBdUVGWQy9lTN0Dwuvx1jPEX7e8stHI0SM1tA7ZxUggX1Rz0A7eeVQbKMeiDEZXUYfnHgExfnsm7J_scoZZ-GJde_NyUIJ737lG6oiL9LfBG3ctDmqiXK_yJChpKSmVRPzXnFKOML9tIn0SpuQeyMxqzl_Kg193wZJSHhnJtHwlXPjrejkIOnShLKvt/s4896/DSC00991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxoBdUVGWQy9lTN0Dwuvx1jPEX7e8stHI0SM1tA7ZxUggX1Rz0A7eeVQbKMeiDEZXUYfnHgExfnsm7J_scoZZ-GJde_NyUIJ737lG6oiL9LfBG3ctDmqiXK_yJChpKSmVRPzXnFKOML9tIn0SpuQeyMxqzl_Kg193wZJSHhnJtHwlXPjrejkIOnShLKvt/w640-h480/DSC00991.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was very hard to get a good photo of the entire lighthouse because it was so tall and the nearby trees kept me from standing back far enough. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgLQ93vCf7y-lHjmff5jEwUi8npHDrgHdIMlG4UKYrRXggUqkFcMeXETzhT5VZw9_ZgQL1rE2KKCISB_eAYGtDev78HQ8H-HEV-4phRcvKf8QtRJTu6qJVsDQUGKtqsPrk8hFlw03HaIeFDake7CwtY28oao-mdgDrwy3yyU2Yhkj5oypwbuGuXrfdBAA/s4896/DSC00992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgLQ93vCf7y-lHjmff5jEwUi8npHDrgHdIMlG4UKYrRXggUqkFcMeXETzhT5VZw9_ZgQL1rE2KKCISB_eAYGtDev78HQ8H-HEV-4phRcvKf8QtRJTu6qJVsDQUGKtqsPrk8hFlw03HaIeFDake7CwtY28oao-mdgDrwy3yyU2Yhkj5oypwbuGuXrfdBAA/w480-h640/DSC00992.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgEWcONrVBxuuKZciSSf9hCTsxJ8gb1iLwKQ0GchjTMl3TMzSPEdSKJ3LdJhudjeJ99Z2JfGlySJEaKK_2k6Mu6NhkJhFBsM_LwgAV78kfo3m9VMptobAHGndUdoYt_7yRpvl9TcY85Iv93ST7qeWwfpP_xZXDiudfkoJVpy03djWmvCCTR4skh56eEfk/s4896/DSC00997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4896" data-original-width="3672" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMgEWcONrVBxuuKZciSSf9hCTsxJ8gb1iLwKQ0GchjTMl3TMzSPEdSKJ3LdJhudjeJ99Z2JfGlySJEaKK_2k6Mu6NhkJhFBsM_LwgAV78kfo3m9VMptobAHGndUdoYt_7yRpvl9TcY85Iv93ST7qeWwfpP_xZXDiudfkoJVpy03djWmvCCTR4skh56eEfk/w480-h640/DSC00997.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p>This is the back of the building that was the residence of the keepers. It looks a little like a military barracks. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmNtMAOJJ3pIBy0ZeJuYFSx_ha8Y0xG3LQU9qLVSdSccpgYpDQKq67mkIloXNU1FNoOax6stjU1mKqmOKCFry37KbazGqGK0I5hlGYqxCZ8_xzlF1pb26Dzr3QeZSs3OrFJgdJcsBNSazkYZfqApwM8Vcgdf71rMTueIRovhey2sgOfZaY5ZGARlypdLX/s4896/DSC00998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFmNtMAOJJ3pIBy0ZeJuYFSx_ha8Y0xG3LQU9qLVSdSccpgYpDQKq67mkIloXNU1FNoOax6stjU1mKqmOKCFry37KbazGqGK0I5hlGYqxCZ8_xzlF1pb26Dzr3QeZSs3OrFJgdJcsBNSazkYZfqApwM8Vcgdf71rMTueIRovhey2sgOfZaY5ZGARlypdLX/w640-h480/DSC00998.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The St. Augustine light is the second tallest in Florida, and one of
the tallest in the U.S. There are 219 steps up to the top, and this
sign suggests who should NOT climb all the stairs. I was a
bit concerned because of my age, but I decided that the worst that could
happen is that I would not make it to the top and have to come back down. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ahu6-a2VIiN1S9C5Ungq-zSceXOiPMrM2DidJDeUyrewgmbaMahfc6oslli6H47cg05QAT1IMsPfcp-s4ggEVyq6ff63GsqN6V47InbggfgaoUnIoAWiL7bjlpU7jT315g_KCg9vYlHwxR2IoXeoz_AEZ6uQ9yViOPcidZYqMXRbwFdfMneKFjazQbDa/s4896/DSC01023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ahu6-a2VIiN1S9C5Ungq-zSceXOiPMrM2DidJDeUyrewgmbaMahfc6oslli6H47cg05QAT1IMsPfcp-s4ggEVyq6ff63GsqN6V47InbggfgaoUnIoAWiL7bjlpU7jT315g_KCg9vYlHwxR2IoXeoz_AEZ6uQ9yViOPcidZYqMXRbwFdfMneKFjazQbDa/w640-h480/DSC01023.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p>On the ground floor was this storage room for the oil that was originally used to produce the flame in the lighthouse lens. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpH5Ov-n11c1ItyjtmHzzi6Tq-9WC0mIeXIQw0F-Pj-aU4fAzAasUXlIm9Dyg731jYOm2kwme95Yu9yVFMuLxRcgd2KJpkl0QwYKeTFHHFPxAUcYH_rThR2nKB5bOTe2JY73hAKaugTQzjpmXiV1iysBZEH2MbOPcHzxpeVdKVRjS1DAe1qTZy4I5_tlc/s4896/DSC00999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3672" data-original-width="4896" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpH5Ov-n11c1ItyjtmHzzi6Tq-9WC0mIeXIQw0F-Pj-aU4fAzAasUXlIm9Dyg731jYOm2kwme95Yu9yVFMuLxRcgd2KJpkl0QwYKeTFHHFPxAUcYH_rThR2nKB5bOTe2JY73hAKaugTQzjpmXiV1iysBZEH2MbOPcHzxpeVdKVRjS1DAe1qTZy4I5_tlc/w640-h480/DSC00999.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These next two photos are of the keepers office on the ground floor of the lighthouse. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hM2760DQXwzg3kAiZrSrVAXsen0ZBVuL9ozMWCY0Xlh8iyy21D0Hi3d6yB8caaHmLh929kVqdy9PHgGwKGAhlTHq6aeKE_jn6vOyki2Al3T225NEpbldOMN1KRgMxUbdqCXF2iotpFOQzkr8WbU48OsucY7ZyPvI9g-4PFVkrcFGGwarxrqX-3fDuUmT/s1280/DSC01001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5hM2760DQXwzg3kAiZrSrVAXsen0ZBVuL9ozMWCY0Xlh8iyy21D0Hi3d6yB8caaHmLh929kVqdy9PHgGwKGAhlTHq6aeKE_jn6vOyki2Al3T225NEpbldOMN1KRgMxUbdqCXF2iotpFOQzkr8WbU48OsucY7ZyPvI9g-4PFVkrcFGGwarxrqX-3fDuUmT/w640-h480/DSC01001.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu0l6pWJrrnoSwjeQhFtxPwUdgz_ztGNQxoUhY7bW1WsaSeuObWqR7amEAp2KmUXwb-98HLCv2sRIROnWN2dyz3q6CHLHCDoxL85l6FAYMaFx-6mu-cvyn_kNLFLdKHCVygXNRG6h4wsDlTo05XU5wigPH0hyeixxhnIV06FEqhsLFxB9zrBcI10PykhD/s1280/DSC01000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCu0l6pWJrrnoSwjeQhFtxPwUdgz_ztGNQxoUhY7bW1WsaSeuObWqR7amEAp2KmUXwb-98HLCv2sRIROnWN2dyz3q6CHLHCDoxL85l6FAYMaFx-6mu-cvyn_kNLFLdKHCVygXNRG6h4wsDlTo05XU5wigPH0hyeixxhnIV06FEqhsLFxB9zrBcI10PykhD/w640-h480/DSC01000.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Heading up. Makes me a bit dizzy to tale photos up or down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2FpJswk-IJzR1Qrc6dyW2S8RcTRuU-Wg-wealmc0aS9GKXaPRuDPLny_zeWEYU34t3Xwz980EeH_VQnBE4waNRXfUeodcwgx-P4JUaXRRdzFWADoHLJVxYuB1a9Ln05jS6LOO_RLvryTFGb7Up7IMF6dVB7-hzqeA7sYPFfZ33Ni6KF14tXo918A__dW/s1280/DSC01003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2FpJswk-IJzR1Qrc6dyW2S8RcTRuU-Wg-wealmc0aS9GKXaPRuDPLny_zeWEYU34t3Xwz980EeH_VQnBE4waNRXfUeodcwgx-P4JUaXRRdzFWADoHLJVxYuB1a9Ln05jS6LOO_RLvryTFGb7Up7IMF6dVB7-hzqeA7sYPFfZ33Ni6KF14tXo918A__dW/w640-h480/DSC01003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a long way up. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjForuwarQeEqAWnUy5xAT6KeiFI_46UjhdvigQafccdC0juJifd07UcpaPADXYpEiLUR7xHljFpvc_bSMGLFT5HOFoSMMJG6j1XdA4wiHzTnuthDPf0apBBxyFczxZEfaZ0xh2gtk8s47IJ1slP7vB3Pbm8mEWR_whNQM35P4vR6kXRbMcwu_Xg1qj-8RO/s1280/DSC01004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjForuwarQeEqAWnUy5xAT6KeiFI_46UjhdvigQafccdC0juJifd07UcpaPADXYpEiLUR7xHljFpvc_bSMGLFT5HOFoSMMJG6j1XdA4wiHzTnuthDPf0apBBxyFczxZEfaZ0xh2gtk8s47IJ1slP7vB3Pbm8mEWR_whNQM35P4vR6kXRbMcwu_Xg1qj-8RO/w640-h480/DSC01004.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What really helps make this climb doable is that most of the landings have signs giving some of the history of the lighthouse, so while you are catching your breath, you can do some reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qGWW25_wAsHhiV1OoVzY642wECMfGMc9B8k_ogNof8Q9if9BQgLCzHStXWtKXEFeLwT2D7lBzBbOHioYsnRlZ2MFV2RP2OtrVGT73B3riIW0e5pW0i4pd45F4xquiDYe9izF4E3WcyO6WUzMRcypoPlBS50NHeh2l01SW67gWzDDnW2Q10j2z4ZoL3UC/s1024/DSC01007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6qGWW25_wAsHhiV1OoVzY642wECMfGMc9B8k_ogNof8Q9if9BQgLCzHStXWtKXEFeLwT2D7lBzBbOHioYsnRlZ2MFV2RP2OtrVGT73B3riIW0e5pW0i4pd45F4xquiDYe9izF4E3WcyO6WUzMRcypoPlBS50NHeh2l01SW67gWzDDnW2Q10j2z4ZoL3UC/w480-h640/DSC01007.jpg" width="480" /></a> <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one describes how the young son of the head lighthouse keeper, put a parachute on the families cat and tossed her from the top of the lighthouse. She survived, but disappeared for a few weeks to no doubt recover from her trauma! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_9EFjo71dEX8k44V05pJ45gY5oWYJsDxD3pjZul7Lt1ZXEKHg9hI5z89nEhZ0N68utigX19BuUL54IoHHJ55Hibt3TyDa-CmFuQqqdAsegkNeXn0Wt0DKQUd_HkCr1m51OimqCzE0tEAp6JPBBYPSCIPeXBoNGaZx3MtEGTvjdVnVw2AogvXk6Euh96z/s1024/DSC01009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_9EFjo71dEX8k44V05pJ45gY5oWYJsDxD3pjZul7Lt1ZXEKHg9hI5z89nEhZ0N68utigX19BuUL54IoHHJ55Hibt3TyDa-CmFuQqqdAsegkNeXn0Wt0DKQUd_HkCr1m51OimqCzE0tEAp6JPBBYPSCIPeXBoNGaZx3MtEGTvjdVnVw2AogvXk6Euh96z/w480-h640/DSC01009.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was had some stories about the birds that kept hitting the lighthouse and dying. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDbPhH9CY14nCH6r-cVD57U032HJmcbWt4bM9ZAgOdFgMJXhw6V8pYbQLQarzqra1BE_-bPLXkk6fRD9sNaQCF8GnQI0Xx5yIymp2dH7ye2KGJxCY6SKXmNqxz7DpLyy5bJeTf4uJoRk3LNtXUo0dKkMBy7zF3KYmydykW65Tf348ShLJGMJ8cboPYd1e/s1024/DSC01006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDbPhH9CY14nCH6r-cVD57U032HJmcbWt4bM9ZAgOdFgMJXhw6V8pYbQLQarzqra1BE_-bPLXkk6fRD9sNaQCF8GnQI0Xx5yIymp2dH7ye2KGJxCY6SKXmNqxz7DpLyy5bJeTf4uJoRk3LNtXUo0dKkMBy7zF3KYmydykW65Tf348ShLJGMJ8cboPYd1e/w480-h640/DSC01006.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHcEF8uF4jL0elDG-jTmcG1dyf2Ul8in9bamqYP7ZUBRbpdOOetwVTDNN0k0nj9Uba4DQiy8Ai09yv6IIGCd8NdecFryLwvbwS3pkXd-PxUpFcUzz-tbOYqHa813zT6fQRpLhYNb5Btxoi4nItWO4OU5eKhM2cdF3IgZqiqDywwW-G8cdaPCqFuk7AFq4/s1024/DSC01005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrHcEF8uF4jL0elDG-jTmcG1dyf2Ul8in9bamqYP7ZUBRbpdOOetwVTDNN0k0nj9Uba4DQiy8Ai09yv6IIGCd8NdecFryLwvbwS3pkXd-PxUpFcUzz-tbOYqHa813zT6fQRpLhYNb5Btxoi4nItWO4OU5eKhM2cdF3IgZqiqDywwW-G8cdaPCqFuk7AFq4/w480-h640/DSC01005.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Made it to the top and looking down. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6ff3LPy5CYS0m4unL_5GoDuvs48JTKPGziKT2-ykFGQY7W4cIMuDeQCRVQI2l3yqDwikda0n3HiHgMeG-D76SqiM8ZadHeTb4ZUjLp6qd1JqnWm4USXP-Evuaw_8d_QB4I4RNFlKouYf2ErWNHyMXcRGFyJKJaRr7YI5aT4Vp_JpSK3Ph918FznOWY_l/s1280/DSC01010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL6ff3LPy5CYS0m4unL_5GoDuvs48JTKPGziKT2-ykFGQY7W4cIMuDeQCRVQI2l3yqDwikda0n3HiHgMeG-D76SqiM8ZadHeTb4ZUjLp6qd1JqnWm4USXP-Evuaw_8d_QB4I4RNFlKouYf2ErWNHyMXcRGFyJKJaRr7YI5aT4Vp_JpSK3Ph918FznOWY_l/w640-h480/DSC01010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is a very nice walkway around the top, so I took some photos of the area. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3c8uelqVA24x2mlRagzHl2_aw5LDd5d_rzpNdrrfcq3Dvk-OEnVDjFrVtdGrqlGi4RB70MkfZQtO-s6MdLfTQpRa82wpKnapNaVkibU2siJtPHv9Y6jZGwUyRpdIqPwNC6wahMg2fbSbjB0xaaHqRLwu26gaEb31ifhfQerWljA7v8FzDx6NNEC4naQK/s1280/DSC01012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3c8uelqVA24x2mlRagzHl2_aw5LDd5d_rzpNdrrfcq3Dvk-OEnVDjFrVtdGrqlGi4RB70MkfZQtO-s6MdLfTQpRa82wpKnapNaVkibU2siJtPHv9Y6jZGwUyRpdIqPwNC6wahMg2fbSbjB0xaaHqRLwu26gaEb31ifhfQerWljA7v8FzDx6NNEC4naQK/w640-h480/DSC01012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hzcH3BsRzEUt59ib4Xl7VE1FDa66-npVmtBkynv4DM6mOKv6NsV3ZLFBRK31YPn5wIwA9uV1qhyphenhyphenhS0HLKTIMUXjw6tvCjqzU0bqg-ttiNmXDitmEuZKqOftmgV_pmUqAQrHVpTXeHTLd-AgoVFH12kxy8_eopPRydEL1KCucroLdao0-86aFLfrlOG10/s1280/DSC01013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hzcH3BsRzEUt59ib4Xl7VE1FDa66-npVmtBkynv4DM6mOKv6NsV3ZLFBRK31YPn5wIwA9uV1qhyphenhyphenhS0HLKTIMUXjw6tvCjqzU0bqg-ttiNmXDitmEuZKqOftmgV_pmUqAQrHVpTXeHTLd-AgoVFH12kxy8_eopPRydEL1KCucroLdao0-86aFLfrlOG10/w640-h480/DSC01013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>Taking this one really made me dizzy!!!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhBWjv8ITdZZsCBYhpOmNHMm7uRwp0ZOR9TTsL6aYWgrn80RHI8IsR5uLxqDzLTXsDBxeuskW1otjeMYB4P1dyqUzoRohdZONNikciBfmTtW10h6RokJpkVLK1tPKu_opq2GKZEqyvlvI5sL4dTZBMHyanZuEbpPS74Pr0KVsqNCpunqfUbWDur5KODOu/s1280/DSC01015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhBWjv8ITdZZsCBYhpOmNHMm7uRwp0ZOR9TTsL6aYWgrn80RHI8IsR5uLxqDzLTXsDBxeuskW1otjeMYB4P1dyqUzoRohdZONNikciBfmTtW10h6RokJpkVLK1tPKu_opq2GKZEqyvlvI5sL4dTZBMHyanZuEbpPS74Pr0KVsqNCpunqfUbWDur5KODOu/w640-h480/DSC01015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6Gkf-uWKhX26Zmf-c9W48j8uwAAVr_ga-mEbPy4xhTG9xEz6muXJG0qYIynrDHgcHjs61ORZm_CsZPi_AWuXkEleS2rWNz-Dk4EX5lF_c83gc3lieeUXDOg92Lsr92qyLmTVaTEwV1b9fJKU114kMaUCUuvsEwWHicXpFmb5zoBubshsx9rSjMAn7vak/s1280/DSC01016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6Gkf-uWKhX26Zmf-c9W48j8uwAAVr_ga-mEbPy4xhTG9xEz6muXJG0qYIynrDHgcHjs61ORZm_CsZPi_AWuXkEleS2rWNz-Dk4EX5lF_c83gc3lieeUXDOg92Lsr92qyLmTVaTEwV1b9fJKU114kMaUCUuvsEwWHicXpFmb5zoBubshsx9rSjMAn7vak/w640-h480/DSC01016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>This one shows the old Fort St. Augustine in the distance. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigENRkHznh3GGCvuF9EFzqTSjcscXJ0-D2k4RxFI5mgVFyKsamt5iNmQxXKrfP7RdPeCyeD2ElqyO_5IV0JMr3-wBh5-0evxEPPCoYcmr8C3fMbtdSC0QelVEeHIrZiem8UwxtQaJG1cd9LgrEQjF3exO3cEuPHsWbH-W1idvdODD3cE1qE1WheKQsiwe-/s1280/DSC01017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigENRkHznh3GGCvuF9EFzqTSjcscXJ0-D2k4RxFI5mgVFyKsamt5iNmQxXKrfP7RdPeCyeD2ElqyO_5IV0JMr3-wBh5-0evxEPPCoYcmr8C3fMbtdSC0QelVEeHIrZiem8UwxtQaJG1cd9LgrEQjF3exO3cEuPHsWbH-W1idvdODD3cE1qE1WheKQsiwe-/w640-h480/DSC01017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The only photo I could get of the lens. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnyST_tbMvOgU26wBfZEWr6T9QgUtitDSQ_p8lOgoPkUSXFgNG2FYPFdsb93ZfxcldtdM0ob1BVBbgk2byZv7d8W7O4eXr45d_X4iSinXZs9KlGYBu81Aipw2seGgcsMB8DlhCaUrTQ7U7qaUf-a02BRjOoYYBdcGCfQ3jVBn6XPiGM7Imz_GKWXMkj1P/s1280/DSC01021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnyST_tbMvOgU26wBfZEWr6T9QgUtitDSQ_p8lOgoPkUSXFgNG2FYPFdsb93ZfxcldtdM0ob1BVBbgk2byZv7d8W7O4eXr45d_X4iSinXZs9KlGYBu81Aipw2seGgcsMB8DlhCaUrTQ7U7qaUf-a02BRjOoYYBdcGCfQ3jVBn6XPiGM7Imz_GKWXMkj1P/w640-h480/DSC01021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Next to the lighthouse there was a demonstration area where several boats were being built. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndqceE7Dy3cr5erWO_duIGG4Yuz1OhFL-rzweFJ5FNsK0rFYoHVmYo2pQp4rKgJtu5ys0MBysK2yG2ec54bemOaHO4moHuLL6qaUwCl0mVMAqC30i0fBHG3RTXyW_UI48Q3FdE_MKHM2TQ5bLiuBYLoPHz8Zr-9MElzApak3YrgbHgS11GoP3CvE1IiEY/s1280/DSC01024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndqceE7Dy3cr5erWO_duIGG4Yuz1OhFL-rzweFJ5FNsK0rFYoHVmYo2pQp4rKgJtu5ys0MBysK2yG2ec54bemOaHO4moHuLL6qaUwCl0mVMAqC30i0fBHG3RTXyW_UI48Q3FdE_MKHM2TQ5bLiuBYLoPHz8Zr-9MElzApak3YrgbHgS11GoP3CvE1IiEY/w640-h480/DSC01024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD_VoEhTn2ghBp9b2m8YWHxqWENf633xAiQHN1zIOvjuyEuU_KEyxFDZio_FcENaT9jhyQhb9SHcRsSFUyGhsv2bQbzMZo5Ub4OomsWllrJwqobWhB7ei9Mvz_ZSI7cW5vcEJTOVBk3Ij68kM_xdmMaZh-95DakMmtm3BEjmKse6adFbsGNPqHIgw0iyP/s1280/DSC01025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtD_VoEhTn2ghBp9b2m8YWHxqWENf633xAiQHN1zIOvjuyEuU_KEyxFDZio_FcENaT9jhyQhb9SHcRsSFUyGhsv2bQbzMZo5Ub4OomsWllrJwqobWhB7ei9Mvz_ZSI7cW5vcEJTOVBk3Ij68kM_xdmMaZh-95DakMmtm3BEjmKse6adFbsGNPqHIgw0iyP/w640-h480/DSC01025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Onward to my next campground, just about an hour away!! It was a worthwhile stop, and I really enjoyed my climb. <br /><p><br /></p>Grandma on the Roadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06575496312026115055noreply@blogger.com0