The beginning of our rides. We did 22 miles on Sunday March 3, 2019. We got to Inverness at 2:30 and were riding by 4pm.
On Monday March 4, 2019, we road part of the same trail but went farther. - 42 miles on Monday.
So this is the wildlife we see on the north section of the Withlacoochee Trail. Haha, Ken laughed at me as I call 911 to tell them there was a loose cow on the trail. I think they were laughing as well as there was silence. I should have told them it was okay to laugh. A different cow was on the trail on Monday. And near the end of our Monday ride there was a Sheriff on the trail asking if we had seen the the Cow, so I was not all wet.
March 4, 2019 This Big bad boy was on the bridge we crossed.
What a view down the trail.
A good view of the Withlacoochee River.
Our lunch spot. Ken and I had crab cakes with corn casserole. All choices were good.
March 4 subtotal: 64 miles
March 5, 2019 - Tuesday
Road today with Joe, Sue, Ron and John. Shorter ride of 22.4 miles.
We started the day planning to ride the Withlacoochee starting in Floral City. But it was raining and 50 degrees. So we went to The Shamrock for coffee and some had second breakfast waiting to see the rain stop and make an executive decision. Our waitress Kathy was a stitch. Salty and funny.
Ken asked for hot chocolate (in Florida) and he got the eye roll (The Shamrock is a bar that serves breakfast). Said she would have to check. It came and she said "Don't drink it too fast, that's all you get!) Sue and I wanted something sweet - no Panczkis', so we split a two slice french toast order. But Joe wanted the scrambled eggs and toast breakfast. So to make it more economical, she bundled our french toast with Joes' egg breakfast. I came out on one platter with two extra plates. She commands to John "Give me your silverware". She shoveled the french toast off the plate to the empty plates and handed Joe what was left - John also asked for hot chocolate, he got the eye roll. She brought it to him and said again : "Don't drink to fast thats' all you get". Oh my.
We decided to instead do a shorter ride of only about 20 miles and start in Brooksville. Here is the park where we parked. The trail is new called The Good Neighbor trail that connects the Withlacoochee trail to Brooksville.
While at breakfast, the woman you can just seen between Ken and I came up to Sue and said, That laugh, I don't know what you are drinking, but I want some. (thanks John for the picture.)
This old One room schoolhouse was also at our starting point today.
Good Neighbor Trailhead
There is also a Railroad museum here. Here is a box car as part of the museum.
Tree full of turkey buzzards as we start our day. 54 degrees and overcast.
Had to get some color into my pictures.
We think these are Lupine, but not sure.
The pine cones are big around here.
John Spates, riding the pine.
Nice, newly paved trail.
Some of the trees cut to make way for the trail. Was just opened this last fall I think.
Lunch at the Cracker Kitchen. Shephard Pie
Fish Ruben - this was mine. Ken had Shrimp Gumbo
The trucks outside the Cracker Kitchen .
Joe demonstrating an old motor oil storage pump.
March 5th subtotal 86.4 miles
March 6, 2019 - Wednesday
Withlacoochee State Trail Floral City to Nobleton - 34 miles
Our lunch stop - Yes River Ratz - basically a biker bar. I can only imagine what this place is like on Friday and Saturday nights.
Just across from our table along the Withlacoochee river was this Egret.
But maybe it is an Ibis, looking at the curved beak.
A shot of the menu. It says: " Where the Elite eat in their bare feet" and If you're in a Hurry, then you may be at the Wrong Place,"
Yes this one says: "
Look what the RATZ dragged on the shore, here is what they brought with them"
The Ibis getting ready for take off.
Kenny modeling with the River Rat.
Helen with the log man.
Painting on the fencing. I see they included a triker on the bottom left corner.
Our trikes lined up and getting ready to finish our ride.
Of course a few flowers - wild dianthis.
Should have zoomed in - a railroad marker. Some trails are better at preserving them than others.
March 6th subtotal: 120.4 miles
March 7, 2019
Withlacoochee Bay Trail - 24.87 miles
This trail traverses 5 miles west from the Felburn Trailhead to the Gulf of Mexico along the southern side of the former Cross Florida Barge Canal. The twelve foot wide multi-use paved trail runs adjacent to the barge canal for the first 2.5 miles and then switches its path to the south side of the "berm" created by the canal's excavation. The westernmost 2.5 miles of the trail run through maritime hammocks and salt marsh. Bicycling, walking, or skating on the paved trail provides numerous opportunities to observe wildlife, picnic or fish along the route.
We were watching for armadillo, we understood they could be seen here. Saw a variety of small birds and a few coots (of the bird kind) and the Osprey pictured in this post.
Start of our trail today.
Sue and Dave ready to roll.
Kenny and John set and ready.
There is a lake off in the distance along this preserve.
And a ranch of Longhorn steer.
Better shot of the lake.
Beautiful lookout point
Took a panoramic view or the lake and preserve. There were a couple different duck and storks out in the distance.
Picture of the picture taker.
A long look at the blue skies. Temps were 54 when we started at 10:30 this morning.
It ended up at 71 degrees.
Near the parking lot, next to the DNR station was this Osprey nest. You can see Momma out front.
To the left behind the red light is one of the babies.
Momma was watching us and yelling at us as we stopped to watch her.
Spanish moss hanging from the tree.
Yes that sign reads 55mph. We road down the highway for a short distance to
hook up to the next trail.
Had this dam to cross.
A view of the dam from the side.
And yes some flowers. Something different each day.
Palm tree trunk at the parking area.
Ken waiting and ready to take off from a short stop.
No street in Florida should be called Snowball.
Lunch at Mama Sally's.
March 7th subtotal: 145.27 miles
Friday March 8, 2019
Gen. James VanFleet Trail - 59.76 miles. (Ken, Ron & Helen)
Approx 30 miles for Joe, Sue, John, Dave & Janet and Jim & Chris
Copied from the Florida State Parks page :
"Also designated as a National Recreation Trail®, the Van Fleet State Trail runs through the Green Swamp, the headwaters for some of Florida's most popular paddling destinations including the Withlacoochee, Hillsborough and Peace rivers. Landscapes include the river swamp, bottomland forest, pine flatwoods, former citrus lands and cattle ranches. With only one curve in its 29.2 miles, you can choose to go slow and view the wildlife or enjoy it at a brisk pace. An equestrian trail parallels the length of the paved path. The trail has excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially between Green Pond Road and Bay Lake Road."
One of the first things we found was this very large feather. Not sure if it is a Turkey Vulture(most likely) or an Eagle feather.
Pine cones are large as well. I know we will find larger ones on the Sun Coast Trail.
We saw several turtles and a couple tortoises. Caught a video of this one hustling across the trail.
We did find evidence in a few spots of the turtles beginning to dig holes for their eggs.
Click on the video to see him move along.
These next couple of pictures are at the 21 mile marker about. THere is a marker that says Place in Time. Any guess as to what make and model these two are?
Someone also added this little trike.
Ron found evidence of a snake in the area. That is when we decided to head back up to the trial.
At about the 15 mile marker we find a couple of spots to find Gators. This one was about 4 foot long.
This was labeled AS you see it. Is that person in Yellow wildlife?
More at the 12 mile marker or about. At a bridge we found these baby gators. In all I counted 8.
On the other side of the bridge is this bad boy. Bigger that the one a few miles down the trail.
And little critters were zipping around as well.
Then there is Lunch. There is not much in Polk City, but this place offers atmosphere and good food.
Sue getting ready to tackle her Bomba Burger.
Ron ready for his as well.
My Catfish lunch. It also included cornbread.
Dave diving into his 1/2 rack of ribs.
Ron found this rather large hornets / wasp nest hanging above our heads.
Had to go back to get this guy. It at a close look is a rattle snakes of sorts. I blew the picture up to see the rattle on its' tail. I did not hang around or "rattle" him.
Ron spotted this beauty. I think in consultation with Sue is an Anhinga.
Description copied from "AllAboutbirds.org"
"Anhingas are large and slender waterbirds with long fanlike tails that resemble a turkey's tail. They have a long S-shaped neck and a daggerlike bill. In flight, Anhingas look like a flying cross; the wings are held out flat and the neck and tail stick straight out. They have slim bodies and look rather flattened in flight.
Adult male Anhingas are black with silvery to white streaks on the back and wings. Females and immatures have a pale tan head, neck, and breast. The bill, legs, and feet are yellowish orange.
Just a view of the watershed - lots of marshy areas.
Even caught sight of a few Florida deer.
We also saw several squirrels, a couple of hawks, a pileated woodpecker and other small birds, I don't know all of the names of. They all moved along too fast to capture. Much like the many butterflies I could not catch.
March 8th subtotal: 205.03
March 9, 2019 Clermont - Lake Minneola
15.4 miles - got a shortened ride today..
The start of our day - the view of the lake we were getting ready to ride near.
This old tree is at the Tiki Bar where we had lunch. Check out the sign and the length of the limbs.
Pretty amazing tree - no one could tell us how old this tree is. I think it is a Live Oak.
Close up of the sign next to the long, low limb. It even has it's own support structure.
View of the Tiki bar from the dock. Ken to the far left. Joe and Jim on the right heading for seats.
Yes the water has a rusty red cast. Not Red Tide. The story is that it is minerals leeched from
the tree roots of the Live Oaks on the shore. It is pretty prevalent along the shore.
This guy seemed to be the master of ceremonies for all of the Sea Gulls.
Part of the entertainment was sharing your french fries with the big cat fish.
They seemed to have a sense when lunch starts. But....
The catfish are not the only ones diving for the french fries. It was an all out battle.
We were a group of 6 today. Each day fluctuates.
Left to right - Helen, Ken, Jim, Sue, Joe and Chris.
And the bathroom trip before departing found this black snake also sharing
the bathroom. The gecko was a photo bomber.
Kumquats along the way.
Time for the diagnosis. Ken stripped a gear and broke the cable as we tried to come out the
gravel parking lot with a bit of a slope. Joe has a magic bag,
that always has the replacement parts needed.
Ken and Joe rethreading the cable and then winding up the extra
with a zip tie from Jim to hold things til we get back to the car
so he can put the necessary clamp on the end. - Thanks Joe!!
Minneola Station for a photo op with Chris and Jim.
Photo op with Ken and Helen.
Photo op with all but Sue - she took the picture.
The gentleman second from the left is an old friend of Joes'. He asked where we
were from, I told him MIchigan. His response was, we must know Joe McCormick - I directed
him to the front of the line to find Joe. Joe has friends everywhere.
Final picture of the day - Not sure of the tree type, but sure was pretty.
March 9th subtotal: 220.43
March 10, 2019 Sunday ride 23 miles
Ken & Helen on the Withlacoochee
I just love these Live Oaks. So picturesque.
Just another wildflower. No I don't know the name, just enjoy capturing their beauty.
There is a ranch along the south (S of Inverness) portion of the Withlacoochee trail.
Look at those Brahma bulls. They did not take their eyes off us.
Love purple.
This tortoise has dug her hole to put her eggs safely.
There is a small cemetery. This big tree shelters a few of the graves.
March 10th subtotal: 243.43
March 11, 2019 - Monday
The Land Bridge Trail South of Ocala & Santos Trail
18.34 miles
The Land Bridge is just that. A bridge of land and it goes over I-75. The other leg of this is the Santos TRail. The trail head is next to Cactus Jacks trail rides for horseback riding.
The morning had a foggy start. The drive was okay. but our GPS is nuts. It had us turning off CR 475 onto 155th street - well, that ended up as a very narrow, sand, one land road that dead ended. So I pulled up google maps on my phone. We were suppose to take 145th street. But Mary, one of the others in our group had the same bad directions.
This is new from last year. There are also marked trail (unpaved ) mountain bike trails.
Some of the morning trail riders.
We kept our eyes out, no bears.
This is the bridge portion that goes over I-75
Our ride was cut a little short. The Land BRidge leg of the trail should have gone out 10 or 12 miles. It only went out maybe 5.5. We were halted by DNR who was doing a controlled burn today.
Did not try the water source - not potable, but I guess for washing bikes again?
Lots of tall pines on this trail. The fog took a while to burn off. Made for some pretty shots.
Not sure what kind of rock this is, but there were 4 such formations along the trail.
And it would not be a complete day without a snake siting. Not sure of what kind, maybe a ribbon snake. It really was in no hurry to move, was not bothered by our presence. It looked a little bumpy, wonder if it had just had breakfast.
March 11 subtotal: 261.77 miles
March 12th, 2019 is the Suncoast Trail and Starkey Park Nature Reservce
Planned on 40 miles, did 61.34
Parked at Anderson Snow Sports complex - Honor system for $4 parking fee.
This tree just outside the park has hundreds of small wind chimes in it. You cannot see the statue of Mary and the sign, but they are all in memory of someone no longer with us. It is beautiful to ride by and with the wind blowing the chimes all singing.
One of the chimes close up.
The forecast says 2% chance of rain. Temps were about 66 at this point.
About 14 miles from where we parked is the Starkey Wilderness park. In and back out will add another 14 or so miles. Oh and I forgot to mention. We planned to go South - no hills in that direction. Got to a series of hills. Ken took us north. I forgot to quiz him if we were going in the right direction. So that added another 10 miles.
Starkey park is full if lots of pine trees. It is a preserve.
Also has wet lands in spots.
Wild grasses
And some spots are really confused and have it all.
On the left you see a tree trunk that is burnt. They must have had a controlled burn in the last couple of years.
Along the trail are signs of the planets. I just took a picture of one.
On the way back - we had 17 miles of HEAD WINDS - yes HEAD WINDS.
Did I say I hate Head Winds? But some of the views almost made up for it.
We knew we were almost there (back to the car) as I could see the
baseball field lights where we parked.
March 12th subtotal is 323.11 miles
March 13, 2019 - West Orange Trail
39.17 miles
We chose the trailhead that was sort of in the middle of our riding. That way not as far to go if weather turns bad or a breakdown.
There is a golf course to the right. This fence catches the stray golf balls
to protect those using the trail. Further down I saw 3 dozen balls in the fencing.
Such a beautiful, sunny trail.
Mom, here you go. You complain I am never in a picture.
That is because I am the one taking them. Here is a selfie.
We rode into Apopka. Some say not to come in this direction.
That it is not safe. But we did it with no problems.
This is a walking bridge that crosses the main road.
Stopped in McDonalds for a cold drink.
This is the caboose in Winter Garden.
The bike trail runs down the boulevard in the middle of the street.
Flowers all the way.
This bridge takes us across a State highway. 589 I think.
So yes we do support these trails even as visitors.
Killarney station is the last station on this trail.
Has cold drinks, a bike shop and bike rentals.
Cute sculpture in Winter Garden.
Children's sculpture at Chapin Station.
March 13 Subtotal 362.28 miles todate!
March 14th is a day of transfer to Gainesville and a day without riding.
March 15 will be the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail.
40.37 miles today
Forgot the camera today, so pics were taken with my phone. Things are not in the proper order as I had trouble getting them from my phone to my computer. So dialogue is out of sequence. - haha
Above were some flowers that looked like iris in the swampy waters. Don't know what they are really called and the picture came out a little foggy.
Lunch was a challenge - Any of the restaurants were on the other side of a 4 lane highway. And it looked like a death trap to cross. So Sue, Ken and I spoke with a local. There was a traffic light outside of the "downtown' area and a strip mall there. This is where we ended up. Pizza was actually pretty good.
Another shot at the iris. Blurry Ugh.
And only saw about 8 of these the whole trail.
Don't know what they are but looked so very pretty.
At the largest of bridges, there were some pretty shots. This swampy area in the morning was filled with 8-10 people fishing. That would have been a good shot, but I don't think they would have been amenable to having their picture taken.
More of the swampy area.
Here come the hills with curves. They really mean stay to the right.
The whole trail alternated with sun and shade. We were greatful for the shade areas. High was 84 degrees, but felt hotter in the direct sun.
Right about here - near the end we saw an Armadillo. A real one. Boy did he run fast across the trail. Almost like a hopping run. Too fast for me to get there with my camera. Maybe another day.
Catching the sunshine through the tree.
Wisteria.
Subtotal as of March 15: 402.65 miles todate.
March 16, 2019
Fanning Springs to Cross City
28.76 miles
Not many pictures on Saturday 3/16.
Just Ken and I. Temps were about 68 degrees and overcast.
Bridge over the Suwanee River just outside Fanning Springs.
Picture of the Suwanee River and Me. Pretty fast looking current.
There were a few other flowers and I was going to get pictures on the way back.
But.... the clouds looked like it would rain and I did not want rain and 66 degrees.
Felt a few sprinkles but we made it.
The was the end at Cross City. This trail has three legs.
This was the Fanning Springs to Cross City leg..
Want to go to the Trenton leg as there is a Quilt shop there.
Lighting was not optimal, nor was my camera -
Pileated Woodpecker.
March 16, 2019 subtotal: 431.41
St Pattys' Day March 17th is a no riding day.
Temps are 57 at most and rain.
Catching up on email etc. and Then a movie.
Tried to go out for breakfast after mass.
That was a bust. Went to three different restaurants and they were
all full to the brim. Went to Publix and bought things to make brunch at the house.
March 18, 2019
Nature Coast Trail: Trenton to Chiefland and back
36.5 miles
Ken and I laughing our way down the trail. We were having a discussion about
the collision we had last year. I said we "ran into each other"
He wanted clarification to that... haha Who ran into whom?
The choices we made. Started in Trenton to Fanning Springs ,
then on to Chiefland and back again.
Some old railroad signs are better kept than others.
This one gave the engineer information on what signals to blow.
Narrow bands are short calls and wider ones are longer bells.
Florida ferns and popping up.
The path along the way.
Looks like it may have been an old church.
The Nature Coast Trail at the end in Chiefland.
Recycle, reuse- an old horse trailer for a recylce center.
Not sure if these are Phlox or Dianthus.
They sure are plentiful on the trail.
One more railroad marker.
And look what we have here!! A quilt shop !!
It is at the Trenton end of the trail, just 25 yards from the trail parking.
And of course I went. Before we rode
And after we rode. Ken now knows how fast I can go.
We went 15-16 mph the last 10 miles to get there before
they closed at 4pm.
This shop is closing March 30th, so all material was 50% off.
They also have a small cafe in the front.
And this is all of the material I bought. Some are Batik.
Varying amounts of each color.
Have some projects in mind
Others are just because I liked them.
March 18 Subtotal: 467.91
March 19, 2019
Cooler weather and threat of rain so we went out to lunch and then to Paynes' Prairie Preserve. Have been there the last two years. In 2017 you could walk way out on the prairie.
But after Hurricane Irma, it flooded the Prairie.
You now can only walk out to the end of the boardwalk.
Beautiful tree on the entrance path. Very overcast today.
Just a couple of the signs as you enter the preserve.
Just before you enter, this is an old railway bridge.
An Egret fishing. There is a lot more vegetation this year than I remember.
You could hear the fish flapping around and the birds were fishing for lunch.
A batch of baby alligators, They were probably a foot long.
An Anhinga sunning himself and drying his wings.
Not sure what this bird is, but they sure were making lots of noise today.
Ken is within 2 feet of this guy. Not sure who was there first.
I had about 5 people behind me. I would not let them pass until I got as close as I could.
And everyone got the pictures they wanted.
Here I am about 2 feet from him.
Way out there you can see an Anhinga drying their wings.
This blue-grey bird I also do not know it's name.
He too is fishing for lunch.
Incoming.
And you can see the boardwalk .
An Anhinga - this is what was coming in. when their neck is extended
they look like a snake.
The other alligator babies.
Momma watching close by.
(That is what everyone was assuming)
Look for the video below - action of this bird trying to get the fish turned head first so he can eat it.
This Heron was on standby incase the Anhinga dropped the fish before he got it turned around to eat.
Just click on the video to watch him .
No one would leave until this action was finished. The final swallow is above a couple of pictures.
So it was an eventful day.
March 21, 2019
Palatka to Lake Butler (sort of)
40.77 miles
We parked at the Twin Lakes Park which we believe is about 5-6 miles into the trail from Lake Butler. We proceeded towards Palatka.
Last we rode this, it was 14 miles towards Palatka and a sudden end.
Several wetlands along the way.
Through our trip we saw a deer, two turkeys, one tortoise, a few lizards and several different birds and butterflies. Many of which were too fast to photograph.
One part of the trail was flooded. We had spoken to someone named James who had come through it, so we were pretty sure it was not too deep. Click on the arrow to watch Ken's passing through.
It was a combination of shaded and open trail.
This is at the end. It does not make it to the town of Palatka,
but it makes it 6 miles further than last year.
Look closely in front and behind my trike, you will see the railroad ties not yet disturbed.
I think it is about another 4-6 miles to get to Palatka.
New fencing along the new portion of the trail.
Tried to get a thistle that was feeding a butterfly or bee.
Saw some on the fly, but did not capture it.
Florahome is the only other stop with a bathroom on this trail.
They posted that the trail was closed. Oooppss.
Watch me go anyway. Ken's video was outgoing.
I am on the return run.
More wetlands along the way.
Catching a few of the flowers.
A friend who used to live here said we should go see the Univ. of Florida Bat houses.
We looked it up and they come out 15-20 minutes after sunset.
But the temperature needs to be 65 degrees or greater
They estimate there are 450,000 bats housed in these three houses.
They came out in droves from under the houses then they swing up and out.
Some to the left, some to the right.
There is a lake across the road behind us. They go there to feed.
See the video and turn on the volume for our narration.
The bats look like dark clouds as they move through.
We watched them sway.
We stayed under a tree because they warn you about
bat urine and guano that could hit you. Eeekkss.
Turn on the volume for the video. It was worth the stop.
We got the last parking spot. Sunset was for 7:41
and we got there at 7:25. Bunches of people.
Come to find out a 7th grade science class was there.
March 21 subtotal: 508.68 miles.
March 22, 2019
Gainesville - to Hawthorne
30.77 miles
Our last ride in Florida today.
Decided to ride the Gainesville to Hawthorne trail. Started at the Bouleware trailhead.
At this trailhead there is a pavillion that can be reserved for parties.
The usual Spanish moss hanging from the trees.
Not sure what the purpose it serves.
This is an old pump house.
It has a bathroom in is. The pump house functions are
no longer functional.
On to the Trail.
This is considered a Florida State Park, as are most of the trails.
Trying to catch pictures of bugs and butterflies today.
They just don't sit still long enough to photograph them.
Here is a green dragon fly.
And one butterfly. Have seen some pretty remarkable
butterflies, but they flutter too much to capture them.
A few flowers that I had not seen before.
Water Iris.
The bloomed thistles seem to attract the butterflies quite a bit.
The road along the trail.
Ken zooming along.
This sign informed us that they were doing a prescribed burning.
A few shots of the results of the prescribed burn.
The afternoon sun. I think it got up to 73 degrees today.
It was 45 at 7:30 this morning and 65 when we started to trike
at 12 N.
March 23, 2019 we travel to Jupiter to see Ken's sister Karen and her husband for a few days.
There is a plan for a canoe trip on Monday with a naturalist. That should be interesting.
March 24, 2019
Jupiter Florida with Karen and Steve
Nature Conservancy and the Lighthouse tour and climb
We had a guided tour of the Blowing Rocks Preserve and beach. There are 7 different trails among this property. It was donated by Jupiter residents in 1969 because they thought it should be preserved. A total of 73 acres. Coastal waters are a place for sea turtles and manatees. These pelicans would not come any closer for a better shot. The waves were pretty brisk and the lifeguard warning was medium. We walked some of the beach watching for the tide coming it and darting away from splashes.
Karen and Steve off into the sunset.
A better look at the rolling waves.
Leaves on a ficus tree.
A much larger sample of a couple of Ficus trees.
This patio can be reserved for weddings.
Along a different beach seeing the different tree types. This is a Mangrove three. There are three types. The Red, White and Black. I don't remember which this is. But these spider like roots are the characteristic feature of this one.
And yes dodging lizards.
They are everywhere, but this one decided to pose for me.
Close up of a spider. Don't know what kind.
You can see my hand holding this leaf.
A very big Ficus leaf.
This lighthouse was built in the mid to late 1800's.
There are 105 steps to climb to the top and an open air observation area.
Karen, Steve and I made it to the top. Ken's back/knee gave out after the first 50 steps.
He waited for our group to pass and he slowly made it back down.
Below is a picture of the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse.
View from the lighthouse of the rivers converging.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. On the Loxahatchee River.
Panoramic view from the top of the lighthouse.
This is a shot of the wheelhouse in the lighthouse.
Prickly Pear Cactus along the nature path
And one in full bloom.
Gorgeous Ficus tree. This patio is used for weddings.
Kenny, Steve and I on the beach.
Karen and I on the top of the lighthouse overlooking the Loxahatchee River.
The four of us Karen, Kenny, Helen and Steve on the beach at the Blowing Rocks Preserve.
Steve showing off his sticker of having climbed the lighthouse
One more floridian tree. Gumbo Limbo.
Also called the Visitor Tree -
It turns red and peels like visitors to Florida
Monday March 25, 2019
Will be a canoe trip with a naturalist on the Loxahatchee River Park.
The start of our 2 hour tour. Beautiful river, great company
and great weather.
A Bromeliad plant. We saw several hanging on the trees.
I want one.
This is a baby Cypress tree. I wanted to get close enough to see
what the needles felt like.
The start of our 2 hour tour. Beautiful river, great company
and great weather.
Paddling down the Loxahatchee river.
Steve and Karen on the left and Bob - the guide on the right.
These are called Cypress Knees. From these a Cypress tree will sprout.
It is part of their ever woven root system.
An Osprey nest.
We saw it fly from one tree to another.
It was a huge set of wings.
Some areas were a little more dense than others.
Ken, relearning how to steer in the rear.
Remembering his "J" paddle.
Whatever that is. I was just using what I know
from my kayaking.
A Bromeliad plant. We saw several hanging on the trees.
I want one.
And yes the water lilies are blooming.
This is a baby Cypress tree. I wanted to get close enough to see
what the needles felt like.
Same Bromeliad, different angle.
Hey there is Karen and Steve.
leaves in the river. The rounded leaves are duck weed.
The maple like reddish leaves are maple weeds.
Kenny taking a rest.
Reflection of the clouds in the sky
and the water plants under the water.
Tried to catch a dragonfly for you Lucas.
This was the closest I could get and then had to
zoom on the photo later.
A rather dainty water plant.
Photo of three turtles on the fly.
And lunch after paddling - The Dune Dog.
A couple of inside shots of the Dune Dog.
There were two spots were a rather large
tree trunk was part of the supporting structures.
And Kenny enjoying his foot long Nathans Hot dog.
Next stop the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
They house several turtles for rehab and repairs.
There were several sent by "Turtles Fly too" from Cape Cod.
Next to the Marine center is a nature trail.
Here is Karen at a Ficus Tree.
Not sure what this is, I think it is a Ficus tree that
has a bloom with the leaves.
Tried to catch the red in these leaves.
The sun bleaches the colors.
We then walked to the Pier. The guy in blue.
See the pull on his pole? He fought and hard
for 20 -25 minutes. Some of the fisherman caught sight.
He had a Nurse Shark on line.
Somehow he got it unhooked and let go.
You can catch them from shore, but not from the pier.
Was trying to see how close I could get to this Pelican.
He began to side step as I tried to get closer.
Caused us to start laughing.
Tuesday March 26 is a travel day to Atlanta.
We had planned to ride the Silver Comet in Atlanta, but it is going to be too cool.
So stay the night in Atlanta and then off to Louisville.
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