blog 02-24-18 River Tour Dee and I had reservations for the morning boat tour so we had to be down at the river by 9:30. It was a beautiful day with temps in the mid 70s, sunny, with a slight breeze. We boarded the boat and were off on the river by 10:05 with a full compliment of passengers. We headed up river then turned right into the oxbow where we had been the day before in the canoe. In the morning there are a lot more birds because the boat traffic hasn't disturbed them. Again we saw lots of variety s of birds with an occasional alligator and turtle. The plants lining the shore are a floating mass of vegetation, a favorite of the manatee, also providing cover and a food source for smaller water ... read more

blog 02-22-18 We have Company ! Up early this morning, we had a trip to make to the airport. My sister Dedie is coming for a visit. It was wonderful to see her and before long we were back at the camper getting her settled and jabbering away. We ate an early lunch then went down to the spring to show Dee the beautiful water and see what options we had for other water activities. There were several people there again today enjoying the board walk along the spring run. We were going to go up to the spring but no dogs were allowed on that section so we decided to head back and do the spring itself another day without Watson. Back at the camper we both wanted a nap but we couldn't stop talking ... read more

blog 02-20-18 Exploring Blue Spring Watson and I took a long walk this morning around the campground, I wanted to tire him out so I could go to the spring without him. It was warm already promising to be in the mid 80s by afternoon. Air conditioner on, dog in the camper, I headed for the spring to see what was going on. As I drove down the road there was a school bus in front of me so I knew I was in trouble. This spring is one of nature's holy places and seeing it in the quiet is heavenly, spiritual. It was not meant to be today. I had to remind myself that it's important for the kids to learn about nature but a lot of them were talking with each other or on ... read more

Blog 02-18-18 Kayak Ride Watson and I toured the campground on foot today looking and finding access to the water still in search of birds. There was a trail not far from the camper that led us to the lagoon which eventually leads to the ocean. There were little crabs in the water just begging birds to come and eat them but no takers. The scenery was interesting as there was morning fog in the background making you feel that the world was small. Pictures. Watson loved the smells and would have gone on forever but other places beckoned. I've included pictures of the campground road and my campsite so you can see that it is in an old growth live oak forest. It's very pretty but made me feel closed in and there were so ... read more

Blog 02-16-18 Sunrise/Sunset It was the first morning in a week with clear skies, so sunrise was mandatory. I was up and out with camera in hand by 6:40 am and stationed myself on the observation deck. It was pretty dark outside but pink clouds in the east signaled the promise of the rising sun. The birds started to fly like on their way to favorite hunting grounds, the surf just rolled, and no sign of whales in the distance. It was a very peaceful morning. Then suddenly there in the distance, an orb of orange/red was just visible. Snap. Sunrise had begun. The light changed, the birds became more active, the reflection sparkled on the water and through this magic the day began. Oh why don't I get up for sunrise more often.... Finally it's ... read more