Saturday, March 1, 2025

Day 7: Orlando Wetlands (not in Orlando)

 Day 7: Friday, February 28 - Economic Boycott Day - Orlando Wetlands

We tried not to spend any money today but we needed gas and lunch.  We bought our lunch from Popeye's Fried Chicken which has many black-owned franchises, managers and customers.

Kevin had recommended that we visit Orlando Wetlands outside of Titusville.  It provides natural water treatment for the city of Orlando with an extensive wetland and pond system.  It is home to a great variety of waterfowl and wildlife.  Instead of driving the levees as we did at Merritt Island, visitors walk or take an electric tram.  The trams were busy! We chose to walk the 3-mile birding loop.

Walking along the levee, we encountered alligators up close. Visitors were warned to stay at least 25 feet away and we tried to do that! We saw an abundance of wading and swimming birds, little songbirds flitting in the trees, various blackbirds, vultures and osprey of course. As we neared the end of the first loop, we had to decide which fork to take to return to the parked RV. The longer path included a boardwalk which I had heard was not to be missed. Of course I didn't want to miss out, so I took the boardwalk path.  Bill had seen enough and took the more direct path back. 

Just before that same junction, we came upon the pair of Sandhill Crane and their two chicks. They literally walked along with us for about 100 feet - very up close and personal. That encounter was worth the whole trip to me.



My path also took me took close to a couple of very large alligators snoozing in the warm sun. They definitely were not interested in me, but I gave them as wide a berth as possible. To get to the boardwalk ahead, I had to pass by this big fellow.


From the boardwalk, I looked across to a cypress island where hundred of large wading birds have made their rookery - Wood storks, American Egrets, Snowy Egrets and especially Roseatte Spoonbills. On the nests were young birds, fledged and just beginning to test their legs and wings. Just a few feet away from the boardwalk, a juvenile Spoonbill treated me to a show as he/she was learning the Spoonbill feeding technique.  This along with the Sandhill chicks, made this day memorable. 

More photos of the day are on my blog at:

20 bird species identified today and 23 alligator sightings:
White Ibis    American Egret    Limpkin    Anhinga    Coot        Snowy Egret    Blue Heron    Boat-tailed Grackle    Bronze Grackle    Common Grackle    Blue-winged Teal    Red-winged Blackbird    Blackbird    Osprey    Sandhill Crane    Wood Stork    Roseatte Spoonbills    Black Vultures.

The 3.5 mile walk took me about 3 hours.  I was really tired by the end but it was worth it!

After lunch at Popeye's we were back to our "campsite" at Kevins to do laundry, shower and prepare for the next day's travel.  We had plenty of left-overs from two nights eating out to make our supper. 

Day 6: Titusville - Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge


Day 6: Thursday, February 27

We slept comfortably in the RV after much needed showers last night. The new mattress for Bill's side seems to be working well for him. The new black-out curtains for the front are also a success.  They install inside the front windows, so we don't have to install the heavy exterior cover and deal with it wet in the morning.

We left for Merritt Island NWR around 10:30 and found the Visitor Center closed.  It appears that the remodel which started last year is a complete rebuild.  I wonder if it will ever be completed given the actions of the current regime.

We saw the expected Ospreys and American Egrets on the drive out; a Bald Eagle flew overhead as well as a large flock of Black Vultures.  When we turned toward Haulover Canal, I spotted a very large flock (50-100 birds) of white pelicans flying circles over Mosquito lagoon.  

At Haulover Canal we saw at least 3 manatees up close and at least a couple more across the canal.  I say at least because I can never be sure if I've seen the same one more than once. We also viewed a very large yacht going through the draw bridge one anhinga actively fishing.  Temperatures will be in the high 70's today and sunny; conditions are great!

From Haulover Canal we drove to Bio Lab Road.  We can usually count on at least a few alligators on this drive.  We saw quite a few birds and just 3 gators. I identified 12 species of waterfowl but no white pelicans:

Cormorants    Tricolor Heron    Purple Gallinule    Glossy Ibis    Little Blue Heron    Coot    Wood Stork    American Egret   
Snowy Egret    Glossy Ibis    White Ibis    Roseatte Spoonbill    Anhinga.

After leaving Bio Lab Rd, we found a shady spot for a leisurely picnic at the Hammocks Trailhead. (Hammocks are slightly raised islands in a swampy area.  We have walked this trail before, but not today.)

On the way to Black Point Wildlife Drive, I spotted a Belted Kingfisher perching on the utility wire.  They are so distinctive that they can be id'ed with a glance.

Black Point Drive yielded 14 different species (not counting many duck that I couldn't see well enough to id and small birds that I didn't even try):

Tricolor Heron    Little Blue Heron    American Egret    Glossy Ibis    White Ibis    Snowy Egret    Anhinga    Blue-winged Teal    Coot    Black Skimmer    Northern Shoveler    Lesser Yellowlegs and the ubiquitous Black Vulture and Osprey. 

No Spoonbills on this drive, which is unusual.  All the other species we have seen here consistently. This is late in winter and many of the waterfowl have flown back to wherever home is. I think I counted 21 different species of waterfowl, vultures and birds of prey. We spent almost 5 hours at the Refuge.

Kevin joined us for dinner at el Leoncito, our favorite Titusville restaurant featuring Cuban and Mexican food. I had fried whole red snapper, served with tostones, black beans and rice. A real Caribbean treat,  it was delicious even if overcooked a bit.



Link to today's photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/sZ5GVUBupXq4Ykhh8




  

Friday, February 28, 2025

Home to Cedar Key to Titusville, Feb 24 - 26

Day 1, Feb 22

After two postponements due to cold rainy weather all the way down to Florida, we finally  set off on a cold Staurday morning. I had mapped a route on state highways that swung wide east of the Atlanta traffic. My original route had us leaving I-75 at Cleveland, TN, and driving to Madison, GA by way of Gainesville, GA. After a few adjustments along the way, we ended up for the night at a Hampton Inn in Covington, GA.  There was a Chili's restaurant next door, so we ordered take-out for supper - a big Chili's burger and Triple Dip to share. The chips and dips lasts for several days.  It took us 7 hours to make 250 miles! But the scenery through the foothills of the south end of the Appalachian Mountains was lovely and there was NO TRAFFIC. The roads were pretty good, even when we ended up on county roads, and we didn't pass through many towns.

Day 2, Feb 23

Our cross-country route was a little more straightforward today. Our first goal was Macon, GA, to visit the Allman Brothers "Big House" Museum.  We got there just after noon and spent almost an hour looking around and remembering some good times associated with the music.  By the time we finished at 1:30, we were more than ready for lunch, but there were not picnic facilities on the grounds.  We made do, as usual, having our picnic in the RV.  The rest of the day, we were on I-75 with Bill battling the big rigs. We were glad to stop at Valdosta for the night in a nice Comfort Inn and get supper from the Olive Garden next door. We shared an order of Shrimp Carbonara which came with a generous salad and breadsticks, plenty for both of us.  We made 200 miles today.

Day 3, Feb 24 - Cedar Key

Link to photo Album: (pictures start in Cedar Key, Day 3)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zGL2KJp2m63A4NYVA

After another hearty hotel breakfast, were were on the road at 9:45. We took I-75 to Lake City, Fl and left the interstate one exit south of I-10, on our way cross-country to Cedar Key (the only way to get there!) by way of Manatee Springs.  When we got to Chiefland, the weather was still rainy and breezy. We decided to skip the turn-off to the park and come back tomorrow. Because the forecast didn't promise any improvement overnight, we decided to try the Island Hotel in the town of Cedar Key. We stopped in Shell Mound Campground just to check it out and learned that their electricity has not been restored to the campsites.  It was knocked out by Helene last September.  

Cedar Key took a direct hit from Cat 4 Hurricane Helene, the same one that caused so much destruction in Western North Carolina and Upper East Tennessee last fall. Cedar Key sustained significant damage from winds and a 12 ft tidal surge.  The Island Hotel has survived many storms. The worst before Helene was in 1896 and it almost wiped out the town. It got some wind damage but the tidal surge did not reach it. 

The town is very small, just a marina, a few restaurants, one small local grocery store and a couple of gas stations.  It has a small school because it is so remote. Clam farming and fishing are the only industries besides tourism. The grocery store was destroyed and now people have to drive 30 miles or more to Chiefland or Gainesville for supplies. The post office is being operated out of a panel truck.  The two large restaurants on the water on Dock Street were destroyed. Steamers, our favorite, is serving from a small cafe across the street from the hotel.

We checked in to the Island Hotel (est 1859) and were given the same room that we had in 2020 - good memories. My steamed clams from Steamers did not disappoint and Bill's oysters were fried to perfection. No TV, no internet, so early to be with a book suited us fine. We forgot to record the mileage, but we travelled about 180 miles.


Day 4, to Manatee Springs, Feb 25

We were in no particular hurry to get up and going this morning.  Unfortunately the hotel was not serving breakfast today.  I remember that it was quite good and fancy service.  We went across the street to the same location. For breakfast and lunch they are the 2nd Street Cafe. They made a very good traditional breakfast. Our plan for the day was to go back to Shell Mound and hike the trail, then go to Manatee Springs for lunch, walk the boardwalk and hope for a Manatee sighting. We also hoped to find a campsite with electricity.  Everything worked according to plan except the park did not have any available campsites. However, 3 active manatees gave us quite a show, swimming, rolling, diving and going right under the dock where we were standing to watch. We also spotted an alligator, multiple turtle, 2 snakes and a busy anhinga (water turkey).


After a stop at the Winn-Dixie in Chiefland for supplies, we drove back to Shell Mound Campground (about 30 miles) and set up camp.

The evening was balmy as I made supper on the camp stove. I sauteed some chopped onion & celery and fried two port chops in the cast iron skillett.  Cooked some peas and carrots on the side. When everthing was almost done, I took out the port chops and dumped a bag of ready-rice into the skillet to heat.  Then put the pork chops back on top and covered it off the heat.  It all turned out great! Bugs drove us inside soon after dark since we didn't have a smokey fire to keep them away. 

Also staying at the campground was a group of veterans and disabled vets for a fishing trip.  The water in the bay is very shallow and at low tide the boat launch is a mud flat. Only airboats can be used and those guys must have had a dozen.  I would have been hopping mad about all the noise they were making if I didn't know it was for disabled vets. I hope they were having lots of fun. It sounded like they were!

Early to bed is no problem when I have a good book, Currently reading Mozart's Starling by Lyanda Lynn Haupt. It is a biography/autobiography with lots of ornithological information about starlings -a very good read.

We travelled about 60 miles today.

Day 5, Wednesday, Feb 26 - to Titusville

Day 5 and it seems like we have been on the road for much longer. We did a full camp breakfast, scrambled eggs, sausage and skillet-toasted banana bread. We cooked outside but went into the RV to eat because of the gnats. 

We took our time cleaning and packing up.  It was 11:30 by the time we left on our way to Titusville. We chose to go east by way of County Road 136 skirting just north of Ocala through horse country. We passed farm after farm of thoroughbreds, complete with training tracks, stables and all the accessories.  A lot of wealth is devoted to these race horses from around the world.  

East of Ocala, we stopped for a picnic at a little park on the Silver River that is used mainly for kayak and canoe groups. We enjoyed watching the boaters of all shapes, sizes and ages as they made their way to the take-out. It was quiet and peaceful, despite the many perople coming and going.

We continued east to I-95 near Daytona Beach and turned south to Titusville, about another hour's drive.  We get to Kevin's about 5:30.  It was 205 miles to our exit.   

We had seen that a rocket launch was scheduled for the 26th, and it turned out to be at 7:15 pm. After checking in with Kevin, we went to the Asian House Cafe nearby for supper and then out to find a viewing spot along the highway that borders the bay.  The launch sites on Cape Canaveral are just across the bay. Lots of others had the same idea.  We found a spot and I "launched" my NASA app to find out that it was T-35 minutes. This was the first night launch we've seen and I didn't try to get a video.  We heard the explosion of rocket fuel and saw a great ball of fire lift into the night sky. We watched until the first stage burned out, then there was nothing left to see. The Falcon 9 rocket was carrying a payload to the moon! consisting of a variety of sampling and testing equipment, experimenting with some new technologies.

When we got back, we had showers (YEA!) and some time to visit with Kevin before tucking in to our RV for the night.  A good day!


Friday, February 14, 2025

53 Valentines Later...

For Bill


Love in our 70’s

is not the same as 

Love in the 70’s.


Love in the the 70’s

was new, uncertain, fraught

with all kinds of emotions.

Passionate.

Our bodies did not ache or tire

Our youthful spirits were on fire

For each other.


Love in our 70’s

is more sweet,

kind and gentle,

Patient.

So many of life’s grand

issues are settled.


Yet the passion and fire 

Remain

and will be with me

until the end.


So cue up Sonny and Cher:


I got you babe

I got you to hold my hand

I got you to understand

I got you to walk with me

I got you to talk with me

I got you to kiss goodnight

I got you to hold me tight

I got you, I won't let go

I got you to love me so

I got you babe



I will love you til the end,

Yours now and forever,

Jane Clark 

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

NY 9

Wednesday, November 13, New Year 9 

 I have continued to avoid the news, but can't help seeing the headlines about Trump's cabinet and other admin picks. For those of us who have taken seriously the Project 2025 playbook, Trumps picks confirm his intention to follow through.  He has proposed a new department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Thomas Homan, who is a hard-liner on deportation will be the "Border Czar." John Thune has been elecvted as the Senate Majority leader, replacing Mitch McConnell. Trump's nominee for Sec of Defense is a veteran with no execitive experience and who has spent the last 4 years as a Fox News Host.  In fact, Trump seems to be vetting his picks using Fox News appearances.

Monday, November 11, 2024

NY 7

 New Year, Day 7        November 11, Veterans Day

Trump is naming his cabinet and the Dow is up again, closing today at 44,293. The S&P is over 5,000 and the NASDAQ went over $19,300. Our RJ account balance ended the day at $1,024,899.98.  I'm sure that Trumps rich cronies want to keep the markets soaring for their own gain, so Bill and I may do well, even if others suffer.

Trump's picks so far: Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff; Suzie Wiles, campaign co-chair, chelf of staff; Elise Stephanik, UN.

Sunday, November 10, 2024

Beach Life, Nov 3-9

Sunday, Nov 3

Our beach sabbatical began yesterday.  We packed the X-Terra on Saturday and were on the road before 9 am.  We drove to Evergreen for an overnight at our usual Sleep Inn.  Sunday morning we were in no rush.  We stopped at Joe Patti's in Pensacola to stock up on some seafood, at the Perdido Seafood Shop for some Gambino french bread and at Winn-Dixie where we bought a rack of ribs. We had a lunch at Fisherman's Corner, also in Perdido.  I had fried gumbo salad and Bill had fried shrimp.  

Friend Gumbo Salad

Fortunately we were able to check in early at Phoenix East II, 2061.  After unloading, we went to the Walmart to stock up on supplies. The 3 BR unit is very nice.  The weather is very blustery, so I didn't venture out to the beach. Supper was ribs and salad.


First of many sunsets in this beautiful place

Monday, Nov 4,  Wedding Anniversary #52

The wind blew strongly all day.  Nevertheless, I ventured out for a morning walk.  The clouds came and went during the 30 minutes, making for a variable experience.   The surf has carved a steep cliff of sand, making access to the water line difficult.  Later, Bill joined me in a short version of our Yoga practice. 





We had a perfect anniversary dinner at Lousiana Lagniappe, a favorite restaurant across the highway on the bay.  We had a table overlooking the small San Roc Marina. Bill ordered fried shrimp and I had grouper , blackened and topped with lobster and crabmeat.  And of course, we had our traditional bottle of Friexenet Brut to commemorate the day.

Tues Nov 5, Election Day: New Year, Day 1

The election this year is momentus and I spent some time reflecting of what it might mean. For my Election Day reflections, go to: https://flowersandfeathers.blogspot.com/2024/11/election-day-tuesday-nov-5-new-year-day.html

We stayed in most of the day, enjoying a quiet morning, reading and watching some TV news talk.  Later we did a yoga routine. The high winds kept us mostly indoors, but we did make a short foray to the grocery store.  Supper was an amalgum of left-overs from Sunday and Monday. I didn't take any pictures today.

Wednesday Nov 6 (NY2)

For my post-elections reflections, go to :

Today's weather was dreary and drizzly, fitting with the mood of the day. Like so many hopeful and optimistic progressives, I am in shock that Trump not only won the election, but did so decisively.  We are now in the Trump/MAGA era, Day 2 of a New Year. (NY2). I started a jigzaw puzzle today.  I don't know if it is mindless activity or a meditative activity. I managed just one photo from the balcony.  Cooking is entertainment for me. so I made a delicious supper of red snapper fillet baked and basted in lemon-butter and topped with 3 crab cakes.  The fillet was large enough that have one piece left over. We had asparagus as our side (and plenty of wine!) I didn't remember to take a picture. 


Thursday, Nov 7 (NY3)

We were greeted by another damp and dreary morning. And the internet in our unit is not working.  So the morning went: breakfast, shower, calling about the internet and spending time with tech support, working on the jigsaw puzzle (I'm starting to see progress), no morning walk, tech support comes and replaces the router, Yoga, with Bill doing level 2 with me today, lunch.  After lunch, we went to Walmart for supplies (and something to do.)

It may take me the whole month to finish this one.

The weather improved as the afternoon progressed, so we went for a sunset walk.  The pictures tell the story.  

From the boardwalk

At the jetty

A pair of pelicans going to roost

Majesty

I made seafood alfredo using the left-over snapper and crabcake. I added some sauted shrimp and served over pasta with a green salad on the side.  Yummy left-overs!

Left-over snapper topped with crabcake in lemon-butter

Seafood Alfredo

Friday, Nov 8 

Surf's up again today.   Bill was encouraged yesterday. He got some shrimp for surf-fishing but it conditions were not conducive.  He has his rods ready though if it ever clears up.  Hurrican Raphael churning far out into the gulf will not directly impact us, but is indirectly causing the high surf.  Despite the wind, I ventured out for a walk on the beach. I am trying to avoid watching the news.  The Senate has flipped to a slight Republican majority but the House is still undecided.

About 4 foot surf


For the actual sunset, we have to lean out of the balcony and peek around the building next door.

Saturday, Nov 9 (NY5)

The world is not getting any better.  I am enjoying my priviledge.  I have been saying I would walk on the beach, then get in the hot tub and then swim.  Today I actually did it!. Bill and I had a good long walk this morning. We sat for a while and watched the surfers.  We may not like the high surf, but lots of fellows do.  Rip currents are strong, so no one else is in the water, but lots of people on the beach.  Lots of people is relative here because it is not crowded at all, as the pictures show.  

One of many


Into the wind

I decided to make gumbo today so I needed a few more ingredients.  We made our almost daily trip to the grocery.  I made some progress on the jigsaw before starting the gumbo process - first peeling the shrimp to make shrimp stock.  Once the stock was done, I made the roux.  Next is cooking down the Trinity in the roux, finally, adding the stock to the roux.  Let that simmer a good long time.  Add shrimp and crabmeat at the end.  Rice, bread and a salad completed the meal.  It was a feast for the ball-game.  Tennessee played Miss State - great game and great win for Tennessee.