Life in the Slow Lane

Between our trip out west and the time I have spent in Florida this year I have managed once again to miss most of old man winter and I could not be happier about that.  Records are being broken all over the Midwest this year for cold temperatures and heavy snowfall I am not looking forward to going home next week but I do miss my dogs and cats.

Last weekend I visited Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte both sweet spots on either side of the Peace River.  Fisherman's Village is a well known location on the south side of the river, mostly high end shopping and a couple of restaurants, I go for the people watching and photo ops.  I have recently come to realize what an art window dressing is and how I miss seeing these displays in my limited cultural zone known as Steuben county, Walmart has no windows.  I recall as a kid being fascinated by the clever displays in downtown Fort Wayne, IN of course the window was a huge part of getting you to come inside and spend your money.  Anyway this mermaid sure caught my attention.

My pal Betty and I went for a guided hike on a nature trail in Port Charlotte it was a great way to start a Saturday morning. Our Jersey native guide Joe did an excellent job of educating us on SWFL flora and fauna, guess I would not expect less from a former school teacher with a masters degree in biology.  We spied egrets, turtles, talapia, a gator and even a yellow rat snake hanging in a cabbage palm over the trail.

Since it is winter the water table in FL is low and of course the vegetation is not nearly as green and heavy as summer, the look rather lends itself well to black and white photography I think.

We ate lunch at a place called Portofino which I would recommend for the view and vino but not the meal.  The reason we choose that restaurant is because we could easily see the regatta sailing boats in Port Charlotte Harbor, looked like they had three or four classes and were making the best out of a mildly windy day.  Of course watching the race brought back fine memories of sailing in the Virgin Islands in the 80's with Captain Jim and mate Cass, what a time that was.

We ended the day on Punta Gorda's only rooftop bar where the wind finally started blowing and we got chased off the roof before even hearing the band, but it is great view and a swell way to wind down.

Peace River Wildlife Center

 

Stopping at the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda, FL was a worthwhile endeavor, the wounded and healed birds and turtles are the focus but the staff are the stars.  We were barely out of the car when a guide noticed us staring up at the huge nest that had a fledgling great blue heron perched on top.  I use the word fledgling with a smile as this bird was over two feet tall and had yet to leave the nest.  The guide told us the bird was the lone survivor his siblings having been killed when they fell out of the nest while still unable to fly, with that kind of example we could understand why this guy wanted to be sure of his wings before lifting off.

Each critter at the center was rescued from either nature or people, most will never return to their wild habitats as their injuries are to severe.  Flat Sammy the turtle whose shell never rounded because his owners did not feed him the correct diet for shell development, the beautiful little blue jay without a tail, Luna the white owl whose lack of pigment would make her a fast and easy meal for any predator, a  sandhill crane minus a leg, pelicans with broken wings, the tortoise whose front feet and one eye were chewed off by the family dog all beautiful creatures saved by donations. Being a avian fan helps make the experience more enjoyable but just being in the park enjoying Charlotte Harbor, the view and park make this a great stop for most tourists.  Make sure to contribute generously at the Peace River Wildlife Center.                                               

Luna

                                                            There was a white pelican that was putting on really big show, flapping and rolling in the small pond that houses the bigger shore birds.  The bird with one stubby half wing did not seem to notice his impairment.  Non captive visitors fly in especially at feeding times, seems they learn quickly what time chow comes.  

Actually he can float but rolling is his thing

This guy has a flat back but not from his brother riding on him

                                                            Perhaps you have seen one of my past blogs and know that I have a special place in my heart for Sandhill Cranes, these magnificent birds are frequent visitors to my Indiana home and I have chased down several over the years.  This guy posed eagerly for my lens, his color not a vibrant as back home but his manner was definitely calmer.
                                                      

Fluffy owl feathers for petting...

Bad Dog...thank you Peace River Wildlife Center

It is absolutely wonderful that this organization exists, there are so many good people out there taking care of animals, lots of great places to volunteer or fund.

Blue Jay...where's my tail?