Charlotte County Days

A leisurely cruise on the Peace River is a lovely way to pass a sunny Florida day.  I am always interested in seeing the flora and fauna of any region I visit and I have not been on the Peace River in a boat in a long time.  Captain Jeff was our tour guide, his gentle voice provided a narrative that included history lessons and local biology.

We did not see a wide variety of bird species nor did we spot any manatees but we saw plenty of wood storks preparing for the mating season and a big, fat gator sunning himself on the shoreline.  Several kayaks passed us gliding smoothly through the water close enough to see the paddles dripping as the occupants stroked.

                                                                     

Photographing birds is often a challenge and even though I shot lots of frames I did not get the ideal picture.  I managed to get one stork in flight but it was a tad blurry, one of these days I am going to get that killer photo I dream about.

Their black and white wings make these behemoths easy to spot in the air or on the tops of the mangroves where they are busy building nests and making love.      






We were driving by this house and I could not resist taking a photo.  Obviously I was not taking a picture of a beautiful landscaping job but rather a peculiar use of tile bits and countertop pieces not to mention the striking checkered driveway, what a trip.

A local Charlotte County artist turned us on to The Pottery Shop and Bamboo Farm off Burnt Store Road so I went there with my girlfriends and we checked it out, pretty cool.  If I were in need of pottery or wanted to make a free standing fountain I would definitely shop here.

They have a decent selection and prices are reasonable.  The pieces that are kept under roof are from Mexico and are not made to withstand outdoor conditions.  The Asian pots are better quality and will take the weather including the snow and ice we have in Indiana.

      They also sell hand made glass lamps that are lovely.   

Several types of bamboo are also for sale the neat rows wave and rock in their nursery buckets ready to screen property lines or knock and clack in your yard.  I have some black bamboo in my yard at home while I sometimes struggle to keep it in check I am unable to resist it, a sweet reminder of the islands.

                                 

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?  

Nokomis Beach FL Drum Circle

What a fun way to spend a Saturday,  sunset on Nokomis Beach.  This gathering of local drummers is likely to be doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs, an elcletic mix of people out to have good time and watch the sun go down. Dancers fill the circle swaying and grooving to the beats, while hula hoop hipsters spin and swish.  If you are so inclined you can bring your own drum and pound along or you can sit back with a nice bottle of vino and a key lime pie, whatever you do your smile meter is bound to be redlining. 

I Fly Seattle, Indoor Skydiving

Leo and Marcy gave me a great adventure present for Christmas, indoor skydiving, it was a huge rush.  Leo shot this video in slow motion it was when the instructor took me to the top of the dome and spun me about, wow.  Heart was racing, mouth was dry and my grin from ear to ear.  Don't know if I am ready for the real thing yet but this was sure groovy.

Chihuly Glass Gardens, Seattle, WA

This exhibit is relatively new and it is absolutely stellar, blew me away.  The glass is magnificent and the lighting is exactly right, definitely something any visitor to Seattle should see located right next to the Space Needle.  We went there after a wonderful  (but insanely expensive) lunch at the Space Needle (thanks Leo and Marcy), what the heck you only live once. 

West Coast Road Trip

Voodoo Donuts Portland, OR

Half Dome at Yosemite

Blogging from Yosemite National Park what a spot, the giant Sequoias, Half Dome, El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls it's all here with take your breath away beauty, absolutely stunning.  Winter time in the park usually means tire chains, snow skiing, cross country skiing and ice skating but not this time there is limited snow and temperatures are mild.  While the park is especially gorgeous in winter with heavy snow it is great to enjoy without the freezing cold and wet.

The Redwoods are Amazing

We have driven from Seattle through Oregon and California stopping to enjoy Portland, The Redwood National Forest, Crescent City, CA and dinner with family in East Palo Alto.  We are packed tightly in a Subaru Forester four adults, Bruce, myself, nephew Lee, his wife Marcy and our great nephew Winston who is eighteen months.  Not horrible but barely enough room, we are taking turns riding in the backseat with Winston once you settle in the back there is no room to turn or adjust, we try to stop every two or three hours.

Winston is really good, very little fussing just a few brief tears when he first gets strapped into the car seat, we all know how he feels.  Being around a baby again is actually a delight, listening to him and watching him discover the world is great fun.

Yosemite National Park

Crater Lake, OR

It is hard to pick a favorite spot so far as we have seen lots of magnificent sights.  Fern Canyon in Redwood National was great very surreal and primal. Elk meadow lived up to its name, talk about a rack those beast had some serious antlers.   Crescent City had a stellar beach and of course those Pacific sunsets are awesome. 

Crescent City, CA

Leaving Yosemite we made it to Redding, CA where we spent the night before heading out to Crater Lake, OR.  We arrived at the lake rather late but enjoyed a stunning sunset and giggled as Winston attempted to navigate the crunchy snow.

Crater Lake, OR

Elk Meadow Redwood National Forest