Florida Bound

March 1 to 12, 2013

After a wonderful month at Hilton Head Island we decided to head south to Florida with hopes of still warmer temps. Our first stop was the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia where we spent two days. We took in sights along the Gulf of Mexico coast on our way to Bradenton (next to Sarasota) Florida for three days.

We explored the outer islands, beautiful sandy beaches and visited with boating friends. After spending one night north of Orlando (no Disneyland this time) we proceeded further north-west to Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city. The Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park were a masterpice of floral architecture. On a recommendation, we then stayed at the Mountain Creek Inn at Callaway Gardens for two days in Pine Mountain, Georgia. What a gem it was! One more night on the road and we were home, greeted by a snow storm. The trip odometer for our time away read 7,050 km. WOW!

Friday, March 1, 2013

Great Blue Heron

In the late 1800's the W.T. Chesser family settled at the eastern edge of the
Okefenokee Swamp. A grandson built the present homestead in 1927.
Once the swamp became a National Wildlife Refuge in 1937, Tom. the grandson, 
worked for the Refuge for 17 years and was the last Chesser to leave the park.

One of many canals in the swamp that can be explored by 
tour boat or canoe.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

At the northern gate entrance to the park.

Yes, this is the river which the song "Way down upon the Suwannee River" originated.
It was written in 1891 by composer Stephen Foster.

Took a great "little" train ride on a narrated tour of the swamp.

Brand-new boardwalk, inches above the water.

View from the 90 foot tower.

Trees draped in Spanish Moss.

Boardwalk winding through the swamp.

This sign says it all.

Colourfull remains of a Cypress tree.

Oh no, not another tourist taking photos, thinks the otter.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Kitesurfers taking advantage of the high winds near the 
Sunshine Bridge which crosses Tampa Bay.

Monday, March 4, 2013

This osprey feels right at home on a sailboat mast in 
Ken Thompson Park.

Surf fishing is a popular beach pastime.

White sands of Coquina Beach.

Pier at Anna Maria Island.

Healthy snack at the pier's restaurant? 

One more pier to walk.

Sheephead fish, a popular catch and good eating too.

Pelican waiting for leftovers.

Great Blue Heron

"What big roots you have"

City of Bradenton's modern boardwalk along the 
Manatee River.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Quite the expensive parking lot.

Grace is dwarfed by the statue "Total Surrender", showing a sailor 
and a nurse embracing after hearing the announcement 
of the Japanese surrender in 1945,
ending WWII.

Siesta Beach which is rated #1 beach in the US.

Contrasting fashion.

The jetty at Venice inlet.

A visit with boating friends Valarie and Brian who winter in Venice.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Once on the road again, we came across the Florida Strawberry Festival
in Plant City, a full 10 day entertainment event and 
couldn't resist this dessert stop.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

A tranquil setting in the "Chain of Parks" running 
along Park Ave. in downtown Tallahassee.

Historic State Capitol building. 

Florida State Capitol Complex.

The Great Seal of Florida in the Rotunda.

Downtown view from the 22nd floor from the 
observation deck.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Still an operational lighthouse.

True to the signage.

Mockingbird, the Florida State bird, known for it's 
many pretty songs.

One needs to stay high to see the shoals, especially at low tide.

Skeletal remains of an old pier.

Observed the art of net fishing. The main catch is mullet.

A rare find along the scenic Coastal Trail - so personal.

Standing out in the crowd.

                                                   

                                                    

We can still see you.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Along one of the "canopy roads", so named, for the large 
overhanging trees laden with Spanish Moss.

This well known country store has been a family business 
since 1927. Their sausage recipe has never changed.

                                                 

Sauce with a kick.

                                                 

There's nothing like having a hot, spicy, foot-long sausage 
at 10:30 in the morning and cooling down 
in a rocking chair. 

Azaleas

Camellia

More azaleas

Iris

Sunday, March 10, 2013

View from our room overlooking the lawn and lake
 at Callaway Gardens.

Photo taken from same spot, but with long tele lens.

Peaceful setting for float fly-fishing on one of several 
lakes stocked with trout.

Daffodil

Cardinals were abundant.

This very modern and bright facility includes educational exhibits, 
two theaters, a lakeside  café,
a wildlife habitat garden and an amphitheater.

This Harris Hawk was one of four raptors starring in 
the Birds of Prey Show

Great Horned Owl

Harris Hawk

Peregrine Falcon

Oh, maybe next time.

                                                    

Don't look down.

                                                 

Trailer McQuilkin's tools and copper material that was 
used to make painted copper, botanically accurate, 
replicas of wildflowers.

Amazingly lifelike.

Easy picnic snack between attractions.

One of two waterfalls inside the Butterfly Museum. 

Just emerged butterfly.

Butterfly display of some that are present at different 
times of the year.

An atypical Monarch.

This garden-greenhouse complex encompasses a world of 
native andexotic plants within it's tropical flora and Mediterranean conservatories, sculpture garden, fern grotto and outdoor garden. 

One of a variety of orchids.

Indoor waterfall.

A couple of "swingers".

Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel set in the 
woods on a lake.

Organ music added to the tranquil sanctuary.

Unique stone alter.

Monday, March 11, 2013

One of four rental stone cabins at the F.D. Roosevelt State Park,
sitting high on a mountain side.