Friday, October 30, 2015

Our stay at Gunter Hill was too soon over and it was time to move again.  But first, a few more early morning pictures.  

Our next stop - Styx River Resort, in Robertsdale, AL.  It was not a long drive at just 164.5 miles (75,599.1 total) and most of it was newly paved Interstate. We were offered three free nights if we would attend a sales pitch for the resort. The park was a little rough. It was originally a KOA that had been neglected. The new owners have been making improvements, but they have a long way to go. The roads were gravel and the small (full hook-up) sites were just sand/mud.

Monday, Mar 18, 2013, Controlled Burn at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, FL

Rewarded ourselves with a relatively short hike to a gator/bird filled slough in the morning (Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, FL). Saw turkeys on the way and had to stop for a few pictures. Took it easy for the rest of the day. Met Carl and Sue - they were in a brand new motorhome on their first trip out. A very nice retired firefighter who liked photography as much as we do.

Tom was strut'n his stuff for the ladies.

They did not seem to be impressed.

Feeding time - I shot too early and missed the big dive.

(He was successful) 

"Is there something in my teeth?"

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park at sunrise.

What a great start to a beautiful day

Almost forgot they planned a controlled burn. Got a few nice shots of what seemed to be a very bizarre approach to park management but I'm sure it's all good.

Forest Ranger Jen seems to be enjoying her job.

Within three weeks the Wiregrass will be sprouting anew.

Saturday, Mar 16, 2013, Peavine Trail in Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, FL

Hiked on the Peavine trail (Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, FL) out to a slough full of birds and gators. Got a few more pictures that are keepers. I guess I have not really seen too many alligators since I still like finding and photographing them.

Technically, the birds are wading

Finally saw several gators get up and walk.

"You look'n at me?"

We watched this Ibis catch the fish.

And then we watched this Crow take it away!

Listened to volunteer Paul tell us about the history of the area which was very interesting. 

Back out for more comet watching at sunset. Jon had left for home, but Bob and Jim were still there. Saw the comet through the 22 inch, but it was very poor seeing right at the horizon. I guess because it was Saturday and the park was nearly full there were probably 30 people at the astronomy pad. I left early since the moon was not due to set until around midnight and I did not want to stay up that long.

A few additional guests came to the star party.

Saturday, Mar 9, 2013, Meadowsweet Pasture, Myakka State Park, FL

We hiked about 7.5 miles in Meadowsweet Pasture on various trails in Myakka State Park, FL. It was a perfect day for hiking - not too hot, not too sunny and a little breeze. It hit us after dinner, this is our last night here - we have to leave in the morning. So much for time slowing down.

Friday, Mar 8, 2013, Alligator Point, Myakka State Park, FL

We hiked out to Alligator Point (~0.75 mi. in Myakka State Park, FL). Saw some big gators there, but an Osprey stole the show. Not only did he dive full speed into the water to catch a fish that was 6-7 inches long, but he did it 30 feet from us! Then he took his catch to a tree limb that was only 20 above our heads in full view. Awesome photo opportunity!  

Then we hiked to a small dam near the restaurant to see more gators. I might be in gator overload now - their novelty is wearing off. We went to the park restaurant and had gator stew (it said it was made with alligator meat but it tasted like chicken) and homemade chips. 

Wednesday, Mar 6, 2013, "Deep Hole" at Myakka River, FL

It rained early this morning in Myakka State Park, FL, but cleared up by around 7. Went early to register with the Park Rangers for a wilderness pass for today (It's needed to make the trek out to Deep Hole - only 30 passes are issued each day.) Walked the nature path ending at the canopy walk. Since it was still early (and mid-week) we had the trail, canopy walk and observation tower to ourselves.

76 feet up in the tower we were well above the trees and we could really feel the wind. My guess is it was at least 40 mph. The tower swayed but there was a sign that said it was designed to so I guess it was all good.

After breakfast, we walked along the Myakka River. We saw 8 to 10 gators and lots of birds. I might have seen some wild hogs, but not sure. I think Sam got the attention of the gators who thought he might be lunch.

After lunch, we used our wilderness pass to hike to the "Deep Hole". It was a sinkhole connected to the lower Myakka Lake that is a little more than 200 feet deep. Never seen so many alligators in one place along with thousands of white pelicans, herons, egrets and vultures. We walked a total of 9 miles today so maybe we can take it easy tomorrow.  

Found you can zoom in on Deep Hole using Google Earth and actually see the alligators from space! Wrapped up the day listening to rangers and park volunteers telling "Florida" stories at the log pavilion built by the CCC in the 1930s.