All posts by Sheila

I have a passion for the outdoors and I am most happy enjoying what nature has to offer. Hobbies include photography, birding, Pickleball, astronomy, biking, and hiking. I have been happily married, for 50 years, to an amazing person.
On The Road, Photos-Birds

~A Patch of Red~

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Photo location: Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, Dunnellon, Florida

 

Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk

While staying at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida we drove a few miles to hike the beautiful trail system the town of Dunnellon opened in 2008. What an amazing achievement for this lovely small town. This recreation area offers locals and visitors, from around the world, the opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature and to see the “blue” Rainbow River up close.

We hiked this trail with friends who live in a nearby town; we enjoyed their company and the beautiful scenery. We have camped at Rainbow Springs State Park several times, but had never hiked this area and we are so glad we did.

This hawk was spotted by Howard as we walked the Blue Run Trail. It was sitting on a tree branch that grew out across the trail. Howard, actually didn’t see the hawk at first, but almost felt a little gift as we walked under the tree.

Of course we all stopped to admire its beauty. I guess this Red-shouldered Hawk didn’t appreciate our admiration, because it flew out into a marshy area and this is where I was able to take my photo as it sat there looking up at some small birds.

Coming, more photos from Rainbow Springs State Park…

Sharing with:

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Rambling Woods/Nature Notesnn-logo

 

 

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Wild Bird Wednesday at

http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com/2014/12/wild-bird-wednesday-129-looking-back-at.html

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On The Road

~Can you say – Wimauma?~

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Paved roads at Little Maatee River State Park
Paved roads at Little Manatee River State Park

Wimauma, is the name of the town where Little Manatee River State Park is located. Its founder made up the name using the names of his three daughters, Willie, Maude, and Mary. Wil-Mau-Ma. Go figure! Earlier in the day we were on the phone with my sister trying to guess the origin of the name.

Site 19, easy to back into, wide, lots of room on the driver's side and in the back.
Site 19, easy to back into, wide, lots of room on the driver’s side and in the back.

Paved roads within the campground, and a shell and sand mixture in the campsites.

Side yard
Side yard

There are 34 campsites with water and electricity (50amp) and they are very private. Each site separated by native plants and trees.

Lots of room in the back yard. Site is very private.
Lots of room in the back yard.  Up goes the ham antennas!

For the horse lovers out there, LMRSP has four equestrian campsites and twelve miles of riding trails.

 

Artsy fun!

Howard with pen and paper, whoa what's with that? Must be a ham radio diagram!
Howard with pen and paper, whoa what’s with that? Must be a ham radio antenna diagram!

We are looking forward to exploring this lovely Florida State Park.

A new place, a new adventure…

On The Road

~Tonight’s Sunset~

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Sunset on Lake Hammond
Sunset at Lake Dixie

The sunsets, at Lake Louisa State Park, this week haven’t been very pretty or just non-existence, because of heavy cloud cover. 

Tonight’s sunset, looking west from the pier at Dixie Lake, paints a different picture! It was breathtaking.

We are heading out in the morning traveling to Little Manatee River State Park. This will be our first visit to this Florida state park.

Nature’s beauty…