Follow MeLoxahatchee RiverFishingTake OffFollow MeTakes A Dip“Follow Me”“Okay, I’am following; where are we going?”Doing the Two-StepBeautiful Sandhill Crane
After many days of cloudy skies and heavy rains we finally have had a few days of sunshine. On an early morning walk, in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, we spotted these Sandhill Cranes and an Osprey fishing for its breakfast. The early morning light created a nice image on the Loxahatchee River.
I first spotted the Osprey standing at the edge of the river. I could not see if it had anything in its talons. I tried to get as close as I could without scaring it, but without a longer lens it was not close enough to capture a  great photo. It watched me creeping closer and decided to take off. It flew across the river and twice dove down to the surface.  I would love to know if it had food in its talons. Why was it driving down to skim the water’s surface? It did not appear as if it was diving for food, but instead dipping its talons in the water as if to keep something wet.
These two Sandhill Cranes were walking around in the grass, feeding. We spotted them just as we got out of the car, driving from our RV site to the Loxahatchee River in the back of the park. I needed to walk around them to have the sun behind me. They keep an eye on me as I walked around them and tried to get closer to take my shots. They really seemed to just ignore me, but I knew they were watching me! They are beautiful birds and I love watching them.
Hobe Sound is where we will be, Sunshine, birds and manatees we hope to see.
Long walks in the woods, Always bring joyful moods.
Strolls in the sand along the sea, Fills our hearts with pure glee.
We can hear the mighty roar, Of pounding waves against the shore.
A step outside at night, Offers mythical characters in plain sight.
A river in the sky with stars galore, Reach up and touch Orionâs Sword.
Such a beautiful locality, Cool breezes from ocean air offering vitality.
For awhile this is where we will be, My pack and me.
Palm Trees and the Setting Sun (photo taken from my brother-in-laws’ boat)Golf Anyone? (photo taken from the boat)Red-breasted Merganser (female) (photo taken from the boat)Little Pink Flowers (photo taken while on a hike in Jonathan Dickinson State Park)A Field of Palmettos (photo taken while on a hike in Jonathan Dickinson State Park)Looking for the perfect RV site! White-faced Ibis (the brown and white one is 1st fall) (photo taken from my Coach)Driving in Jonathan Dickinson State Park we spotted these swallows. We stopped to watch them feed on bugs. Never in my life have I seen so many swallows in one location! I believe these are Tree Swallows.Tree Swallows There must have been a thousand of them!Osprey contemplating her day. (photo taken from the boat)
Even with cloudy skies, rain and cool temperatures we have enjoyed our first full week in Hobe Sound. The boat ride was taken on Thursday in the Intra-Coastal Waterway between Hobe Sound and Jupiter, Florida.
Miles of Hiking Trails Howard, Skye and KloudWater, Sky and Reeds Cabins in the background.Birds (Blue-gray Gnatcatcher)Each day brings a beautiful sunset.
Lily Pads
Lake Louisa State Park is a gorgeous state park located in Clermont, FL and is one of my favorite! Go out to this web-site and learn about the park’s history.
(from the Web)Â A short drive from Orlando, this park is noted for its beautiful lakes, rolling hills and scenic landscapes. Lake Louisa, the largest in a chain of 13 lakes, is designated an Outstanding Florida Water Way. Lake Louisa, Lake Hammond and Lake Dixie, the parkâs most accessible lakes, provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Anglers can fish in four of the parkâs six lakes, but gasoline powered engines are not allowed. Primitive camping facilities are available for equestrians. For hikers, there are more than 25 miles of trails. The park also has a full-facility 60-site campground and 20 furnished cabins for rent.
One of the largest Oaks in the state, this several hundred year old tree is 10 feet in diameter, 83 feet high and has a spread of 131 feet.
Once sought after by ship builders these stately trees provide food and shelter for several animal species as well as a place of attachment for various air plants, moss and ferns.
Ferns and Moss love the Live Oak TreesSmall, beautiful and quiet Lake Griffin State ParkCatbirdYou never know what you might see while hiking a trail!A perfectly still inlet.ReflectionsDouble your fun!Are two better than one?
A couple of weeks ago we spent four days at Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, Florida. It is an old state park; small, lovely and quiet. The ranger told me, “We are small, but we have a lot of pride”. She is right! We certainly enjoyed our stay there.
Lake Griffin State Park is nestled  in a heavily forested area near the populated towns of Fruitland Park, Lady Lake, Leesburg and The Villages. After hours spent enjoying anyone of these towns, it is always nice to return to the peace of quite of the park.
If you ever  plan to stay at this State Park be aware that some of the sites are hard to maneuver into, especially  if you are 40 feet long. I would recumbent sites, 13, 17 and 19. We were in site 38, which is a large, pull through, but a little difficult to swing into. However, once you are in the site it is extremely easy to leave the park.
Wolf Song Blog 