Category Archives: Photos-Landscapes

On The Road, Photos-Flowers, Plants, Trees, Photos-Landscapes

~Lake Louisa State Park

February 23, 2018 Sheila 5 Comments

~February, 2018, Lake Louisa State Park near Clermont, FL.

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~ Lake Louisa can be reached by walking along a boardwalk, which spans a swampy area filled with Cypress trees and Swamp lilies. Take a moment to stop along the boardwalk, who knows what you might see.

~A portrait only nature can paint.

~Swamp Lilies rising out of “green soup”.

~The boardwalk leads you to the sandy beach of Lake Louisa. Swimming is allowed if you are brave enough to endure its cold temperature this time of year. I declined, what a wimp I am.

~What a great place to enjoy hiking, the park offers over twenty miles of trails.

This huge Live Oak tree welcomes you to walk underneath its branches, and to adventure along the sandy trail to see what lies ahead.

As I walked slowly pasted this Live Oak, admiring its beauty, I thought I heard it whisper “Be careful, have fun and watch for snakes!”.

~Cypress trees rise out of the water.

~A solitary walk, beautiful scenery, an opportunity to be reflective.

~A lone Cypress tree stands guard over the lake. “How old are you I ask?”

~I’am not alone, looks like I found a friend. He told me hello and poses for my camera.

~Many trails in the park meander through piney woods, and if you are lucky a glimpse of its inhabitants.

~Lake Louisa State Park, one of Florida’s treasures~

Note: Header photo is a photo I took during a previous visit to the park. Many Gray Catbirds call Lake Louisa home.

Gray Catbird. Beautiful!

On The Road, Photos-Birds, Photos-Landscapes, Photos-Wildlife

~South Llano River State Park

December 8, 2017 Sheila Leave a comment

~South Llano River State Park, Junction, TX, November, 2017

Howard and I spent several days, during the Thanksgiving holiday at South Llano River State Park. Because, it was a holiday weekend the campground was full and crowded. Lots of people enjoying this beautiful park, birding, walking, hiking, biking and fishing.

Of course some of us were enjoying taking photos. More to come from South Llano River State Park.

On The Road, Photos-Landscapes

~Rock Hound State Park

December 5, 2017 Sheila 4 Comments

~Rock Hound State Park, Deming, New Mexico, November, 2017

We left Catalina State Park in Oro Valley, AZ and drove to Rock Hound State Park in New Mexico. We had a reservation for one night, tried to get two nights, but they were booked. This state park is popular and has been filling up every night.

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The rugged slopes of the Little Florida Mountains are the setting for this park, which boasts trails, unique geology, wildflower displays, and a peaceful campground. The stunning scenery of the Spring Canyon unit of the park provides a peaceful area for hiking or picnicking. (Description from the Web)

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Here is our site, which was the only one available at the time we made our reservation.

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I only saw two birds during the short time we were here – a Cactus Wren, which visited us at our site and this Curved-billed Thrasher who stopped to say goodbye. We had just hooked up the tow car and were ready to pull out of the campground when I saw this bird. I ran inside to retrieve my camera and was able to capture him with my “short” lens.

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When we were driving toward the campground on a two-lane country road, having driven over several cattle guards, we came upon these Texas Longhorns. Whoo, Whoo! I enjoy seeing them and love when I get an opportunity to photograph them.

I asked Howard to stop, grabbed my camera off the sofa and quietly opened the door. I readied my camera and peaked around the frontend of the coach.

Well, in doing so, I scared the heck out of this big cow with long horns. She jumped back and twirled around.

Well, she scared me even more; I took a few steps back behind the coach. I through for sure she was going to run away, but instead she stopped and just stared. I guess she realized she was bigger than me.

I got my photo and jumped back in the coach. Notice the black and white one in the background.

~This New Mexico State Park is a beauty… you are surrounded by mountains with views in all directions, the sunsets are stunning, and the dark skies are breathtaking. And, maybe if you are lucky you will see a few longhorns along the way.~

On The Road, Photos-Landscapes, Photos-Night Sky

~Hunter’s Moon

November 12, 2017 Sheila 2 Comments

~November 3, 2017, Cave Creek Regional Park, Cave Creek, Arizona

_MG_1653 — I took this photo on November 1, 2017

Hunter’s Moon is the name for the full moon that immediately follows the Harvest Moon, which is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. In 2017, the Northern Hemisphere’s Harvest Moon fell on October 5, nearly 13 days after the September 22 equinox. So it’s a late Hunter’s Moon this year for the Northern Hemisphere. In fact, November 4 is about the latest possible date for a full Hunter’s Moon.

Coincidently, it’s also the 2nd-largest full moon of 2017. As seen from around the world, this full moon will parade across the sky from dusk until dawn. (Taken from Web)

_MG_1486 — I took this photo on October 30, 2017

Considering the close proximity to several large cities, Cave Creek Regional Park is “dark”. A great place to star gaze.

~Always looking for dark, clear skies.~

On The Road, Photos-Birds, Photos-Landscapes

~Arizona State Bird, Cactus Wren

November 7, 2017 Sheila 4 Comments

~Cactus Wren, Cave Creek Regional Park, November, 2017

A very curious wren and the largest. There were several that would visit us in our “yard” at Cave Creek, always coming close to the coach and inspecting everything. I just loved watching them.

At least two pair were busy collecting materials for nest building.

Here is a Web-site with some good information on the Cactus Wren: Wren

~~~~~