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

~For awhile this is where we will be, my pack and me~

January 4, 2014 Sheila 12 Comments

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 Orion’s 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) — Looking for the perfect RV site!
White-faced Ibis (the brown and white one is 1st fall)
(photo taken from my Coach)

Never in my life have I seen so many swallows in one location! I believe these are Tree Swallows. — 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 the day. — 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.

Enjoy the Journey!

On The Road, Photos-Birds

~Happy New Year!~

January 1, 2014 Sheila 12 Comments

Happy New Year!

May you always be surrounded with the joy of nature!

""Whatya<br — Palm Warbler watching me as we arrived in Hobe Sound, Florida last Thursday

"Can you see my yellow rump" — “Can you see my yellow rump”

A beautiful Palm Warbler in the state filled with Palm Trees

I wish you Love, Peace, Joy and Good Health!

On The Road, Photos-Birds, Photos-Landscapes

~Lake Louisa State Park- sunsets, birds, orange groves and move~

December 30, 2013 Sheila 12 Comments

Lake Dixie
The sunset looked like a painting

At the end of the day,

Take a deep breath,

While lifting your face,

Toward the horizon,

Relax, admire the colors,

Painted across the sky,

Let the beauty bring you joy.

Miles of Hiking Trails
Howard, Skye and Kloud

Water, Sky and Reeds
Cabins in the background.

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.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa/default.cfm

(from the Web) 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 park’s most accessible lakes, provide opportunities for fishing, canoeing and kayaking. Anglers can fish in four of the park’s 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.

Enjoy each moment!

On The Road, Photos-Landscapes, Poetry

~Lake Griffin State Park and the Live Oak Trees~

December 28, 2013 Sheila 12 Comments

the mighty Live Oak

favorite of so many

symbol of strength

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.

Small, beautiful and quiet Lake Griffin State Park

You never know what you might see while hiking a trail!

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.