Tag Archives: Florida State Parks

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

~A Violet for You~

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~

a violet for you

with love, friends and family

enjoy tomorrow

~

A Violet growing in the shade of a Longleaf Pine.
A Violet growing in the shade of a Longleaf Pine.

Photo taken: March 1, 2014, at Blackwater River State Park, Holt, Florida

The past few days have been absolutely beautiful, warm with sunny days and cool, starlit nights. We spent seven nights at Blackwater River State Park, this visit, which we enjoyed very much. I think this is our fourth visit to this scenic state park.

In the morning we head out to our next destination and I hope the great weather comes along!

During these past seven days we found new places to hike, a few birds to photograph, some beautiful, swampy, river areas to admire, and I can’t forget our sighting of the Fox Squirrel.

If you enjoy staying in state parks that are quiet and peaceful; filled with the aroma of pine with a gorgeous scenic river for kayaking and nature trails for hiking, then this state park is worth a look.

They have been working on a few renovations here at the park, specifically the pavilion on the river, which will be completed very soon. We can’t wait to see the improvements and to once again hike the trail along the riverbank. 

Live in the Now

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

~Reflections~

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~

stages of their life

were reflected back at them

daily, providing

enlightenment and  knowledge

 their existence,  from seedling

~

Reflections - 4 of 4

~

Reflections - 1 of 4

~

Reflections - 3 of 4

~

Reflections - 2 of 4

~

While on our walk this morning, we saw these trees being reflected on the calm surface of the tea-colored, waters of the Blackwater River.

Blackwater River - the color of tea
Blackwater River –
the color of tea

Live in the Now

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

~Our day at Blackwater River State Park~

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Blackwater River State Park

A Bog along a trail
A bog along a trail
Palm Warbler
Palm Warbler sitting in a Long Leaf Pine
Sunset on the Blackwater River
Sunset on the Blackwater River
(As close as it get to one!)
I think a Hermit Thrush
I think a Hermit Thrush
Life and Death
Life and Death
Berry Bushes along a trail
Old Bridge leading to Blackwater River Campground. Beach in the foreground.
Old Bridge leading to Blackwater River Campground. Beach in the foreground.

 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Face of Determination
Face of Determination

It was a nice, sunny day today, at Blackwater River State Park, with temperatures hovering around 55 degrees. We spent time outside so things were good!  A lot of the trails are covered with water due to heavy rains and river runoff, so we are limited to where we can hike. We saw another Fox Squirrel today, this one black with a white face, but he was too fast for me to get a photo.

IMG_6263
This one and a half hour loop trail is covered with river water, in places, making it impossible to hike.

Tonight’s low will be 27 degrees; a little too “cool” for me! Where are our mild temperatures?

Carolina Jasmine
Carolina Jasmine
(a native vine to this area)

Live in the Now!

On The Road, Photos-Landscapes, Poetry

~If only it could whisper~

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~

February 26, 2014

Setting Sun shines its beautiful light on this old tree
Setting Sun shines its beautiful light on this old tree

Upon this tree stately and old,

the setting sun shines,

its beautiful evening glow.

~ 

If only it could whisper,

sharing with us its history, 

how it once prospered.

 ~

The fires it endured,

storms it embraced,

visitors it allured.

~ 

Tell us why fate,

left you in your current state,

no longer thriving and slightly out of shape.

 ~

Standing tall with determined will,

striking in appearance this evening,

receiving visitors still.

~

We woke up this morning to rain falling on our roof. It rained all day. So, our day was spent inside, which can be a struggle for me. No long walks, no photos taken, no bird watching and one spent without the warmth of the sun.

We did have a first time visitor to our “back” yard this morning, a Hermit Thrush taking a bath in a puddle. Sadly, no photo! This week our backyard is Site 017 at Blackwater River State Park.

We resolved ourselves to spend the day inside. I had prepared a Seafood Gumbo the other day and froze the leftovers. Today, I defrosted the Gumbo, added more Shrimp, some Snow Crab I picked  up yesterday from the Milton, Winn-Dixie and a handful more Okra. You can’t have Seafood Gumbo without the Okra!

While the Gumbo simmered on the stove, I looked through my photos to see if I could find one to post. The above photo, taken in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, back in January  is the one I choose.

I love this old tree.  In this photo I love how the setting sun highlights its character. It might be dead; however it provides a home for many a critter, including my beloved Scrub Jays.

The Seafood Gumbo was delicious! I served it over rice, with hot french bread and a good wine! We might be in northern Florida, but we sure ate like we were in the heart of Louisiana!! We noticed while in Winn-Dixie that they were selling King Cakes; we should have brought one home for dessert.

Late this afternoon, after our early dinner, we did manage a walk. The rain finally stopped bringing much cooler temperatures. 

We headed out the door wearing jackets and hats. Syke and Kloud enjoyed our walk much more than we did. They ran and ran, jumped and ran some more, wanting to play, loving the cool air and the break from being cooped up inside. 

Tonight’s low will be in the 30’s, whats with that!

Tomorrow, sun! Yeah!

Live in the Now!