#75 Mar 2015 Florida Everglades National Park

The word Everglades conjures images of mysterious creeks with overhanging mangroves, prehistoric alligators and unfamiliar birds darting to and fro. We saw all of that and learned so much more about the nature of the Everglades.

After much discussion with each other and referring to National Geographic on the Internet we think we have sorted out alligators and crocodiles. American alligators thrive throughout Florida. A remnant population of crocodiles lives in southern Florida in the Everglades. We saw both but it was often difficult to determine which we were seeing as they drifted silently through murky water.

Crocodiles have longer, thinner snouts and are lighter in colour. They live in salt water but tolerate some fresh water, which is why both species exist where the Everglades drain into Florida Bay.

American alligators have a rounder snout and darker colour. They reside in freshwater rivers, lakes, marshes and even swimming pools.

The everglades are fed from Lake Okeechobee in Central Florida. Historically fresh water slowly drained south and nourished an incredible diversity of plants, animals, fish, birds and humans. Over the last century humans have rerouted the water into a massive plumbing system for agricultural, commercial and household use. The Everglades were shrinking dramatically and much of the life within was facing extinction.

After many years of pressure from nature lovers, conservationists and scientists Everglades National Park was created in 1947. Since then many species have revitalized but there is so much more work to be done. The big question is “How to balance the needs of nature and humans in such a delicate eco system?” It is not a new question and is asked around the world. Only time will reveal how well the humans (who are in control) respect the future.

This map shows the water flow through the Everglades into Florida Bay. The pen points to the edge of the Everglades where we saw a crocodile.

We explored trails and information signs and began to understand the topography of the Everglades. It appears flat but the area is so fertile that a few inches increase in altitude provides a new environment.

From Everglades Prairie

To stunted Bald Cypress in shallow water with thin soil

To lush stands of trees in deeper pools with rich accumulations of peat.

For decades we have had an Audubon Field Guide to Birds of Western North America. As we travelled east I finally realized that my go-to book was not giving me the expected information. We were now in Eastern North America. I was delighted to find the Eastern version of the same book. Now I can often identify the birds I capture with my camera.

When we were in Louisiana I saw robins and red wing blackbirds in their winter habitat. In Texas we saw sandhill cranes. Now in southern Florida there were many new feathered friends.

These turkey vultures looked like chickens scratching around but there must have been something more interesting.

These osprey parents were guarding two chicks.

I have often seen Great Blue Herons on King George Boulevard near 40th Avenue but I was always driving and didn’t have the camera with me. Now I have my camera with me more than my purse. This fellow was patiently waiting for supper and for me to take his picture.

Anhingas, like cormorants, lack oil glands with which to preen. They must perch with their wings half open to dry them in the sun. They look odd just standing with their wings out stretched.

We were told that we could likely find Roseate Spoonbills at Eco Pond in the early morning. We were back in the park another day by 8 AM and were rewarded with a multitude of birds (and humans watching them).

White pelicans were cruising for breakfast.

Black-necked stilts were carefully moving around looking for their next morsel.

A reddish egret was ready for a new fishing spot.

And finally a spoonbill! Only one but he was worth getting up at 6 AM. Beautiful colour and such a dramatic bill.

We re-visited the osprey nest. Breakfast was being delivered.

What a beautiful inspiring park. We hope the Everglades will flourish and grow for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.

#74 Mar 2015 Ft Myers (Edison, Ford and Sea Shells)

It was now time to explore more of Florida, starting in Ft Myers.

We had heard about the seashell collecting opportunities on Sanibel Island near Ft Myers. It was still Spring Break and beaches were very busy, however, not everyone was looking for the sun and sand. Were the fisherman and the fishing egret looking for the same fish?

We intended to get an early start at the beach but by the time we made our way through the traffic it was 10 AM and 28*C in the shade.

Ralph tolerates the heat very well. I do not but with a big broad brimmed hat I was determined to find some nice shells. We found some unbroken and colourful shells but mostly browsed the sand.

The beach scenery was colourful and entertaining.

On a beautiful sunny day it is easy to forget the potential dangers near the water. There are many signs warning beachgoers to be alert and look around.

Captiva Island is just north of Sanibel Island and is very lush and less busy. The shell hunting seemed about the same but we were not being very diligent about our searching.

The Sanibel Lighthouse is a different type of structure than we have seen before.

As we walked toward the Lighthouse there was a gopher tortoise scurrying across the parking lot. Tortoises are reputed to be slow but this one was on a mission. I had to walk quickly to get ahead of him for a photo.

We always find unexpected points of interest when we arrive in a new location. This time it was the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Homes Museum. In 1885 Edison stated “there is only one Fort Myers and soon 90 million Americans will discover it” and they certainly have.

His estate is very serene and inviting on the Caloosahatchee River.

White ibis add to the color.

Edison is best known for his invention of the first commercially viable electric light bulb. The chandeliers in his winter home display the lights.

His phonograph invention was an entertainment highlight in his home.

Henry Ford was among the many distinguished visitors to the Edison home. Ford purchased a home adjacent to Edison’s and together they explored southwest Florida in the 1916 Model T Touring car Ford gave to Edison.

In 1929 the new Model A was introduced with many improvements. One in particular moved the gas tank from under the front seat to under the hood, where it sat 18 inches higher than before. Previously, gas was gravity fed and when driving uphill, the car would stop because the gas had drained away from the engine. To prevent this from happening, drivers had to drive in reverse. A law eventually went into effect in Pennsylvania that the car going backwards uphill had the right-of-way.

Spanish Moss on live oak trees is very prevalent in Florida. The Spanish Moss appears soft and fluffy. It would seem to be a great stuffing for seat cushions in Ford automobiles. Unfortunately, there are tiny insects called chiggers that live in the Spanish Moss. That led to the first Ford recall.

Edison and Ford enjoyed one another’s company and stimulating conversations in many places and times. It was enlightening to see the personal and family perspective as well as the public side of these two inventors extraordinaire.

#73 Mar 2015 Florida Panhandle

Everywhere we travel we have to decide what to see and do and there is always more points of interest than there is time to see them. In Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama we just touched the southernmost part of each state. We hope to return but who knows what the future will hold?

We have been to Florida previously but primarily to the tourist hot spots – Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and briefly Key West. There is so much more to the state and we started in the Panhandle. Until Florida we generally followed Interstate 10 but that skims the top of Florida. We turned to follow the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

As we planned our trip we didn’t realize that March is Spring Break all over Canada and the US and that hot weather cities would be hot destinations for students. Panama City is a prime Spring Break city and beach. We don’t feel like students any more so drove right past Panama City.

Our first stop was Mexico Beach, which is a small community south of Panama City. All of the parks are friendly and sometimes we are lucky enough to enjoy local talent. This park has a clubhouse with an indoor bar and an outside tiki bar beside a huge fire pit. The local entertainers were familiar with many of the snowbirds at the park and knew how to play the crowd. The sax player was particularly good with the crowd and dancers. He was out on the floor on bended knee playing to the ladies. The food was good and we had a great evening.

It’s difficult to explain our locations along the Panhandle as there are not many major cities. The pen is pointing to Keaton Beach, our next stop.

What an amazing opportunity to park 15 feet from the shore of the Gulf of Mexico. This is the view from our back bedroom window. I could spend hours watching the water and the birds.

We have seen hundreds of pelicans in the last few weeks and I never tire of watching them fly so awkwardly and land with such a splash. We have seen them just coming up from the water with a fish and have to laugh at all the angles and bends as they get airborne. One time I hope to photograph one instead of laughing.

There is great fishing for everyone.

And there is always the search for a better spot.

There are great egrets everywhere along the waterways.

We have seen a few eagles along the way.

There are so many birds that we can’t identify but we certainly enjoy watching them.

Our next destination was Zephyrhills just east of Tampa. This stop was to catch up with friends and take a break from being busy.

In Edmonton, in 1982, Neil and Nancy’s daughter Laurie started grade 1 with our daughter Kari. We have been close family friends ever since. Nancy started a tradition exchanging a Santa Sack, which has travelled from Alberta to Ontario and British Columbia. Some years have been missed but it's always exciting to receive it whatever time of year.

#72 Mar 2015 Mobile, Alabama

Near Mobile we stayed in a park that is also a small farm. It was very peaceful until the sun rose. Then the rooster crowed, the geese honked and hundreds of birds greeted the new day. It was wonderful.

These domestic ducks as well as chickens wandered around the RVs quite oblivious to the people.

These two Canada Geese and one Snow Goose were together constantly. Apparently the different breeds mingle in their wintering grounds then go to their separate breeding grounds when they head north.

We explored Bellingrath Gardens and Home. In 1903 Walter Bellingrath purchased a franchise to bottle Coca-Cola in southern Alabama. The Mobile Coca-Cola Bottling Company became one of the most successful in the United States. Ralph only drinks Coke so this story is dear to his heart.

Walter and his wife Bessie created beautiful gardens around their home. In 1934 they opened the gardens to the public and since their deaths a foundation has continued to maintain the gardens and opened their home to public tours.

In this climate gardens always have a pop of colour just around the corner.

The magnolias were at their peak.

Walter and Bessie were from humble families and they enjoyed sharing their success. They supported local businesses and families in many subtle ways, especially during the Depression Years. They entertained local people and were very down to earth, however, Bessie liked a beautiful home. The dining room was formal.

This silver and crystal room shows the extent of the table settings. Every day Bessie selected a different china pattern for each meal of the day.

This family dining room was their favorite with a view of the gardens and the river. It is so inviting and peaceful.

Looking into or from the courtyard is lovely.

The Asian Garden is a mix of Chinese and Japanese styles.

This sign says Coco-Cola in Japanese.

A garden always provides surprises and is a lovely way to brighten an otherwise dull, cloudy day.

We only saw a very small part of Alabama but enough to remember an important family in the Mobile area and sense their contribution to the community.