Memories of Florida

Posted on April 29, 2013 by fran

It feels good to be on the road again after four months of sitting still. I was rarely still mind you, but “The Beast” was… sitting in the shade of a big oak tree that dropped things on her constantly, (acorns, tufts of spanish moss, twigs and even limbs at times, not to mention the dust and pollen) and was home to a lot of birds who dropped things on her too! And although I walked Jazzy and Sadie several times a day, they spent a fair bit of time waiting patiently for me to return from a water excursion that did not include them. They clearly share my joy to be on the road again, not to mention the new trails and scents to be found along the way. As the miles disappear beneath me though, my melancholy mind draws me back to my memories of Florida.

Of all the states I’ve been through on my journey, Florida has seen the most of me. One month last spring, and four months this winter and early spring add up to a little more than a quarter of my time out here. I’ve already written about Florida nine times. (see My Favorite Places Revisited for quick links to all of them) You would think I’d run out of things to share, but the experiences just kept coming.

My new friends Glen and Gwen, and their “Gulf to Lake Paddlers” group, got me out on Rainbow River a second time. It was interesting to see how springtime had changed the landscape in the two weeks since we had been there. Many of the birds even acted differently. I’d never tire of the unique and diverse variety of birds in Florida, especially along the waterways.

Great Egret takes flight over Rainbow River

Great Blue Heron in breeding plumage fishes the shores of Rainbow River

Juvenile Little Blue Heron, just starting to show his true colors!

White Ibis in flight over Rainbow River.

Male Anhinga, sporting his breeding colors (note green around eyes), rests above Rainbow River.

Spring colors at Rainbow River

I was fortunate to get my daughter, Elissa, out to visit me twice while camped in Florida. We enjoyed some day trips, including Tarpon Springs and Cedar Key. And although she was a little reluctant at first, I got her out kayaking along Halls and Homosassa Rivers, and ultimately out on the Weeki Wachee. There’s no doubt she enjoyed both adventures immensely!

Kayaking Halls River with Elissa and our new friend Reuben.

School of dolphin making a meal of mullet along Homosassa River

Momma Wood Duck cruises with her babies on Homosassa River

Little Blue Heron, Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee Springs

We were also treated to a private stroll along the Three Sisters Springs boardwalk with my friend Kathy. This was shortly before the warmer weather took most of the manatee back out into the Gulf.

Manatee at Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River

Great Horned Owl, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

Curious turtle at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park

One thing about staying camped in one place for awhile, it’s easier to build friendships with the people I meet. That was the case with Trish and RD Daniels, and their friend Jim. Trish and RD (neighbors in the campground) invited me to join them for a day trip to the Clearwater Beach area to visit their friend Jim. We had a marvelous time taking a ferry out to Caladesi Island where we strolled the beach for quite some time, talking and plucking seashells from the sand, followed by a sunset dinner on Clearwater Beach.

A walk on Caladesi Island with new friends Trish, RD and Jim.

Willet’s standing on the shores of Caladesi Island

Seashell seashore of Caladesi Island

Gopher Tortoise grabbing a meal on Caladesi Island

Enjoyed dinner at sunset on Clearwater Beach with Trish, RD and Jim.

Another outing, this time to Crystal River and Three Sisters Springs, with my “Gulf to Lake Paddlers” friends. I’m really going to miss this gang!

Gulf to Lake Paddlers, Three Sisters Springs.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Crystal River

And days before I rolled out of Homosassa/Crystal River area my wonderful friends Gwen and Glen took me out for a fishing excursion on the Gulf. I managed to catch a two Spotted Sea Trout and two Mackerel. I gave the Mackerel to friends, but made a couple of yummy meals out of the Trout. We spotted a few bald eagle on the way back up Crystal River. Such magnificent birds!

Catch of the day! Mackerel on the left and Spotted Sea Trout on the right.

Bald eagle perched atop a palm on Crystal River

Bald eagle in flight over Crystal River

Four months after my arrival in Homosassa, it was finally time to go. I found myself having to go through a mental checklist before hitting the road. The important things that had become so routine felt oddly new to me again, for a few minutes anyway… secure everything that can slide or fall while mobile, awning in, patio chairs and grill stowed, slides in, jacks up, unhook utilities, clean and stow same, program GPS, dogs in, steps up, break off, take a good look in every direction and take a big WIDE turn out of campsite, find a spacious place to pull over and park, run back for the car, hook up, run through all the gears and let it idle in neutral for 3 minutes, put her in AUX mode, hop behind the wheel of The Beast, buckle up and hit the road with plenty of water, good tunes and a smile!!!

At the recommendation of my friend Jim at Nature’s I made one last stop before leaving the state… Ochlockonee River State Park. This is a small but beautiful park just south of Sopchoppy Florida, home of the Worm Gruntin’ Festival. I got such a kick out of this (and the fact that I’d missed it by a couple days) that I had to stop and ask a local to clue me in. Worm grunting is a technique used for bringing earthworms (bait) to the surface. The “grunters” pound a wooden rod into the ground and rub a metal flatiron back and forth across the top of it. The vibration either gets them excited or drives the worms crazy, but it brings them to the surface.

My campsite right along the river in Ochlockonee River State Park

Pines and Palmettos, Ocklockonee River State Park

This park is well known for their unusual White Squirrels which weren’t running around in abundance like the others, but I did manage to find a few.

White Squirrel, Ochlockonee River State Park

Small pond surrounded by Pine trees in Ochlockonee River State Park

While camped here I dropped my kayak in the water for a 7.5 mile solo adventure on a loop up the Ochlockonee River, down the twists and turns of Bear Creek, and back up the river to the campground. It was a hot, muggy afternoon, but the exercise felt good and I enjoyed the peacefulness and critters along the way.

This Osprey, carrying a rather sizable branch, reminded me of the endless walks I took with the dogs while camped in Homosassa. I was amazed to watch Osprey flying above the treetops and snapping off brittle branches to use in their nests.

Osprey busy building a nest. Ochlockonee River

Curious Alligator on Bear Creek

At the recommendation of the park ranger I took a side trip to Wakulla Springs State Park and did their boat ride. It’s the only way to see most of this beautiful bit of waterway since they don’t allow any other boats on the water within the park, and there are no trails along the water. Because of this there’s an abundance of wildlife. Lots of alligator, turtles and of course all the birds I’ve grown to love. I also visited St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a vast haven for Florida’s critters.

Nesting Osprey, Wakulla Springs

Bald cypress, Wakulla Springs

Great Egret in breeding plumage, Wakulla Springs

Bald Cypress, Wakulla Springs

Nesting Osprey, Wakulla Springs

Tri-colored Heron, St. Marks Wildlife Refuge

Florida was a special place for me in many ways. The waterways, especially those that can’t be accessed by motorboat, were absolutely stunning. And as I’ve mentioned, I’m a big fan of the birds found throughout the state. What I’ll remember most about Florida though is the wonderful new friends I met there. There are far too many of you to name here, but I know you know who you are. I want YOU to know that you will all be a part of my treasured memories as I travel down the road.

***Note, for those of you who are unaware, I’ve finally created a Journey In Focus Facebook page where you will find more frequent tidbits as I travel. Feel free to go there, and if you’d like, you can “like” it. https://www.facebook.com/JourneyInFocus Remember also that you can sign up for email notifications when I post here by clicking on the mail icon at the top of my home page. And feel free to leave your comments here! I always enjoy hearing from y’all!

Catching Up With Family from Nebraska to Wisconsin

Posted on September 7, 2012 by fran

At the time of this writing I’m sitting along a lovely shoreline on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, looking out the windows of my motorhome at perfection… blue skies filled with dramatic clouds… and wanting so badly to go out and play. The last month has seen me through several states, and lots of time with friends and family along the way. It’s hard to sit down at my computer to work when I’m with people I love. So friends, forgive me once again for my silence. I’m sitting still and alone for a few days in order to enjoy this beautiful part of the country, AND get caught up on my work. Maybe another three posts in three days. We’ll see.

So… back to the midwest! At last writing I was wrapping up a very “unique” week in Sturgis South Dakota. My ultimate destination for the months to come is the northeast corner (or should I say quarter) of the country, but a trip south to Nebraska was next on the list.

I was born in the Cornhusker State (Go Big Red!) and although I haven’t lived there since I was seven, I have many wonderful childhood memories of my youngest years there… building snow forts with my brothers, summers on the lake, visiting my Grandpa Reisner on the farm, the sound of ice cubes crackling and the tickle of “fizz” on my nose when my Grandma Weesie poured Coke in little tin cups for me and my brothers, and all the Holidays and Husker games surrounded by the warmth of family.

Not long after I set out on my journey last fall I got a sweet note from my Aunt Sandy telling me how tickled she was that I was taking this journey. I sent a note back telling her I had every intention of swinging through to pick her up on my way to Minnesota where her daughter Anne and her family live. That time had finally come, so I plotted my course and headed southeast. I didn’t take the quickest route through Sioux Falls, but dropped down into Nebraska and journeyed through the countryside. One word… CORN. Miles and miles of corn.

That’s not to say I didn’t find beauty here. I enjoyed the tranquility and was in awe of the vastness of these farmlands. My favorite vistas were the slow rolling hills filled as far as the eye can see with corn rows, and dotted with farmhouses, old barns and silos. I can’t count the number of times I wanted to stop for pictures only to be faced with that common feeling of frustration with no place to pull off the road. I’ve shared that frustration many times in my blogging, and it hasn’t gotten any easier for me to drive right by a great image. I have to say that for every wonderful image I have gathered along the way (thousands!), there are 10 times as many I can only take along in my memories.

When I arrived in Fremont I turned west and drove out to North Bend for dinner with my second cousin, Tom Wolf and his wife Deanna. It’s always good to spend time with them and get caught up on family events, and reminisce about the years gone by. After a wonderful meal and warm hugs I headed back to Fremont and the welcoming arms of my Aunt Sandy.

The following morning we all boarded The Beast (me, Jazzy, Sadie, Sandy and her Golden Retriever, Penny) and headed up the highway. In addition to lots more corn we came upon some cool old churches along the way. Where I could, I stopped to snag a few shots. At this point I can’t even say exactly where these churches are along the country highways of Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Anne’s family lives in Duluth Minnesota, but were spending the weekend at their cabin on Lower Eau Clair Lake in northwest Wisconsin, so that’s where we headed. I had not seen Anne since our Grandma Weesie passed away several years ago, and really only knew her children from pictures. I could write volumes about the fun and laughter and games and stories, and our dogs at play! I so enjoyed seeing my “little cousin Annie” in her roll as Mom to her great kids, Lucy and Alex and as a loving daughter to my Aunt. (Anne’s husband Mike was off on a guy trip for the weekend, so I didn’t get to see him until later.) The weather wasn’t great, but we did get out on the boat for a tour around the lake which I thoroughly enjoyed since we saw both Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle as well as a Great Blue Heron and some Loons.

Our lovable dogs from left to right- Max (hidden in the shadows), Penny, Sadie and Jazzy.

Anne with her adorable kids, Lucy and Alex.

A quiet moment between mother, daughter and dog (Aunt Sandy, Anne and Penny)

Golden Eagle soaring above Lower Eau Claire Lake, Wisconsin

Great Blue Heron on Lower Eau Claire Lake, Wisconsin

Common Loon, Lower Eau Claire Lake, Wisconsin

Hummer on Anne’s back deck

When the weekend was over I left my motorhome behind and drove my car into Duluth for an overnighter, some sight seeing along Lake Superior, and a bit more family time. I was amazed to realize I had not seen Mike since I photographed their wedding a LOT of years ago, so it was great to finally catch up with him. Anne and Sandy and I took a drive up along Lake Superior. This was my first real “Great Lakes experience” (other than Lake Michigan from downtown Chicago at night) and I couldn’t get past the feeling that I was standing on an ocean shore. Waves roll in to sandy beaches or rocky shorelines, and there’s no land in sight as you look across the lake. The only thing missing was the sticky salt. The lighthouses made it all the harder to shake that feeling. It was truly a strange sensation.

Bald Eagle along the shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota

From Palisade Head- Minnesota north shore along Lake Superior

Palisade Head along Lake Superior in Minnesota

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse

Gooseneck Falls Minnesota

Along Lake Superior Shoreline, Minnesota

Dusk on Lake Superior

Pier in Duluth Minnesota

After our priceless family time in Duluth the girls and I drove back to Wisconsin, reconnected with The Beast and headed north to the southern edge of Lake Superior where we camped in Port Wing. I was quite taken with the amazing old barns along the roadways in Wisconsin and took advantage of the limited opportunities I had to pull over for a shot.

While “docked” alone with a good WiFi connection at a tiny little campground in Port Wing I made a promise to myself to stay INSIDE to catch up with all the work I was behind on. I know most of you think I’m on a perpetual vacation, but I’m not. And staying inside when there’s so much to see outside is extremely hard for me. I had a very productive day, but ended up regretting that I didn’t put off work for one more day when a big storm set in that night, ruining my plans of kayaking the Brule River the following morning. I would have postponed my plans to move on, but I had my daughter, Elissa, booked on a flight to Milwaukee two days later and had a lot of beautiful ground to cover on my way to see her.

I actually drove out to the Brule hoping the skies would clear by the time I got there, but no luck. While there though, I did take the time to drive a bit further out to a place Anne told me about, Amnicon Falls State Park. Definitely worth a look-see. It was yet another reminder of the diversity of our landscape.

Amnicon Falls State Park

More barns along the way, and as you can see the skies were clearing before my morning road trip was over… making it all the harder to pull steaks and head on down the highway.

My next stop was Bayfield, a beautiful port on the southern end of Lake Superior I’d been reading about. Near here, along the shoreline, were fascinating sea caves and arches that I was looking forward to exploring in my kayak first thing the next morning before heading south to meet up with Elissa. Sadly remnants of the storm still lingered. I got up before sunrise and backtracked more than twenty miles along the shoreline to the ideal launch site to see the caves. I was met in the parking lot by a park ranger who informed me of the small craft advisory in effect. I’m no fool. I drove away feeling horribly disappointed. Two missed opportunities in two days. And as I drove the skies cleared, and clouded, and cleared again. Ever changing.

From the Marina in Bayfield Wisconsin

On the way back to Bayfield it was thoughts of my daughter awaiting my arrival at a friend’s house in southern Wisconsin that put a smile back on my face. When I got back to the campground I happily pulled steaks and turned south. With lots of ground to cover and another night in between us, I entertained myself with thoughts of Elissa, and little else.

Next stop… Brookfield Wisconsin, where our dear friends Don and Lissa Berg were hosting my wonderfully spirited, precious pride and joy… Elissa!!!

Bird is the Word!

Posted on May 5, 2012 by fran

OK, I have to admit… I’m as capable as anyone at ignoring the work that has to be done when I can go outdoors and play, but to be stuck inside my RV for days on end, in the pouring rain, with NO internet connection has had me feeling more than a little out of sorts. I’ve been in the Florida Keys for a week… and grateful as can be for the little pockets of sunshine. I’ll save those tidbits for another post, because now that I’m connected again I have to backtrack to Fort Myers. I spent several days there, hanging out with my friend, John Snow. It rained some while there as well… stormed actually… but when it did I filled my time working (I had a great WiFi connection from my RV in his driveway!) and working out at his gym. When it WASN’T raining we were out fishing. The only fishing I’ve done in years was with my buddy Tony in Colorado a few years ago. That was my first attempt at Fly Fishing, and I loved it! Before that, as mentioned in my last post, my best memories of fishing were from a dock at the base of Mount St. Helens as a child.

Fishing from John’s boat in Pine Island Sound was fun and relaxing, and of course where you find fish, you also find fish-eating birds. And as most of you know by now I am rarely without my camera. So… with a camera in one hand and a fishing rod in the other, I was pretty content! (I may have to pull the amazing Elk shots I got with a fly rod under my arm in Colorado! ) In the mean time, here’s more of the birds of Florida…

Great Egret in flight with fresh catch

Double Crested Cormorant

I thought this shot of a Great Egret was quite comical. Looks a bit like a LONG rubber chicken under those white feathers.

Osprey with a sizable catch!

Green Heron

Osprey on the hunt

I’ve always enjoyed watching groups of Pelican glide low over the water in formation… wings literally skimming the top of the surf along a coastline. Not a behavior I observed in this sound. There must be something about the surf that draws them. Watching them fish is a treat as well, as they dive at great speeds straight into the water.

Another somewhat comical shot... Brown Pelican in flight

Great Blue Heron

I believe this is a Forster's Tern, but I'm confused by the orange beak.

I SO hoped for a closer view of this Bald Eagle!!

John’s folks live right on the water on Pine Island and have an Osprey nest in their cul-de-sac. I was fortunate to get a pretty decent view of mom and three young from their front porch. (HATE power lines!)

And from below…

Also saw Manatee, and Horseshoe Crabs…

I hope to one day dive with them!

Caught several fish, but all went free…

John was kind enough to pull off the road to indulge me in a shot of these colorful mail boxes I’d been eyeing each day as we passed by…

I don’t think we ate anything for dinner while there but fish. Yummy fish! The rest of the time I made John eat veggie foods and other healthy stuff. Between the work-outs, healthy lean foods, fishing and lots of good conversation and laughter it was a pretty great visit! Thanks again John!

And speaking of light and lean, here’s a quick, light and easy BBQ meal I enjoyed a few days ago.

Salmon on the Barbie (for one or two)

1-Tbs Brown Sugar

1-Tbs Low Sodium Soy Sauce

1-Tbs Olive Oil

Dash of lemon pepper seasoning

I Clove fresh minced garlic

Salmon fillets

Marinade for two hours. For easy clean up use a zip-lock bag. I flip it from time to time and leave it out at room temperature for at least 1/2 hour. Pre-heat grill and use cooking spray to keep Salmon from sticking. Grill about 5 minutes with skin facing up, flip and cook another five minutes or until Salmon is flaky. Slide spatula between meet and skin to serve.

Served with brown rice and grilled zucchini (light glaze of olive oil, smidge of sea salt, pepper and some of that fresh garlic from above. Throw them on shortly after the fish and flip ‘em at the half way point.

Enjoy!

Journey in Focus

with Fran Reisner

Tag Archives: Bald Eagle

Memories of Florida

Catching Up With Family from Nebraska to Wisconsin

Bird is the Word!