Some More to Share...

After our time with Torrey, with special thanks to Katrina, we ventured to  Collier-Seminole State Park, Marco Island, and a visit to Ten Thousands Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  

While camping we finally decided to put up our awning.  Yeah, we made it both up and down! Another minor success on the learning curve with the van.

We enjoyed some of the wildlife in the Collier-Seminole State Park on our first day hike.

Gulf Fritillary 

Eastern Ribbonsnake

Resurection Fern - HAPPY EASTER!

Royal Palm from below.  Special species growing in this area.

Red-shouldered Hawk

The area near Naples, Florida is also the access point to Marco Island where we enjoyed a beautiful  walk on Tigertail Beach and another chance to see several Burrowing Owls.

The next day, we visited the Ten Thousand Island NWR and were able to take some bird pictures:

The terrain

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Glossy Ibis

Tri-colored Heron

Blue- Winged Teal

The camping days were relaxing, but we were looking forward to our next stop. We had a planned visit with Latona's oldest stepdaughter, her husband, and granddaughter, husband and great granddaughter.  Four generations together for a long weekend!  We enjoyed meals, music and much sharing over our time together.  The only thing missing was Linden, Jr.!

We thank them all for a wonderful visit.  Their hospitality is always overwhelming and we look forward to our next stop together whether in Florida or Maine.

One reflection to share is my concern that ever since beginning our visit to the Keys, it seems we have not been seeing the numbers of birds we have seen in the past.  Where are they?

One Roseate Spoonbill at Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge

Tri-colored Heron and reflection


(We have noticed more Sandhill Crane pairs, more Turkey Vultures and plenty of Ospreys but many of the small peeps seem gone from where we had been used to seeing them.  We are reporting this as a matter of sharing very informal observations along our travel route.)

Well, I will sign-off for now.  We have had a great network here so posting has been easier.

We are grateful for the moments of serendipity when we have people come up to us in the van and want a tour.  We have had so much encouragement about our new house while continuing our transition from Chemo Pond to the open road.  We want to grasp the concept of going with a Free Spirit and living in the moment in reality.  We send our love and best wishes to all our family and friends.