O'Leno State Park

A friend recently sent a message asking if I was stopping my blog and the answer is that I have no plans to do so even though my postings are fewer and farther between. Two factors are influencing that change, one is that I have to be at my computer to post and if we are out and about that does not work. Secondly, with Bruce's retirement, all of my habits have changed and that's a good thing. So keep looking for me in this space as long as I am able!

Sunday evening, after returning from Bunker and Cathy's house, I asked Bruce if he wanted to go camping in the morning? Say what? "I don't think we can be ready that quickly," says Bruce to which Gail replied, "I bet we can!" First was a quick search on Reserve America, the site where you book camping spots. Finding a few open days at O'Leno State Park, near High Springs, Florida, I booked them right away.  Next stop was the refrigerator--was there enough in there to put together three days worth of meals? Why, I think I can.

And so it was that after arising early and a trip to the storage unit for our gear we took off. I know we just went camping, but in the words of a camper we met at the park, "why not go camping?" Indeed.
Does anything about the photo below tell you something?

If you guessed that we took the highway, you are correct. Seriously almost a first, Bruce wanted to make good time as we were getting a little bit of a late start. Even though the campground was about two hours away, he made the decision and who am I to argue with the driver?  You see a whole 'nother side of Florida, taking the turnpike and Interstate, including this massive development going on near Leesburg.

Seriously, it was huge with streets laid out everywhere. Doing a little sleuthing on the web and I'm convinced it is part of an expansion of the The Villages. Don't quote me on that!!

This sort of display used to be very common on Florida's highways...

Perhaps it still is and I've just not seen it because we've been avoiding highways, thanks to my trusty iPad and Google maps? In those days citrus was king and baby alligators were quite the draw, long before the likes of Walt Disney came to Florida! And for your information, those are not stacked fruit at all, instead they are like half moons of painted plaster.

Okay, off I-75 and into the park we go.

Should you be curious, as seniors a night of camping here cost about $11, an incredible bargain in anyone's book. There are two campgrounds in the park, one of which is named Magnolia where our site, #28 is located, and as we discovered on the following day, was the more ideal of the two.

Our upstairs neighbor, Bill, camps frequently by himself as Julie wants nothing to do with camping. He was telling us about his tent and that got us to thinking, perhaps we should buy one that we can stand up in. So, after searching and searching, we ended up buying a new 6 person Core tent from Costco,  a brand we'd never heard of. After reading a bunch of reviews, mostly good along with a few negative ones, we decided to go for it, knowing that Costco stands behind every product. At $129 delivered it was quite the bargain. And as it turns out, the tent was put to the test on this trip. But before we get into that, another thing we purchased was a sleeping bag after Matt chided us for not having one in the cold weather and baby it was going to be cold on this trip. Another Core product, it exceeded our expectations for numerous reasons, one of which is how it hold our pillows in place!

That was a real problem with our former set up as the pillows tended to slide off the end of the air mattress. We are learning as we go that's for sure.

Anyway, another great thing about the new tent is the set up which is super fast. Without going into the specifics, as not to completely bore you, the tent is up, rain fly on and staked in about twenty minutes. Before long we were all set up and after a tuna sandwich that I'd made before leaving home, it was time to explore on my bicycle.

The first thing I discovered at the end of our "street" was this area where there was evidence of a prescribed burn, a term we learned from the ranger on day three. Once called a controlled burn he told us that term is no longer used because, frankly, it is hard to control a fire.

Unlike the Dogwood campground, ours was just minutes away from the main attractions of which there were much more than is typical of most of the parks we have visited. Consider this:

There are many remnants of this time our our nation's history, with this plaque particularly interesting.

Located along the Sante Fe River, it was a gloomy day so between leafless trees and gray skies, well my photos aren't really all that appealing but they are a bit atmospheric. Maybe?

This is the main attraction a suspension bridge that was allegedly built by the CCC.

Allegedly? Well, here's what we learned from that ranger and don't go telling anyone as it makes all of the signage a little suspect. Apparently there was a volunteer who was heavily interested in history and after exhaustive research, he learned that it was more likely built by the WPA, because he could find no evidence of a specific CCC regiment stationed in the park. So, now you know.

On this day the water was quite low, however, according to this post, it is not always that way.

Can you imagine the water rising so much? There is the usual step gathering spot as well as a dock used for jumping into the river on hot summer days.

Returning to our site, Bruce joined me on riding back so he might try his hand at a little fishing. It was a good thing he brought his bicycle instead of his kayak as they were not allowing any boats on the water as it was too low. While I was fishing for photographs, Bruce was well, fishing for fish. Any fish really. Well, before long he caught one and luckily I was still there to document the occasion. 

He called it a Mudfish, which is the common name but the more accurate name is a Bowfin, or so we learned from the brochure he picked up last week. One thing to note is that almost every photo you will see of Bruce camping, he is wearing a denim shirt. He loves nothing more than a denim shirt so all of this camping in cold weather is providing him opportunity to be clad both top and bottom in denim! After letting the fish go, he continued fishing and I went walking seeing a new bird! Not the greatest picture but I'm pretty sure this one is called an Eastern Phoebe. What a sweet name!

Definitely hard to spot in all of that that, however, the Pileated Woodpeckers I saw were anything but hard to spot with their huge bodies and bright red heads. Actually I saw two together however I was so far away, the pictures are even worse than this one!

Maybe one of these days I'll get better at bird photography.

After a lovely fire and French bread pizzas made in our new camp oven, we turned in for the night and were super comfy in our new sleeping bag and a few quilts even though the temperature dropped to 42 degrees.

More camping adventures in my next post but this last part is so I won't forget the neat event we attended on Saturday night at the church. Called Men Who Cook, they do a great job making tables nice and providing lots of yummy dishes, including this amazing apple dessert from David Rotenberger.

Clinton got this thing going a few years ago and looks forward to it every January.

So not only lots of amazing desserts but loads of savory dishes as well.

And a good time was had by all.

I am in the midst of washing the campfire smell out of our clothes and, you guessed it, Bruce is at the church hanging pictures and more. Lots of folks were worried how he would do in retirement and the answer has surprised everyone. He is doing great!!

your friend,

Gail

p.s. While tagging this post, O'Leno State Park came up and that is because we stopped in once in 2013 according to this very sweet post that is well worth your time.  Click on the link to read about Bruce's former life as a very talented and very stressed Project manager! The sad news is that after all of the misery to get those California projects opened, they have both now closed. 

A Tuesday Road Trip

I am happy to report that Matthew identified my new bird sighting even if I could not. Failing to notice a blue tail wing, when I entered it into my Merlin bird app, I got only birds I know, however, he did not fail to notice the blue and discovered it was a female Eastern Bluebird. Well done, Matt, well done! It is always so exciting to see a new bird, not that I mind seeing old ones, but it is fun seeing something for the very first time. And although I've learned, after doing some research, that they can be found year round in Florida, it is a first for me.

Following our busy weekend, we decided to hit the road on Tuesday morning and head to Hillsborough River State Park, north of Tampa. Taking the back roads, we drove behind Championsgate which won't mean much to some readers, however, if you've driven on I-4 heading South, you will have seen their big signs just off the interstate.

Seemingly a huge community, the best part about that portion of the drive was TWO Bald Eagle sightings on different light poles. About the only places I've seen them are in wooded areas, so it came as quite the surprise. We drove through lots of cattle country as well as orange groves, at one time the backbone of the Florida economy.

 It is such a blessing to be able to get away from the traffic of Orlando.

Eventually we arrived at the park and it is an aging beauty, another one built in  the '30's by the CCC. The picnic tables were especially old and interesting. The bridge in the distance, although not so old, was closed but not for age, instead hurricane damage.

In all of the old parks there are places for folks to gather, although these days, I wonder how often that happens as most folks we've seen tend to stay at their sites? Nonetheless, it was a nice place to sit in the sun on a very chilly day here in Florida. After we toured the camping area, making notes on which sites we like, we had a surprisingly tasty lunch at the camp store/restaurant beside the huge swimming pool. The depth is but one foot near the edges and five feet in the center. Ideal for families that apparently flock here in the summer.

A trail led us over the suspension bridge set amongst the twisted tree branches,

and then we made our way back to the steps so that Bruce might make some casts. While he was doing so I talked to Lori, learning the details about Jeff's memorial service scheduled for February 7. She told me that loads of neighbors were being so helpful, bringing her more food than she can eat. Living a long time in one place definitely has its advantages. Although the two of them were a fairly new couple, he'd lived in his house for at least twenty years, if not more.

Meanwhile, the fisherman in our group made his cast just a wee bit too far, catching in a tree on the other bank. As luck would have it, a kayaker came along and agreed to do what he could to disentangle the line.

Success!

 Although he could have cut his line, leaving fishing line is not a good idea as it might fall into the water causing harm to what lies beneath the tannic water. A woman visiting from Michigan complained to me about it, as if I had something to do with the color of the water! I explained that it is tea colored from all of the Cypress trees lining the bank which seemed to satisfy her.

I haven't told you this yet, but for my birthday Bruce gave me a gift card to Bass Pro Shop as a bit of a joke. Opening my card I most definitely got a good laugh! Well, we went there to shop and I came away with The New Birder's Guide to Birds of North America, and a remaining balance on my $25 card. Waiting on Bruce, I was reading that book which drew the attention of another visitor from Wisconsin who told me he and his wife lead birding tours in Texas. He was a lot more fun to chat with than the previous stranger!

Taking a different route home, were we ever glad that we did because it took us past Cold Creek State Park, the newest park in Florida. Naturally we stopped and were so impressed! A former ranch that was given to the state, it is just beautiful, with wide open spaces and several lakes.

There is a large shaded equestrian campground as well. Bruce did a few casts in the somewhat hidden pond pictured above.

There are only 27 sites that were all filled and we could see why as everything is so new and nice. That said, there is not much shade because it is new, so winter camping is probably the best in this park. With wide open skies, the stargazing is apparently fantastic as we learned from one of the workers that the local astronomy club has a monthly meet up to do that very thing. I am dying to go there, but getting a space is not easy as they are booked up seemingly forever!

At the largest lake we chatted with this woman who spends winters in the various Florida parks. Apparently her dog loves to swim and did not mind cold water!

And of course there are the birds! I've rarely seen a Killdeer before, but we saw about eight scurrying on the ground in two different locations.

As we were ready to begin the drive home, near the front of the property was a road leading to two other lakes, so of course we had to explore. The sun was lower in the sky making for some long shadows of your favorite blogger. (presumptuous of me)

I love it when all of the grasses sport their winter finery.

Roaming around, I saw more Killdeer,

and we also saw a big flock of birds that I was on the wrong side of the car to photograph well. I got just enough in my picture to learn that they were Common Ground Doves, tiny little birds with much larger cousins.

All in all, a beautiful place with very few people there on this cold Winter's day.

 As the sun was dropping in the sky, we knew it was time to get going!

The road we took home led us through the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve which was very interesting, and then on to SR 50 near Webster, Florida. All new to us, it is fine country. Before too long we were in Brooksville and the never-ending sprawl that has happened in our area in recent years. Amazingly though, the traffic was very manageable, making the end of our Tuesday road trip just fine. 

All in all, a wonderful time was had by all. Well, the two of us anyway!

your friend,

Gail

Bittersweet

When last we met, I wrote about our friend Jeff nearing death. Sadly, last Thursday morning it came to pass. Lori asked me to take their picture during our last visit and although I was hesitant, I'm glad she did.

It has so hard to imagine that just four days later, he is no longer in this world, however, we are heartened to know that he is no longer suffering both the pain and indignity of a serious illness. Friday, February 7th we will gather to celebrate his life. I did a search of my blog for posts mentioning Jeff and they are many as he and Bruce worked together and were good friends for many, many, years.

Speaking of my blog, I am coming up on my 13th anniversary of blogging. Wild, right? Folks that I've written about have come and gone, but Jeff was a constant. :(

Shall we move on to a cheerier subject? I should think so.

Last Sunday the courtyard at the church was so beautiful with the fallen blossoms of which there are hundreds.

I know Christmas has long past, but I was remiss in not mentioning a super gift I received from Jackie. The heavy box from Canada was opened at the border; perhaps they were surprised to find two boxes of lard along with two containers of Magic baking powder? I could not have been happier! Wondering what lard looks like?

I followed the recipe on the box of Tenderflake, making six mounds of dough at once, two of which I used to make a chicken pot pie, with the other four going into the freezer for a future use.

There is just something about a crust made with lard from the ease of rolling to the savory taste that I find so appealing. Hurray for our Canadian friends who are so good to us!

Lots of birds around these days. Way more than I can count, like the flocks of Cormorants that were just outside our back door.

Above is only a fraction of the huge number that always attract the shore birds from who knows where. Apparently they stir up the water so much it drives the fish towards the shore.

On any given day I see maybe one or two large birds, aside from Anhingas which are ever-present, but when the Cormorants come to town, well that is another matter entirely. I counted 15 the other morning!


Just saying.....I began this post yesterday morning, however, an interruption from the man who loves me ended my writing. A good interruption though. We are planning on gutting our master bathroom and spent hours and hours trying to come up with a layout and overall plan. I, for one, never got out of my pajamas until two in the afternoon when it was time to go check out some cabinets! Not my style, but it was a cold and gray day so actually it was perfect.

Okay, so where was I?

That's right, White Pelicans are in the house! Or maybe I should say were because I've not seen any in days, either on Lake Davis, where the photo below was taken, or on either of the lakes on property.

Of all things, as I was just watching the Mergansers swimming on the lake, I could not believe that it hadn't occurred to me until just now, that the term "snow birds" got its name from this very thing. Well, duh, silly me. Speaking of snow birds, for the most part, the visiting Robins have been flying high, spending their time gorging on the Camphor berries on the many trees out back. Sunday morning I noticed a group on the lakeshore and tried to get some photos of them drinking from the lake, most of which are not great, but I did have a huge surprise when I finally looked at them on maybe Tuesday---

Do you see what I see? Of course I'm looking at it on a computer monitor and you are probably on the tiny screen of a phone so maybe not. Nevertheless, there is a bird amongst the Robins that I was delighted to see, a Cedar Waxwing is on the little branch over the water! The crazy thing about this is that while I was talking to fellow bird enthusiast, Leslie, (purple shirt), at Days for Girls,

I was mentioning how I was hoping to see one soon. Little did I know that I already had. For a few minutes I popped outside to call Bruce who had left earlier than I to go to the dentist for a crown and and filling. Not one much for the dentist, I was hoping it went well, and it did. Having gone to the same dentist for 35 years, beginning anew with his replacement has actually proved seamless.

Anyway, I could not help notice a tiny bird clinging to the trunk of a palm tree, but of course, I did not have camera in hand. Retrieving the Olympus from my car, I followed the little cutie around, never really getting much, which btw, seems to be a recurring them with my bird photographs.

Consulting my phone bird id app, I never found it, so I sent it to another bird lady who could not figure it out either. Must be one of those "snow birds!"

Keeping me away from my desk, there were four parties this past weekend. I know....a good problem to have. With the miserable traffic here in Orlando, it took a lot for me to drive out to the Dr. Phillips area but it was worth it seeing how happy Cole and Courtney are to be having a baby boy. How she was going to work two 12 hour shifts in a row this week as a neonatal nurse is beyond me.

Oh my gosh, she reminds me of a certain blogger you know who once delivered twins! I joked with her that she was going to miss her shelf.

Supposedly two weeks until Conner's arrival, but we shall see. Cole is Dana's son whom we have known for years. You remember Dana, our fairy godmother from the market? While I don't miss the market at all, I do miss seeing Dana regularly. Many years ago, Cole's fiancee was killed in a car accident and it was years before he got over it so when he and Cortney fell in love we were so delighted.

Although I did not take any photographs, we had an amazing time at Lisa and Oren's lovely home Saturday night and then on Sunday evening it was time to celebrate Susan,

who was not so keen on wearing the tiara, but after all, she is the queen of our complex, also known as the Association President. Husband Dave ordered pizza for the gang,

and Sandy made a beautiful and tasty chocolate cake. We are a lucky bunch to have landed here at Lake Pineloch Village, aren't we?

And now, fully dressed, I am going to look at tile. I'll let you know what I find.

your friend,

Gail

More about Seniors Camping

Before I get more into the trip, for my memory alone, I must write that although the trip was a happy time, today we aren't quite so happy as our friend Jeff has very little time left to live. Sunday, after church, we visited with them at the rehab center, however since then, he has been moved to hospice at the hospital. He's the same age as Carol. Nearly one year to the day he learned news no one wants to hear.  To put a face with the name, I took this photo about six months ago.

Pray for Lori, pray for Bruce, and all of Jeff's friends, of which there are many, as he is one of the good guys.

I must confess, it is weird to think that we are senior citizens at least as far as conventional wisdom is concerned. Do we feel like seniors? Sometimes! Like when I was walking the trash to the dumpster at the campground and my knee was killing me. Of course, it had been a busy day, but I must say that I was delighted when a couple came up behind me, offering to take my bag the rest of the way! Campers are like that, or so it seems. Lots of nice folks are just a campsite away. Here's something cute....as we were cleaning up from breakfast, a young boy and his sister were on little scooter things on the road in front of our site. Stopping to chat, he mentioned that they were camping for his sister's 5th birthday. I said, "oh my gosh, we are doing the same!" Asking me how old I had turned, I said I was 66 to which he replied, "you don't look a day over 40." Do you think this nine year old boy has a future in politics???

We also met some nice folks on the boardwalk heading to the beach.

Yup, it is very long! Anyway the gentleman was using binoculars and since I'd just seen a tiny bird flitting about, I mentioned it. Well, before long, we knew lots about the three folks, two of whom were from Maine visiting their cousin in St. Augustine. Because New England was Bruce's territory for a number of years, he knows lots about the area, so there was that kind of chit chat. And of course birds. We all are bird crazy. Happily, the birds were still in about the same place as the day before,

except this time a Brown Pelican joined the group! They were very helpful with bird identification which was a nice thing to do.  We began walking the other way, observing more than just the birds.

The water is extremely clear for the Atlantic,

with loads of shells to sort through if you are the shelling kind.

Anyone have any idea what kind of jellyfish this is?

It is hard to walk with me because I always am noticing something that I find interesting, however, Bruce is patient with me. Or used to it at least.

Before returning to space #33, we looked at the kayak launch area, called Salt Run, and how about all of those oysters shells?

Look what we discovered on the car!

Bruce was sure he'd heard something the night before during the many times he awoke because he was cold. I'd put the leftover stew in a zip lock bag in the car that night which is why I walked it to the dumpster the next night!

The campground is full of twisty oaks, made that way from the wind and salty air.

Learning our lesson that second night we used all of our blankets,

as well as two pairs of socks and more clothing. We were cozy now. Sloppy joes and roasted potatoes, made in the oven (!) along with corn for dinner that night.

Wednesday was more of the same, except Bruce did more reading as I explored, riding my bike to the beach and then walking to the pier pictured above. I was dying to get the same shot that I had taken while in La Jolla, but this time there was a pole at the end of the pier that does not give the same effect.

These little guys are so fun to watch!

That afternoon, because it was so cold, Bruce still had a fire going and we got to make these, a Christmas gift from Jonathan and Alissa. Made in Austin, of course.

Indeed, just as the box says, we enjoyed them over a fire.

Holy Cow were they good!

Yet another walk on the beach, upped my count by bedtime to seven miles of walking that day. I slept very well! Plus, although it was super chilly all day, that night the temperature only dropped to 53 degrees, balmy in comparison to Monday night!

On the third night we remembered we actually had some lights that we could hang from the tarp and what a difference they made when it came to cooking and clean up!

Each trip we get a little bit better. In the morning, it was time to head home, but not before one last fire.

Before too long we returned site #33 to the way we found it.

Here's hoping other folks enjoy the space as much as we did. And here's hoping that your vicarious camping along with the seniors was worth the time!

your friend,

Gail