Everglades 10,000 Island National Park

The Everglades out did all my expectations!!!! We have spent three days here and I have never seen so many animals and birds. It is truly a magical place. Everywhere we looked birds in trees, wading in the water, filling the skies. We had the opportunity to see birds close up and engaged in many activities. Alligators everywhere ...... very up close and personal. 

Double Crested Cormorants resting on the telephone lines.

The saw grass prairie 

There are several boardwalks that allow you to experience

 being in the midst of this amazing habitat.  

We took a 90 minute ride into the 10,000 island area.

Airboat rides ... very popular here.

Brown Pelican

Black crabs in the mangroves.

We saw many Osprey nests.

Royal Tern

Belted Kingfishers were everywhere.

Bald Eagle

Ibis on the wing.

White Ibis

We took a 90 minute small, 6 person,  boat tour of the Turner River through the mangroves.

Osprey fishing and eating. 

Bromelaids ... airplants 

Valentine's Day

Blue lost his invitation to the dance, so he is pouting.

Charlie is still looking for a date.

The girls are ready to go dancing.

Ollie is simply too exhausted!

Going to the garage sales with Renee and Kathy

We arrive in Madeira Beach yesterday. This morning we hit the streets lookin' for deals.

Beautiful Hibiscus in bloom all over.

The new addition in Kathy and Renee's cottage is wonderful.

 Lots of light and the yummy lime sherbet color!

Crystal River State Park, Florida

On the way to Renee's we stopped to take a Ranger led boat tour. It was a bird lover's paradise!

Little Blue Heron

Another Little Blue Heron

Ranger Mike ..... very informative and passionate about the history and ecology of the area.

Our boat ride was very inexpensive .... $10 per person.

Osprey

Bale Eagle

Eagle Nest .... parent feeding babies.

Great Blue Heron

Great White Egret

Anhinga fishing and gulping down the catch.

Anhinga

Osprey

Double Crested Cormorant

Eagle

Osprey

Belted Kingfisher

We watched a pod of dolphin swimming rapidly along the shore .... headed out to the Gulf.

New Orleans AM

We walked the corgis in the French Quarter and stopped to see the Blue Dog paintings.

Cafe' au lait and beignets ...... sweeeeeeet!