For THAT'S MY WORLD and WATERY WEDNESDAY here's our watery weekend.
We were lucky to have a visit from our son Geoff this weekend. The three of us spent practically the whole three days on the water -- that's what you do in Florida in the Summer. (And it seems like Summer here now, never mind what the calendar has to say!)
We took the boat up the river, through Franklin Lock and back. These pictures are at a little county park in the town of Alva.
Geoff and his Dad look like they're trying to figure out where we are -- or maybe where we're going! I guess it worked, because we got home safe and sound to rest up for another day of water-filled adventure.
__________________________________________ We spent a short time on the beach at Sanibel Island. None of us are lounge-around-in-the-sun types, but it was fun to dip our feet in the Gulf. (And as the horrible oil spill comes closer, it may have been our last chance to see the beach in this pristine condition.)
We also visited the Ding Darling Wildlife preserve on Sanibel.
Geoff and I kayaked through a marked channel (that's the picture on top of this post). (Bill chose to stay behind.)
It was a great experience -- I had never kayaked before, but it was fun learning -- and really good exercise for Geoff, who (literally) shouldered most of the burden. The path was beautiful -- we saw lots of birds and an alligator. I have a few bird pictures for another post.
Back at the Visitor Center, we watched a pair of Manatees -- it's mating season, so they were in an out of the water more than usual.
So it was another great Florida day on the water!
The next day,we toured the Babcock Wilderness. It's a huge privately-owned ranch here in North Ft. Myers which encompasses several of the watery ecosystems of this area of Florida.
The picture below is part of the Cypress Swamp area of the ranch.
A large part of the property was purchased by the State last year and will remain as a preserve while still allowing farming to take place.
We had a great weekend. Happy of course that Geoff came and happy because the watery weekend didn't include RAIN. His visit broke the record we've had recently -- no matter whetherin Oregon or Florida, it has rained whenever we have out-of-town company. But not this time!
In fact, Geoff went home to Colorado with a slight sunburn as a Florida souvenir.
What a fantastic way for you and your husband to spend time with your son. Sounds like it was special.
donna
Posted by: donna | May 10, 2010 at 08:41 PM
I love visiting wildlife and wetland preserves. And i have heard of Sanibel Island, such a beautiful place!
Posted by: Ebie | May 05, 2010 at 05:28 AM
Excellent weekend trip. I'm glad you shared your time with us...beautiful country. And yes, here too...in the high 80's and low 90s already...in MAY!!
We went birding last week...today's post for my blog is all kinds of coastal bird photos. Do take a side trip over to my place if you can find some time to view many waterfowl.
COASTAL BIRDING
Have a super day my friend.
Posted by: Hootin' Anni | May 05, 2010 at 03:20 AM
Looks like a beautiful place, love the scenes. The wildlife be love it there too!
Posted by: Eileen | May 04, 2010 at 03:26 PM
Nice place. A good weekend destination.
Posted by: Ewok | May 04, 2010 at 01:43 PM
Thank you for sharing your weekend with us. I am following the world news of the oil slick - it will indeed spell tragedy for some beautiful coastline.
Posted by: merinz | May 04, 2010 at 01:40 PM
Oh...now that is nice! How peaceful and refreshing...
Posted by: carolynUSA | May 04, 2010 at 01:37 PM
I had a great time! The two of you are awesome hosts. I got some sun, saw a new state, and played in the water and the swamp. What could be better? Oh - and I missed a spring snow storm in Colorado. Perfect.
Posted by: Geoff | May 04, 2010 at 08:11 AM
So many things to do there - glad your son got down there to visit you two. The oil spill - a sad thing. It is a beautiful area there.
sandie
Posted by: Chatty Crone | May 04, 2010 at 06:40 AM
What an adventure. We are thinking of visiting the Sanibel Island area this summer.
Posted by: Yogi | May 04, 2010 at 04:47 AM
That swamp really is gorgeous! Sounds like a wonderful time was had by all.
Posted by: Lady Fi | May 03, 2010 at 09:05 PM
What a fun filled weekend you had.
Posted by: diane | May 03, 2010 at 07:30 PM
Beautiful shots of the place. It is always to nice to spend time with the loved ones.
Posted by: Rajesh | May 03, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Beautiful water, to be sure. Looks like a great place to spend the time.
Posted by: SandyCarlson | May 03, 2010 at 05:40 PM
aloha,
what a beautiful area, i love the cypress trees, glad this is all this a preserve...gorgeous
thanks for showing us your world today
Posted by: noel | May 03, 2010 at 05:13 PM
Wonderful photos, the Cypress Swamp is beautiful.
Posted by: Eileen | May 03, 2010 at 05:00 PM
What a marvelous weekend and what a gorgeous place! Love the water and the reflections! Looks a great time was had by all! Thanks for sharing the fun! Love your photos! Have a great week!
Sylvia
Posted by: Sylvia Kirkwood | May 03, 2010 at 04:22 PM
Great place.
Posted by: J Bar | May 03, 2010 at 04:18 PM