HOPE and GRATITUDE

 

We have decided to head for home (in Oregon) a couple of months early, practicing social distancing while on the road.    It's actually hard to know what the best thing to do is under the current circumstances -- but when we weighed the options, this is what came out on top.   So we've been getting ready to close up the Canal Cottage -- a routine we go through every season, but usually not this early and usually not working this quickly.   Obviously, none of the pictures in this post are new.    

 

 

The sign is on a back-road in Big Cypress National Wildlife area.  We did NOT turn around then and I hope we will not wish we had on this trip.     Usually just keeping on works out pretty well for us.   

 

These Spring Flowers are blooming in yards here in the Florida resort where we spend the Winter/Spring season.  The pictures are from another year, but the same flowers (even the same potted plant) are blooming right now.     Spring is different here, but we enjoy it.  Most snowbirds go home  in late March or early April.  We enjoy the people, but also (in better years) the quiet after they leave.   We'll miss that, but it will be good to be closer to family after this trip.  I'm grateful we are able to travel between states.

 

 

These were  two neighborhood baby eagles a couple of years ago.   Actually, I guess, teenage eagles by this stage -- shortly after I took this pictures, they flew the nest never to return.   This year, the adult pair lost their first hatch and they now are incubating a second pair of eggs.    If the first hatch had been successful, the young ones would be flying away right now.  This pair has never had a second hatch before and like approximately a million other people worldwide, I'll be watching the webcam and hoping for success.  

 

 

We usually do some Florida exploring in April and May.  These are some of the birds we've seen on those trips in other years and were looking forward to seeing next month.    I'm quite sure the lack of audience won't bother the birds one bit .  Still,  I hope we get to be among their fans again -- in person --  next year.

 

Sunset over the wetlands that border our neighborhood 

 We'll be practicing  social distancing while on the road with our new (and very small)  travel trailer.    I hope to be able to keep in touch with other bloggers as we travel.   It is comforting in the midst of all this to touch base.   And to see the beauty that still exists in nature no matter what.  And to read about  how everybody is dealing with the social isolation and all the changes.   Reading your blogs makes everything more "real" than the news stories. 

(not my picture, not our trailer)

 

 I'm grateful that we have a relatively safe way to cover the distance  between here and Oregon (3,184 miles).  And, as always, I'm beyond grateful to "the travel planner" for making it possible.)  

 

And I'll really be grateful if that planner and I are still speaking to  each other by the time we get the Canal Cottage closed up and hit the road!   (We're definitely not practicing social distancing from each other right now as we work together  in two small spaces! ) 

***

 

THANK YOU to all bloggers for keeping in touch with posts and comments -- and as always thank you to the hosts of the following sharing opportunities (which I hope to be able to link to on the appropriate days):

 

MOSAIC MONDAY;   ALL SEASONS; THROUGH MY LENS;   OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY;  TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS;    SAY CHEESE;  MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; WILD BIRD Wednesday;  SIGNS SIGNS; THANKFUL THURSDAY;  SKYWATCH FRIDAY;   FRIDAY  BLISS;    SATURDAY CRITTERS;  and RATHER B' BIRDING

 

 

Comments

[Margy]

Saw you post about successfully making it to Nebraska yesterday. That's quite an accomplishment. Glad you were able to find places to stay along the way and are safe. Take care and you'll be back home soon. We are well in Bellingham and will be here for a long time to come I'm sure. It's been the best choice for us with good medical care nearby, a good place to live and a community that offers so many services where you can distance and not have to come in contact with others. Being "homebodies" to start with helps. - Margy

[Anni]

All I can say, Sallie, is stay safe on your journey to Oregon. See you again, when you're resettled!

Thanks so much for this. We birders at I'd Rather B Birdin appreciate your blog post & photos!

[Anu]

Hello. Beautiful flowers. Wonderful serie of birds. Happy travels. Take care.

[EileeninMD]

Hello Sallie,

Your bird sightings were awesome, loved all the flowers, sunset and your photos. Wonderful mosaics. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, stay safe! Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy weekend.

[Michelle Keltner]

I hope your journey is a safe one and that you both stay well. Thanks for linking up.

[Jeanna]

I wonder if I can get the eagle cam on ROKU. I started a comment but think I got distracted by something like not having washed my hands in the last five minutes. I'm spacier than usual since much of my brain is preoccupied trying to remember what I've touched and the best way to get in and out of my apartment and in and out of my mother's.
It's probably a good thing you're leaving while you can and I was just thinking of you yesterday when I saw camper parking near a soccer field. It was actually for UW Hospital visitors which was a new thing to me, especially considering how much time I've spent there.
Cool that you got a new, downsized one camper.
I'm finding that keeping in touch with other bloggers comforting as well, and it surprises me. Hearing from you on the road will be a treat, speaking of which, I hope you packed everything you need plus more to limit your stops, keeping in mind how germy public restrooms are and that many of them might be closed.
I agree with you about other bloggers seeming more real, which I also find weird.
If you guys haven't killed each other yet I think you'll be okay.

[Linda W.]

Lovely photos! I thought we were going to take a two-day trip on business but we were able to postpone it. I wondered about finding bathrooms with most restaurants closed. Then I remembered the old days; gas stations have restrooms! Not often nice one unless you find a Sheetz.

Have a good journey!

[betty - NZ]

I really enjoyed your photos, Sallie! I'm sure we all will be perusing the archived shots for a while and discovering some images that we forgot we had!

Your link is a great addition to 'My Corner of the World' this week! Thanks for linking up!

[Peter B.]

That's a great sign. Really makes you stop and think! Safe travels and good health!

[handmade by amalia]

Lovely photos, Sallie. Safe travels.
Amalia
xo

[Lady Fi]

Fabulous shots! Safe and happy travels.

[Jim, Sydney, Australia]

Great shots.

[Veronica Lee]

Love the photos, especially that gorgeous sunset.

Safe travels, Sallie!

[Robert Nicolaescu]

Beautiful captures.

[Pat]

I think you and your husband made an excellent decision, Sallie! Florida might be a hotbed of the virus as it was late to begin social distancing. I wish I could say everyone in Colorado was following "stay home" rules, but they are not. My husband and I are and we only go out an hour a day to walk a trail. Safe travels to Oregon!

[Su-sieee! Mac]

Sallie, I'm glad to hear you'll be leaving for Oregon sooner and traveling in your own unit across the country. I'd be interested in hearing whether you think skies are bluer and nature more refreshed across the country during this trip. It certainly feels that way here. Sending positive vibes through the Universe for you and Spousal Unit. Big hugs.

[Annie]

Have a nice and safe trip, Sallie. It'll be a long way to Oregon ! Here we can't do things like this. We have to stay where we are and that's all. A bientôt.

[A ShutterBug Explores]

Oh dear ~ do hope you have a safe journey back and that closing up the cottage wasn't too much for you both ~ Lovely photos ~

Be Well,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

[Debbie]

good luck sallie - stay safe on those roads, i heard that they are all jammed up!! your pictures are beautiful, thank goodness for the archives!!!

[Lisa]

Safe travels! I am sure the birds are enjoying the peace and quiet and are happy to be left alone. Here in Israel, ibex were filmed wandering along the promenade in Eilat. They wouldn't normally be anywhere near the area but when the humans are away...

[Bob Bushell]

Superb images Sallie. I love the sunset.

[Nan]

Just where you should be in these times - home. I wish you a safe trip. Please write often. One shouldn't be so very far from family now.There is a hilarious cartoon going around the internet with a wife knitting a noose from enforced time with husband. :<) Love to you, dear one.

[rupam { xhobdo}]

So beautiful pics.

[Sondra]

Yes better hurry as more and more states are closing down and saying only essential people may be out and about fines and such could happen...I think getting home is Essential...Many parks are closed to be prepared for that RV privates seem to be open and National Forests are too as of now. I wish you the best on your journey and I will be watching out for your posts! Safe Travels.

[Beth]

sorry i don't recall if i have ever told ya about our Casita ...that is what we camp in. i wish that as your camper ... it would be too too cute!! what fun. i don't know what i love more your blooms or fliers (birds, i mean)?? have a relaxing week. ( ;

[Stevenson Que]

Oh Sallie! You live on those Canal Cottages, that is just such a beautiful place! I pray to God that he guides and bless your way to Oregon and please be safe and make sure you have your travel essentials in place (especially a bag of snacks or two, or five if I'm coming with you HAHA) Wish you the best and sending you hugs!

Stevenson - Cavite Daily Photo

[NatureFootstep]

lovely flowers and birds. Loved to see the spoonbill. I have seen it but never upclose :(

I hope your trip to Oregon went well.
We have the virus in Sweden as well but the situation is not that bad as many other places. Even if many smaller shops are closed and the city more or less abandoned. But we have everything we need so far.
Take care and stay well. :)

[Lydia C. Lee]

Home is def the safest place to be - if only because you know where everything is (shops and medical) and there are people you know nearby for emergencies...Stay safe!

[bill burke]

Safe travels back to your Oregon home. My daughter just made it back to Portland before they stopped overseas flights from entering the US. She came for a visit but was anxious to get back home after the flights were being cancelled.
Take care and stay safe!

[Amy Franks]

Nice to see some colour. I recognize all of the plants in your photos too.

[gillena]

Have a blessed Monday. Thsnks for sharing. Be safe, stay healthy

Much❤love

[Penelope Notes]

I think you are wise to leave Florida sooner rather than later, Sallie. There are a lot of folks there who don’t seem to be taking the situation seriously enough. Oregon has so many beautiful spots and I look forward to new scenes, perhaps even from that gorgeous western coastline. One of the prettiest and wildest I’ve seen.

[ellen b.]

I was wondering if you might make the trip back to Oregon earlier with all that is happening. How fortunate you have a travel trailer and can avoid airplanes or hotels. Ha! It does get dicey working with someone constantly in tight quarters. Hang in there. Safe travels to you! God speed...

[Linda P]

Quite an undertaking to close up and travel back to Oregon so safe travelling on a long route across the States. I presume State borders are not closed. We've come to terms with our two home situation complicated by being in two different countries, that is Italy and the UK, although the UK is our main residence and home. Everything is on hold for the foreseeable future. Beautiful sunset, interesting wildlife in your photos.

[Lavender Dreams]

How nice to have a new travel trailer to make the trip. That will mean it is so much easier to stay safe. I'm wishing you a safe and uneventful journey! Let us know how you are as you travel and what you see! Take care and God speed! Hugs, Diane

[David Gascoigne]

If the truth be known, Sallie, nature and its creatures, all of its flora and fauna in fact, probably welcomes this respite from human domination, degradation and neglect. I just read this morning of wildlife sightings on deserted city streets. Have a safe journey back to Oregon and stay well. I hope the authorities don't ban inter-state travel when you are half way home. This is a challenging time for all of us, and I suspect that it is far from being over yet.

[Clair Zarges]

".. .to see the beauty that still exists in nature no matter what." Such a good reminder. I marvel every morning when I step outside to the sound of robin songs. Despite our human turmoil, the robins still sing.

[EileeninMD]

Hello,

Beautiful flowers and awesome bird sightings. The sunset is lovely. Beautiful photos! Sending prayers for your safe travels home to Oregon!

[Iris Flavia]

Beautiful pictures. Oh, how I long to be on the road again, too. Certainly not here in Germany. Outback Australia it would be. Where else is social distance easier anyways!
And one day I´d like to visit America, see Florida!

[Hazel]

All good wishes for a safe and smooth journey! I wondered how long you expect to take?
Here, in the UK Midlands, I've been told to stay in for three months-and am trying not to get Cabin Fever.😊

[Fun60]

I think you are right to return home whilst you still can. It might be inevitable with the rise of cases inthe US that travel will be forbidden between states. Everything here happened so quickly. I am pleased I cancelled my trip abroad as I would still be trapped out there now with little chance of returning home.

[riitta k]

Wonderful flowers and sunset. Safe trip back home.

[// Heidrun]

The calm on the canal is fantastisc... the other captures of nature so lovely as eher in each post.

...yes, keep in touch in Corona time. Its the one and only way we have yet...

Stay healthy!

Happy MosaicMonday

[Penny O'Neill]

Love all of the photos, but, especially that magnificent sunset. Safe travel and well being as you wend your way to Oregon.

[Angie]

Sallie - it must be tough to leave, but it sounds like you are making the right decision. I have said from the beginning that I would far rather that people decide we over-reacted than the other way 'round. (At this point, I don't think anyone will be saying we over-reacted …) Thanks for taking the time to link to Mosaic Monday while you are in the midst of the transition. I agree that blogging is proving to be a lifeline and a reassurance that people are still out there! Be safe on your journey!

[junieper/Jesh]

At least you have seen Florida's flowers, before you go back to Oregon! Beautiful! And I love your capture of the eagles and also of the birds in that tree:) Sallie don't worry about social distancing (I think for couples it's overrated anyways, why do they think people marry??) Thank you so much for sharing the latest with All Seasons, and wishing you a great trip and hope you are not too cramped in your small trailer. Have a great week of driving, and keep safe and healthy, Jesh

[Rosie]

Thanks for your uplifting post, such a welcome relief after listening to the news reports. I look forward to hearing more of your long trip home, if you are able to get internet reception. The flowers are beautiful and certainly brighten up the day for us all. Stay safe and well.

[mae]

Your bird photos are fascinating. We’ve seen the owls at Cape Coral and a few of the others you have pictured. It must be sad to leave — and what a long trip you have ahead of you! Be safe and be well.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

[Stewart M]

I think it is a time to be home - what crazy days.

Hope all is well - Stewart M - Melbourne

[Margy]

May your trip home to Oregon be a safe and quick one. I'll be watching to see when you make it and can settle in more comfortable surroundings. - Margy

[Carol]

I'm worried about you - that's a long trip and so many people are ill. Please be careful. My prayers are with you.

[Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade]

Praying for your safe travel and safety in Oregon.
Dawn aka Spatulas On Parade

[Cathy Keller]

Oh my, how lovely! And the sunset is just beautiful!! Have a grand week!