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Friday, April 13, 2012

Dolphins, Gators and other Friends

We have spent most of the winter in Florida and really like it here.  We had a great time in Key West and we have been spending the last few weeks at Patrick AFB near Melbourne, FL.  Except for some day trips around the area and a 'short' trip to the Tiffin factory, we have been content to hang around our campsite.

I spent all last week working online and was able to put in over 40 hours which was nice.  And I have cleaned and given the Roadrunner its annual wax job.  But all days are not like that.

Some days we go over to the fitness center for a workout or swim.  Other days we bike along some of the paths on base of which there are many.
But one of the neat things has we have done is hang out and watch the birds and fish and dolphins (and turtle) on the water near our campsite.  Amazingly, the dolphins keep coming back for a little show. Or a pack? of 5 or 6 of them circle the waters and corral some of the small fish for dinner.
(In order to see some dolphins in these pictures, you really have to WANT to see them).  Unfortunately, most of my pictures are of the tip of their fins…  Where is that expensive high speed camera when you need it?

Along with the dolphins, the birds (egret, pelicans and ?) are usually not far behind.  I can't tell you how many times I have sat outside the back of the campsite on the water and watched the birds circle and circle then dive bomb into the water after fish.  What sight!
This is probably the best shot I got of our dolphins
And another shot of an osprey
Then too, we have seen a couple of alligators. (This was during one of our day trips and thankfully not anywhere near our campsite).
These bad boys were healthy!  So we didn't stay long or get too close.  They are interesting creatures.

The other day we saw a turtle sunning himself on our little kayak excursion.  Bonar and I were in one boat and Tom and Cathy were in another.  This was my first kayak experience.  It takes a little coordination in a two-man boat.  If you had been anywhere near me, you could tell it was my first time in a kayak.
We kayaked from the Rec Center to our campsite to see Pam and Christa.  We took it easy for a while before heading back.
We are really loving our time here.  We don't leave Florida for another 10 days or so.  But our friends left yesterday.  It was sure great to spend time with them!
Thanks for joining us today on the Roadrunner Chronicles!  Hope you have a great weekend!  Until next time...

8 comments:

  1. I don't know what the bird picture is, but I'm pretty sure it isn't an osprey. Maybe a haeron or an egret?

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  2. It is a tough life, but someone has to do it:)

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  3. you sure are enjoying your time..and having a blast...nice to see for sure

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  4. What a nice time you have spent in Florida. Happy to see that you've tried kayaking. We love our SeaEagle inflatible kayak.

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  5. I am so glad you and Pam have had such a great time in Florida this past winter!! Sounds like you've met some new friends along the way as well. :-)

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  6. We are thinking about Florida next winter...I need to research the Florida State Park system first...Great photos.

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  7. What a wonderful place you have been exploring. No thanks on getting up close to the gators though.

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    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com

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  8. Definitely not an osprey; looks more like an egret to me. But regardless, days that include wildlife are always a good thing. :-)))

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