The Beauty of the Gulf Coast

 

We're discovering the 'real Florida' by going to some of my favorite places.

Most of them you'll notice don't have many people.

But this trip was taken on the weekend so a few people were there to enjoy this beautiful day.

We've driven through the small town of Ozello

and stopped close to a home with beautiful flowers in full bloom.

Now we're standing at the water's edge to look out over the marshes that will lead into the Gulf of Mexico. 

I call it the ocean and my hubby shakes his head!

But whatever you call it, you have to admit it is beautiful!

The top of this mosaic is the back glass of a truck, then there's a warning sign at the boat launch and a sticker on a vehicle.

 

Now we'll drive back out the two lane road to civilization....

enjoying this sights as we go!

I hope you've enjoyed our trip!

Just one more before we get back on Suncoast Blvd. to head home.

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.

Sandhill Cranes Point the Way!

 We stood in the driveway to leave for a day trip to the Gulf Coast and looked up to see these Sandhill Cranes.

About 40 Sandhills pointing the way!

(The outline of this formation looks like a bird)

So let's go.

 ( beautiful scenes along the way are in my previous post)

We spotted 2 Pelicans from the bridge

and one took flight while we passed.

Let's continue across the bridge. 

Now we are at the water's edge in time to watch a Great Blue Heron fly over and perch close by.

The boat launch is popular for birds.

A kayak is ready to launch with a Great White Egret standing nearby.

He's a beauty, isn't he.

And willing to pose for pics!

A Seagull is on a little gravel bar in the water....

and other boats are enjoying a winter day in Florida with the temps in the 70s.

A few more scenes to enjoy!

I could stay all day! 

I have my camera...where's my chair! lol

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

A Drive to Florida's Nature Coast

 We drove over to the Gulf Coast a few days ago and it felt great to take a little day trip.

We had an errand to run in that direction so we drove a little farther to “The Ozello Trail” as it twists and turns through St. Martin’s Aquatic Preserve, a 23,000-acre wildlife preserve. 

It was a beautiful day but the two lane road was not busy at all so we enjoyed the sights along the way.

My hubby was driving 55 mph and I rolled my window down to take pics.

I just kept taking them hoping something would come out. 

Hoping they would not all just be a big blur!

But guess what! 

(this was one of my FAVS!)

They all turned out good so I've had a time trying to figure out which ones to share.

We're going over the bridge now so stay tuned!

I'll show some of the birds we saw in my next post!

I'm thankful to live in such a beautiful place!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

Bluebird of Happiness Hill

 

We drove by several trailheads yesterday when we took a little day trip. (pics coming to a blog near you... soon!)

Red-headed Woodpecker

But it's still so nice to put my cap on and head to the Florida Trails near my house (3 miles away) for a 'quick' hike. (less than 2 hours!)

And there are always lots of birds up on the hill. 

The Bluebirds are very bright blue now.

These two birds were trying to decide if this bug or berry was big enough for the both of them! lol

Black and white Warbler

And using our imagination...

can you see the lady in the forest?

It's supposed to be 75 degrees here today (Sunday)! 

So that's where I'll be...the Florida trails!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio,

AND my Monday post HERE.

Raptors soaring above!

 When we hike Halpata Tastanaki Preserve we have a wide open view above the preserve. 

So it's easy to spot big birds!

We've been seeing this immature Eagle for a couple of months.

He's probably between 1 and 2 years old considering his coloration. 

I sure hope he stays around and we get to photograph him when his head turns white. He'll be easier to spot then!

And the Kestrels are regulars here during the winter months and we usually see 3 or 4 on our hikes in that area.

They are such beautiful birds, small and graceful.

Of course the Red-shouldered Hawk and the Red-tailed Hawks are regulars year round.

We've had perfect hiking weather this week. It was even 80 degrees on one of our hikes!

Have you had a good week? Ours has been busy!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’.