The Florida I Love!!

If you don't know it already, I LOVE living in Florida!
I was born here, raised here, and have lived here most of

my soon to be 51 years!!

We enjoy the beautiful beaches, and the incredible
lakes, rivers and crystal clear springs.

Yesterday my buddy, Jess, invited us to go on

the Blue Springs Riverboat Tour. Of course, we couldn't resist!

When you cruise along the St. Johns River, you enter a time-warp.

On the river, time truly stands still.
It is Olde Florida in all of

her glory.

Come along with us and see for yourself...

So peaceful and serene...you feel all of your cares just

melt away...

The wildlife is so abundant as you will see.

OH!! Don't get too relaxed...

That is not a log in the water. It's an alligator.

This one is probably 8-9 feet.

Such a warm welcome!!
This one almost appears to be smiling at us as we go by!

It was overcast and the buzzards were just hanging out

A professional fisherman?? You never know what you'll see!!

This guy doesn't look very big, does he?

How about 13-14 feet?? YEP...I'm serious!!

He is the biggest we saw...awesome!!

Playing hide and seek!

We thought we were going to see this gator enjoy his lunch!

Fortunately...he just left the nice little birdie alone.

A majestic Blue Heron!

I'm not sure about this one. I think it's a
Snowy Egret.

Someone has gone along in a boat and hung these

little bird houses along the river.

HOW CUTE IS THAT??

OK...Mothers are mothers, right?

Check out this new mommy keeping watch over here

babies!!! They are piled up in front of her!!

A baby Blue Heron

A gorgeous Black Crowned Night Heron

Mr. Turtle posing for the camera!!

An Anhinga drying it's wings.

There is a neighborhood tucked back in the woods,

and this is a bench one homeowner put out to

sit on and enjoy the river! Lovely, huh???

I don't think I'd be sitting there!

Too much like GATOR BAIT!!!

Male and female Wood Ducks

A marvelous Osprey. These are often mistaken for

Bald Eagles.

The amazing root system of the Cypress trees.

And last but not least is this precious baby Barred Owl.
You can't see mama,

but she is to the upper right from him keeping watch

over her young'n!!

This little guy was such a delight to see. I love owls.
They are nocturnal, but do spend time awake during the

day as well. He just struck a pose for me, didn't he??

Well, I hope you enjoyed your riverboat cruise!

We sure did!!!

It was a glorious two hours of heaven on earth for me!!

Blessings and Joy!!

Becky

Thanks a million, Jess!! What a treat!!