Merry Christmas from Florida
December 24, 2019 14 Comments
Warm wishes from the beach here in Florida for a wonderful holiday and happy new year!
Driftwood Tree at Sebastian Beach
Sebastian Inlet State Park Beach Collage
March 2, 2019 5 Comments
Sebastian Beach Collage
We enjoy going to Sebastian Inlet State Park on Florida’s central Atlantic coast. It is a spectacular place to visit! The weather this winter has been especially beautiful. We made this collage of our favorite scenes at the inlet (click on the picture to enlarge and see details). Info and live cam links are available at: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/sebastian-inlet-state-park
Warm Florida Beaches
November 25, 2017 4 Comments
Sebastian Beach Waves
View of Sebastian Beach from Pier
Seagull with Mouthful of Fish
Sanderling Running with Waves
Shell Pile-up Near Pier
Brown Pelican Flying
Inlet Side Opposite Beach
Two-Tone Water where Indian River Meets Atlantic Ocean
Gopher Tortoise Eating Grass
The weather is perfect here in Florida! Migrating birds have arrived, and it is a beautiful time for a walk at Sebastian Inlet State Park.
Florida’s Space Coast: Beaches OK after Hurricane Irma
September 18, 2017 5 Comments
Path to Sebastian Beach before Hurricane Irma
Sebastian Inlet Calm Waves Before the Storm
Shell Bits on Beach
Beach Morning Glory and Hamburger Bean
Bunches of Sea Grapes
Melbourne Beach Waves
Melbourne Beach Dune Erosion after Irma
I am very happy to say that our beautiful beaches here on Florida’s Space Coast still look great after Hurricane Irma! We were all nervous staring down a Category 5 hurricane – at times the projected track went right over our coastal area east of Orlando. There certainly was damage in Brevard County, but nothing that can’t be fixed. Our house itself is fine, although we do have an enormous amount of yard work to do. It is such a luxury now to have use of power, water, internet, gas, and grocery stores – makes you appreciate what surrounds you every day. It was also nice to see people helping one another. All our animals and birds are back too. Great to get back to normal!
Florida: Cocoa Beach in Summer
August 12, 2017 7 Comments
Summer Walk on Cocoa Beach
Morning Waves
Sanderling Running
Ghost Crab
Florida in summer is a land of ocean breezes, afternoon showers, and warm nights. A walk on Cocoa Beach in the morning is perfect!
Warm Wishes from Florida
January 1, 2017 11 Comments
Sebastian Beach and Birds
Birds in Surf
Pair of Willets
Trio of Sanderlings
Shells on Sand
Shell Bits on Beach
Our Photo on Sebastian Inlet Holiday Card 2015
Our Photo on Sebastian Inlet Holiday Card 2016
Warm wishes from Florida for a new year filled with peace, love, and happiness.
Florida: Faithful Beauty Moth
October 14, 2016 6 Comments
Faithful Beauty Moth (also known as the Uncle Sam Moth)
We saw the Faithful Beauty moth (also known as the Uncle Sam moth) for the first time only a couple of weeks ago at Sebastian Inlet State Park, Florida. So pretty! Its Latin name is Composia fidelissima, and it is more commonly seen in southern Florida. You can tell it is a moth by its feathery antennae. We are happy to get back to normal after a very close call here on Florida’s Atlantic Coast with Hurricane Matthew.
Florida: Dramatic Beach Sky
October 2, 2016 10 Comments
Dramatic Beach Sky
Here is a dramatic panorama of Sebastian Beach today in Florida – blue sky to the north, and storm coming from the south.
Florida: Beautiful Beach Weather!
August 26, 2016 3 Comments
Waves at Sebastian Beach
Green Sea Turtle
Manatee Snort
Spotted Ray
Snook Surrounded by Tiny Greenies
Needlefish
Orange Boring Sponge
Sebastian Inlet Bridge
Beautiful Turquoise Water
We make frequent trips to Sebastian Inlet State Park, Florida, to walk out on the fishing pier and stroll on the beach. The water is especially pretty right now, and there is always lots to see! You can view a live cam at: http://www.sebastianinletcam.com/
Florida: Gorgeous Beach Day!
July 16, 2016 2 Comments
Boardwalk to Beach
Summer Day at Sebastian Beach
Marked Sea Turtle Nest Sites
Sea Turtle Nest Caution Sign
Sea Turtle Nest Totals
Today was a gorgeous day at Sebastian Beach, Florida. The weather and water are warm, and the sea turtles are busy nesting at night. In fact as of today, the area has recorded the second highest count ever of documented sea turtle nests. Scientists rope off the nest sites to keep the eggs safe until the turtles hatch. Great time of year!
UPDATE: Final sea turtle nesting totals at Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge on August 27, 2016, are: Loggerhead – 20,376; Green – 1,295; Leatherback – 72, and Kemp’s Ridley – 1.
Florida in Winter
January 28, 2016 8 Comments
Sebastian Beach Ocean Waves
Black Skimmers Sunbathe Flat on Sand
White Ibis at Lagoon
Laughing Gull with Mouth Open
Pink Spoonbill and Blue Water
Lesser Scaup at Backyard Pond
Tricolor Heron with Purple Eyes
Great Blue Heron with Windblown Feathers
Bald Eagle and Black Vultures Near Home
Alligator in Pond
Double Rainbow Over Backyard
In Florida we enjoy an outdoor lifestyle year round. Although it may get chilly from time to time when winter cold fronts blow through from the north, the weather usually warms back up to 70°F within a few days. That means we go outside and enjoy the beach, gardens, and wildlife.
Florida is home to over 500 species of birds, which makes it one of the top birdwatching destinations in the world. Our local birding and wildlife festival is the largest in the nation! Info about the festival is at: http://www.spacecoastbirdingandwildlifefestival.org/ Come on down and enjoy nature in the Sunshine State!
Florida: Gorgeous Beach Weather in Fall
October 24, 2015 7 Comments
Beach Morning Glory Vines Covering Sand
Ruddy Turnstone
Sanderling
Ghost Crab and Shells
Juvenille Ghost Crab
Moon Jelly over Acorn Barnacles
Great Blue Heron
White Ibis
Wood Stork Portrait in Black and White
Fall weather is great in Florida for long walks at the beach. We often visit Sebastian Inlet State Park. The views all around are a constant delight!
Florida: Sebastian Beach and Fishing Jetty
August 17, 2015 9 Comments
Colorful Water at Sebastian Beach
Walking Out onto Sebastian Fishing Jetty
Dark Area is School of Fantail Mullet Swimming Toward Jetty
Close-up of Fantail Mullet
Barracuda with Razor Sharp Teeth Swimming Along Jetty
Sea Turtle Head Above Water
Beautiful Pattern on Back of Sea Turtle Head
Sanderlings Running Back and Forth with the Ocean Waves
Rare Frigatebird Sighting (notice red throat pouch)
Black Skimmer on Beach
Beach Morning Glory
We always enjoy visiting Sebastian Inlet State Park. The beach is beautiful, and we never know what we’ll see from the fishing jetty. More info is at: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Sebastian-Inlet
Fossil Seashells: Hidden Beauty
April 12, 2015 2 Comments
Florida Fossil Seashells Under Normal Light
Fossil Seashells Under UV Light
Similar Shells Today
A recent scientific article describes how hidden patterns can be revealed by viewing fossilized seashells under UV light. I had to try this myself! I dug out our box of Florida fossils and looked at the chalky white seashells under a UV blacklight. Like magic – the patterns appeared! Nature is truly amazing. The detailed article on glowing shells is at: http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0120924.
Florida: Sea Glass and Ocean Gems Symposium
March 17, 2015 2 Comments
Melbourne Beach
Boardwalk at Barrier Island Center
Entrance at Barrier Island Center
Signpost
White Bowl of Sea Glass
Blue Bowl of Sea Glass
Red Bowl of Sea Glass
Sea Glass on Table
Old Auto Headlight Sea Glass Fragment
Our Recent Sea Glass Find (5 inches long)
On Saturday we attended the First Sea Glass and Ocean Gems Symposium at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach, Florida. The Center is located in the heart of Archie Carr Refuge, a major nesting site for sea turtles. The festival celebrated not only sea glass, but also sea life and all treasures found at the beach. There were educational displays, along with arts and crafts on the back deck overlooking the ocean. The sea glass displayed was collected on local beaches over the past 40 years – some of it washed in from ancient shipwrecks! More info about the Center is at: http://www.brevardfl.gov/EELProgram/Sanctuaries/BarrierIslandSanctuary/Home
Happy New Year from Florida!
January 5, 2015 16 Comments
Ring-Billed Gull
Sebastian Beach, Florida
Cannonball Jellyfish
Ruddy Turnstone
Happy New Year! Warm wishes for a year ahead filled with peace, beauty, and joy.
Florida: Let’s Have Fun!
December 23, 2014 6 Comments
Walking on Sebastian Beach
Watching Terns and Skimmers Flying
Boating on the Indian River Lagoon
Sitting on the Dock at Dusk
Designing our Personal Postcard
♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♫♪♫♪♫
Oh the weather is so delightful,
For Flo-ri-da we’re thankful.
Things to do, we can’t pick just one,
Let’s have fun, let’s have fun, let’s have fun.
♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♫♪♫♪♫
Florida: Port Canaveral and Jetty Park Beach
October 26, 2014 5 Comments
Back View of Iridescent “Sail” of Exploration Tower
Exploration Tower Entrance
Top of Exploration Tower
Exploration Tower at Sunset
Color Wand Lit Path Around Tower
Exploration Tower at Night
View of Port Canaveral from Top of Tower
Recycled Art in Tower Atrium
Recycled Glass Jellyfish in Atrium
Recycled Glass Mobile
Ron Jon Surfboard Display in Tower
Disney Dream Cruise Ship Departure
Jetty Park’s Wide Sandy Beach
Kitty Cat Drawing on Sand
Jetty Park’s Long Fishing Pier
Sea Turtle by Fishing Pier
Dolphin Swimming by Pier
Seagull and Waves at Sunset
Seagulls Flying Overhead
Vintage Poster of Jetty Park
If you visit Central Florida, be sure to stop by Port Canaveral and Jetty Park near Cocoa Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. Exploration Tower acts as a Welcome Center for the area. The building opened in November 2013, and is meant to evoke the image of a sailing ship. The architecture is stunning, especially at night. From the tower’s 7th floor Observation Deck there is a bird’s eye view of Port Canaveral, Jetty Park, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and NASA to the north. It is an excellent place to view rocket launches (check schedule at: http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/). Info about visiting the tower is at: http://www.explorationtower.com/.
A fun thing to do is to watch the cruise ships go out to sea. They exit the port past Jetty Park, with people waving and cheering all the way. Popular times to watch are Thursday and Sunday afternoons around 4 pm (a full schedule of departures and arrivals is at: https://www.portcanaveral.com/Cruise/Cruise-Lines-Schedules. Port Canaveral was named America’s Best North American Cruise Port in 2015 by CruiseCritic.com. The ship “Carla C” that inspired the TV show “The Love Boat” visited the Port in 1979.
Jetty Park’s wide sandy beach is especially nice for families. It is popular year round. If you walk onto the fishing pier, be sure to look for manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles in the water below. You’ll probably see egrets and pelicans “fishing” too. And don’t forget to bring bread to feed the seagulls – it is a family favorite. More info about visiting Port Canaveral is at: http://visitportcanaveral.com/. Details about Jetty Park Beach and Campground are at: https://www.portcanaveral.com/jpc and https://www.portcanaveral.com/Recreation/Jetty-Park-Beach-Pier
Florida: Colorful Giant Land Crabs
September 14, 2014 11 Comments
Overview of Colorful Land Crab
Side View Showing Blue Land Crab’s Giant Claw
Female Land Crab Carrying Eggs
Five Land Crabs Walking
Group of Land Crabs Crossing Sandy Road
Side View of Colorful Land Crab
Very Colorful Land Crab
Blue Land Crab under Stump
White Land Crab (probably female)
Two-Inch Long Juvenile Land Crab (claw almost as big as body)
Very Young Land Crab (too small to pinch)
Summer and early Fall are the best time to see colorful giant land crabs in Florida. They live along the Atlantic coast from Central to Southern Florida, and are also found along the Gulf coast. We usually see them around the time of the full moon in August and September in the Sebastian/Vero Beach area. Giant blue land crabs (Cardisoma guanhumi) like to live in wet sandy burrows, and need to be within 5 miles of the ocean to spawn. Only one in a million eggs survives to adulthood. The distinctive brown “fuzz” around the mouth parts of land crabs is actually a net-like pattern of hairs. It works in conjunction with the internal gills to help them “breathe” while on land. Both male and female adult land crabs have one claw bigger than the other. The crabs can grow up to 6 inches across, and come in a variety of colors including blue, purple, red, orange, brown, and white. More info about the life history of these fascinating crabs is at: http://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/crustaceans/blue-crabs/life-cycle/
Florida: Manatee Love
May 23, 2014 4 Comments
Manatee Swimming Offshore Sebastian Beach
Manatee Mating Herd in Shallow Water
Mating Manatees (3 males and 1 female)
Manatee Named “Barney”
Sebastian Inlet Bridge
In Florida, manatee mating activity peaks in spring and early summer. When wildlife societies receive calls about beached manatees this time of year, they explain that it is natural behavior and manatee love is in the air. A female manatee will usually be pursued by several males into shallow water, and that forms a mating herd. Florida’s West Indian manatee is an endangered species, so it is a real privilege to witness such an event. Best of all, a baby manatee will arrive a year later! At Sebastian Inlet State Park today, we saw 8 manatees off the pier in the ocean, and a mating herd of 4 on the lagoon side. A manatee named “Barney” swam beside the jetty (named by surfers for the barnacles on his skin).
Florida Beach in Winter
January 19, 2014 15 Comments
Sebastian Beach Waves
Scotch Bonnet Shell
Fishing Jetty
Tidal Cove
9 Armed Sea Star
Willet Eating a Crab
Snowy Egret (notice the bright yellow feet)
Black Skimmers and Beach Sunflowers
Royal Terns (male displaying to unimpressed female on right)
Herring Gull Sleeping
Florida beaches are delightful in winter. Occasionally a sweater is needed, but otherwise it is great weather for being outside and walking on the sand. These pictures were taken at Sebastian Inlet State Park on Florida’s central Atlantic coast (east of Orlando).
Beautiful White Pelicans
January 7, 2014 2 Comments
White Pelican Swimming
White Pelican Wing Stretch
White Pelican Pouch and Knob on Bill
White Pelican Flying
Flock of White Pelicans Soaring
White pelicans are one of North America’s largest birds. Their 9 foot wingspan is second only to the American Condor. They are true snow birds – they spend winter along our southern coasts and head inland and north in summer. During nesting season, they grow temporary knobs on their bills and have bright yellow around their eyes. They feed by dipping their pouches into the water, and sometimes work together to corral and scoop up fish. It is always a treat to see these magnificent birds!
Amazing Pelican Pouch
January 1, 2014 2 Comments
Brown Pelican Pouch Open
Brown Pelican Face On
Brown Pelican Head Down
Brown Pelican Stretching
Brown Pelican Pouch Inside Out
Brown Pelican Looking Left
Brown Pelican’s Expanded Pouch with Fish Inside
Vintage Pelican Postcard
Pelicans have incredible pouches. The expandable pouches are used to scoop up food, and can hold up to 3 gallons of water and fish! Brown pelicans are the only pelicans that are plunge divers. They drop from the air with a big splash, and then scoop up the stunned fish. We watched this funny brown pelican stretching at Sebastian Inlet State Park, Florida. In the process, we got a great look at its amazing pouch.
Florida’s 500th Anniversary Celebration: El Galeon Tall Ship Tour
May 2, 2013 4 Comments
El Galeon at Port Canaveral
El Galeon: Front of Ship
El Galeon: Wooden Deck
El Galeon: Wheel
El Galeon: Bell
El Galeon: Admiralty Anchor
El Galeon: Cannon
El Galeon: Crow’s Nest Lookout
First Official Map of Florida (1584). Note Cape Canaveral is already on map.
El Galeon Sailing at Sea (from Visitor Movie)
This year 2013 marks the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s landing in Florida (“Land of Flowers”). In celebration, a replica 16th century Spanish tall ship named El Galeon is stopping at ports along the state’s Atlantic coast. It is on a path similar to that taken by the explorer. The ship is currently at Port Canaveral from May 1-12, 2013. It is a real beauty! The ship is 170 feet long and weighs 495 tons. The anchor alone weighs over one ton. The ship has 6 decks, and 3 masts with 7 sails. Most striking is the wood, which is found throughout the ship and is gorgeous in scale and detail. Below deck are interpretive displays. UPDATE: This ship will be featured in the NBC TV show “Crossbones”, and will return to port in St. Augustine in 2015 to celebrate the city’s 450th birthday. More info is at: https://www.facebook.com/elgaleonandalucia/
Nellie the Dolphin’s 60th Birthday!
February 27, 2013 9 Comments
Vintage Postcard of Nellie’s 20th Birthday Celebration
Today is Nellie the Dolphin’s 60th birthday! She was born at Marineland, Florida, on February 27, 1953, to mother Susie and father Happy. She was famously in several television shows in the 1950’s and a Timex commercial in 1961. In 1970 she became the mascot for Jacksonville University, and was awarded a master’s degree in marine science. Nellie is doing very well and is loved by everyone who visits her. The picture shows a vintage postcard from Nellie’s 20th birthday celebration. Marineland’s birthday tribute to Nellie is at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTIAnCfaoC8
UPDATE: Nellie passed away at the age of 61 on May 1, 2014. The previous May (2013) Nellie was given an honorary Ph.D. in health science and longevity by Jacksonville University.
Florida: Birds at Sebastian Beach
January 30, 2013 6 Comments
Sebastian Beach: Beautiful Blue Water
Adult Brown Pelican
Young Brown Pelican
Wood Stork
Black Skimmer and Royal Terns
The beaches are perfect here in Florida in January. The view is absolutely gorgeous, and the birdlife is amazing. Come and visit to enjoy the warm sunshine!
Florida: Big Talbot Island Driftwood
December 10, 2012 11 Comments
Driftwood on Beach
Driftwood on Sand
Driftwood Logs
Big Talbot Island State Park has the only beach in Florida that is covered in driftwood! The wood comes from trees that have fallen from the eroded bluffs above the beach. Over time the wood is polished by the sand and surf. The bleached-out trunks have given rise to its popular name “Boneyard Beach”. More info on this unique beach north of Jacksonville is at: http://www.floridastateparks.org/bigtalbotisland/
Florida: Marineland
December 8, 2012 4 Comments
Marineland 1938 Sign
Vintage Dolphin Statue
Vintage Dolphin Wall of Fudge Kitchen
Vintage Neptune Statue
Vintage Photo: Dolphin and Sunbonnet Lady
Vintage Photo: Dolphins and Songbook
Vintage Marine Studios Sign
Three Dolphins Jumping
Marineland Entrance Sign
Marineland was one of Florida’s earliest tourist attractions. It debuted in 1938 as the “World’s First Oceanarium” (south of St. Augustine). The attraction’s original name was Marine Studios, because it catered to both tourists and film studios. Movies and television shows filmed there include Tarzan, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Sea Hunt, and Benji (which featured the first scuba-diving dog).
In 1951 Marineland was rated number one in Florida tourism. I can’t help but smile when I look at those vintage photographs. Marineland’s beloved dolphin Nellie was born there in 1953, and is now 59 years old. She is one of the world’s oldest dolphins!
Although the facility fell on hard times in the 1980s, the future looks much brighter now that it was bought by the premier Georgia Aquarium. I especially like Marineland’s authentic feel. Besides, where else can you feed a dolphin for $29? More info is at: http://www.marineland.net/index.html
UPDATE: Nellie passed away at the age of 61 on May 1, 2014. The previous May (2013) Nellie was given an honorary Ph.D. in health science and longevity by Jacksonville University.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center – Sea Turtle Hospital
December 4, 2012 6 Comments
Sea Turtle Hospital Mural
Green Sea Turtle Patient in Hospital (doing well)
Green Sea Turtle Patient in Personal Swimming Pen
Loggerhead Hatchling Patient and Sargassum Weed
Sea Turtle Hospital Quiet Sign
Exhibit of Jupiter Inlet Near-Shore Coral Reef
The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a sea turtle hospital, research facility, and education campus in Juno Beach, Florida. Sick or injured sea turtles are brought to the center for veterinary care. Turtles receive treatment and are rehabilitated for release. Visitors are welcome to view the exhibits, watch veterinary care, and get a close-up view of current patients. More info is at: http://marinelife.org/
Florida: Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
December 3, 2012 Leave a comment
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Brick Path
Spiral Stairs
Lens Room
Light Beacon Inside Fresnel Lens
Jupiter Inlet Ocean View
Jupiter Inlet Bridge View
Antique Postcard of Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was first lit in 1860. It was built to warn ships of the reefs offshore Jupiter, Florida. The 108-foot tower sits on top of an ancient Indian shell mound. The view from the top is quite scenic! A live inlet beach webcam is at: http://www.evsjupiter.com/main.htm
