Kayaking in the Mangroves, Sarasota FL

Kayaking in the mangroves, what a great experience.It was very diffrent from any other kayaking I had ever done before.The wildlife was incredible.

There were so many different waterways and tunnels to go down. Some were so narrow you weren't even able to turn your boat around.

So many little critters......... These little crabs were all over the mangroves.

The birds of Flordia......................

Under water wildlife....................

Our Trip To Southwestern Florida!

Just got back from a family vacation in southwestern Florida. It was absoultly amazing and we had a terrife time. The trip would not have been possible if it wasn't for Liz and Tony. So, I would like to send out a special thanks to the both of you. Your generosity was greatly appreciated and it will be a trip we'll remember for a lifetime.We all learned so many new things and the trip was such a wonderful exsperience.


Day One:

We flew into Fort Myers, then drove to Cape Coral, Florida. That was quite an adventure considering the boys have never flew in a plane before.

Day Two:

Spent the day on Sanibel Island. What an amazing place. ( Thank you Tish for showing us around) I could have spent days there on the beach. There was such an abundance of shells and wildlife.

Day Three:

Took a boat out to Cabbage Key Island. ( Thanks Mark ) What an amazing place.

http://www.cabbagekey.com/overview/


Welcome to our island. One hundred acres of tropical vegetation surround our historic restaurant, inn and cottages. A panoramic view of Pine Island Sound is provided from our front porch atop a thirty-eight foot Indian shell mound. There are no cars here, not even a paved road. You will find winding nature trails, picturesque views and relaxation .

We are accessible only by boat, helicopter or seaplane. Regularly scheduled boats run everyday from Pine Island, Captiva Island and Punta Gorda. Remote and self-reliant, we do things "the Cabbage Key way," a style reminiscent of the nearly extinct old Florida. During the day many visitors stop in for one of our famous Cheeseburgers. Nightlife is usually defined by a hearty meal in our restaurant, perhaps followed by some cordial conversation or entertainment in the famous Dollar Bill Bar. Gazing across the water reveals a sprawling canopy of stars and twinkling lights on the ICW. Early retirement with a book may be a choice in preparation for tomorrow's sunrise over Pine Island Sound.

There is no general store on the Island, so bring all the things you'll need for your stay, including a flashlight.

On occasion, we host large groups and things can get lively as the boats arrive and the bar fills. Discuss your needs and expectations with our helpful staff when making reservations.

Explore our web site, learn more about us and our sister resort, Tarpon Lodge - and then, if you would like to live a few days "the Cabbage Key way," call us for a reservation. We look forward to having you as our guest



Day Four:

Visited the Cape Coral Art Festival and hung out at the pool.



Day Five:

Headed south to the Flordia Everglades.The everglades was a place like no other.

Day Six

We hung out the beach in Sarasota Florida

Day Seven:

Kayaking in the mangroves

Day Eight:

We went shark tooth hunting on Venice Beach before we caught our flight.

On the way home we got to gaize at a beautiful sunset as we talked about our trip.

Bird Seed Wreath

http://www.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/make-a-bird-seed-wreath.html

Bird Seed Wreath

How To Make A Bird Seed Wreath

A wreath on your front gate says welcome to family and friends and if you make a bird seed wreath, wild birds will also stop by to get a taste of your crafting skills.

I make two types of bird seed wreaths. In late summer and fall I make a "nature's harvest" bird seed wreath.


http://www.a-home-for-wild-birds.com/make-a-bird-seed-wreath.html

When nature is brimming with ripening fruits and berries and seed heads are forming on grasses, I collect everything that I would eat if I were a wild bird. In nature, I look for vines of wild grapes and bittersweet, for privet berries on the hedge and seed heads forming on weeds. In my garden I look for sunflowers, zinnias and ornamental grasses going to seed. To learn how to make a bird seed wreath like this one, click here.

When I run out of materials for making my "nature's harvest" bird seed wreaths, I make a bird seed wreath that is perfect for winter. Since this project requires the use of gelatin, temperatures should be close to or below freezing. If you live in an area where winter temperatures stay near 50, you can substitute peanut butter or rendered suet for thegelatin.

Making a bird seed wreath is a messy project that can be a lot of fun for kids.





Materials:

Piece of corrugated cardboard
Packet of clear gelatin
2 quarts of the bird seed of your choice
Wire for hanging
Ribbons, bows or any decoration you like
Step One:

Cut a circle out of the cardboard about 10 inches in diameter. Then cut out a center hole about 4 inches in diameter.
Step Two:

Mix the packet of gelatin according to the instructions on the package.
Step Three:

Stir the bird seed into the gelatin.
Step Four:

Once cooled, the mixture should form a ball if you squeeze it in your hand. If it it too loose, add more bird seed.
Step Five:

This is the messy part. Mold the mixture by hand onto thecardboard. It should stick to the card board. If it is not sticking enough, use wire to secure it into place.
Step Six:

Attach the wire for hanging. Add any desired decorations. Then hang your new bird seed wreath in a location where you can enjoy watching the wild birds feast.

Canoeing the Delaware River

Canoeing the Delaware River

Keystone Canoe Club

http://keystonecanoeclub.com/