Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs is primarily a Greek community established by an immigrant who became prosperous by harvesting sponges by diving.

Although there isn't much mentioned around town about shrimp, evidently there are shrimpers in the area as well.

Sponges air-drying on one of the diving boats.

This pelican rests by the docks, I'm sure waiting for the fishermen to arrive with their  catch.

Hmmmm...I think I'll join you.

And she waits

And he arrives (the rest of this photo journal is censored)

Down at Sunset Beach, the sail boarders were having a great time on this very windy day.

During our visit to Florida this year we had the opportunity to visit Tarpon Springs twice, both times enjoying the birds, the beach scenes and the wonderful Greek Food.  Here are a few images from our visits.

Goofy Ibis

Goofy though he may be, I won $100 for first place in a local contest back home this summer with his mug.  Thank you, sir!

Happy 100th Birthday

I couldn't let the Summer of 2011 go by without posting a note about my amazing dad.  On July 26th of this year he reached the century mark in his life.  His terrific attitude and wonderful sense of humor keeps us all on our toes.  Happy birthday, Dad, and may there be many more.

Dad said to us that he would try to live another 100 years but he feels we (his children) would all be too old to enjoy the second-century celebration with him.  I do believe he is right!

Transylvania County, North Carolina

High Falls, DuPont State Forest

 Triple Falls, DuPont State Forest

Upper Fall of Triple Falls, DuPont State Forest

Great Smokey Mountains of NC

 View of Lake Lure from atop Chimney Rock.  Incidentally, the elevator is out of order.  WHEW!

Chimney Rock.

Homosassa Wildlife Preserve

Our second trip to the Wildlife Preserve at Homosassa, Florida, was just as exciting as the first visit we enjoyed in 2010.

 This is the first time I've seen baby Pelicans--cute, but they still have a face only a mother can love.

         There were beautiful flamingos--extremely colorful at this time of year.

 As we cruised up the river toward the preserve, we noticed this Great Blue Heron watching over his territory.

 Since the area is a preserve and all animals are protected, alligators are plentiful.  I think this one needs an orthodontist.

This fledgling hawk was curious about the camera shutter clicking away.

I took dozens of images, and these represent only a few of the birds.  There were also reptiles, wolves, bobcats, Bald Eagles, Spoonbills, Owls, and I could go on and on.  If you're in the area, don't miss this attraction.

Just another beautiful day in Sunny Florida!

Rainbow Springs State Park, Headsprings

We headed over to the Headsprings this morning with Winston for a walk in the park.  The park is beautiful, as always, although we missed the blooming of the azaleas this year.

This Barred Owl was resting near the swimming hole during our visit.  I just think he is too beautiful.

Beautiful day in Dunnellon, Florida.