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Post by lugg on Mar 11, 2013 16:35:17 GMT
Thank you for showing us the manatee it has made my day too.
I wonder is there any chance they may get stranded if the water levels drop too quickly ?
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Post by htmb on Mar 11, 2013 20:04:10 GMT
Thank you for showing us the manatee it has made my day too. I wonder is there any chance they may get stranded if the water levels drop too quickly ? Thanks, Lugg. I suppose there's a chance, but I've never heard of it being documented. I will ask around and see what my naturalist friends think. I tend to believe that, as the water levels decrease in the north end first, the chances are slim. Picture it like a big drain. Water backs up into the "drain" from the high water on the Santa Fe River and then gets sucked back down as the Santa Fe levels drop.
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Post by nycgirl on Mar 18, 2013 2:07:16 GMT
Beautiful photos, as usual! Seeing those manatees must have been a real treat.
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Post by nycgirl on Mar 22, 2013 23:45:12 GMT
So, my husband and I are going kayaking in the Everglades this May! He just booked the flights. I really hoping to seeing some of the beautiful sights you've shared with us, especially the birds and animals.
Do you have any advice you give as to the best routes to take? We're interested in camping and fishing. Also, can you recommend a good book about kayaking the Everglades?
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Post by htmb on Mar 23, 2013 0:19:39 GMT
Gosh, nycgirl. That's very exciting! I will look into it when i go into the local hiking/kayaking type shops and pass information your way. Unfortunately, I don't have personal experiences to share, but will be looking forward to learning from you. The closest I've ever gotten to the Everglades was once when driving to Key West not long after Hurricane Andrew. From my home, the Everglades are over 300 miles and a five hour drive away. The majority of the time I have spent on the west coast of Florida has never been south of Englewood, which is north of Sanibel and Fort Myers where Kimby's second home is located. The terrain in south Florida will be very different from here. Much flatter, less trees. There are probably some good YouTube videos showing the Everglades area. I'd certainly look there. I'm sure you are going to want to dress in cool layers of very breatheable fabrics. It could be very humid and hot in May (but certainly better than July or August). Insect repellent, sunscreen, bottles for fresh water, and hats will be imperative. I'm not sure about the Everglades area, but April/May is alligator mating season in North Central Florida. The gators tend to be more aggressive and active. Also, you will need to be watchful for poisonous snakes. I would imagine the fishing will be really great and you should be able to photograph lots of wildlife. How long will you be in the area? Are you flying into Miami? Kimby might have some good southwest Florida-type suggestions for you. Everglades National Park: www.nps.gov/ever/index.htmTA/Things to do in Everglades National Park: www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g143024-Activities-Everglades_National_Park_Florida.html
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Post by nycgirl on Mar 23, 2013 5:40:47 GMT
Thanks for the quick reply! I didn't realize the Everglades were so far away from you. Geography is not my strong point. I'm not sure about the Everglades area, but April/May is alligator mating season in North Central Florida. The gators tend to be more aggressive and active. Oh my. I have to admit, those things give me the chills. I am aware that they usually leave people alone, but I intend to give them a wide berth. I do hope to get some good shots like yours, though, while keeping my distance. We're really excited, especially my husband; he's been watching a ton of fishing videos lately. I haven't begun any research yet. I'll take a look at those links.
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Post by htmb on Mar 23, 2013 13:26:40 GMT
The distance for me would be like you hopping in the car and driving to Richmond, Virginia.
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Post by htmb on Mar 23, 2013 22:53:52 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Mar 24, 2013 16:18:33 GMT
What a delightful picture!
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Post by htmb on Apr 2, 2013 14:42:23 GMT
Thank you, bixa.
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Post by htmb on Apr 3, 2013 20:29:50 GMT
Spring on Paynes Prairie
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Post by mich64 on Apr 3, 2013 21:08:41 GMT
I was afraid to continue scrolling down!
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Post by htmb on Apr 3, 2013 21:33:40 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 3, 2013 21:51:23 GMT
Whoooo ~~ fabulous sequences & killer photos!
And what Mich said!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 3, 2013 22:56:04 GMT
Fantastic, and yet I thought when I clicked on this thread that I would only see some mention of the sinkhole that swallowed that man in bed, since they showed the photo of the huge chasm on the news today.
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Post by htmb on Apr 4, 2013 0:00:11 GMT
The poor man who was swallowed by a sinkhole lived in Central Florida, only a couple miles from where I grew up. My photos for this thread are all from North Central Florida. Difference of at least 120 miles in this case.
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Post by htmb on Apr 4, 2013 0:44:27 GMT
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Post by htmb on Apr 4, 2013 1:02:01 GMT
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Post by mich64 on Apr 4, 2013 1:27:02 GMT
As a northerner with absolutely no experience with your climate, I admit, I would be terrified! I am conditioned to be aware of encountering bears, deer, or moose while out for a walk down our road or on a hike in the bush, but I am more likely to run out of the bush from the mosquitoes.
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Post by mossie on Apr 4, 2013 7:16:11 GMT
Scary, or what. I'm never setting foot in America again The worst we might encounter here is a fox, or even a large wabbit Fantastic sequence with the heron? And the alligator. I was wondering if the bird would go for an eye. The white birds with the fluffy heads are acting like teenagers
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Post by htmb on Apr 4, 2013 13:58:13 GMT
Don't think you could out run one of those gators? Of course, all the blue heron would need to do would be to flap it's wings and fly. I was pretty sure it was in a safe position. The white birds were very interesting to watch, and were definitely behaving like teenagers. I loved the way their wings were all puffed out, and wish I could have gotten clearer, more detailed, shots with my camera.
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Post by nycgirl on Apr 7, 2013 0:22:43 GMT
You captured some really lovely birds. As for those gators... gulp!
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Post by htmb on Apr 7, 2013 0:41:18 GMT
Oh, nycgirl, our gators are pussycats compared to the ones in the Everglades.
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Post by htmb on Apr 14, 2013 22:25:42 GMT
More Paynes Prairie photos may be found here.
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Post by htmb on May 12, 2013 11:26:38 GMT
A meeting was held yesterday to update the public on the progress of transitioning Silver Springs into a state park and to also address concerns over the proposed permitting of a huge cattle ranch in the vicinity. The aquifer is recharged mainly by rain, which percolates down from the surface more readily in a strip of land that winds down the state and includes all of Marion County.
"The groundwater in (this) area is highly susceptible to things people do on the surface of the land," said Harley Means of the Florida Geological Survey.
Means said the makeup of the land, with little clay or other less porous material, allows surface water to carry contamination more easily into the aquifer and eventually into the surrounding springs.
Silver Springs and the Silver River are fed by a string of 30 different springs with 69 vents.
The headwaters of Silver Springs have for about 150 years drawn tourists and eventually were turned into an attraction. The state bought the land in 1993, but allowed its operation to continue through a succession of private companies.
The ultimate goal for the park is to provide recreation for visitors. As such, there are plans to include a canoe and kayak launch from the headwaters of the springs. For decades, that area has been closed off to only the glass-bottom boats, which also will continue to operate.
One of the biggest changes is the price of admission. Instead of the $44.99 currently charged, the state plans to charge $8 per carload.
Transfer of the park takes place officially at midnight on Sept. 30. Gainesville Sun
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2013 15:50:27 GMT
Well, I certainly won't be going there before October 1st!
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Post by htmb on May 26, 2013 16:05:33 GMT
Me either, for many reasons. Plus, I will be able to use my Parks pass so it won't cost me any extra.
There have been several articles about the contracting by the park service with future vendors for the kayak rentals, concert venue, glass bottom boats, etc. I hope to get down there in the late fall and do a report.
It really is a beautiful place (Sea Hunt and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea were filmed there). I'm glad to see it being turned into a state park.
Somewhere I have a photo of me holding a four foot (at least) alligator while at a Silver Springs event. I wish I could find it.
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Post by fgrsk8r1970 on May 28, 2013 14:24:36 GMT
htmb - wow, you have captured some amazing wild life in your photos. A couple of times I was also afraid to scroll down LOL. Maybe next year we'll do a drive cross country (southern part) and I was thinking of ending it in Florida. Not sure yet but I have a feeling the international flying days for my husband will be getting less frequent and then we can just drive around to places we have never been. I am taking notes for sure !!!
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Post by htmb on May 28, 2013 17:26:27 GMT
Let me know if that ever happens, skater. I'd be happy to talk with you about North Florida side-trips. The good thing about Florida State Parks now is that many are very accessible.
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Post by htmb on Jul 14, 2013 13:34:36 GMT
It has been almost a year since I started this thread with photos of the sinkhole behind my house. Because we didn't have a freeze last year, the sinkhole vegetation is lusher than I've ever seen it. The entire basin is filled with water, but from this side you cannot see it. The hole still supports a vast array of small wildlife, hiding and feeding in the thick tangles of the basin. As rain from what's left of tropical storm Chantal continues to dump more moisture on the area, rivers are rising to flood stage again and I expect this little hole will soon begin to show water on this the higher side.
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