Back in Lakeland

Monday March 27, 2017  we left Midway Campground at 9:00 am, the sun was shining as we said our goodbyes to our fellow volunteers/friends.  It was a sad goodbye as we might not be back for 5 years..  will they still be there?

The road was very smoky along the highway where the fire is still not completely contained.

It took us about 5 hours to go 200 miles, none of it on a freeway, so lots of stop lights and small towns.  We did stop at the Welcome Center at Big Cypress to drop off our key. 

We are staying at 

for two nights.  It has beautiful pools, great walking/birding paths and wonderful showers!

We took a walk after we set up

beautiful Limpkin

We found a bridge over the canal to a wonderful bird sanctuary 

the path had bird houses on all of the trees that the residents in the park made and hung over the years

and a Tree Monster!!

Great hamburgers for dinner at Gator's Dockside completed our day.

Tuesday Mar 28:  We walked around the park and refuge for about 3 hours this morning.

Carolina Wren

Gray Catbird

Black Bellied Whistling Duck

After a quick lunch we began our "family" visits.

we began with Kathy's brother Dan

then to brother Harold's home

finally to visit Eric's Aunt Jane

Luckily they all live within a few miles of each other so it makes for a fun day to see all 3 of them.

We walked around Morton Lake (near Jane's)

Black Swan on nest

Mute Swan on nest

This Great Blue Heron was very hot today..

Downtown Lakeland had sculptures of "Clear People"

Another great visit in Lakeland.  Tomorrow we head to Tallahassee!  its about 300 miles so it will be a looong day....