Whenever and wherever we travel, we always find time to be in nature. The joy and excitement of traveling is that it brings a scope of life to you, that you are not familiar with. That is the way of the river. I have been on many rivers over the years and each one is different. Some are just lazy and it hypnotizes you with its peaceful flow. Another river we visited in Mount Katahdin, Maine, had so much energy in its fast-moving water. The pace and scenery are always changing. Nothing on the river stays the same...changes are happening from moment to moment. In February we were in Venice, Florida on the Myakka River and it was sleepy in spots but oh so exciting in other spots...come along for a short ride with me. Another Armchair travel guide for you..The shot above is of a quiet turn around the bend. Don't get to comfortable though.
As we were leaving the dock this wonderful blue heron was standing on a sand bar. So beautiful to see and photograph. He didn't mind at all being a celebrity for a few minutes.
Now isn't this just lovely...around the bend another, brighter blue heron just hanging out, watching us cruise by. I love these bright blue birds. We have heron at home but not like this.
Beautiful scenery, strange looking trees and nice gentle reflections against the clear, slow-moving river...It is warm out, not a drop of snow anywhere and birds are singing in the trees. Almost like a Huckleberry Fin Day.
Just when we were starting to zen out, we came around another corner and look who is waiting for us. Well, this brought me up off my seat and I started clicking. Oh my, I was so excited to see him.
Just after passing that beauty of an alligator, we turned the corner and along came this kayaker and his partner. Well, we all sat there, kind of scared for them because they had no idea what they were going to witness. We didn't hear any screams so we assumed they made it safely by that boy.
All along the river bed were little wildflowers and bees having lunch. So small and delicate, both the flowers and the bees. Once again, the river was peaceful, just sharing some of natures beauty with us. I never get tired of seeing what nature offers up to me as her gifts.
Ah, but don't get complacent or lost in the world of bees and flowers because you need to be ready for this BIG BOY. Oh Ya, supposedly he is one of the biggest on the river and we were told that they can move as fast as 30 miles an hour but only for a short sprint. Amazing. I'm so happy that he wasn't up for a sprint today.
Just in case you need a different view...He's got one eye looking at me..
Then back to cuteness again...These turtles were quite lovely and much smaller than the alligators. I just hope that they didn't become lunch for them after they woke up from their nap.
“I am in love with this world...
I have climbed its mountains,
roamed its forests,
sailed its waters,
crossed its deserts,
felt the sting of its forests,
the oppression of its heats,
The drench of its rains,
and the fury of its winds,
and always have
beauty and joy
waited upon my goings and comings. ”
“How vain is it to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live...Thoreau”
