2011 - Neat places to visit in central Florida

We were trying to avoid the amusement parks (not to mention the heat) so we checked other interesting sites around central Florida, including the Florida Southern College which is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world, and Hollis Garden in the city of Lakeland.

Gary in front of Frank Lloyd Wright's Waterdome at Florida Southern College

Anne Pfeiffer Chapel at Florida Southern College

Would have loved to see the water dome in action, but it wasn't set to go off for another couple hours!

Early morning walk around Downtown Disney

The Lego collection is well worth checking out!

We got free tickets to the Arabian Nights dinner and show in Orlando, a fun show but sure glad we didn't have to pay for it!

Got to the Hollis Garden in Lakeland to find it was closed that day, so we had to see what we could through the closed gates!

2011 - March in Florida

We stayed at a variety of places in Florida, from a Thousand Trails RV resort (in a rental cabin, which was our "free week" as part of our membership), to a couple of timeshares to use our annual points, plus a cheap motel on the "space coast".

Our cute little cabin at Thousand Trails Orlando - it was hot and humid (heat wave in March) so we did our outings very early in the morning

Gary on our first afternoon in Florida - straight into the hot tub!

A resident Gopher Tortoise at Thousand Trails, who lived under the next door cabin, which ironically was named "Tortoise" cabin. Made me wonder what might be found under the "Alligator" cabin.

The big lake at Thousand Trails Orlando

The Sandhill Cranes were in abundance

These two Sandhill Cranes walked right up to me with their babe

Our neighbor tortoise - really didn't expect to see this type of critter in Florida!

Fantastic and peaceful sunrise over the lake at Thousand Trails

I think they're serious about not swimming in the lake; neighbor on the other side saw a huge alligator rush out of the lake and try to take a cow down!



Really enjoyed Polynesian Isles Resort where we stayed for a few nights - very  nice place!

The volcano pool at Cypress Point Grand Villas in Orlando, where we stayed for a couple days

One of several quiet and inviting hot tubs at Polynesion Isles in Orlando.

Pair of Florida Sandhill Cranes on the lake at Thousand Trails Resort

2011 - March: Pictures from Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge

We visited this wildlife refuge twice, once on foot and once on the bicycles; would be a fantastic place to stay for a while, but they don't have a campground! Amazing birdlife and natural beauty.

Early morning at Pinckney NWR

The island in the center of this pond was home to thousands of birds

Little alligator baby I almost ran over with the bicycle - he wasn't very happy to see us. (Did you know they hiss?)

Peaceful little spot to anchor your yacht

Gary checking out the waterway (and getting eaten alive by mosquitoes)

This Osprey's nest was literally right on the bike path, and she was also not happy to see us!

Gary checking out the little baby (don't get any closer!)

Riding the path / hiking trail at Pinckney

How many birds can you count in this shot? 

2011 - March trip to South Carolina, Florida and Tennesee

We took a road trip to see the shuttle launch STS 134 (which ultimately was postponed and we missed it!) and visited South Carolina on the way, Gatlinburg on the way home.

Stayed at a terrific place called Royal Dunes on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Last minute timeshare deal. Really enjoyed the nature areas around Hilton Head such as Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, and making us of the terrific bike paths on the island.

Our first night of the roadtrip, tent camped at Wall Doxey State Park in Mississippi; would have been a great place to stay in the RV, but the tent camping area was very uniimproved and unkempt.  Still, despite the rain, heat and humidity, enjoyed listening to the wildlife at night.

The lake at Wall Doxey State Park campground, MS

Our first sunrise at Hilton Head, SC

Never seen so many cameras in a local park - there were at least 200 cameras overlooking every inch of the parking area of this public beach area in Port Royal Plantation.

Another sunrise on Hilton Head.

It was absolutely beautiful.

View of the channel from the big bridge on Hilton Head

Riding our rental bikes ($20 for the week!) on the paths which run all over the island.

Overcast and still gorgoeous

Taking a short walk on a nature trail

You can ride your bikes on the beach also!

Our resident racoon heading to the trash bin for dinner at the Royal Dunes Resort

Riding around Port Royal Plantation

There were some fantastic rides in the park, you simply sit down and spin, and you can't stop the spinning!

Royal Dunes Resort was fantastic, all are 3-bedroom units with balconies overlooking the pool, one block from the beach.