Coming back from our lunch with friend Jo in Osprey, Florida we went together for a walk at The Bay Park.
While Pieter was napping upon our arrival, I'd walked this very stretch myself...
The day before we both walked to Whole Foods Market for buying us some Siggi's Icelandic yogurt (because it contains little sugar) and some fresh mandarins.
The Bay Park is like paradise...
Perfect reflection in the water...
Loved the way they had information burnt into the wooden boards from the walkway.
About Florida's iconic cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) that can live for two centuries...
Interesting history that some might have greeted the Scottish settlers in 1885!
We opted for The Bay Park →
It is very nice that there are spots with benches to rest on and for taking in the natural surroundings.
No need for running!
It also was the perfect ending of a happy day, after the lunch in Osprey with dear friend Jo.
See previous post: Lunch with a Dear Writer Friend in Osprey, Florida ←click link.
Wearing my pearl necklace and earrings with antique silver inserts, created by a dear friend.
The Bayou Bridge got donated by Bob and Lin Williams; they definitely deserve a shout out, because for their generosity so many others can indulge in this natural beauty from up close!
This for sure was not a park where you would want to hurry...
Just stopping and seeing these water birds come to their 'bedrooms'.
It was after 17:00 and remember, still winter time, as much as it affects this subtropical region.
But yes, they too felt the impact of the extreme cold from the North pushing all the way South.
In Lakeland, FL we had frost during our first night!
But like my opening image shows, those birds are near the water and sheltered inside these evergreen mangroves.
A lot of preening and also story telling about how their day went...
Just like in 2014, we made this WeFie at the Performing Arts Hall: {Sarasota Bay, Florida - Great Egret} ← click link
Wearing my black Escada jeans and only Pieter wanted to change into other shoes and thus wearing his shorts. I was comfy enough.
It was very hard with the low sun to get a WeFie without any glare... Hence that dancing sun-dot near my eye 😉
Those Bird Bedrooms in the mangrove were really filling up by now!
For both of us, this was a real BONUS!
Along the walkway, there was this area and I did step up for better viewing the birds.
The short video of it, is inside my Relive.
Pieter stayed down.
Just as I'd captured the birds in the trees on their branches for the night, I looked down and could not believe my eyes. A raccoon to the right, very close to my feet, only at the water level and a big bunny to the left!
Wish I'd captured both of them on video as well...
Our actual walking time, as captured on our Strava app was 46 minutes and 47 seconds.
Relive, however shows it as having been 1 hour and 28 minutes. Well that is all the 'stand still' time included!
We also met with a German born woman, walking her two cute Dachshunds that reminded me of my sweet Mauzie girl... We did chat for a long time!
It was interesting to spot this very bird that we'd captured at the beginning of our one and a half hour walk/chat and indulge tour.
Now it was facing the opposite direction!
Before walking back to our hotel, I had to capture this building with so many palm trees growing in big planters on the roof top.
Enjoy my short Relive video of 1:06 minute here below!
That nature walk was amazing! I probably would have taken several hundred pics, at least (not kidding). Love the photos!
ReplyDeleteDearest Kim,
DeleteIt sure was amazing and I would never tire of walking there!
Both of us never have taken that many pictures...😉
Glad you loved these photos.
Hugs,
Mariette
Awesome place!
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteIt sure was; pure nature!
Hugs,
Mariette
What lovely photos
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteThe reality was even more lovely...!
Hugs,
Mariette
I loved this walk with you! What beauty in that park. I had to look up the cabbage palm just out of curiosity... I'm like that, always learning! Those birds are pretty interesting... I know you said water birds, but do you happen to know what type? Just wondering. I can just imagine their talks about their day lol. Looks heavenly to be able to walk around that area and enjoy the calming of the views and wildlife. I agree with Kea, I'd probably have taken a hundred photos too. Ha! Hugs and blessings, dear Mariette!
ReplyDeleteDearest Diana,
DeleteGlad you loved this walk and indeed what a lovely park.
There are so many palm varieties and if one does not live in such an area, we have to look them up.
The same for the water birds, one has to look them up and compare the color of their legs, bill and height... Did not do that as I'm not a biologist.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, Sarasota offers so much spectacular wildlife--it seems there was some special photo-opportunity at every turn. Those birds seemed to put on a special show just for you! Lately, I don't get such special views, but luckily I also enjoy the small moments--an old crumbling brick building in the city, or coming across some wild roses on a walk in Ohio.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteYes, Sarasota is in that regard a true treasure trove and I love it when you just step out of the door and are there! Love those birds and they were so calm and seemingly used to people.
So glad that you are enjoying the small moments where you are!
Hugs,
Mariette
Amazing photographs. I really liked the bird photos and also the palm trees on top of the building. You really had a great time, I see. Enjoy. Happy holidays.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Dearest Victor,
DeleteYes, the entire immediate surroundings of the hotel were fabulous to see.
Those palm trees on the rooftop are quite something!
Hugs,
Mariette
Una bella passeggiata immortalata da splendide foto!Ciao
ReplyDeleteCara Olga,
DeleteSì, una passeggiata così bella insieme doveva essere immortalata!
Abbracci,
Mariette
Hello My Two Wheeling Friends - Absolutely Love That Reflective Photo - Such A Happy Couple Of Kids - Gorgeously Captured Adventure As Always - Big Hugs And Enjoy Your Weekend
ReplyDeleteCheers
Dearest Travis,
DeleteThank you and we could not wheel but we walked and inhaled nature's many wonders!
Yes, we were still reflecting very much the happiness from being together with our widow friend Jo over lunch; this was the perfect winding down of the day.
Hugs,
Mariette
It was a beautiful walk, the Cranes like to sleep like this all together in the same tree. There are many near where I live.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Coisas de Feltro
Dearest Christina,
DeleteOh, that was a heavenly walk, just outside of our hotel.
Cranes and all sorts of water birds, they are very social.
Glad you get to experience similar sights!
Hugs,
Mariette
These photographs are wonderful!!!! You and Pieter are adorable!!!!
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
DeleteThank you and we both were very happy after having met with dear and meaningful true Friends!
Hugs,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeleteder Anblick hat mich auch gleich fasziniert: die Palmen auf dem Dach und wie kommen sie dahin? O ja, sie wachsen in großen Töpfen, ok 😍 Was für ein wunderschöner Park, da kann man sich wohlfühlen. Danke fürs Mitnehmen 😍 Ihr beide schaut gut aus, ein schönes Paar!
Liebe Abendgrüße von Traudi.♥
Liebe Traudi,
DeleteJa so nimmt man doch gerne auch andere mit im Winter, zur Sonne und schöne Natur.
Es waren herrliche Tage zusammen und wieder mal tolle Erinnerungen festlegen können.
Liebe Grüße,
Mariette