Monday, March 7, 2016

Maggiano's Miracle

Hi All,

We are back at Fort Caroline after our wonderful trip to Delray Beach. We saw Sandy's aunt Lily and many snowbird friends from Massachusetts. It was great to spend time with Roberta and Elliot.

We are slowly shedding the colds that have plagued us for over a week now. Poor Sandy could only whisper for a few days.

Last night we met Scott, Tara and the boys for dinner at Maggiano's. There's a special section on the menu that offers modestly priced meals ($13-$15) plus you get another meal to take home! Great food and an incredible bargain.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502

Thursday, March 3, 2016

The Birds at The Girls

Hi All,

In Delray Beach, FL there is a group of stores run by "The Girls". Behind the stores is a huge outdoor area with dozens of bird cages holding hundreds of tropical birds. Most of these are rescued or surrendered from owners no longer able to care for them. In some cases, former owners come visit their birds. It is a amazing collection.

Enjoy.














Love,

Sandy & Carl 
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Washington Oaks State Park

Hi All,

One more email from an incredible day. Washington oaks are old, gnarled and reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland.


The oaks are hundreds of years old. The 20-30 year old Palm trees have grown up through the oak branches.

The park includes exotic species like bamboo, banana and stone masks.

In the small visitor center, the park video is played on a 1950's GE console TV.

The park is along A1A south of St Augustine and spans the barrier island from the ocean to the Intercoastal Waterway shown here.
Sorry for all the emails but it was an awesome day.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Turtle Video

Hi All,

The turtle video is now on You-Tube at:

http://youtu.be/xWuii0gDz-M

Enjoy

Sandy & Carl 
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502

Turtle Serendipity 2

Hi All,

(The previous email included a video which clogged the system-sorry)

On a visit to Washington Oaks State Park we stopped at the beach to see interesting rock formations. There we found a truck from the South Carolina Aquarium with three loggerhead turtles to be released into the ocean. These animals have spent the last year in a rehab center. This spot was chosen since it was the furthest north winter spot with warm enough water.

First the turtles were removed from the truck


carried to the water's edge.

At the water, the turtles took some time to get their bearings

then walked/swam back into the ocean.
An extraordinary experience.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Mala Compra Plantation

Hi All,

On our Washington Oaks expedition we had lunch at Captain's BBQ. The entire staff wore T-Shirts that said," In the 70's I smoked pot, now I smoke ribs!" Ribs, brisket and turkey were all excellent and the place was jumping.

Adjacent to the restaurant was a small county park with the excavated ruins of an old plantation.

Mala Compra means " Bad deal". Perhaps buyers remorse from the plantation owner.

The excavated hearth was interesting

as was the exhibit of recovered artifacts.

Here's another section of the excavated plantation ruins.

This is the old well.
This might have been the highlight of the day but next stop was the beach and turtles!

Love,

Sandy & Carl 
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502

Photographed and sent from Carl's iPhone

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Misc Photos

Hi All,

Just s few of my and others photos.

Spring has come to North Florida!


This eight foot tall No Parking sign at Huguenot Park has been swallowed by the sand dune. At least no one will park there.

Many of you have heard about the tornados and severe thunderstorms across the southeast in the last 48 hours. Friends from the Wildlife Brigade we camped in Gulf Shores, AL. They spent a few nervous hours sheltering in the restroom building as the storm passed. Fortunately, they and their motorhome are safe. We were luckier. The front veered north and we had only 40 mph gusts and fitful rain.

With all of the Brigaders were on line chatting about the weather, our boss Kate send this aerial photo of a Yellowstone grizzly, already out of his den🐻.

Yesterday, Carl watched a TED Talk by Mac Stone, a talented and passionate photographer who has worked to help restore the Everglades. The talk is titled "Mac Stone: Stunning Photos of the endangered Everglades. Carl grabbed a few stills to highlight Mac's work.

Reflections from the coppery sky highlight this gator.

Finally, today's APOD is a night view of the northeast coast from the  International Space Station. That's Long Island in the lower right.
Hard to believe we have only five weeks to go.

Love,

Sandy & Carl 
Living & Traveling in our Motorhome
Volunteering across America
617-435-8502