Thanksgiving – Life, Love & Passion Through the Lens

Time Off

Over the Thanksgiving holiday I took some much needed time off. After a full summer and a busy start to our concert season along with weddings, portraits and other work, I was ready to unplug and get back to nature.

My go to place as I’ve posted in the past is in the Everglades. I love to camp and I took four full days to step out of the digital world and relax. I did do some posting to Facebook, but instead of worrying about my status, I took camera in hand and stepped out into the swamp.

Because of the cooler temperatures (great for camping), the alligators were in abundance along the road of Jane’s Scenic Drive in the Fakahatchee Strand, and on the trails my son and I walked, (check out his website: Phloridaphoto.us He even decided to get a bit more up close and personal with a gator lying on the path we were walking.

I stopped and photographed him, photographing the alligator. I just could not bring myself to be that close to something that large with huge teeth. As my son walked past him, Mr. Gator lifted his head and rumbled that deep throaty sound as a warning to let him know he may be a bit too close. I had the same experience as I hung out the car door to get a rather large alligator hanging out on the road we were driving.

We also went out two nights in a row to capture the Milky Way, however during the hours we were there, the sky have cloud cover in the general vicinity. We did capture the sky at night and this photograph shows Miami glowing in the distance as the International Space Station does a fly over (I have an app on my phone called Sky Guide that allows me to track this).

Overall it was a wonderful relaxing long weekend, with friends, family and my camera.

Thanksgiving Adventures

Photography Meanderings

Again this year I went camping down in the Big Cypress. I have needed a really good stint away from all that’s electronic, my phone, computer etc. and totally disconnect for a few days. I have been really busy the last few months and just felt my body calling me to get away and to refresh and relax, and that I did. My youngest son lives/works in the Big Cypress and I went to Trail Lakes Campground/Everglades Adventure Tours to spend Thanksgiving with him and friends. I brought a dish to share at his request; candied yams & marshmallows. I was able to go to sleep early and wake up just as early pretty well rested and ready to simply do nothing or to take my camera and capture whatever caught my fancy.

I left late Wednesday afternoon and got there with plenty of time to set up camp which takes less than a half hour; simple is best for me. I went to sleep fairly early and woke up Thursday morning ready to head to Turner River Road to check out their boardwalk. Took a few photos, but later that evening was what I was waiting on. You see Thanksgiving evening was a full moon and I was excited to capture it in a really dark place.

For the rest of the afternoon I hung out at the store and talked with the people as they came in to check out this little piece of nostalgia. I also took some photos of my son’s butterfly garden which was quite active.

We had dinner around 4pm and there was so much food, most made by campground residents and probably the best turkey I have ever eaten. It was so good, and lots of tasty sides to accompany the main bird, all the traditional things, plus some really good repeats from last year. I was definitely in a food coma and really wanted to sleep, but I waited for the moon to rise…..and rise it did simply stunning.

The next day I wanted to go to where my oldest son works as an alligator wrestler/handler and check out he and his best friend’s show. I got some great video and photos of the two of them working.

My son Jimmy on the left and his best friend Dylan

Jimmy

Saturday I went to the Fakahatchee boardwalk and took a few photos there, it was late in the day so not much was out and about except this mama and one of her little ones.

Later in the evening my youngest son (the adventure guide) took me out on one of his tours and I was able to take some breathtakingly beautiful photographs. I also took photos of his clients and I will be sending those photos to them. I also met a nice woman and her son who was out at the same time. Really nice people. When we returned Tommy’s girlfriend had dinner ready for us when we got back to the campground and it was so good! Nothing beats dinner prepared on an outdoor fire. Later Tommy was trying his hand at candle making, and was quite successful, looking forward to some future creations from him.

Tommy our guide and my son

Sunset on the River

Golden hour

Sunday came too soon… it’s always sad to leave when I know I will be back at the grind for another month and a half without much of a break. I will be heading back down in January. I love going down there, I learn a lot of history from Jack who was born there and he is a wealth of local knowledge of the area. I come away always with something new learned.

On my way home I drove part of Jane’s Scenic Drive and captured a few good photos of the drive and prairie.

Jane’s Scenic Drive

Fakahatchee with MoWen Dome

What a fabulous few days, I am so blessed and thankful for the time off and that I got to spend time with my two favorite people; my handsome sons who I love and am so proud of the young men they have become.

For all of you who follow me and live in the United Stated, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and for all of you who are from outside the US here is to a blessed and beautiful holiday season.

Thanksgiving Warmth

Nature, Photography Meanderings, Wildlife

Wow this time last year, I was experiencing a bit of turmoil in my life; drama that could have been avoided, but when dealing with the immature that’s what happens. Fast forward one year later. I had a great Thanksgivings spent with my youngest son Tommy and the people of the campground where I was staying and where he works as a guide. Old friends were there and so much good food I was in a food coma for hours after. Of course while there I took out the camera, just didn’t have it at the dinner, nor did I have my phone. I simply wanted to enjoy the meal and fellowship with those I’ve not spent time with in a while. I really enjoy going down to Trail Lakes Camp Ground it borders the Big Cypress and so much wildlife all around makes it extra special! Later in the evening I saw with Tommy by a roaring campfire and we enjoyed the warmth of the flames.

It was quite chilly even for Florida standards. I ended my trip with a drive through the Big Cypress on Birdon Road over to Wagon Wheel Road then back on Turner River Road.

Beautiful sky no cloud and that deep azure blue against the sand colored grasses of the swamp. On my way home I stopped and spent several hours at The Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk. No bear this time, but the swamp was still teaming with birds and wildlife. It was a marvelous Thanksgiving and I would not change the way life is turning out.

I want to thank all of my readers and followers for a great year. I was so unsure of myself when I started this blog, but I love the outlet it allows me and I am so glad you have all enjoyed my meanderings. This next year promises to be so much better. Thank you for your support.