fungus among us

Here's quick post from a hike earlier this year.  Every hike is different.  This was  A hike where the theme centered around small fungi and epiphytes.  Indian Lake State Forest is the  closest good hike to home; it's only 3 miles from the house.  I am a run and gun photographer so this is pretty much how the journey went.  I would name the fungi if  I could.  ID help is appreciated; I'm always wanting to learn.

For this post I won't weave a story line within the pics.   It was a long beautiful hike well off the beaten path.  Moss and fungi and epiphytes were revealed at times when I was almost lost.  I pulled out my GPS and got back to the normal world.  This hike once again confirmed to me that  I love places with poor soil .     Click on the pictures to enlarge.

Watching the Tern's World

A few weeks ago Jean pulled our camper over to Anastasia state park to catch the Weezer show at the St. Augustine Amphitheater.  the show was outstanding but I am there for other things also.  Generally I have a few hours of each morning to roam and make pictures. . .

Of Course I attended the sunrise daily festival of light. This time coming near to the green flash.

but after the initial event I wandered over to the nesting bird protection area.

I didn't - and wouldn't go beyond the signs

 But the signs don't matter to the Tern families that get upset when their personal nesting space

 is intruded upon.

This is their turf.  I need to capture a few images and get out of here.

  hearts of a lion and a loud screaming din would confuse predator and passerby alike. 

 Fortunately, I have my little canon ultra-zoom camera that reaches about 600 mm lens power. (20X optical zoom)  The Terns nest in the open sand and are vulnerable.

I watch the little rhythm of activity and follow the birds over to the water where they are hunting for dinner.

The hunter hovers high watching the minnows below

 And dive bombs the shallow water 

 faster than a jet plane

 

 and splashes down -  hoping to get lucky

 fortunately I brought my lawn chair with me so I sat down and watched the show.

 Their skills are sharp and very evolved

 the setup of their habitat is amazing and productive

 but it wouldn't be possible without the protection area at the State park.

 a big sign up on the beach says NO DOGS.

 I will check back on them someday soon 

 Jean and I really enjoy all there is to do at Anastasia.

 maybe we will retire to St Aug.

Wait and see . .  like beach sand through he hourglass - as the Tern's World.

Springfest Every March

I've been to quite a few music festivals and some of the best like New Orleans JazzFest or the Hangout Festival or Floydfest.  But I like the laidback feel of Springfest and the venue at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.   It's mostly cenetered around bluegrass and Americana music so if you don't appreciate those sounds Springfest might not be your favorite.  I like the fact that there is room for everbody to camp onsite. but the best part about it is the laid back feeling.  That laid back atmosphere is prominently mentioned in every blog and article about Springfest.

The amphitheater early in the morning -  Tonight it will be happenin'.  The artist really like to play this stage.  there are 4 stages but this is where I hang the most.

Spirit Lake near the amphitheater is a great place to camp but it's crowded because it's so nice and it's close.  Primitive camping is free.

The best theme camps have been comin to Spirit of the Suwannee since the start.  This is the jam tent for Sloppry Land.

I camp at Peeptown with lots of good peeps 

We have a good time

and play music together

 And eat and play and sit around the fire and stay up till late or later with all my Peeps (2014 peepsters)

And wake in the morning and do it again dancing with the music

 The music park has a disc golf course and sponsors big tournaments

But since it is a venue for music festivals it's a little different.

 All in all its a beautiful place in the springtime and as you might guess I take lots of pictures

I get up with the sun and head down to the river for my morning dose of awe and gratitude

It's what I do and I share out of gratitude.

Every day is a big day. I have a great time and wear myself thin.  Then I get some good sleep in our little bungalow under the full moon.