Monday, March 4, 2013

On the Road

No this is not the story of an epic journey and I'm far from Kerouac.  This is the story of the view from the road as it unfolds before me.  I keep a camera within reach as I drive and capture the images on my path.  Each picture has a story ( don't they all). These pics are moments captured from the road.

 The road is a different place. It is experienced more like a series of events .  It's  a place where you are less connected due to the fleeting moment that sights, sounds or events exist,  and then it's gone.   And you keep going.  Or you stop.     What's going to happen next?    You never . . never know . . .

Things happen
quickly and unmercifully
but time can slow down when you slow down
interesting sights are around each corner
sights that are longlasting
and good tasting
 
attention grabbing
inspiring
 and thought provoking.
The road is for money making
the road is home
or a place to get away
the road needs to be minded
and you need to be reminded.
The road takes you there
and you can get there in style.

the road ends at the water
but then you don't need a road to travel.
Traveling is a series of events
through space and time.
Hopefully you find good events
or keep looking for better times
We need time for reflection
time where earthly events might happen 
where nature has more sway
but always back again
 as were headed on our way
trying to get more stuff
or trying to get away.
We're staying on the path
and working in the mud
trying to get to where were headed
or trying to get back home.
We're on the road because we like it
to be in the places that we love
along the country roads
along the highways
sometimes it's enjoyable
and interesting 
 
But you just never, never know.   

 
 
 
 
 
 


 

 
 

 
 

 
 


 

 
 
 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Potts Preserve - hidden treasure

Pott's Preserve is owned and managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.  Located in eastern Citrus County on the Withlacoochee River it is tucked away, remote to most, but not too far from home.  If you contatct SWFWMD you can drive in or camp there otherwise it's a hke in from the front gate.   Here are some pics from my recent hike .

clik on the pics to enlarge



I don't mind a short walk because of the big oaks along the entrance road

 
there are more big oaks when you get to the camping area
 
Just past the yellow tent is an ancient mound overlooking the river
 
 directly across river from the mound is the mouth of Gum Slough
(which is a whole 'nother jewell in itself)

don't get lost in there - it's tricky

 Classic Withlacoochee River - it means little-big water
because when it spills its banks it covers a wide area 
 

I saw a big-un  . . . . on the other side of the river

 
 a big male osprey in the top of a big cypress
 
tillandsia bartramii starting to bloom everywhere
the tip of the red stalk will bloom bright purple. 
It's a common plant for us in central FL but it's not widely found 
Pott's  is a good place to sit and hang out with friends.  I recommend it as a group camp for my friends that like to get together in a natural setting. 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Spring Creek - Forested wetlands in the winter light

As with most blogs there is a period of attrition following the normal initial excitement and newness. Such is he same with me and I have not created a new post this year,  So to make things easier I am going to depart from my attempts to blog about the facinating facets of the world we live in.   Now I am going to post  photos of my travels.   It will be much easier on me and will hopefully increse the frequency of new posts.. 

For example:  The other day I explored  Spring Creek in Levy County.

to record it for our memory
 
Small, isolated and remote but not too far from home.
Places that not many know about
There's a wild hog in Guf Hammock, I wouldn't wish on any man -  Will McLean 

these are the places I like to explore

Making a mental note to return when the iris are blooming to capture the spring season
but the winter holds a special light and colors of its own