Myakkka River State Park (61 degrees, bright blue skies, chilly)
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| Roseate Spoonbills - J.N. Ding Darling |
I took a rather long sabbatical from blogging. It has been difficult to write since the loss of John's sister Martha in late October.. She fought bravely against the breast cancer which invaded her body and eventually metastasized. We miss her more than words can express and were grateful to spend some time with her in Sao Paolo Brazil.
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| Screech Owl - Green Cay |
After returning to the states John had a total knee replacement. It's a tough recovery and we spent two months in Fort Myers Beach area before returning to J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge to volunteer again this winter. It was like coming home and being surrounded by our many friends was priceless. This was our 4th season and probably will be our last for awhile. Sanibel is a magical place and we never thought we'd repeat our volunteering experience. It lured us back each time with its great birding, lovely beaches, and most of all the volunteer residents (a.k.a. family) we met there.
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| Fran, Randy, and John checking out all the birds |
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| Wood Storks - Wakodahatche |
We did have to leave a little earlier than expected because John's knee started to swell more and his surgeon felt it was best to rest it more in hopes this will calm it down. We also cancelled working at Grand Teton Association in Wyoming this summer and fall.
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| Barred Owl - Circe B Bar Reserve |
So we suddenly find ourselves with a spring, summer and fall available to fill with all kinds of adventures. We are still in the planning stages and hope to go back out west. We haven't been out there for two years and the mountains and lakes and desert are calling us.
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| Tri-color Heron in breeding plumage |
For now we are going to hang out in Florida area for a few weeks. A Caribbean cruise is even planned with John's daughter. Stay tuned. If you have any great suggestions let us know. We always say the RV lifestyle needs to be in jello to allow lots of wiggle room.
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| Sandhill Crane-check out his red eye |
We are now beginning our 6th year trip around the sun as fulltime RVers. What a great lifestyle. Although our plans are ever changing and challenging at times there are lots of possibilities and options to keep whatever lies ahead very interesting.
For a real change you could attend the Escapade in Vermont this summer.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Thank you for the suggestionn. It should be a really nice location.
DeleteI hope John's knee gets better with some rest. A cruise sounds like a good way to rest the knee.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking a cruise will be the perfect RX for rest and relaxation too.
DeleteWe know completely what it is like to have your life shockingly interrupted. You really did have two knock outs in a row. I hope John's knee will recover fully with the proper rest. I had no idea you were at Ding Darling or we would have looked you up when we were there. So sorry you won't be back again next winter but I envy you the ability to head out west. I'd happily take your place at Ding since we never seem to be able to go anywhere in the winter but Florida.
ReplyDeleteWe also know about jello since we've been trying to go west for the past 2 years and haven't made it yet. Have a wonderful time planning your travels. May they all be safe and sunny.
If you are interested in applying now is the time to contact the volunteer coordinator Jeff Combs. You are required to each work three 8 hour days. I worked in administration and John worked in maintenance. You also have to committ to work from December 1st thru to a week after the Easter holiday. You can arrive and stay longer if you would like to do so. The campsites are very nice and are surrounded by mobile homes for the interns and visiting biologists etc. There is a wonderful sense if community. If you have more questions feel free to send me an email.
DeleteNice to see you are back on the road again. We are doing the Calgary Stampede this summer and then Banff and Jasper parks in Canada.
ReplyDeleteWe miss you terribly and wish you were back at the Ding! But, we know how exciting it is to be back on the road again! Until we meet again...
ReplyDelete