What's After Work?

  The first week of February Jan and I took a trip down to Everglades. Other than driving through the Everglades on Alligator Alley Jan an I have never visited the Everglades.  For this trip we rented a class "B"rv. We had been wanting to try one and this fit the bill.  This one is made by Winnebago. It is like driving a really big van. Inside there is room for two to sleep, shower and cook dinner. On top are several solar panels that keep the batteries charged. I was also surprised to find the mileage acceptable, 16 to 17 MPG.  We camped at the Everglades Flamingo which is the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula. This is semi-primitive camping, no hot water in the showers. But other than that is is a very nice campground. the sites are very large and spread out. We never felt that the other camper were too close. At night the lighting at the campground is very subdued and we could see lots of stars. The first full day in the Everglades we had planned a boat t...

Between March 21 and May 4th the beach on the Courtney Campbell Causeway was closed to the public. During that time I photographed the beach each day I rode my bike out there. I noticed some subtle changes on the beach.  The tire tracks and foot prints started to fade and there was much less trash. I also noticed that the birds were appearing on the beach. Not just a few seagulls but whole flocks of seabirds.  High-tide lines of seaweed also could be seen and the water appeared less cloudy.  Overall the beach quickly returned to a more natural state.  I had hoped that when the beach was reopened that they would limit the number of vehicles on the beach to fewer that had been allowed before Covid 19, that does not appear to be the case but they are limiting to just the number of spaces. 42 and no more closing off the entrance to the beach when that number is reached.  I wish that a parking lot could be built to move parking off the beach and a launch...

We are starting to fall into a routine during our time of  social distancing. The one thing I try to do each day is to go on a bike ride. In the past I usually went out in the afternoon. It use to be after work and I don't mind the heat. But as of late the ride is getting really crowded. Everyone staying home from work or school and I guess by the afternoon they need to get out. I'm seeing lots of new bikes and walking shoes out there. It is good  that people are getting out for some fresh air and exercise. But they kinda crowd up the trail that I usually take. It is hard to keep my distance and pace when ya go three bikes side by side riding slow and talking. I ring my bell and begrudgingly they will move to single file so I can ride by. So today I got up early to ride in the morning. Not a fan, I would rather sleep in. But I went out at about 7:45, after the sun was up. It was nice. Not a lot of people and not much wind. Both good things. It is still strange riding out on...