End of 2018, Sumter Stay ending too.

We have had a satisfying stay here at Sumter Oaks RV Park, especially lucking out with a lot that was treed and free of neighbours.  With the exception of two muggy days and a few rainy ones, the weather was perfect for riding and sitting outside reading.  Here are a few images of more sights from the bikes and time around the park.

Met Bayfield friends Daisy and Bernie for lunch in Tampa.

Dixie loved the cool grass.

Somebody may be without power later!

Winds were extremely high and we saw Palm fronds dropping and lying on the roads and lawns everywhere.

Many buildings in the south become a part of their natural surroundings if not cleaned regularly.

After a short cloud burst, we were accompanied home by a rainbow.

This gang was in a small pen beside the bike trail.

Got very close to one my favourite creatures, an Armadillo.

Digging for dinner.

He stood up on his hind legs like a kangaroo before snuffling off.

Cypress bogs/forests are a natural meditative setting.  With little water movement their still waters reflect the unique form of each tree trunk and the surrounding “knees” that poke their heads up around each tree for support.  They provide a feast of bird watching, Egrets, Ducks, Heron, Cranes, Anhinga, Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Owls, Hawks, Bluebirds, Robins, Finches and other songbirds.  Fish, Lizards, Snakes and Alligators, Dragonflies and many insects all live in among the mighty Cypress.  I have enjoyed sitting at the edge of the forest on a waterside bench, where I first feel alone in the blissful quiet and slowly see and hear the creatures all around.  It is wonderful to see the flocks returning to their roosts at sunset.

Some of these old houses have become one with the woods.

Others, not so much.

Someone lost a windshield and the beach gained a new texture.

Hope we find another vintage fruit stand like this one to get our supply of fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juices and amazing citrus fruits.

Yup, just walking our four dogs!?