More from Myakka River State Park

Posted on July 16, 2022 by dinajohnston

While I was at Myakka River State Park in early May, I did see a little bit of wildlife. This young male deer was just off the road.

I lost count of the vultures and alligators I saw. I was there early in the morning before the majority of the alligators had started to lay out on the banks but I still saw a ton.

I saw this little bird walking around near the big alligator’s tail. Zooming in I saw that it was a spotted sandpiper. I hope he has good reflexes and can get away fast if that alligator whips around.

Far down the river I could see limplins looking for food. It looks like one of them has a snack.

I got out of the car and was walking across the parking lot to head to the boardwalk and this guy came out of the bushes and ran across the parking lot.

A swallow tail kite flies low overhead.

Just down the road from the park, this old barn must have some pretty good stories to tell. I couldn’t tell if it’s still being used but the ivy is started to take over the roof.

More from my winter vacation.

Posted on March 10, 2022 by dinajohnston

Shots from Deer Valley ski resort in January. The sun had not come up over the mountain when we got there, although it wasn’t that early. I think the slopes had just opened up.

I watched Brett (in the orange jacket) head for the ski lift and then I went off to hike around and look for some things to take pictures of.

I headed up to a nearby hotel that has amazing views of Deer Valley. We stayed here several years before in October when everthing was orange and yellow so it looked very different.

Much later we took a ride around the area before going for an early dinner.

Winter vacation sneak peak

Posted on January 20, 2022 by dinajohnston

After 2 years of not going anywhere, we booked a trip to Park City, Utah so Brett could snowboard and ski. I’m not a skier but was planning to do a lot of walking around in the snow and just seeing the sights. Luckily our flights last week were uneventful and on time. We also spent some time doing some tourist things in Salt Lake City. I took a gazilion pictures (okay maybe not that many but almost 1,000) and I’m started to edit them now so I’ll have a lot of vacation posts coming but here’s a sneak peak.

Our first stop was Park City Mountain so Brett could snowboard. After dropping him off here, I headed over to the old historic Park City area to walk around.

The old strip is full of restaurants, shops and artist galleries. It was quiet the morning I was there so I was able to walk around without bumping into too many people. It’s usually packed at night.

We made several road trips outside of Park City including one morning to go snowmobiling.

We spent some time at Antalope Island in Salt Lake City. This buffalo decided to cross the road right in front of us. He was not fazed by cars. Everyone was going slow and stopped to let him cross.

There wasn’t any snow in Salt Lake City but you could still see it on the top of the mountains all around the city. We found a spot to hike around there not to far from the University of Utah. The views are amazing almost anywhere you are in that city.

Needless to say, more to come on our trip.

My first trip to Park City, Utah.

Posted on November 19, 2018 by dinajohnston

On our first day in Utah, we spent the afternoon at Antelope Island State Park. Then we headed over to Park City to spend a few days. It’s a quick ride from Salt Lake City and the driving through the mountain was pretty amazing.

We were staying in a hotel in Deer Valley and had to take a tram half way up the mountain from the parking area to our hotel. Great views of the fall leaves and bare ski slopes all around.

The hotel was very quiet and it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves.

The next morning we were wide awake very early so I took a walk around the hotel property and watched the sun come up over the mountain. I stopped to take a few pictures and a magpie landed right next to me.

We had dinner the night before in Park City and wandered up and down the main street, going into shops after eating.

The next afternoon after hiking all morning we walked around some more and had lunch.

Goats, cows and pigs, Oh my!

Posted on August 14, 2018 by dinajohnston

Hanging out with some goats at Sweetfield Farms during the Sunflower Festival.

The cows were being lazy.

Pigs are so lucky. They get to eat with their mouths wide open and don’t have to worry about manners. They can snort and grunt and don’t have to take baths. Don’t you wish you were a pig?

The main barn, where you can buy fresh cut flowers and vegetables. The crib in front of the door on the right had baby chicks. I had so much fun at the Sunflower festival that I really didn’t want to leave. But it was hot and I had chores waiting for me back home. They have a pumpkin patch in the fall so I may try to head up there in October (you know, along with everyone else in Tampa with the same idea).

Linking to Wednesday Around the World.