For the past 4 weeks, Carl and I have resided at Myakka River State Park.  It is absolutely beautiful here.  Carl works in various areas of the park as a workkamper (working=free site)…can’t beat that!!! And you only work 3 days a week!  I have explored several areas of the park on his work days and we have seen much together on days off.  One of the greatest aspects of living in a state park is that nature is literally your home.  Birds of all kinds, deer, raccoons, snakes, alligators, swampland, the river, trees and on and on!  I hope the pics give you a sense of the peacefulness as well as the excitement of it all.

The underside of the ‘wiggly’ bridge that connects the 2 sets of steps that takes you high above the treeline

View from the top

Another view…about half way to the top

The Canopy Walk bridge

   

Not so friendly vultures by the river near the concession/gift store and boat tour rental building…gotta appreciate the awesome wingspan though…lol

Air boat tour

They hang out in huge numbers

Zoom in and read this sign!!!  There have been cases where these crazy birds EAT away windshield wipers, tires, the rubber off of roof carriers.  One woman had her car covered and the vultures pulled forces and dragged the cover off and went to town on her window rubber!  It seems they like the petroleum…pesky critters to say the least!!!

Magnolia trying to take over the river… very pretty, but a nuisance…they clog waterways around here

The river

Beautiful heron/tree reflection

Sasha…our adorable walking companion

Nature’s flower pot

A path through the woods

Carl caught climbing a tree!!!

Mr. Gator!!!

Four gators on the left of the dam

Vultures landing

Awesome shell on one of the walking paths

Spanish moss in the breeze!

They are EVERYWHERE! In addition to park sights, we have had a blast checking out wonderful places and events in surrounding Sarasota.  Today; however, I’m only going to share pictures of the park.  ENJOY!!!  Other adventures coming soon!