Deer of Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park

The first stop on a trip around Florida (again! Here’s a recap of a different trip around the state) is Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park just south of Gainesville. The park is known for its wild horses, bison, and alligators, some of which I saw with my own eyes (never saw bison, though). But there are also turtles, birds, armadillos… and for the first time ever I saw a baby armadillo. I’m not even sure what they’re called when they’re young but one thing’s for sure. I WANT ONE. One of my dogs sniffed it out way before I even knew it was close by. When I saw it, my heart skipped a beat. It was so tiny, and oh, oh, oh so cute! I tried to find it once I retrieved my camera but it must have scooted away. 

There are also lots of deer in the park. It’s funny when you get pictures you didn’t even really plan on getting. The final few (the mama and baby crossing the road) were taken when I was on my way back from a photos session at one of the park’s observation towers. I sort of stumbled upon the moment when I saw a car just parked in the roadway. Then the driver slowly moved on. I wasn’t sure the reason they were driving so cautiously until I glanced around and saw the mama and baby pair walking along the roadside. I quickly and quietly propped my bike with the kickstand, unzipped my camera bag, hoping I’d have my camera out in time for the deer, who at this point were out of view, obstructed by a stone park sign. Then they cautiously crossed the road and I think those photos will be in my top favorites for a long time to come. 

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

Allegiant Air Commercial – The Music, the Actress, and More!

Allegiant Air has a fun commercial promoting their non-stop flights. Say what you want about the airline but the ad itself is so visually pleasing. I love the transitions, the colors, and the bright, happy, smiling people. Check it out below then scroll down for more from the making of the ad…

The Music. Backing this ad is a song called “Don’t Fence Me In,” performed by Labrinth and released in 2019. Full track is below…

The original version of this song is over 80 yrs old, written in 1934. Here’s a version from Bing Crosby (1944).

The Actress. Starring in this commercial is actress Ashley Marie Jones. She has a few big time projects under her belt, including a role as Briefcase Girl #17 on the show “Deal or No Deal.” Check out more of her work here and follow her on Instagram… @ashleymariejones

Lights, Camera, Action. The commercial was directed by Roxanna Dunlop, who has a portfolio of ads she’s directed on her website… RoxannaDunlop.com. You can also find her on Instagram… @whosroxy

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

Progressive Commercial with Jon Hamm and a Mad Men Actress

Flo and her best buds at Progressive are back with another ad, this time featuring “struggling actor” Jon Hamm. Take a look then scroll down for more juicy info! Also, check out their latest ad and a massive flaw they overlooked in the commercial…

He wants to talk with her about Progressive Insurance over dinner, presumably with them sitting at the table together, but she says she doesn’t talk on the phone during dinner. That’s a cold burn right there. Made me laugh out loud. I love the reaction of her starstruck friends when Jon pulls up.

Little known fact. Jon Hamm rose to fame on the show Mad Men. Well, Flo From Progressive is actress Stephanie Courtney. She’s been on Mad Men, as seen here answering the phones as character Marge.

Flo and Jon are around the same age, so is it too hard to believe that they actually could’ve gone on a blind date a few years ago? Perhaps there’s more to this new Jon Hamm & Flo storyline on the horizon!

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

Grown men cheer routine

Somehow my brothers, dad, and I got roped into trying one of my niece’s cheer routines over the holiday weekend. That niece, she was a strict and determined coach as she showed us in a few minutes all the moves we needed (in order to successfully show off our amazing skills in front of the rest of the family). Well, show or embarrass ourselves? One of those.

But dance, we did.

Reluctantly.

And now it’s your turn to check out our moves. Dancing isn’t something any of us men planned on doing that particular night, but I guess when it comes down to it we’ll do anything for attention our nieces.

Thanks for dropping in…

-Out of the Wilderness

At sea with the dolphins

Such a slice of Heaven where this kind of thing happens often, so much that it’s *almost* expected in the summertime. It’s off the coast of Florida and even though it’s not rare, it’s so amazing every time it happens. These wild dolphins just seem to have joy and that’s why they’re one of my favorite creatures on earth!

The big jump in the first minute of the video is definitely rare, so that was pretty special and fun to see. I was also told the view from the tube was incredible, too. Dolphins continue to fascinate me. The way they speedily swim in the wake, jump and play, and seem to enjoy having fun. It’s just so cool!

Have you seen stuff like this? If so, share in the comments below!

-Out of the Wilderness