Posting daily at 1pm central about all kinds of things. One day it's dating, the next it's TV commercials. I hope you're entertained. Professional photos on SmugMug – https://benwilder.smugmug.com
Hello and thanks for checking out today’s post. I have something new every day at 1pm central so be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! Some of you know that my photography can be purchased at FineArtAmerica.com. I have upwards of a hundred images (and counting) available to print in all kinds of ways. Check them out here but as a teaser I wanted to show you all a few of the latest images from camping around Florida. Below are the photos and be sure to read the captions for location and a link to the specific image. I’ve loved taking pictures of wildlife, nature, and the like… hope you enjoy the photos!
There I was riding my bike down the main road in Colt Creek State Park, camera bag strapped to my back, safari hat protecting me from the late morning sun. I was riding up to the lake where people fish and use canoes and kayaks to explore. The day before this I visited the same small lake and was surprised by how many alligators were hanging around the dock.
This is basically the moment I decided I definitely wouldn’t be kayaking here. It’s not that I was afraid per se, it’s more like I just really, really like NOT being bitten by an alligator. So sue me! Wait, does anyone say that anymore? If someone does something people aren’t on board with, they say, “So sue me!” Oh, this reminds me of one of my favorite lines from a very short lived reality TV show called Kid Nation. There was a sassy contestant, probably 12 yrs old. She was one of these people that do stuff that no one likes and, if she was an adult, she’d say, “Sue me!” But the little diva’s go-to line was, “Deal with it!” Of course I used that line when I was an immature adult use that line to this very day.
Totally got off track there. Sorry, but, uhhh, deal with it! OK, anyway. Where were we? Oh yes, alligators. I like them, just don’t want them all up in my business, if you know what I mean. Following this visit to the lake I returned to the campsite and settled in for the night. But I had a plan. You see, there was this very tall palm tree near the lake.
It’s been a while since I’ve tried astrophotography (see a few pics here) so I watched the entire Little Big League movie, which had me up way past my bed time. Once the Twins lost, ending their chances at the Pennant, I rode out to the tree. I was obviously not accustomed to being awake at midnight because when I got to the tree, I realized… I FORGOT MY CAMERA. What a dweeb. I rode back to the camper, the Twins still didn’t have the Pennant, and I rode back out to the tree. Finally I can snap some photos! Here are a few favorites from that night session.
Overall I had a great time at this park. I think the people in this very cool-looking bus camper enjoyed it too, but I swear they never came out. It’s not that I was spying… that would be weird. I just never saw them through binoculars when I casually walked by nonchalantly and casually. Did I say I was casual?
Recap… Gators. Tall tree. Casual. Oh, I need to finish the story from the beginning of this post… when I was riding my bike up to the lake to take more photos. Well, I had a long delay in getting there because on the way I saw something I can’t ever remember seeing in the wild. And I’m so thankful I had my camera with me and that this creature hung around long enough for me to get some pictures! For the first time in many years, if ever, here is the first owl I’ve seen in real life…
a barred owl
But of course I can’t neglect the other birds I saw there, too. Here’s a hawk and some kind of heron, if you can identify it, let me know. I haven’t been able to pinpoint what type it is. I should do more research but… JUST DEAL WITH IT.
Gatorade, a sports drink I secretly consumed in college (which was an unwritten no-no at Florida State), has a new beverage line without artificial stuff in it. Check out the new ad then scroll down for more details…
The Celebrities. In order of appearance… Cody Rigsby is a “fitness guru” and a Peloton Cycling Director. Find him on Instagram here: @CodyRigsby
Sydney McLaughlin is an Olympic track athlete. Evidently she recently got married. Congrats! You can follow her on Instagram here: @SydneyMcLaughlin16
Jessamyn Stanley is a yoga instructor among other things like author and entrepreneur. Check her out on Instagram here: @MyNameIsJessamyn
The Music. The soundtrack of this commercial is a song called “Energy” by Tyla Jane. Appropriate title for an ad promoting sports and fitness! Here’s the full track.
Do this sports/fitness celebrity endorsement bring validation to the sports drink offered by Gatorade? Chime in below…
I think it’s impossible to visit a town called Fruitland Park and not be in a good mood! On my trek around Florida, I’ve stopped in this town to camp at Lake Griffin State Park for a few days. I definitely prefer parks that have some sort of water nearby whether it’s the ocean, a lake, river, or spring. This particular one is situated near, you guess it… a lake! Word to the wise, though, if you want to reach the lake you better bring a motor! I paddled for 17 days with just myself and Wilson the volleyball and never reached it. Wait, I might be mixing up my story with Castaway.
Annnnyways, I also had great neighbors at the campsite. Honestly, this really could make or break a camp experience. My parents camped at a park I won’t mention by name and there were people smoking at the site next to them. The breeze brought all that stink right into my parent’s trailer! Not cool. Also, smoking is bad for you, kids.
One neighbor brought over a homemade slice of pizza and even though I’m vegan (yes, I’ll tell you that unprompted :)) I ate as much of it as I could and it was delicious! On the other side were campers in a pop up. Like me, they’re new to camping and you can follow them on Instagram @PoppinUpPolly. I’m so glad I met them and hanging out brought a lot of laughs!
Ok, back to the park! Activities include kayaking, boating, fishing, fitness, walking dogs, picking up those dogs poops, laundry, showers, hiking, biking, napping, watching hockey, volleyball, not getting bit by alligators or snakes, and other fun stuff. The staff is great, the wildlife, too. I heard there were armadillos but I’m STILL in search of a baby armadillo I can bring home as my new bestest friend.
There were lots of folks (and an opportunistic alligator) fishing near the boat ramp area. I used the park exercise equipment (sort of like circuit training under the trees). I also became friends with the second oldest live oak tree in Florida. You might be in second place, but you’re first in my heart, big guy!
If you’ve made it this far, God bless you. No more words from me. Just pictures. Let me know if you have a favorite picture, comment down at the bottom of this post!
Out of the Wilderness 