10. Full-Service Marina: Boat rentals are available at Westgate River Ranch’s full-service marina such as 20-foot pontoon boats, 15-foot Jon Boats and canoes.

9. Trap & Skeet Range: Test your skill at target practice at the Trap & Skeet Range, which also features an adjacent archery range.

8. Hayrides: The old-fashioned, tractor-pulled hayride at Westgate River Ranch takes you on an adventure through the beautiful, 7,000-acre KICCO Wildlife Management Area, which lies along the Kissimmee River.

7: Nine-Hole Golf Course: Open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM (weather permitting), the nine-hole golf course at Westgate River Ranch includes a driving range, putting green and golf pro shop.

6: Swamp Buggy Rides: View wildlife in its natural setting during a one-hour swamp buggy ride through Westgate River Ranch’s wooded trail.

5. Airboat Rides: During a fun-filled, one-hour airboat ride on the Kissimmee River, you can view wildlife such as alligators, bald eagles and deer.

4. Smokehouse Grill Restaurant: A charming waterfront eatery that overlooks the scenic Kissimmee River, the Smokehouse Grill at Westgate River Ranch offers a family-style menu and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

3. River Ranch Saloon: Every Friday and Saturday night, the River Ranch Saloon at Westgate River Ranch features “live country-western foot-stompin’ entertainment and line dancing.”

2. Saturday Night Championship Rodeo: Enjoy trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, rodeo clown antics and a patriotic tribute to our armed forces at the Americom Championship Rodeo every Saturday night at 7:30 PM at Westgate River Ranch.

1. Horseback Riding: Take a horseback riding adventure through the scenic trails that wind through Westgate River Ranch. Horseback riding lessons are available for all ages, as well as advance rider trail rides for more experienced riders.

An authentic dude ranch that lies just one hour South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch offers something for everyone! For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.

10. Full-Service Marina: Boat rentals are available at Westgate River Ranch’s full-service marina such as 20-foot pontoon boats, 15-foot Jon Boats and canoes.

9. Trap & Skeet Range: Test your skill at target practice at the Trap & Skeet Range, which also features an adjacent archery range.

8. Hayrides: The old-fashioned, tractor-pulled hayride at Westgate River Ranch takes you on an adventure through the beautiful, 7,000-acre KICCO Wildlife Management Area, which lies along the Kissimmee River.

7: Nine-Hole Golf Course: Open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM (weather permitting), the nine-hole golf course at Westgate River Ranch includes a driving range, putting green and golf pro shop.

6: Swamp Buggy Rides: View wildlife in its natural setting during a one-hour swamp buggy ride through Westgate River Ranch’s wooded trail.

5. Airboat Rides: During a fun-filled, one-hour airboat ride on the Kissimmee River, you can view wildlife such as alligators, bald eagles and deer.

4. Smokehouse Grill Restaurant: A charming waterfront eatery that overlooks the scenic Kissimmee River, the Smokehouse Grill at Westgate River Ranch offers a family-style menu and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

3. River Ranch Saloon: Every Friday and Saturday night, the River Ranch Saloon at Westgate River Ranch features “live country-western foot-stompin’ entertainment and line dancing.”

2. Saturday Night Championship Rodeo: Enjoy trick riding, bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, rodeo clown antics and a patriotic tribute to our armed forces at the Americom Championship Rodeo every Saturday night at 7:30 PM at Westgate River Ranch.

1. Horseback Riding: Take a horseback riding adventure through the scenic trails that wind through Westgate River Ranch. Horseback riding lessons are available for all ages, as well as advance rider trail rides for more experienced riders.

An authentic dude ranch that lies just one hour South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch offers something for everyone! For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.

Westgate River Ranch offers the perfect ingredients for a fall vacation getaway with the entire family! An authentic dude ranch located just one hour South of Orlando, Florida, Westgate River Ranch features horseback riding, airboat and swamp buggy rides, nine-hole golf course, trap and skeet shooting, boat rentals, fishing, petting farm, miniature golf course, video arcade, bike rentals, outdoor pool, basketball and tennis courts, pony rides, hayrides and Saturday night rodeo, as well as Westgate Smokehouse Grill and River Ranch Saloon. For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.

• Westgate River Ranch is located just over an hour South of Orlando and approximately 25 minutes East of Lake Wales – “The Friendliest Small Town in Florida.”
• The Lake Wales Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Westgate River Ranch lies adjacent to the 7,000-acre KICCO Wildlife Management Area, which runs along the Kissimmee River.
• Outdoor recreational activities at the “World’s Largest Dude Ranch” include horseback riding, fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, trap and skeet shooting, airboat rides, swamp buggy rides and golf, as well as hayrides, a petting zoo and miniature golf course.
• Westgate River Ranch hosts the Americom Championship Rodeo every Saturday night at 7:30 PM.
• The casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill overlooks the scenic Kissimmee River.
• Day trips from Westgate River Ranch include Historic Bok Sanctuary, a National Historic Landmark; Lake Wales Museum & Cultural Center; and Spook Hill, a “gravity-defying hill” in Lake Wales.

For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.

The multitude of recreational activities at Westgate River Ranch include horseback riding, golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, trap and skeet shooting, swimming, airboat and swamp buggy rides, hayrides, a petting zoo and much more! Enjoy a delicious meal at the family-friendly Smokehouse Grill, which overlooks the picturesque Kissimmee River; go line dancing at River Ranch Saloon; or thrill to the action of the Saturday night rodeo, which boasts trick riding, bull riding and barrel racing. For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.

“With visions of Billy Crystal in City Slickers and derisions of Texan oil field grandeur biting hard, I set about booking a long weekend at Westgate River Ranch to saddle the bridge between theme park frenzy and beach serenity in the middle of our Florida holiday. And I wasn’t disappointed. Westgate is no fake outpost to draw in the tourists, it’s a genuine working ranch in the thick of the central swamplands which draws a crowd of locals every Saturday night for the all-American rodeo. Either side of the rodeo, we divided our time between horse riding, swamp buggy rides and airboat trips through the wetlands. And by the time we saddled up and rode out of town (in the hire car) I felt I had truly earned my spurs.”
- Stuart Roach, Mickey Mouse’s Florida Challenge, The Wokingham Times, May 27, 2009

Nestled on 1,700 beautiful acres just one hour South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch offers something for everyone:

Airboat Rides

Full-Service Marina

Hayrides


Horseback Riding

Saturday Night Rodeo

In addition, Westgate River Ranch features a nine-hole golf course, basketball courts, tennis courts, horseshoes, barbecue facilities and more! For more information about Westgate River Ranch, visit www.wgriverranch.com.

Last weekend the whole family (me, my wife and two kids ages 7 and 9) woke up early, packed up the car and headed to Westgate River Ranch, an incredible destination that took us about as far from the Orlando area theme parks like Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld as imaginable. An authentic dude ranch nestled on 1,700 beautiful acres, Westgate River Ranch gave us the unique opportunity to return to the days of “Old Florida” when the state was home to cowboys and cattle ranchers.

Just about an hour’s drive South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch lies in Polk County, Florida, and is centrally located between the Atlantic and Gulf beaches. We sped South on State Road 429 (normally the back road we take to Disney World) to Interstate 4 West and then past a myriad of small towns along U.S. 27 – Haines City, Lake Hamilton, Dundee and Lake Wales (billed as “The Friendliest Small Town in Florida”) – before heading East on State Road 60. We noticed few signs of civilization for the next 25 miles and then we glimpsed an immense horse statue and sign welcoming us to Westgate River Ranch, “The World’s Largest Dude Ranch.” We had arrived!

As we drove past the main gate to Westgate River Ranch, we noticed a small airfield and golf pro shop on the left and a 9-hole golf course on the right. The excitement built as we continued down the road and viewed the horse stables, petting farm and rodeo arena, as well as some horses grazing in a pasture. We also noticed many guests riding around in golf carts (rentals are available), which we soon discovered would prove to be the easiest and most fun way to make our way around the ranch. We passed a beautiful white chapel and the River Ranch Saloon before parking at the impressive Lodge and Conference Center.

After we checked in around 10 AM, we dropped off our luggage in the Western-themed Inn room, which overlooked some tennis courts. We found the accommodations to be very comfortable with a variety of amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, table and chairs, screen-in porch and cable TV. Perfect for us! The kids wanted to totally immerse themselves in the Western feel of the ranch, so we then stopped by the Western Store and picked them up some cowboy hats. The Western Store was stock full of hats, boots, shirts, jeans, belts and cowboy souvenirs.

We then explored the adjacent game room, Kid’s Corral Arcade, and played a quick game of air hockey, as well as some other classic games such as Boppin’ Bugs! Finally, we checked out the nearby General Store, which sold everything from groceries, beverages and gifts to sandwiches, pizza and salads. In addition to the Western Store, Kid’s Corral Arcade and General Store, the Town Square at Westgate River Ranch features an old-timey Post Office.

We were registered for an Airboat Ride at 11:10 AM so we then headed to Westgate River Ranch’s full-service Marina, which consisted of a dock, Bait and Tackle Shop, and Westgate Smokehouse Grill. In addition to airboat rides, a variety of rentals and excursions were also available at the Marina such as boat rentals, guided fishing trips and swamp buggy rides.

Just to the left of the Marina, we spotted a Catch & Release Pond and a herd of grazing Watusi cattle, which are known for their long, distinctive horns. The Airboat Ride itself took us on a thrilling adventure along the scenic Kissimmee River (which flows from Osceola County to Lake Okeechobee) where we viewed alligators, turtles, hawks, eagles and other rare birds.

After departing from the airboat we headed up the dock to the Westgate Smokehouse Grill, a charming waterfront eatery that features a family-style menu and large screen-in porch. We started off with gator bites as an appetizer, which was a real treat for the kids since they had never tasted alligator before and could now boast of it to their friends. My wife ordered the chicken salad sandwich and the kids chose salad and fries from the children’s menu, while I opted for the blackened grouper sandwich, a generous portion that was piled high with onions and peppers. Absolutely delicious!

After lunch we had some time to kill before the Swamp Buggy Ride so we decided to check out the complimentary Petting Farm. My kids agreed it was the best petting farm they’ve ever visited – full of ponies, horses, goats, pot-bellied pigs, llamas, emus and peacocks. The kids also enjoyed the Pony Ride. We also got a chance to visit the adjacent Horse Stables and view a group getting ready for a Horseback Riding adventure along the miles of bridle trails that wind through Westgate River Ranch.

We returned to the Marina at 2:15 PM for the Swamp Buggy Ride, which consisted of a thriling one-hour journey through Westgate River Ranch’s wooded trail. These swamp buggies have huge tires and can travel just about anywhere, allowing for an amazing (and bumpy!) journey through the brush. The kids got to sit next to the driver and they were thrilled by it all! After departing the Swamp Buggy Ride, we relaxed by taking a dip in the outdoor pool and hot tub.

At 4:45 PM, we met at the East Corral for the old-fashioned, tractor-pulled Hayride, which was to be followed by a Country Cookout. The Hayride actually took us outside the boundaries of Westgate River Ranch into the beautiful 7,000-acre KICCO Wildlife Management Area, which runs along the Kissimmee River. In addition to the incredible scenery, the hour-long Hayride featured the talents of a singing cowboy who entertained the crowd with such classics as Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” and Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee,” as well as providing us with interesting trivia about the KICCO Wildlife Management Area along the way.

We learned that KICCO stands for “Kissimmee Island Cattle Company,” which operated here from 1915 through the late 1920s and that a 13-mile portion of the 1,400-mile Florida Trail (officially known as the Florida National Scenic Trail) winds its way through the area. In addition, KICCO is home to abundant wildlife such as white-tailed deer, bald eagles, wild hogs, hawks, sandhill cranes, wading birds, alligators and wild turkeys. After departing the Hayride around 6 PM, we headed to the East Corral for the Country Cookout, which featured a delicious buffet that consisted of barbecue chicken, hotdogs, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, baked beans and iced tea.

By 7 PM, crowds of rodeo fans started to descend upon Westgate River Ranch for the immensely popular rodeo, which takes place every Saturday night at 7:30 PM. We grabbed a few cocktails at the River Ranch Saloon (where patrons can enjoy “live country-western foot-stompin’ entertainment and line dancing” Friday and Saturday nights!) and then strolled over to the 1,200-seat Rodeo Arena.

Officially known as the Americom Championship Rodeo, this amazing event boasted everything from bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping and trick riding to rodeo clown antics and a patriotic tribute to our armed forces that was accompanied by uplifting, classic country songs such as Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue” and Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” In addition, the kids especially enjoyed getting the opportunity to participate in a real “calf scramble.” Bottom line: The rodeo was simply incredible and all of us thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Don’t miss it!

After the rodeo, we hung around for the Rodeo Dance where dozens of kids sang, danced and competed in games while the lively DJ entertained us with tunes such as “Macarena,” “Electric Slide” and even “Cotton Eyed Joe.” It was now 10 PM and after a full day of fun and adventure, we were all exhausted and so we headed back to our room. However, things were just picking up at the adjacent River Ranch Saloon and we could hear some great live music as we rode past in our golf cart.

We slept in a little on Sunday morning and then headed over to the Westgate Smokehouse Grill for the abundant breakfast buffet that consisted of eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, fruit, cereal and much more. We then decided to check out the Miniature Golf course, which was located behind the General Store. The challenging, 18-hole putt-putt course winded through shady trees.

As we drove out, we stopped by the charming River Ranch Chapel, which is a very popular site for weddings. We took a right turn past the chapel and viewed the Trap and Skeet Range, and Archery Range, as well as tent and RV campsites nestled in the woods. From a distance, we could also view several planes at the Westgate River Ranch Airfield, which features a lighted 5,000-foot private runway.

As we headed onto Highway 60 back toward “civilization,” all of us agreed how refreshing it was to have such a unique, fun-filled vacation getaway as Westgate River Ranch within an hour’s drive of bustling Orlando. We vowed to definitely escape to “nature’s sanctuary” again in the near future!

My wife and I went to “The Black Hammock” restaurant for dinner.  We have never been, so it was kind of a mystery as we drove through some back DIRT ROADS to get to this place.  However, tucked away on Lake Jesup is this really cool Black Hammock Fish Camp.

This place is really cool!  The setting is old school Florida country.  It has a restaurant, two bars and gator exhibits all in the same vicinity.  So after you eat, you can walk around with your drinks and check out Gators, birds and walk out on the pier to watch local fishermen.

This place also has fishing excursions and airboat tour rides.  In the restaurant they have a solo act and in one of the other 2 bars near the water is a live band every weekend.

The service moved in two speeds = turtle and tortoise.  The food was pretty good since almost everything is caught and/or made there.  However, I won’t be having the Frog Legs again, too fishy and no they didn’t taste like CHICKEN!  Although everything tastes better with KETCHUP.

The price for food was about medium.  We split a dinner sampler, an appetizer, which was THE best key west conch fritters (outside of Key West obviously), key lime pie and had a couple alcoholic drinks.  The total with tip was about $50 bucks.

Westgate River Ranch has launched exclusive Weekend Getaway Specials on Western-themed resort accommodations at the “World’s Largest Dude Ranch!” Nestled on 1,700 acres just over an hour South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch provides fun and adventure for the entire family. Return to the days of “Old Florida” when the state was home to cowboys and cattle ranchers at this authentic dude ranch.

The myriad of activities at Westgate River Ranch include horseback riding, golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, trap and skeet shooting, swimming, airboat and swamp buggy rides, and a petting zoo. Westgate River Ranch also features hayrides, cookouts, an old-time country store, Smokehouse Grill restaurant and River Ranch Saloon.

Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate River Ranch include:

• Easter Weekend Package: Spend Easter Weekend at Westgate River Ranch April 10-12, 2009, for just $265 plus tax! A variety of amazing family activities have been scheduled during Easter Weekend at Westgate River Ranch. The Easter Weekend Package features two nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, Easter Sunrise Service at the marina, and coffee and Danish to follow. Kids will love the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Petting Farm, Easter Egg Hunt, Ice Cream Sundae Hayride and much more! Note: A two-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at the time of booking to guarantee a reservation.

• Memorial Day Weekend Package: Kick off the summer in style with a Westgate River Ranch Memorial Day Weekend getaway, May 22-25, 2009, for just $365 plus tax! Enjoy good old-fashioned family fun, including Potato Sack Races, Watermelon Seed Spitting Contests, Water Balloons, Egg Toss and Kid Crafts. The Memorial Day Weekend Package features three nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, two tickets to the Friday night Wildlife After Sundown Hayride, a picnic lunch for two and games at Tumbleweed Park on Saturday afternoon, Americom Championship Rodeo on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon Kids Rodeo. Note: A three-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at booking to guarantee a reservation.

So leave all of you city worries behind and experience a “Western-style” change of pace at Westgate River Ranch! Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate Resorts are based on availability, so call (888) 808-7410 today to book your weekend vacation getaway at Westgate River Ranch or visit www.wgriverranch.com.

Westgate River Ranch has launched exclusive Weekend Getaway Specials on Western-themed resort accommodations at the “World’s Largest Dude Ranch!” Nestled on 1,700 acres just over an hour South of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch provides fun and adventure for the entire family. Return to the days of “Old Florida” when the state was home to cowboys and cattle ranchers at this authentic dude ranch.

The myriad of activities at Westgate River Ranch include horseback riding, golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, trap and skeet shooting, swimming, airboat and swamp buggy rides, and a petting zoo. Westgate River Ranch also features hayrides, cookouts, an old-time country store, Smokehouse Grill restaurant and River Ranch Saloon.

Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate River Ranch include:

• Easter Weekend Package: Spend Easter Weekend at Westgate River Ranch April 10-12, 2009, for just $265 plus tax! A variety of amazing family activities have been scheduled during Easter Weekend at Westgate River Ranch. The Easter Weekend Package features two nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, Easter Sunrise Service at the marina, and coffee and Danish to follow. Kids will love the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Petting Farm, Easter Egg Hunt, Ice Cream Sundae Hayride and much more! Note: A two-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at the time of booking to guarantee a reservation.

• Memorial Day Weekend Package: Kick off the summer in style with a Westgate River Ranch Memorial Day Weekend getaway, May 22-25, 2009, for just $365 plus tax! Enjoy good old-fashioned family fun, including Potato Sack Races, Watermelon Seed Spitting Contests, Water Balloons, Egg Toss and Kid Crafts. The Memorial Day Weekend Package features three nights accommodation in a Western-themed Inn Room, two tickets to the Friday night Wildlife After Sundown Hayride, a picnic lunch for two and games at Tumbleweed Park on Saturday afternoon, Americom Championship Rodeo on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon Kids Rodeo. Note: A three-night stay is required. Package is based on availability. A credit card is required at booking to guarantee a reservation.

So leave all of you city worries behind and experience a “Western-style” change of pace at Westgate River Ranch! Weekend Getaway Specials at Westgate Resorts are based on availability, so call (888) 808-7410 today to book your weekend vacation getaway at Westgate River Ranch or visit www.wgriverranch.com.

How to Hunt Panthers in the Florida Everglades:
A field guide by Ross, in 2 volumes

I

So you’ve decided to hunt panthers in the Florida Everglades? Good for you! This is an exciting step in the life of an aspiring hunter. The first thing you must do is procure a car. Good- do you live in the Everglades? Ok. Then you will next want to drive to the Everglades. Did you remember to bring a gun? Seriously? You’re going on a hunting expedition! How do you expect to bag a panther? Oh, I see- just yanking my chain.

The next step is critical; find a panther. This shouldn’t be difficult, because you’re in Florida and they’re called Florida Panthers, not Chilean Panthers or Tawainese Panthers. If it does prove to be a challenge to locate a panther, you will, quite frankly, need to look harder. It’s not like the panther is hiding from you. It has no concept of weapons, life, or death- because it’s a panther- and has not eaten today. I promise, it’s hunting you as well.

The next step may be even more vital to your success in hunting a panther in the Florida Everglades. Having found a panther in the Florida Everglades, and having brought your gun, you will lastly need to shoot it. Good, that sounded great- got ‘em directly between the left eye and left ear, bullet firmly lodged in the temporal lobe. Boy, if that didn’t kill it, then it surely bleed to death within the hour.

Congratulations! You have now hunted a panther in the Florida Everglades!

II

You will now begin feeling an emotional state somewhere between regret and remorse. Oh man, you should NOT have killed that panther, especially not in the Florida Everglades! They’re a protected species, dumb dumb! Your next step is your choice, I’m backing off this one; it could go either way and will tell you a lot about yourself and your character. You might attempt to dispose of the carcass. Wait until you can be assured that the panther is no longer of this world. You may also wish to wait until dusk to minimize the risk of being sighted. Shoot it again, even. Better safe than sorry! Next, feed it to the alligators. Nobody’s ever finding that panther in the Florida Everglades. Whew, that was a close one!

If you are a lesser, more cowardly man (ed- I’m assuming if you’re hunting panthers you are either a male, or a female that disgusts me on a level which will prevent me from ever feeling the slightest tinge of sexual desire towards) you may choose to fess up to your poor decision. You just TRY to blame it on me, pal. It’s a free country. That means freedom of the press. Have fun in federal prison, chump! All this because you wanted to hunt a panther in the Florida Everglades. You should’ve called your wife and kids first, told them you love them. It’s too late, buddy. You straight up killed that panther! In the Florida Everglades, of all places!

The next step is to feel a great deal of hostility and animosity towards me, the author. But soon that feeling will subside. Just realize that I’ve only done my job and we all lie in the beds we’ve made. You got what you wanted, as despicable as it may be. I can live with that. The final step in this process is to accept yourself for the cold-hearted panther killer that you are. Great work.

]]> http://theblondephotographer.com/2008/10/04/florida-gulf-coast-the-everglades/ Sun, 05 Oct 2008 04:17:05 +0000 the blonde photographer http://theblondephotographer.com/2008/10/04/florida-gulf-coast-the-everglades/

hello everglades, hello airboat!

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee! 

yeah, that pretty much sums up our airboat ride through the everglades.

if you have never taken an airboat ride you should. it’s super fun, a little scary, and very exhilarating. riding on an airboat feels like flying on water, because essentially the boat (propelled at high speeds by a large fan) barely skims the surface of the water, allowing it to pass through very shallow waters and over grasses and other vegetation. you can get extremely close to wildlife without much disturbance, and it’s a total blast. 

captain rick of speedy johnsons guided our boat through the narrow rows of dense mangroves and out into the vast expanses of pristine wetland. the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful – the seemingly endless sawgrass prairies dottted with palm trees, the billowy white clouds reflected in the glassy water, the large osprey, blue heron, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

my first airboat ride was probably more than twenty years ago in lake kissimmee with my dad, and this afternoon i relived all the fun as we smiled and screamed as the boat zoomed, skidded, and spun through the amazing everglades.

i love you dad – what a great afternoon!

whizzing through the mango groves.

dad + me: windblown on the airboat!

10,000 islands to left, and water, water, everywhere!

Literally. LOL. For the first time this year, I was able to photograph a hummingbird. I’ll share only one as that is all the time I had to edit the pictures. Then, last night, my local Terre Haute photography club met on the banks of the Wabash River at Fairbanks Park. One of the guys has a boat and took me and two other photographers out on the river past the power plant. We got to view the old Elks club boat dock? It is really in disrepair (this part is) and I think he said it dated back to the 1900s. If he reads this I hope he corrects me. I got to photograph some blue herons and saw two bald eagles for the first time ever. It was very relaxing to be on the boat.

hummingbird at my home

The old building on the Elks property

trees on the Wabash

On the Bank of the Wabash

Train trestle in Midnight Sepia