Sunday, January 9, 2022

Florida, Oddly Enough

We camped in the Everglades at Big Cypress Preserve, last night. It was very beautiful. We had dinner along the way, and there was just enough light to set up the tent before dark.The weather said the sky would not be 100% clear but we had hopes that we'd get a good view of the night sky. There was transient cloud coverage but the clouds formed a pretty swirled shape, at one point looking like a crouched wolf, and the moon glowed its big yellow grin right through them. This area is a designated international dark sky park. Check them out in a Google search; maybe there is one near you.  We did not see the Milky Way, which was a goal, but what we did see was amazing and satisfying.  Looking up at the stars from blankets on the ground was so peaceful, I'd recommend doing so whenever you can. We decided to hope to do this regularly ( yes, decided to hope...).  I've had a goal of lying on the ground for many years but like many of my selfcare goals, I've kept it on a back burner. For some reason my approaching 64th birthday has me looking more determinedly at things I need and would like to do for myself.
The drive to and from Big Cypress was its own beautiful experience. Highway 41 across the Everglades is magical, much more so than 75. Pure delight as we watched birds skim the water on the side of the road, or land in trees by the dozens. Beautiful anahingas perched on limbs, their gracefully turned necks staring down dinner.
This morning, driving home, the crows were out in force having roadkill breakfasts. I had Mike film some of the scenery but it's not a fraction as beautiful as it was and it's too fast to spy the myriad birds stalking the waters, sitting in the trees, or flying low across the swamp.


May you find some beauty to revel in this week. ~Dorothy Dolores


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