Florida Bird Is The Word

After surviving lousy drivers in many states on the way down, we reached Florida and finally got through to our destination.

When we were in Florida in December, the weather was warm but a front had moved in that made the sky typically overcast, and the ocean much too rough to swim in for anyone. Sadly, that meant no shark tooth diving for me as all charters cancelled their trips due to the big waves and lousy visibility brought on by the front. Ah, well.

This was on the gulf side, later we drove over to Ft. Lauderdale area to visit the family.

On the positive side, it was warmer than Michigan and was a time to just relax with family, so no complaints there.

On the beach we relaxed, we also on occasion would wade into the water and get smacked by the waves which was fun. No swimming though.

Quite a few people were on the beach on December 25 as well as some feathered visitors.

This crane Great Blue Heron had no feathers to give for all the people on the beach.

He'd just stand there within arms reach of people, move through crowds as he wished, and then when he got where he wanted to go, he would stand still and glare at everyone and on occasion flex his wings to demand some space.

He didn't mind posing for pictures either.

Then he'd takeoff and stand near the next bunch of people fishing from the shore, hoping to cadge a snack.

A very close encounter of a feathered kind.

Then a very pleasing sunset on the beach.

Basically we spent our time on the Gulf side at the beach, just relaxing and unwinding. Then we headed to Ft. Lauderdale.