Category: Photography

Cycling the Withlacoochee State Trail

The Withlacoochee State Trail stretches 46 miles through farmland, small towns, oak hammock, pine scrub, and bald cypress swamps. We rode from the Ridge Manor Trail Head to Floral City and back (approximately 34 miles, see detailed map). This route took us through a wildlife management area and state forest. The trail is well maintained and mostly isolated from car traffic.

At one point we were close enough to walk down to the Withlacoochee River. There was no perceptible current, but the water was clear. Cypress knees were in abundance and reminded me of a coral reef.

We saw two gopher tortoises (2) along the way. Both had sandy soil clinging to their backs. There were numerous small birds I couldn’t identify (warblers?) as well as a flock of wild turkey foraging at the wood’s edge.

Check out this gallery of additional photos from along the trail.

Boundary Waters Canoe Trip 2008

I learned to canoe in Northern Minnesota and the BWCA. I recently returned for a five day trip with an old friend. We went to the extreme northeast corner along the Canadian border. The lakes in this area are mostly long and narrow, running west to east between steep hills. The water clarity was remarkable. We saw bear, beaver, loon, eagle, osprey, and many smaller birds. Our route included the Royal River, which was beautiful and very different from the large lakes. Wild rice was falling into our canoe as we passed. At one point we even had to pull over a beaver dam.

Scarab Beetles

I’m riding my bicycle to the post office and notice bits of doggy-do that appear to be moving on their own! Closer inspection revealed several scarab beetles (aka dung beetles). About an inch long, these impressive insects have beautiful green and orange iridescent backs. This particular species, Phanaeus vindex or Rainbow Scarab, is a “roller” and the most common dung beetle in the lower half of the US. This behavior apparently caught the attention of the Ancient Egyptians who associated the scarab with the rising sun. None of these photos do justice to the bright orange antennae, which give it a very acute sense of smell! Here’s another photo and video of the little bulldozer!