Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Contemplation

The Withlacoochee and Rainbow rivers in Dunnellon, Florida are two that I truly enjoy.















From the boat ramp, we powered for a time up the Withlacoochee.


Then, as my husband fished we slowly made our way back to where the Rainbow and Withlacoochee merged.

I quietly meditated on the intermittent hum of cicadas….birds twittering along the shore line….the soft distant sound of traffic….the occasional plane overhead. Cypress and hardwood trees reflected on the dark water.


Portions of an old railway could be found along the Withlacoochee…echoes of the past….reminders of an age departed.

The confluence of these two rivers never ceases to amaze me….the crystal clear waters of the Rainbow intermingles with the tannic waters of the Withlacoochee. For a short time, one can witness the bright, clear waters of the Rainbow as it meets the tea colored waters of the Withlacoochee….day joins with night.


While a canopy of bright stars hung over the campsite each night, the moon was dark…a time for reflection, contemplation.

The damp, chilly, early morning is my least favorite part of the day, but sipping a cup of hot java by a warm fire makes it bearable. And, melted cheese over bacon on toasted sourdough bread….perfect!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Withlacoochee & Rainbow Rivers

We would spend four days/nights camping at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, FL. During the day, we explored the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers. It would be mostly sunny and hot, with afternoon showers.

At night, the full moon was suspended high in the October sky. It was surrounded by a halo of orange red clouds. The Blood Moon cast its subtle, illusive light over our campsite.

Each morning, a symphony of birds filled the air with serenade...welcoming the new day. At times, a crow joined with a raucous call...greeting or warning?






Paynes Prairie Preserve

Florida's first preserve, located in Micanopy. Beautiful, peaceful...


Alligator on Lake Wauberg

Silver River State Park

Silver River State Park in Ocala, FL
Hawk takes flight early one evening.


Pileated Woodpecker

Rainbow River May 2009

Rainbow River in Dunnellon, FL is always beautiful....It's a spring fed river that flows for more than 5 miles, eventually joining with the Withlacoochee. Crystal clear and the water is cool!