05.02.11
Posted in Astronomy, Space Shuttle, Traveling at 9:47 pm by Rebekah
My space trip continues. The space shuttle launch is now set for no earlier than May 10, which means it’s more likely I may be able to come back to Florida to see it.
I spent a couple of hours at SeaWorld Orlando today, and then drove on to Tampa / St. Petersburg. I’m spending the night at the Bilmar Beach Resort, a very nice beachfront hotel that affords me a view of the Gulf of Mexico, a couple hundred yards away.
The Gulf was quite warm even for early May, and extremely clear. In fact, I had never seen water so clear before. I waded out a little ways and went swimming in the shallow water, and then watched a beautiful sunset.
Tomorrow I’ll drive up the Florida Gulf Coast on my way back to Oklahoma!
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Posted in Astronomy, Space Shuttle, Traveling at 9:17 am by Rebekah
Sad to leave DeLand…I’ve had a great time while here. However, the trip is not over yet. I’m about to head on back to Orlando, check out SeaWorld for a bit, then continue on to Tampa / St. Petersburg. I’ll spend the night over in that area, and then start to work my way up and along the Gulf Coast on Tuesday!
Again, I still might be able to come back for the shuttle launch, but only if it is delayed further to at least the middle of next week. If I come back, I’ll be flying…the road trip is wonderful, but I’d want to make the trip back a little quicker (and probably cheaper).
Okay, time to finish packing and head out!
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05.01.11
Posted in Astronomy, Space Shuttle, Traveling at 3:58 pm by Rebekah
This morning I went to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge with a couple of friends, and we saw a FLORIDA PANTHER!!!!!!! It ran across the road in front of the truck, probably no more than 100 yards in front of us!
Unfortunately it was too fast for me to take a photo, but it was very special to see that, especially as they are endangered. There are only about 100 of them left in Florida.
We also saw many different birds and insects, as well as over a dozen alligators and a river otter!
Here are a few photos. Once again, I took many photos, but will not get around to going through them and posting the best until some date hopefully in the not too distant future!
American Alligator…one of my first!
River Otter!
Various birds, including a Great Blue Heron, Coots, White Ibises, and a Grackle.
The launch is now postponed until at least the weekend, though I’m actually hoping it won’t be until at least the middle of next week, so I might get a chance to come back. I’ll be heading out tomorrow, sadly, but it should still be fun on the way back as I’ll be able to see some more new places. Despite missing the launch, I have had a phenomenally wonderful vacation!!
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