Today we visited the Reptile World Serpentarium in Kissimmee, Florida, which has been in the area since the early 70s. They have a very large collection of poisonous snakes, and are one of the leading suppliers of snake venom to universities, companies, and organizations producing antidotes. They also have a number of turtles, tortoises, rabbits,…
Tag: nature
Grasshopper or Locust?
Saw a huge grasshopper while walking my dog today. Must be a grasshopper because it is solitary. Though I saw a few more throughout the week… so maybe it was gregarious?
The Mayor at Loch Haven Park
“The Mayor” is a very beautiful, very large, and very old Southern Live Oak near the Mennello Museum of American Art at Loch Haven Park, home to the Orlando Science Center. Many websites report it at 200 years old, but unless I’m reading the commemorating plaque wrong, it is likely 300-400 years old. I believe…
Pokemon Go!
Just a few outings of us playing Pokemon Go this year. Most of these people are either on the Orlando Raids Pokemon Go Discord, or the Pokemon Go-UCF Discord, or both. Both servers are highly active in the Central Florida area. Here’s a video of people playing around Lake Eola at night when Pokemon…
Post Thunderstorm Sunset
Beautiful sunset sky captured with my new Google Pixel 2.
Grasshopper Nymphs
Some pictures of a few Southeastern Lubber Grasshoppers nymphs (more info) spotted at Shady Park. Here’s a closeup on Wikimedia.
Sailing The Grace Bailey
Last week I finally sailed on a tall ship, something I’ve been yearning to do for 10 years now. My god it was fantastic!! So authentic, romantic, and exciting all at the same time, nothing compares to it. Except perhaps sailing on an even bigger, older tall ship (something I intend to do). The creaking…
Tomato Hornworm
Here are some pictures of a tomato hornworm found on our tomato plants. We had never seen one before today. These “loopers” are much more common. I’m just glad it wasn’t one of these bad boys!
March for Science (Orlando)
Today we supported science with a protest march around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, FL. Speeches were made, chants were sung, music was played, and signed messages were flaunted – all in support of science and progress. It was refreshing to see so many supporters of human achievement. Here is my sign. Here are some…
Gone Sailing
Today I went sailing for the first time. I took a 2-day ASA 101 certified sailing course, making me an official sailor! I’ve got a log book and everything 🙂 Captain Billy Chandler of Beachside Sailing took us out in a 23′ Hunter sloop around Merritt Island, FL.