Myakka River State Park

A great place to get an idea of what Florida looked like before it was settled is Myakka River State Park, just east of Sarasota. On the 37 miles of trails in the park, visitors have the opportunity to see lots of wildlife, including alligators. I didn't see any gators on this trip, though, but I did happen upon an armadillo.

Sabal palms. You'll find that I like taking weird pictures of trees like this.

Grass area. I wouldn't walk there, though - lots of water.

More swampy area.

And more swamp area.

Here's that armadillo I mentioned.

Lake Myakka, with a Live Oak in the foreground.

Another view of Lake Myakka

Late afternoon at Lake Myakka.

Boca Grande, Florida

Not too long after I moved to Florida I discovered Boca Grande. Boca Grande is a town located on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida. A beautiful and distinctive lighhouse can be found at the southern tip of the island. The following photos are of the lighthouse and the immediate area.

View of the lighthouse seen through sea oats.

The lighthouse taken from the opposite direction as the photo above.

A wave crashes against a small jetty just to the west of the lighthouse.

Another small wave hits the jetty.

More sand and sky as seen from near the lighthouse. This photo was taked facing north-north west, if memory serves.

Sarasota Bay

One day driving around Sarasota, I decided to take some photos of Sarasota Bay. According to my records, these were taken after crossing Ringling Causway, but before Lido Key.

Sailboarders

Looking toward downtown

Looking north toward Ken Thompson Park