New Year at Clearwater Lake

Clearwater Lake in the Ocala National Forest

A perfect place to reflect on the blessings of 2010, and to look forward to new adventures God has in store for me in 2011.

A perfect time and place to do those things I enjoy most:

camping,

Under a canopy of Live Oak trees

Hiking with my dog, Roe. This trail loops around the lake.

 Enjoying the wildlife. This pair of Sand Hill cranes greeted us warmly, er...loudly.

 Some views along the lake trail:

A small flock of cranes is wintering at this lake.

Sunset reflections

 And morning walks on the beach...

A great place for bass fishermen...10 pounders caught here.

 Another hike along the Florida Scenic Trail that passes through the campground.

 Southern Comfort: relaxing and reading at the campsite.

 Bandit and Tatoo (Joselyn's cat) watching the squirrels from their screened enclosure.

A calm lake for kayaking. Roe's looking back at Joselyn, "Aren't you coming?"

 "Bye Roe!"

A bench beside the lake...good place to watch the sunset.

"What's that?"

"Sniff, sniff"

There's a Little Blue Heron.

And some pied-billed grebes,

 And there's Joselyn, back at our campsite.

 A spring-fed lake, Clearwater Lake lives up to her name. You can see the bottom.

I love this stuff!

 Joselyn's turn

Another hike, some more wildlife.

Is that deer sticking out her tongue at me?

 Hiking the biking trail.

 Long leaf pines on a backdrop of blue sky.

Sand Hill Cranes take flight.

 Joselyn walks faster than me, and Roe always wants to lead, so best to put them together.

 Rat-a-tat-tat

 Fishing must be good for the Great Blue Heron too.

 "I wish I could still climb trees"

 Wishing everyone a new year full of great adventures.