Friday, February 27, 2009

Shark Valley

Warning: Before you go on reading, promise me if any of you ever visit Shark Valley you will either take the Tram Tour or do it on bike. Do not walk because it certainly is not for the weak.

Shark Valley is on US Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail) and 25 miles West of the Florida Turnpike. The park is part of the Everglades National Park, which has been open since 1983. The staff at Shark Valley offer educational tours through tram tours, bicycle, or on foot. However, the whole trail is 15 miles long with a tower at the end of it that offers spectacular views of the Everglades, so if you haven't been trained or know that you can walk 15 miles, opt for biking. And if your one that loves being really close (sometimes 10 feet or less away) to wildlife animals then this is an adventure for you. There's an entrance fee of $10.00 per car, Tram tours are about $20.00 per person, and bike rentals are $7 per hour.

Some friends and I ventured to Shark Valley this past weekend in exploration of wild life, alligators, and a nice time with each other. Although, we were unaware of what we were getting ourselves into. See, we overestimated our distance walking capabilities, ditched the bikes, and as a result unfortunately did not complete the 15 mile loop. Either way we had a great time, saw lots of alligators, and got some great shots. Here are some I took:













Thursday, February 19, 2009

V-Day in the Keys

This past weekend, El Capitan and I went down to the Keys for Valentine's Day. It was a great relaxing weekend spent with each other, riding our new beach cruiser bikes(they made the car ride!), and exploring new places. And may I add, the weather was perfect! Especially for a burning tan that turned out to be very painful. Anyway, here are some shots from the weekend.

An interesting something. Not sure if this is a caterpillar or what.

Our pimp beach cruisers. His: darker blue, Hers: sky blue (makaibikes.com)

We went for a bike stroll/walk in a conservation park.

Silver Buttonwood Plant that can grow 25-30 feet tall. Great for pest problems and highly salt tolerant.

I wish they would have placed a sign by this tree. The flowers are phenomenal and seemed like wax. I had never seen anything like it before. Picture by El Capitan.


El Capitan took this picture...

I took this one and that's when I got attacked...

I got attacked by these red ants when I unexpectedly invaded their base. Boy, was it painful!


Enjoying a "pain in the ass" at Rum Runners.

Sunday we went for a bike ride. After our 5 mile bike ride we stopped at Island Grill for some refreshments and an appetizer. Although we only had the mozzarella sticks, they were delicious! Island Grill is next to the water so you can come in by boat or car. I apologize for the late picture of the mozzarella sticks, I was just too hungry at the moment, so yes there were more than 3 sticks on the plate.


This guy frequently stops at the house. We fed him some ol' bait.

This plant is absolutely beautiful! So beautiful it seems fake in the picture, at least the purple & white parts. I'm not sure what type of plant it is but El Capitan says it's a type of plant from the desert.


A very nice weekend, but too short. Until then...

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Afternoon In The Yard

Nature can be so unique and beautiful; it has a life of its own. I was out in my yard a few days ago and grabbed my camera to take some shots. I can't begin to explain how lucky we are in South Florida to have the weather we get throughout the winter season. I would hate to have to be putting on layers of clothing, shoveling snow, or trying to avoid slipping on the road into a car or off the road. That sucks. Now, my yards no view to the beach or huge landscape but it does just the trick - space for gardening, BBQ's, and soothing down time.


This is a windchime I made from old forks, spoons, pots, and beads.










The mango's in the tree are growing. It seems like this year we will have plenty in our tree.

I really enjoy taking pictures of the insides of flowers.





Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Denny's FREE Grand Slam Breakfast

For those of you who haven't already heard, Denny's is serving a free Grand Slam Breakfast today from 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Grand Slam includes 2 of everything - sausage, eggs, pancakes, and bacon. Those of you who are lucky enough to snag the free deal will also receive a free coupon booklet filled with discount coupons to return to Denny's. The promotion was aired on Superbowl Sunday, with Denny's making history. You see, for the first time in Denny's franchise history did they air a commercial during the Superbowl. Was it worth the money? Of course, especially through these tough econimical times. They offer free breakfast, have people come in, and treat them by handing out free/discounted coupons to come back. It's great business if you ask me.

On my way to work I always pass by the Denny's in Hialeah on 49 street, and on a regular basis business looks as usual; however, today it was a different story. Hope you were one of the patient and lucky one's to get free b-fast!


At 8:50 a.m. the line already went from the door to the corner of the Denny's. People in Hialeah will go through anything for free things.