mhaze.net blog

I spent my last day in Florida paddling the Chassahowitzka River with my brother Jacob. The weather has been less than ideal, but today was perfect. The wind was blowing 10-20 mph all day, but wasn’t a factor in the spring creeks that feed the main river channel. The water is crystal clear. It wells up through limestone caves carved by natural springs. The scenery is jungle like and primitive. It is nice to see this side of Florida.

Wildlife is everywhere. We ran into a manatee cow and calf 20 yards from the slip. They were so used to people that they stuck their noses right against the sides of our kayaks. There were the usual wading birds, ducks, otters, raccoons, etc. I took several photos with my new camera. I also shot some video that I will post via youtube and here. It was so much fun paddling upstream to the head springs and then slowly cruising with the current back down. Today felt like honest vacation. It makes me miss living here. Link to photos

It is Christmas and another day of eating too much. We are under a tornado watch. The news says five homes have been demolished this morning in Central Florida. That blows no matter what day it is, but it is ironic to happen Christmas morning to say the least.

We had traditional pancakes with cream of chicken gravy (I’ll elaborate on that after the break). There is pumpkin pie, and other treats. We exchanged some gifts and things are winding down. I just noticed that the TV is back in the usual on state. Except for the wrapping paper and some Here’s a picture of my dog maggie. She turned six today. Wish her boxes, it could be any other day. a happy one.
Anyway, it has been fun to be with family. I wish I lived close enough to have friends and family in the same place. I miss some of them a bunch esp D who is all by her lonesome in big 0l’ LA. I hope your today is as good as mine or better. Cheers!

Festivus did not end for me last night. Traditionally, Festivus is not over until the head of the household is wrestled to the floor and pinned (feats of strength). I didn’t see it happen. I also didn’t see the Festivus Pole, or any Festivus Miracles. So what does that mean for the rest of us? Maybe I’ll end it tonight. I’m feeling strong…but we need a miracle or two.

I’ve been here since Wednesday now. I’ve been on the water twice. Once in the flats boat, once in the kayak. It has been windy and overcast…not the greatest weather. I shot a roll of 35mm film with my old Nikon SLR. I had plenty of willing wildlife posing, but something is up with the camera and I only ended up with one shot worth keeping. Of all things, it was the Great Blue Herron - nothing exciting about that. I have two shots of an otter that was looking back at me, but it is not quite focused. I think I’m done with film. I hope to get one more sunny day before I have to leave. If that goes well, hopefully I’ll get some better shot.

I am currently posting from the Florida Turnpike thanks to EVDO. I went to the traditional Christmas dinner with all the aunts uncles and cousins. I think there were 45 people this time. The food was too good, and it was nice to see family that I haven’t in years. There were feats of strength, airing of grievances, turkey, ham, etc. I missed an opportunity to Christmas shop for my family at a huge adult store that was across the street from my hotel room. Sorry D, nothing for you either. Maybe next year… In a couple hours I’ll be back on the left coast where I will wait for Santa to bring me everything I ever wanted. If he doesn’t, I’m going to jack his sleigh and fly it across the country.