We are still at Cocoa Village Marina. We had a wonderful dinner at the Sierra house, also picked up packages from Meghan. No we have not opened the Christmas presents yet, it is tempting though. We have rented a car, and today I convinced Tom to take an excursion to the Wildlife Refuge. I wanted to see some Manatees and they have a viewing platform there, also the American Alligator can be spotted there.
The weather lately has been 98% humidity and heavy hanging clouds, but the rain held off while we were out.
The Merritt island national Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 when NASA created Kennedy space Center. The refuge provides a buffer for space operations and also protects key habitat such as wetland, hardwood hammock and scrub. There is a wildlife drive called Black point that winds through marsh and open water and we could get out and take pictures as well as walk around. It was not hot, but you could just about breath water, everything holding its breath waiting for a cloud burst. I have tried to identify what I was sure of. Enjoy the virtual tour, this was a fascinating place.
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| there could be a Manatee sleeping in there |
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| Great Southern white Butterfly |
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| In theory some where under that water is an Alligator |
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| Scrub Jay |
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flood marsh - kept open to Indian River lagoon to allow a
free exchange of waters. When the water recedes is creates mud
flats and the diversity attracts different species of wildlife |
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| There is something new to see every where, this is a bromeliad |
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| Buttonwood ( I believe) |
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| Mud flat cafe- area is teaming with worms, clams, snails and crabs |
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Beautyberry caught on a palm leaf. All the colors are fused with the
grayness of the days. This bright purple bunch surprised
and delighted me |
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the ground is rich wet black, moss takes over trees
that have fallen. |
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| gulf fritillary butterfly on Poor man's patch |
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Hood Merganser male
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Gulls, terns, skimmers, use the area to fish in low spots
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