Bee-utiful Things You See in Your Backyard

Today has been overcast. But, despite not having much sun, I grabbed my camera, and went out for a walk in the backyard. Surprisingly, there are a lot of bees hard at work. Still gathering the sweet nectar of what little flowers are left, I suppose. Take a closer look, those bees have some remarkable looking wings.

I made my way down to the pond, only to look and see a bunch of small fish swimming close to the surface. I can't get over all the fish there. I first started out, putting 20 Koi in the pond. And only one ended up surviving after the first winter. Two years later, I've got a whole school of fish living in there. Nature has a way. And the pond is beaming with life. That's just amazing to me. 

I was so busy looking at all the fish. I almost stepped on this lovely caterpillar. Glad I saw him, look at that bright, blue color on him. Stunning. 

There isn't a lot of flowers left, it's almost officially Autumn. That means we're in the stage between summer and winter. And the flowers I found out back, are actually from what I considered weeds during the summer. Who knew weeds could transform into such beautiful flowers.

This flower, so vibrant yellow, I don't think this one is a weed, at all. Just part of the wild flowers that grow in the back during the summer.

A sad sight indeed, one of the last Daisy's wilting away.

But you should see the colors of the leaves around here. Some of them alredy have gorgeous shades of red, yellow, and orange.

And there are still mushrooms growing. Take a look at this cluster growing on the side of a tree.

There are berries on the bushes, some are are very brilliant, red. While others have a speckle look to them.

Look at this. It appears I've found some wild raspberry growing. Why I bet you could make some raspberry jam, if you could gather enough of them.

You know it astounds me, everyday there is something, new and bee-utiful in my own backyard to be found. I bet your backyard has beauty too. All you have to do is, LOOK a bit closer.

Rainbows, a multicolored arc

While driving through Wyoming this week. I saw a double rainbow, just briefly. Rainbows are fascinating.

Rainbows are a multicolored arc, with red on the outside and violet on the inside.

In Greek Mythology, it was believed that the rainbow was a pathway for a messenger between earth and heaven. And what about Noah's flood, where the rainbow gained meaning as the sign of God's promise. And of course, the rainbow symbolizes the Irish leprechaun's secret hiding place for his pot of gold. That elusive pot of gold.

Rainbows are actually a spectrum of light, that reflects when the sun shines on the droplets of moisture in the air.

This is the last shot of the rainbow looking out the rear mirror. Beautiful.

Alligator Alley: The Florida Everglades

Recently, my travels took me on a 500 mile trip around the state of Florida. My route took me south on Interstate 95 to Fort Lauderdale, and then across Interstate 75 north into Tampa.

But the most interesting part of the trip, was an area known as Alligator Alley. What is Alligator Alley, you might ask. It is a section of I-75, 84 miles long, from Weston (on the east), across to Naples (on the west), also known as Everglades Parkway. According to Wikipedia: The name was given by the American Automobile Association during planning; they believed it would be a useless road, an alley for alligators. However, as alligators often frequent the waterways beside the road, and occasionally the road itself, the nickname has a somewhat literal meaning.

The Everglades is home to all kinds of wild animals. So as I drove, I kept an eye out on the swamp waters. I was hoping to spot a wild alligator. I have to say it was a hot one, in the 90's. And there didn't seem to be an alligator in sight.

At the rest area, I got out with my camera, and walked down to the boat launch. The water was pitch black. It was an uncomfortable feeling walking across that boat launch, I imagined something looking up at me from the waters below. I just prayed no gators would jump out at me as I stood there.

The reflections from the sky, off the black water, was serene. And with the heat, and the tranquil water, I swear, a dip in the water looked like it would be wonderful. But I know what likes to lurk beneath.

And then... there it was, an alligator. So I snapped a few shots, watched it turn towards me, then the gator lowered and disappeared into the black water. Now... I'm not a big fan of alligators, so at this point, it was time for me to GO. I had no desire to wait and see where the alligator would pop up next. Nor did I want to be his snack food.

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