EG Simmons Regional Park, Ruskin FL
Our morning was nervous, but hopeful. I went outside early for some meditation, but I was quickly distracted by a menagerie of birds. A steady stream came walking through, or near, our site; suddenly, I was doing a different type of meditation! A mourning dove came the closest to me, two ibis strolled by with their remarkably long legs and bills; they captured my attention for a long time until a black vulture came strolling out from the dumpsters across the road. I had hoped to catch one of the many osprey here soaring, but had seen none. Looking about 200 yards to the north at one of their nests, I saw one bird in the nest high up on a pole. Just then I heard the chirping sound they make as another bird was approaching the nest, and captured the landing osprey with wings spread!
Jan, the ranger, drove by about 11:45, “Y’all need to get down the office right now!”, said she. We did and received a list of 7 vacancies to inspect and report back with our choice right away. “Yes, ma’am!” Site #18 was very large, had a break in the mangrove trees behind us allowing access and view of the water, and would provide a north facing orientation. It had two plans and three oak trees. Score! The move and setup took less than an hour and we booked 14 more days for $18/day for water and electric.
The wind was really blowing hard from the south, but we did get out for a bike ride to reacquaint ourselves with the sprawling park. It is a maze of land and water canals edged with mangroves. Hopefully the strong winds will diminish on Tuesday as forecast.
Supper was a team effort. Penny made mashed sweet taters and broccoli. I made pork chops on the grill after soaking them in marinade of molasses, vinegar and mustard for four hours. We actually opened a bottle of Malbec wine (we found on closeout for $4.99) with which to celebrate our good fortune. We rarely drink wine, but for this auspicious occasion, spare no expense!