Florida State Parks – Fernandina Plaza

Though only 36 acres, Fernandina Plaza Historic State Park has a European history extending over three centuries, and human settlements reaching all the way back to 2000-1000 BC. I arrived on a windy weekend, the bright sun shining off the green grass of the plaza. Perfect for a picnic or wedding, I traced the edges…

Emerald Coasting – The Release of Norma Jean and Gerdy

It was a beautiful morning in Henderson Beach State Park. The sand was bright white, and the water shone many shades of emerald green. A crowd had formed two lines extending into the Gulf, ready for the release of two turtles rescued and cared for by the Gulfarium. Everyone was buzzing with excitement, a low…

Birding Maine – Whale Watching for Birds, Part III

See Parts I and II here and here. I don’t remember if I slipped, slid, jumped, or flew to the other side of the boat, but in an instant I was along the rail with my parents and Brian, watching in disbelief as a Finback Whale, 70 feet long, surfaced a second time barely 75…