Jan 23 - across I75 to Boynton Beach and Loxahatchee State Preserve

Last night it got windy and it was windy all across Florida today.  It also rained last night.  This morning we set off for the east coast and were going to take the lower west to east highway, the Tamiami Trail.  But the sky in the south looked foul this morning.  It was not something we wanted to venture through so we decided to take the mid-state west to east route which was good.  There was a tornado and damage reported in Dade country this morning which we would have been  going through this morning had we taken the Tamiami trail, so lucky for us.

We arrived in Boynton Beach at 1 pm and set off to visit Loxahatchee State Preserve.  We took the Boardwalk tour with a park naturalist who was an excellent engaging speaker and he took us around all the different plants and the medicinal benefits as learned from the Seminole Indians.  It was fascinating.  There were Pileated Woodpeckers flying around and a small group of warblers.  The swamp is entering its dry season and it was damp but not wet.  We then hiked the Marsh Trail which held White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Tri-coloured Heron and Little Blue Herons.  There was an observation tower but aside from the big waders, the wind was so strong, the little birds were not being seen.

We continued to Boynton Beach at the Atlantic Ocean where we learned there was very little open beach, it was all private beaches and homes and access was very limited.  Maybe there was a beach open to the public along with parking but we did not find it.  It was all kind of sad, huge palatial homes hogging the ocean front and no one else could experience the view. 

We then went to supper where there was live music.  The one man band and singer was a smooth elderly gent who knew most of the oldies and he was pretty good.   Finally we are in our hotel room and just chilling and watching the CNN news which is now the best reality show on TV.  When I say this, it means we are talking about the day, catching up on email, looking at photos and commenting on CNN.  It is not quiet. 

Tomorrow is our last full day of birding.  It all went so fast!!

Barb& Colleen
photos to follow when internet access improves