Snow Birds

Snow Birds

Snow Birds, literally. 🙂 Me and these blue herons. Good thing we always bring some winter cloths with. Hoping to not have to ware them.

I think it is because I was thinking a month ago when Iowa was getting some snow. I thought, it would be nice to take some snow photos again.

Snow Birds
Snow Birds

Snow Birds

Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors

Real Christianity the Great Awakening

By RJ Dawson

Sandra J’s Photography

Thank you for stopping by.

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Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach

We visited this area for about a week. I have to say, it is one of the best spots for so many different things to do. Beaches, birds, boats and walking.

But, you will be seeing a few dog portraits coming up this week instead. As I was the photographer at a dog agility 3 day event in Mississippi. So I have been busy editing dog photos. The next couple of weeks I will be all over the map with my photos. 🙂

Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors

Real Christianity the Great Awakening

By RJ Dawson

Sandra J’s Photography

Thank you for stopping by.

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Nesting Herons

Nesting Herons

Nesting Herons at our next stop which is St Andrews State Park.

I definitely recommend this park as well. They are still remodeling the park since one of the last hurricanes. But they are doing a great job of it. The campsites are level and full hook ups. With all the amenities. Trails to walk on, lots of birds, deer and beaches.

We happened to be there when some Blue Herons were starting to make nest on this little island in the middle of a small lake.

You might want to book a spot ahead of time, it is a very busy park. People coming and going everyday.

Nesting Herons
Nesting Herons
Nesting Herons

Have a great weekend.

Nesting Herons

Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors

Sandra J’s Photography

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Alligator Place

Alligator Place

Alligator Place – There are some really old alligators here, the tour guide was telling us.

Alligator Place

The alligator in the back is a female who is at the top of the seniority list in this area. They said her front leg is jacked up from battling with other gators protecting her young.

Alligator Place

I hope to be back to this park again one day. Maybe during migration. They said the bird count is double to what I saw today.

Alligator Place

Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors

Sandra J’s Photography

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Birds and Alligators

Birds and Alligators

Birds and Alligators – so many birds. This by far is one of the best nature parks I have been to. The birds are everywhere. They are so used to the tour boats going up and down the river that they don’t fly away when you go by in the boats.

Birds and Alligators
Birds and Alligators

But the Alligators, the most I have ever seen in one spot. The tour guide says the birds eat the baby alligators and the alligators eat the birds. Some balance there, because there are plenty of both around.

Birds and Alligators

Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors

Sandra J’s Photography

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Next Stop

Next Stop

Next Stop – Wakulla Springs

I have had this spot marked on my maps for a couple of years to visit. We finally made it this past year. It is south of Tallahassee.

I highly recommend this area to visit.

Wakulla Springs is a place where history stretches back thousands of years, from early Native Americans who lived in shoreline villages to filmmakers who recognized the primeval quality of the park’s swamps and wildlife when they decided to film Tarzan’s Secret Treasure (1941) and Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) here

Next Stop
  • Depth: The spring’s vent is 185 feet below the water’s surface. 
  • Size: The spring pool is 315 feet in diameter. 
  • Cave system: The spring connects to an underwater cave system with over 26 miles of passageways. 
  • Temperature: The water is near-constant 69 degrees

One of America’s largest springs is protected within Silver Springs State Park. We took a boat ride down river to see all the birds and manatees enjoying the tranquility of this area.

There are plenty of manatees enjoying the warm water.

Next Stop

Plus beautiful views all along the river.

Next Stop

Sandra J’s Adventures Outdoors

Sandra J’s Photography

Thank you for stopping by.

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As the Fog Lifted

As the Fog Lifted

As the Fog Lifted – leaving off from yesterdays post. I chose to wait to see what this lone tree would like like in the calm waters.

An hour and a half later, I discovered something more beautiful than I could have imagined—clear skies, the shimmer of the lake, and the tree still standing in its quiet solitude. In the end, the wait was worth it. But perhaps the true beauty lies not in the moment of revelation, but in the patience it took to see it.

As the Fog Lifted
As the Fog Lifted
As the Fog Lifted

As we step into the New Year, may we carry with us the reminder that life is precious and fleeting. Let us not take it for granted, but live each moment with love, gratitude, and joy.

In the stillness of nature, we find our true teacher—guiding us to inner peace, away from the noise and chaos of the world.

Remember, we are created by the One who loves us more than we can ever imagine. Embrace the beauty of the present, smile often, and let your heart overflow with love. A new beginning awaits, filled with hope and endless possibilities.

Happy New Year’s Eve to you all. 🙂

As the Fog Lifted

As the Fog Lifted

Sandra J’s Into the Light Adventures

Sandra J’s Photography & Fine Arts

By Sandra J

#escapetonatureforu #nikond850

The Morning Air

The Morning Air

The Morning Air

The morning air was thick with fog as I took my usual walk down to the lake. The world felt muted, everything wrapped in a soft haze, as if nature itself was holding its breath. The water was invisible, lost in the mist, and the stillness made it feel like time itself had slowed.

The Morning Air
The Morning Air

I stood there for a few moments, watching as the fog rolled in waves, not knowing if I should wait or move on. Above, a small patch of blue sky began to appear, hinting at the promise of something beautiful. The anticipation of the fog lifting held me captive, but doubt crept in. Should I wait to see what the lake would reveal, or was I simply wasting time?

Life moves fast, and sometimes, patience feels like a luxury we can’t afford. I debated with myself—would it really be worth staying? Should I wait for the moment when the fog would reveal the full view of the lake, or just leave and go about my day?

As I stood there lost in thought, I caught sight of a lone tree, standing tall amidst the fog. Its silhouette was sharp against the misty backdrop, and I snapped a photo, capturing the solitary figure. The fog was still heavy, but there was something quiet and beautiful about that tree, standing firm despite the obscured world around it.

It was at that moment I realized something: perhaps this was a lesson in patience. Not everything needs to be rushed. Sometimes, the world’s beauty reveals itself when we give it time. I could choose to leave, but there was something powerful about waiting, allowing the scene to unfold on its own terms.

The Morning Air

The Morning Air

Sandra J’s Into the Light Adventures

Sandra J’s Photography & Fine Arts

By Sandra J

#escapetonatureforu #nikond850

A Walk in the Park

A Walk in the Park

A Walk in the Park

A walk in the park is a quiet escape, where nature gently whispers its secrets. You find yourself surrounded by the serenity of rustling leaves and birdsong. It’s a moment to disconnect from the chaos. Reconnect with the stillness within.

In this peaceful space, the world slows down, and the simple beauty of nature reminds us to breathe, listen, and find calm amidst the noise.

A Walk in the Park

Have a wonderful weekend.

A Walk in the Park

Sandra J’s Into the Light Adventures

Sandra J’s Photography & Fine Arts

By Sandra J

#escapetonatureforu #nikond850

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

As we embrace the Christmas season, whether we celebrate with faith or simply with the spirit of kindness and connection, may this time bring hope, love, and joy to all.

Merry Christmas

It’s a moment to appreciate the small blessings, cherish time with loved ones, and find peace in the togetherness we share.

Have a wonderful day, and hopefully a long weekend filled with family and the joy of being together.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Sandra J’s Into the Light Adventures

Sandra J’s Photography & Fine Arts

By Sandra J

#escapetonatureforu #nikond850