Global Environment, Nature, The Universe,

observations and thoughts

by Carol Gamel



Thursday, June 30, 2005

Here's a perspective on the different viewpoints Florida Senators have on the Gulf oil drilling issue. OrlandoSentinel.com: Opinion
Two days ago the beach held a trove of treasures - shells, shells, and more shells. Our friend Ken showed us his find - a Florida crown conch. We had never seen one before! It was gorgeous. So now that's my new mission for beach walking - I must find my own crown conch to add to all my shells.

Thursday, June 23, 2005


Just driving down the road by a high school at East Lake Tarpon, we encountered these gems. Sandhill Cranes! Again, I wish I had a better picture for you. There seemed to be 2 males with a red crown and 2 females of muted color. They were so busy picking away in the grass. Nevermind the humans who were gawking at them! Posted by Hello

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Thanks to Senators Nelson and Martinez for their success on extending the oil drilling moratorium along the west coast of Florida. Here is an article from The Herald Tribune that showcases the damage the oil rigs have recently done to Louisiana.

Illustrating the point

The Senators are trying to preserve Florida's tourism dollar, but I'm grateful as a resident (and voter) who walks the beach as often as possible.

Sunday, June 19, 2005


Meet Ken Christensen, a retired biologist who walks the beach daily and teaches us about shells and fossils we find. Posted by Hello


More information on Ken at Archives: St. Petersburg Times

Friday, June 17, 2005

Yes, RED TIDE, it's very smelly and acidic on your throat! Lots and lots of dead sea snakes and fish.

Southpinellas: Smelly, irritating invader hits beaches

Monday, June 13, 2005


I call it our jungle. Technically, it's a hammock? Posted by Hello
We sold the Crow's Nest. But we have something even better, I think. Our new backyard is a preserve that has frontage along Tampa Bay. It has beautiful oak trees dripping with vines and moss. Absolutely gorgeous!

In these trees we have found a family of hawks. We guessed that they were Coopers Hawks from looking in the bird books but then we started second-guessing ourselves. Last week we went up to Boyd Hill Nature Park to clarify what was what. According to the experts there, we definitely have Coopers Hawks out there.

We've watched them over the past month and believe there are 2 to 3 youngsters. They are now flying through the jungle learning how to manuever and to hunt. I wish I had a video camera with a zoom lens. Such fantastic sights.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

Finally got back to the beach at Ft. DeSoto after soggy weather. TD Arlene passed by and there was still high, choppy water this morning. Not too bad though.

We still only have 2 turtle nests this year. Seems late. Maybe last year's storms created havoc in their lives? We'll see . . .

No treasures on the beach today. Usually I pick up 1 or 2 shells. Not today. Nor did we see any dolphins. But the breeze was good and there weren't many other people.

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