2014 Trip Two, March 25, Deep South

Tuesday, March 25, Miami Beach

Well it was a nice day in Paradise. We spent the day north of Miami Beach visiting with my cousin Chris and her husband Nelson. They have a condo in the small town of Lighthouse Point. Two years ago they visited us in Miami Beach and we were delighted to visit them since they were in Florida at the same time we were. This posting will be short on words and long on pictures.

Chris and Nelson took us to the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. The wetlands were unused utility land that has been converted into wetlands and recreational areas; primarily birding observation points. The water utility pumps treated water from the wastewater treatment plant into the wetland for further treatment by the vegetation and to recharge the aquifer instead of disposal into the ocean.

The wetlands has a boardwalk running through it with fantastic bird watching opportunities. We were able to get close to bird nests. Some eggs were still being sat on by the parents, some young birds were trying to swallow fish that seemed larger than the bird. We observed one turtle and two alligators.

After lunch we visited the Norton Art Museum. Rain was threatening and inside activities seemed prudent. The art museum was founded by a Chicagoan who headed Acme Steel Company and believed Chicago did not need his extensive art collection. He had retired to West Palm Beach and the museum was established around his art collection.

We were able to look at several of their special exhibits. One was titled “industrial sublime”, which was focused around New York City and the Hudson river valley. A second collection was focused on “Baby Jane Holzer”, a well-known model and acquaintance of Andy Warhol. The third exhibit showcased the jewelry and design of David Webb.

Dinner was at a local Italian restaurant and then we zoomed back to Miami, dodging reckless, speeding drivers along I-95. Our tour guide at Wakulla Springs boat ride on Sunday considered the springs area as the “real Florida”. We keep joking that the “real Florida” is speeding drivers and South Beach.

Ed and Chris

Posted Wednesday, March 26 10 AM