Florida

Dec 23 AC1654 YYZ-TPA, Dec 26 AC1659 TPA-YYZ

For Christmas this year, we agreed to travel to where my parents are staying in Florida.  Although I enjoyed the extended time in Toronto around the holidays, it was great to get away from the winter weather and to have time with my parents over the holidays.

December 24

Taking advantage of the weather, we took some time to get out and enjoy one of the local parks.

Exploring Eagle Lake Park in Clearwater

Turtle breaking through the algae

Bird enjoying Eagle Lake

Tropical bird

More Eagle Lake inhabitants

Turtle not able to completely hide from us

Torch lights for Christmas Eve in the park

A bit of southern Christmas spirit

Colourful light show for Christmas Eve

After enjoying the Christmas Eve lights, we bed down for the night, looking forward to Christmas.

December 25

To get out for a nice walk we headed a little further away toward Sarasota to Myakka River State Park. Unfortunately, due to recent heavy rains, portions of the park were flooded, so we couldn’t get to the elevated walkways that the park is known for. We were still able to have great walk to work off some of the Christmas calories.

Staying clear of the alligators in the park

Myakka River overflowing its banks

A bit of an understatement on the flooded trail

The birds didn’t mind the extra water

Great nature photo

Turtles finding a dry place to rest

A reminder of why we didn’t walk the flooded trails

Close up on some pretty scary talons

Turtle with impressive flippers

One last bird photo

Great alligator perspective

Battle of the cameras

End of the day in the park

My parents put on a nice Christmas evening together with my family, including friends in the park.

December 26

For our last day in Florida, we visited John Chesnut Senior Park one of my parents favourite places for a walk.

Some of the extensive walkway through the swampy park

Lake Tarpon

Overgrown marsh

Squirrel looking for a treat

Boardwalk along Lake Tarpon

Lake Tarpon from the trail

Lakeshore

The family at the end of the hike

Before our late night flight, we had a nice alfresco dinner together, and made our way back to winter and Toronto.