And then there were two...

Sally and Mike (empty spot in the middle) headed towards home Tues. morning. Lisa and Terry, on the right, start home on Weds. On the left, we continue on our journey Weds.

"Every new friend is a new adventure...the start of more memories," Patrick Lindsay.  I wasn't thrilled, to say the least, with our campground when we first arrived in December. The RV park was smaller, the sites were small and close together, and it was not particularly close to the beach, or really anything, or so I thought then! Sometimes, though, things happen where you least expect it. We have met the nicest couple and formed a friendship with Lisa and Terry, travelers from Wisconsin. We are so excited that they will be joining us and Sally and Mike next February in Galveston. Here's to more adventures in years to come!

In the past week or two spring has sprung here! Warm days with a pool to cool off in, and lots of things blooming, trees, roses, azaleas, and more.

Indian Running Ducks stand upright like penguins and run, quite quickly, instead of waddling. They cannot fly and lay 300-350 eggs a year. Fun to watch.

Effects of the freezing weather this year. Hope they survive.

Last week we took a short walk outside of our park in Bonifay.

It seems that most homes have at least one azalea bush.

Pat and I took one last walk around the nearly perfectly round, spring-fed lake (one of only two in the world) in Defuniak Springs. Quite a variety of waterfowl.

An American Coot looks like, but is not a duck.

Muscovy Ducks

Canada Goose

One more trip to Panama City Beach.

With a wall-size mural, Seaside, FL. pays tribute to Vincent Scully, America's greatest historian, and educator of art and architecture. Two of his students created the movement New Urbanism, a principle on which Seaside was formed.

With our 5 year quest to stay in all 48 contiguous states and visit all National Parks within those 48 states, we have spent most of each year on the move. We may stay anywhere from one night to maybe two weeks. So, in the winter when we stay in one spot or at least one area for 3 months, it feels like home. This winter Bonifay is no different and we move on March 1 with mixed feelings.

Where are the Piepers now?  Bonifay, FL.

Creativity is making the marvelous out of the discarded

"Allosauras" by Jim Gary.

Last week we went with Sally and Mike to the Conservation Park near Panama City Beach. I decided my knee was still feeling great after my cortisone shot in Dec. and it was time to bike again. Besides, it was very flat down there. Sally and Mike went hiking and were able to go on some trails that bikes weren't allowed on. The trails we were on were basically roads but it was a beautiful day and pretty scenery. We saw bikers, hikers, strollers, and dog walkers but no alligators.

I've been stuck inside this week but I just had to get out! I had planned a trip to Tallahasse several days ago and our time is running out here. On Weds. we set out for Lake Jackson Mounds, followed by the Tallahasse Museum of History and Natural Science. 

It was a warm day, in the 80's, but with a wonderful breeze. More flowers are blooming every day.  More than 8 century's ago excavation shows the 7 mounds were part of a village as well as a regional chiefdom.

6 of the original 7 mounds are preserved. This is one of the two complete mounds that are available to the public. 

View from the top.

The 2nd mound available for public viewing. 

The Tallahassee Museum is unique. It is a 52 acre, outdoor, living Museum where history, nature and wildlife come together to tell the story about the region's natural and cultural heritage. It has several areas including historic buildings, educational buildings, zip line courses for adults/kids, and indigenous animals. There is a dinosaur sculpture garden made out of discarded auto parts, and a nature trail including sink holes and butterfly gardens (sadly we had to skip the nature walk).

The Museum told about the loss of long-pine forests and the Turpentine camps of this area.

 

The buildings in the farm area are original.

Wagon Wheel Pattern wooden quilt block

A sugar cane grinder squeezed the sugar out of the cane. Then it would be boiled to turn it syrupy. 

This barn was originally on the Pitts farm. The family lived in the loft until the house was completed.

As with most houses of this era, the kitchen was separate from the house to protect it from fire.

The Cochin chicken has feathers on his feet.  Looked pretty strange.

The smoke house

a two-seater

Pat thought this might be a Hedge Tree. I'm not sure the balls looked like Hedge apples, but maybe they just weren't ripe?

Notice the axe marks on the logs. The buildings had all bern made by hand. 

"Satellite, are you there?" by Jim Gary, an internationally known sculptor who lived from 1939-2006.

"Tanks a lot"

Signs were posted to tell the name of the dinosaur, size, and other facts. Several asked if you could find particular auto parts in the sculpture.

Can you find the VW Engine Hood?

We had no idea that fox climbed trees. This guy was taking a nap. 

Florida panthers are not black but a tan color.

Pretty sure the one in front was female and the one in back was male. Don't ask how I know!

Two dingoes are visiting the museum for a time. In Australia tamed dingoes were crossed with another breed to become known as two different breeds one of which was the Australia Cattle Dog. Our dog was half Australian Cattle dog and Pat thought she looked a lot like the Dingo.
Where are the Piepers now? Bonifay, FL.