New Beginnings

Views during my Friday commute

Chased this pretty balloon in the morning on my way to work. I see this one up alot on nice, clear, calm mornings, but I've never gotten a shot this close before.

Stopped at the gas station to get some juice and had to snap a pic of the gorgeous Tabebuia out front.

Got to work and noticed the Cigar Orchid outside my office window was blooming again.

Then, driving home, I caught a glimpse of the damndest thing...a boat on wheels! Can you see it in my mirror? Unfortunately, that was the best shot I could get of it. Bizarre!

Southern Everglades Mystery?

UPDATE 7/22/11 - I have determined, most definitely, that this IS the old abandoned Aerojet General site.  The largest solid rocket ever built still lies beneath the surface here...10 stories tall...  I am planning a return trip to get better pictures and to see if I can locate the rocket!

A few weeks ago, my oldest and I took a bike ride out in the Southern Everglades Wildlife and Environmental Area. It is located just outside the entrance to Everglades National Park in Homestead.

As you can see from the picture above, the area is vast and open...the scenery doesn't change much. You either like it there or hate it. I like it. After leaving the congested city, it is nice to see so much open, green space...no cookie cutter houses or strip malls...just miles of open prairie.


During the Cold War, south Florida had a few Nike missile bases...I am not 100% sure if this area was part of all that or not. The abandoned buildings don't look military at all and there are no old signs or anything that leaves any clues as to what this area once was.

There are two of these wierd things. No idea what they are. If any of you happen to know, let me know! Maybe they are some kind of left over military thingamajiggers...



The ENP recently opened up a missile base to the public, as a tour. This is not it as it is not on park property. I do know that there were several different sights used for different things...fire control, launches, etc. Maybe this area was something. Any ideas??
On our ride back to the truck, we finally saw a couple gators across the canal. Can you see one?

A desolate, lonely place that holds some kind of mystery...just not sure yet what that mystery is. Guess I'll keep searching for the answer. In the meantime, if you happen to find yourself way down in south Florida, I recommend taking a ride out here. It's a totally different perspective on what Miami/Homestead is like.

Spring has sprung!

I can't remember the name of this little orchid, but it has finally bloomed for the first time. I bought it at the Fruit & Spice Park when I went there with some friends over a year ago.

It is growing on my Sapodilla tree.

Time to get out in my garden and take care of my other orchids now that Spring is here!