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#NotesFromTheRiver - Back Again With Some Exciting Announcements!

Greetings, all you fans of Florida wildlife and the St. Johns River! I know I've been MIA for some weeks, but I'm slowly digging myself out of the hole I fell into, and I'm hoping you'll forgive me for the long absence. I've got some fun things to share with you today, and with any luck, should be able to resume weekly posts next Wednesday.

First, let me say that when I last posted, I was getting ready for the birth of my newest grandchild, and had to leave for Charleston, South Carolina shortly after. Well, the lovely Reya is here at last, and what a fantastic addition to our family she's been. Adored by all of us, and declared by her 5-year-old brother to be "totally nice," she arrived weighing a healthy 9 pounds, and is growing so fast you can almost see it! Why, she's already started helping out around the house, doing laundry, and such. See?

 

Now that Granny is done bragging, let's get down to business. Lots going throughout the rest of this month and August. First, some great news: St. Johns River Eco Tours was voted the #1 Do Not Miss attraction in the DeBary, Florida area. Congratulations to Doug Little, Owner & Photographer, and Captain Dooley, the man behind the wheel! This is SO deserved! I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if you've never been out on the river with Doug and Dooley, you owe it to yourself to book a tour. The peaceful, restorative atmosphere of the river is worth it alone, but it's certainly not all you'll enjoy. Alligators, and wood storks, and manatees, oh my! Wildlife galore and scenic beauty around every bend, combined with the most knowledgeable guides on the river. What more could you ask? It's quite simply the best two hours you can spend in central Florida.

 


DeBary Hall Historic Site
198 Sunrise Blvd, DeBary, FL 32713
(386) 668-3840

 

But that's just the beginning of the good stuff coming up. Notice that #3 on the list of great DeBary places is DeBary Hall Historic Site. Those of you who've never visited this historic mansion don't know what you're missing. It's truly beautiful and packed with Florida history. Plus, they have a lovely venue for guest speakers and artists, and for the entire month of August, DeBary Hall will be featuring a display of Doug Little's wildlife photography. So, in addition to being able to tour the mansion itself, you will be able to enjoy Doug's beautiful photographs up close and personal. Such a deal! Trust me, you don't want to miss it.

But, wait! There's MORE! (wink)

If you visit on Saturday, August 18, you'll be able to meet Doug in person. At 1:00pm, I'm giving a presentation on Wood Storks and Sandhill Cranes, and Doug will be my special guest. The slideshow features many of Doug's photos, in addition to a lot of fun facts about storks and cranes, and we will both be taking Questions and Answers throughout the program. Afterward, you will be able to talk to Doug about  purchasing some of his photography, and I will have my books available for purchase (and personalizing) as well. We hope to see some of your smiling faces there for what is sure to be a fun afternoon. This event is FREE and does not require a reservation, so come on by!

Here's a Teaser or Two for You

 

And here are some random examples of Doug's work. I'm sure you can tell that any exhibit featuring photos like these is worth taking a look at! You won't be disappointed.

 


In Honor of Independence Day.
American Bald Eagle

 


Life Is Always a Balancing Act
(I failed Turtle in Nature Class, so you'll have to ask Doug about this one.)

 


Female Anhinga (Also called Snakebird and Water Turkey)

 


Thirsty White-tailed Deer, Watching the Naiad Go By

 


Glorious Swallow-tailed Kite, Having Dinner on the Wing

 

Last, I'd love to invite you local folks to my upcoming events. Here's my schedule for the remainder of 2018, in case any of these dates work for you. I promise you lots of good info and even more laughs at each of these talks, and I'd love to see you there! Everything is FREE, no reservation required, except the tea. The cost for that one is $10, to include a full tea and luncheon, and you do need a reservation. Call Enterprise Heritage Center (360 Main St, Enterprise, FL, (386) 259-5900) to reserve a seat.

Marcia Meara Event Schedule for Remainder of 2018

Enterprise Heritage Center & Museum

July 28:  CFFW#2 - Herons & Egrets – 1:00pm

 

August 11: CFFW#3 - Wood storks and Sandhill Cranes – 1:00pm
August 25: CFFW#4 – Snakes Alive – 1:00pm

 

September 8: CFFW#5 – Raptors – 1:00pm
September 22: Autumn Tea – 11:00am


October 6: CFFW#6 – Black Bears – 1:00pm

October 27: CFFW#7 – Florida Owls – 1:00pm


November 10: CFFW#8 – Caracaras and Vultures – 1:00pm

November 24: Post Thanksgiving Cookout & CFFW#9 – Panthers ( or Swamp Ghosts) – 1:00

DeBary Hall

 August 18: CFFW#3 - Wood Storks and Sandhill Cranes – 1:00pm

October13: CFFW#4 – Snakes Alive – 1:00pm

 

And that's about all the excitement I can stand for one post. Hope you guys will take advantage of one of the great pleasures to be found in central Florida, and book a ride on the Naiad soon! And if possible, visit DeBary Hall while Doug's photos are on display. If you can do so when he and I will be presenting the Wood Storks and Sandhill Cranes slideshow, all the better, but try not to miss his exhibit, whatever day you can come.

 

And that's it for this week! Regular programming to resume next Wednesday, if the bridge don't go, an' the creek don't rise!

 


Remember to Book a Tour . . .

. . . or tour a book! Better yet, do both.

 

#NotesFromTheRiver - Herons & Egrets Overview
#NotesFromTheRiver - Here Comes the Stork!

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Comments

Guest - Olga Núñez Miret on Wednesday, 18 July 2018 14:42
Congratulations!

Wonderful news! Many congratulations and what a great programme. Welcome back, Marcia!

Wonderful news! Many congratulations and what a great programme. Welcome back, Marcia!
Marcia Meara on Wednesday, 18 July 2018 14:55
Thank you, Olga!

Thanks, Olga! Happy to be resuming my regular posts here, assuming all goes well for a time, anyway. (Knock wood.) I'm excited about all the fun stuff coming up, too. Wish you lived closer!

Thanks, Olga! Happy to be resuming my regular posts here, assuming all goes well for a time, anyway. (Knock wood.) I'm excited about all the fun stuff coming up, too. Wish you lived closer! :D
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