Needing Help for Folks of Spirit

Hey Folks how are you doing? Once again I self dated myself to a place I've never been. I went to a spot on this earth known as the "little Grande Canyon of Georgia". Hell, yes is was as toasty as the rest of the state and had that lovely red earth. The area was filled with beautiful rolling hills wide sweepers and believe it or not right across the street from Providence United Methodist Church. Nothing I mean nothing can take away from the breath taking views of the canyons in the Providence State Park. As with most parks you can camp hike and fish. If I had to compare the Little grande canyon to the Grande Canyon it is much smaller. If I had to compare with the "Little Grande Canyon in PA" I'd have to say Georgia's reminds me of a very small version of the Badlands. Instead of having White and crystal walls Georgia has white and red walls. All paths lead to the bottom of the canyon where a small stream or river runs through depending on the seasons. The pictures have been posted on my page so please do go and look.

Now what has my attention more than anything else it the Grave sites of Providence United Methodist Church. I'm writting this because as a visitior I'm not sure what to do or how to handle it. The Grave yard is a mess! The graves are over grown with vines, and some have fell in to disrepair. The Church invtes us all to come and enjoy the lords words. However if this little historic church sites on State land don't we owe it to those that are burried there the common decentency to keep those grave sites neat, clean and in repair so that we can as all visitor to the park pay are respects to those that cam before us. I wondered through that grave yard and yes there were war heros, from the Civial War, WW1 and WW!!. Don't they deserver our respect from Georgia and the US government to keep those grave neat so on such days as Memorial Day we as a Country and Honor them. Folks I don't live in the area and I don't know anyone who does but If you do could ya go out and look at what I'm talking about and help me find a way to clean up this little grave yard so we as vistors to Providence Canyon State Park in Lumpkin, GA can honor our National Heros and those that have come before us. Any I deas let me know I'll send the photos anywhere and talk of what I saw when I visited. Thank You

Have an awesome day! "T"

Now since I posted this a lovely lady here on BON made a few comments one of them I'd like to post. I have already done this and I hope many more of you will follow my foot steps, or finger dialing anyway. I called the church in the area and inquired why it was in such disrepare? Then I questioned them If they had any Volunteers to go and do some gardening to help us find these grave sights better. I was met with some resistance but I think if more of us called and nad the same request along with those of us that live close enough to go and volunteer, if had some dollars so the Service men could get the flags they deaserve on Memorial Day, Flag Day that we may see this pretty little grave yard turn around.

Here it is

Columbus District Churchs Lumpkin, GA 31815

229-939-0082

have a great one and thank you for your help

The Devil's Frying Pan

OK, so I self dated myself for a nice ride today. One I wasn't in the mood for anyone's bullshit today but I don't know why. Also, I wanted to get in some longer distance riding. Something I haven't done in awhile. I didn't know where to go, so whenever I get stuck like this I go to Roadside America and it helps me plan routes out. Yes, I do go and seek out the weird and unusual. Sometimes they are just plan funny. I know I'll get back to the devil's frying pan in a minute. What did I choose to go and see that was unusale? Well I went to Douglas, GA to go see a fake Statue of Libery and hope to catch Captian Muffler Man but did get him.

I hit the road about 10am and headed west on A1A. Of couse I have to go west if I go east I'll be in the dam Atlantic Ocean. So West on A1A to 17 north. 17 is a nice kind of back woods kind of a road you do think about when ya think about old Dixie. It's along side of rail road tracks, there's trailer parks, so great big beautiful farm houses from the 1800's, Old abandoned hotels, gas stations, some great old churches and little shacks and bunglows. It's never really busy but your not alone either. I follow 17 til I got to 95 just before the Golden Isles bridge.

I took 95 north til 16 which is just before Savanaha. 95 wasn't that bad I was shocked usually it a giant cluster fuck of trucks, and cars with a handful of bikes. However it was smooth sailling. I reached 16 in no time and from there I planned to take 441 south in to Douglas. I can honestly tell you I have take 16 two other times and think it sucks. I think it is the most boring road that man has ever created. It's always hot, its alway has moderate traffic, its flat, nothing interesting to look at. I think that's why it felt it would never end. I just kept thinking to myself that god its 441 now I can get off this shit ball of a road.

Once on 441 it was back to Dixie charm. Mildly rolling hills, Lots of farms, and great scenes of the south. As I continued down 441 the heat just kept increasing. It was noticble the most around the farm fields where the trees had been cut down. Then the humidy started It was sweltering. I kept chasing the thumderstorms and little showers, which is extremly unsual for me cause they seem to follow me when I ride. I kept wondering to myself why is it always freaking hotter in Georgia then it is in florida? It just feels the the devil's frying pan. That's when I rolled into MacRae that's where the Statue of Liberty is. Got the picture and will down load it in a few days for ya all.

Anyway I continued down 441 to Douglas, Believe it or not it just kept getting hotter and more humid. The road were wet but yet there was not relief from the heat for this poor overheated biker chick. I just kept going the plan was to ride 441 to 10 however somewhere along the line I missed 441 and end up on another road which had me kind of worried. However I crossed a river with several boaters and tubers so I figured what the hell. I turned around, pulled into the sand parking lot, walked to the rigers edge took off my boots and socks and then walked right into the river. It felt awesome! Now that I was good and wet got my socks and boots back on and left a whole group of folks staring at me like I was nuts, I was ready to get going.

OK, seeing other living persons made less worried but yet as I continued along this road which was still in who knows where Georgia, gas was just running low. However I did get some relief from the river and it felt like air conditioning really. Next thing I knew I was crossing the Florida state line notthing there but a little green sign. Still not gas or any cars, house nothing but fire towers. Twenty minutes later I was back in Georgia. I should have really stopped to look at the map to see where I was going however since I didn't come to a cross road I really saw no point. Then I saw it a sign for Cherokee tribal grounds. I knew where I was. Right down the road from some of the best BBQ. Its at a clay race track but it is very good.

Now that I knew where I was I kept going cause right down the road is a gas station on the corner. From there I headed to 90 which would talke me to 301. It is about 1 hour from home but from 301 I could reach 200 which took me back to A1A and over the intercoastal and back home. I pulled in reaching for my windshield bag to hit the garage door opener as my neighbors tried to hand me an Icy beer. Aren't they thoughtful! I got to see one of the strange things I had set out to which was just to help me pick a route. I did go 510 miles and I still feel good so I found out that I can to long distance rides and have lost the touch. So, I think I'm almost ready to wrap of the plans for my vacation Sunshine State to Big Sky State. Have a great one! "T"

Saucey for two...........

Alright so I know this is late for the road tale of Leesburg but I haven't gotten around to writing it until now. I figured I'd share instead of keeping it a secret. After all I wanted to go to the BON party on Saturday but didin't go. OK, I know what you all are thingking why didn't you go? Well, I was planning on riding down on Sunday with a good gal motobuddy of mine Special K. You've met her in some of my other road tales. Anyway she had to work on saturday and couldn't go and knew if I went on Saturday I would stay overnight and have myself a good old time. and then, would not be riding with her on Sunday....you know blah blah blah stuff.
Ok. here it is sunday but crack of dawn we met 8am. Yeah I know that's not but crack but it got your attention. Let's get back to the tale. There are 3 players in this tale. Special k. her brother in law Bri, and me Tumbles or "T" better known as. Don't you know there is always one that doesn't follow the group rule and shows up for a ride with an empty tank. So we headed straight to the gas station. The two of us pulled to the side and looked over the map that I always carry with me. Yea I know but if ya get sick of the shit you can always say fuck if and take off to some exotic destination if yo want too. Anyway we looked over the map and picked out the route then went over directions with all 3 players so we all know where we are going and can help look for signs.

On first big road no miss in the area was 9a to 95 south. Nice high speed to wake ya up in the morning. Once a little south of Daytona we stoped for gas that was about 100 miles, so its a good time to stop get gas, something to drink and whatever else ya need to do. Once back on the road its only a few short miles to 40. We took 40 and headed towards Ocala National Forest. Along 40 it any of you have been there you will know exactly what I'm talking about. There is a corner I think its 17 where this shop is located that sell big statues of god knows what. I think what caught my attention was the giant purple cock. Then ya notice the statue of liberty, pigs, horses, clowns. I have clowns thy are scary. I everytime i pass this place I just wonder who in the hell buys this shit.

We continued no from the strange corner and found 19 south in the middle of Ocala forest. Now this stretch of the ride I find pretty boring its just straight and flat and most the times baking. Since it was early it was warming up but not ungodly yet. We were looking for 441 now to take us into Leesburg. I followed the sign that said 441, the after the turn I was on 44. Here's where the shit went south so to speak. It seems that there are a number of 44s that each promise to take on to 441 but not after a tour of Lake county. I mean I swear I criss crossed several corners. I just let like I was going in circles. I had to stop and get the thoughts of the other riders to meke sure it just wasn't me, I wasn't hitting the crack pipe or anything like that.

Special K and Bri agreed it wasn't me. We all thought that we had passed this gas station before so we got directions from someone who said yea 44 goes all over back here and can take ya for a tour. OK , so why does it say to 441 if that wasn't the plan of this road. Maybe the realestate companies in the area thought that gee give'em a tour and they'll buy acres. We followed the directions, and quickly found a place to park. Strolled to Main st. Since the ride from the Jacksonville area and points north was long we headed straight for the vendor area. WE all were in need for something to drink. I got water and rum runner, k got a rum runner and bri a beer.

Hydration needs met, we were ready to stoll and people watch. Let's face it the vendors all have the same shit, really nothing exciting and new unless your new. So really its the people watching. Saw some great sights. I couldn't shut up over one. There was this lady pushing a stroller with a drink in hand and the baby well he was as red as an apple. I mean he couldn't have been more than 6 months old. I said hey lady get some sun screen on that kid or better yet take him home he's got a mean sunburn. Her commet is "shit we live in florida he'd better get over it" Poor kid.

People watching was good and before we knew it we were upon a stage with a band that was getting ready to go on. The saucey Cheif or something. They were doing their sound check thing and I can't help myself I had to join in after all they were saying check 1 check 2 check check. So, when the chief said check one I grabbed one boob and when he check 2 I grabbed the other then he said check check I said all checked up got 2 how about you? He laughted and said that's my saoucy fan. Anyway he makes gumbo on stage as they play music and when the set is done they feed it to ya. The band played a lot of songs they wrote about pepers and spicey saucey food. Enough of that onto Frank's pool hall for a cool down and beer.

We stolled around some more and decided to head home. Finding 19 from 441 was far easier than finding 441 from 19. We hit 40 from 19 and stopped at the Blackcreek Inn. Its a nice welcoming place on the st. john's river. As we sat there and ate it began to rain. Oh, I forgot to say that we were expecting rain and lots of it, but this is me and a journey and was is a little rain among friends right? It did stop long before we left however the skies were grey and getting greyer as we neared 95. We stopped for gas and discussed directions me I think it would be better to take A1A if it were to rain just to avoid the rain soaked 95. As we filling up I decided to pull on the rain gear I don't know why but I did. K said I'll only put on my jacket ok. Bri said Ill take it like a man....famous last words.

Over the intra coastal and skies didn't look as grey as they were but we were along the coast and it was a nice ride. The group of us passed through Daytona no problems then on to Flagger Beach along the way there was some drizzle nothing to get worried about. some where just south of St Augustine proper the rain becan to fall and mean fall. It only took seconds before I couldn't see, I wasn't sure if I was on the right side of the road or not but the only thing that I could see was the giant red white and blue sign of a chervon station. I pulled in right to a pump, bri pulled inright behing me and I just kept looking and looking where the hell was k, Its hard to be the group leader after all my responsibly is to all not only myself. Opps there she is parked in front of the mini mart just standing in the rain.

She was totally wet but then again so was bri. One couldn't belive it but it rained even harder. When the rain slowed to a regular rain fall we decided to get while the getting was good. Ya know when ya hit puddles at 50miles an hour road kings do float but that's not a reall nice feeling at all. so the going was slower. All I can say is once I hit JTB, K took off like a bat out of hell who knew a honda 750 could fly in the rain but I believe she did. She said later that she was cold and dam tired of the rain stinging her face so she decided to take lead and get the fuck home...LOL! We all parted ways as we should. I had and hour more to travel but in the end you know you got good riding buddies when you can sit and laugh on the side of the road when it get ugly. This ride like so many proved to me, why I say "everything is better when wet" have a great one "T"

The Zoo......

Ok, so I'm a little behind here. In April I went to the Jacksonville Zoo. I met a few folks there so not all of us rode. One I don't have children so sometimes I like to borrow some and do childish things because it helps us stay alive. Any way the ride to the Zoo was rather short one so I won't decribe that one on this short blog. I just want to say I found that 6 year old boys find the simplest thing interesting. I thing that we spent about an hour in the insect house, but It took an hour to talk him to feeding the little lori birds in the bird house. However though I do have to say once he held out his cup and two lori birds jumped on his hand and starting eating he wanted to stay there and get more food. Me I got to pet one on the head and another one ran over and bit my pant leg??? What the hell even bird girls are silly.

The rare treat was the leopards were out sunning on the big oal trees. Monkeys were all sleeping. His coment, "their all sleeping if off like daddy after his big night out" LOL. Then off to the water park area to cool off. Then to the stingray house for petting. No, we got to pet the stingrays. I do have to say they are smooth soft and feel a bit like rubber. We visited the big snakes, toads, and frogs and I thing the uglier the better. At the end of the day we road the train back to the parking lot. Said our good byes and look forward to the next visit with some children. have a great day! "T"

Posted by Tumbles on 3/20/2010 10:48:59 PM

OK, so here we are a lovely saturday in the mid to high 70's here in Northern Florida. I honestly don't think we have seen such a day or a day with temps that high since November. On such a day how could anyone not find something to do out doors, and if you ride you better have had your bike out even if you could only ride to work. Me I'm no different than any of the other riders here in NE Florida. I pulled my bike out put on on them red leather pants, and jacket because we started the day out in the 50s. I didn't really have a plan or anyone else to ride with so I self dated myself. Self dating is a wonderful way to get out and about after all I can go where ever, do what ever, and take as long as I like. I have over the last few months been working on cleaning and polishing the king. I can tell you that is not one of my favorite things to do. I can honestly say most folks are ashamed for me because my bike usually if a dirty hog. However the first ride of spring should be fresh and clean. So, there we were the sun reflecting off the chorme, not a print or bug gut to be seen on the paint even the white walls appeared to have been soaked in Rembrant and were just gliming away. Somehow the red of the leather and purple of the bike didn't clash as I prepaird to ride off for the day. He started easily and was ready to roll even before I had my helmet on. I pulled out of the drive way, and with in minutes was on the main street that road along the ocean. I could see the sun shimmering off the top of waves with every creast. It was like looking into a jewlers safe. There was a very mild warm breeze that continued to encourage me to ride. I headed down Fletcher towards the Ritz Carlton. Once passed the Carlton I headed up 105. I love riding this road all the different islands and bridges, cultural history be it shrimping, or plantations, large formal homes, to camping areas. The first bridge I crossed was the Nassau Sound bridge. I love that bridge its longer that some of the others on this road but is smooth. If the tide is high the water is almost an aqua blue, if the tide is low the sand is so very white. No matter which side of the bridge one looks off of the sight of folks enjoying the outdoors can be seen. Most are fishing some are sailing, others are parasailing. This bridge ends in a wide sweeping curve that give a great view of the marshes and shipping lanes. It seem a great number of auto shippers were coming to port at this time. The Road turns back to the southren forest with its lush green trees, small song birds, and the great ospreys that glide over head. The closer to Jacksonville one gets the view of the power plant grows. The road winds itself giving a zig zag view of Mayport Navel Base, the Jax power plant and of JAX port. I was held up at the draw bridge a sisters creek. Myself and the rest of the travelers were waiting for 2 blow boats to pass. Once the gates came down I continued on my way just hopping Island to island. Every bridge along the way were folks fishing . I made my way past the power plant and crossed the railroad tracks at Jax port. I was thankful that a train didn't slow my progress. I then took 9A although I could have taken the ferry. I have been watching the ferry over the last few weeks and I believe that they have a new driver that needs alot of practice, I mean he hits the pilings hard and comes in at such strange angles that I really wasn't in the mood to be trying to hold up my 900 pound beast as the ferry bounced several time hard coming to dock. While that help me make my decision I countinued to 9A to JTB and headed south. I met Special K at Bogeys grill and had a sandwich. After luch we went to the craft show that was in the parking lot just to see all the thing the talented folks in this world make. From there we continued to a dog show, I was a small dog show but very sweet. Every contestent was giving a prize. I was shocked to see several folks that I knew, but the shocking part was they rememberd me. From there we continued down A1A. This section of the road is lined on both sides by the very elite and their homes. We continued down to the Reef where we sat on the deck and had a beer and water. We watched the dolphins at play some folks surfing and a few surf fishing. From there we headed home. The ride wasn't exciting but as far as self dating goes it was a great one. I headed out with no destination in mind, with no idea of a place that I wanted to go to, just rode. I'm home now showered and tired. The day was warm and I got back about 30 minutes before the sunset. The coolness of the night could be felf as well as the sharpness of the breeze. It's been a while since we here have had a decient day to ride but it was worth the wait and I for one am glad that I was able to have this day and get to share it with a good friend. May the next self dataing experience be as peaceful and filled with harmony as this one was. Have a great day! and a good evening. now go get some rest tomorrow is another day! "T"

One for the History

Posted by Tumbles on 1/1/2010 10:51:23 AM Ok, so I'm down here in Florida mostly everyone I know is in PA or NJ. Yea I'm one of them dam yankees. This year several friends fathers passed away, family pets have moved on and I watched many folks struggle to make ends met. Some have done it others are failing still a few are holding on by a shoe string. It has been a rough the last half of the year. The Idea of Christmas has me saying who gives a shit. Man there is just so much going down Christmas was the last thing on my mind. Yet, don't ya know before long it was here, I made no plans nothing. This year I think folks held themselves closer to home then reaching out. Me a stranger in the land was left to be alone except for one invite. I went to my Boss's Aunt's house. There was the most interesting Christmas diner one could ever imagine. Since the Aunt lives on the island, the same one I do we had a seafood Christmas. Me being all Yankee and all decided that I would share Clam Chowder with my diner companions. I made New England clam chowder, I would have rather made clam chowder with a clear broth just like it should be made but a great deal of Southern folks don't know what that is. So, we had seafood dishes of 10 at a table set for 17. The meal flowed as did the wine and spirits. From diner we move to the livingroom where santa was played by Uncle lou. To Lou this is a very big deal. He has downsyndrome and Christmas is still a fun time for him. Its awesome to be an adult and always see the world with child eyes. Lou makes a wonderful santa, and there's a group photo and single photos with santa. Once gifts were given, mixed or dessert drinks made with cakes and pies, cookes of all kinds were put out. There we met the other santas of the night. who would have guessed this would be a new version of a Christmas Carol. with santa's instead of spirtis, trust me there were lots of spirits there just not that kind. Lou retired so there we will call him santa of the present he is as it should be. Then there was Florida santa. There is just something wrong with red shorts with fur trim and crocs. He was the hip suffer santa and reminded us of days past, very past, but when he left he reminded us that warm weather will be coming soon and surf will be up soon. Next came a santa that I'm not really sure what he represented except for the flamboyant side of life. Remember one can never have too much glitter or flair for the dramatic. I'm thinking this guy must be from the over reactive side of us all, the one that is our soft center. I have never have had the pleasure of a gay santa but I must say I have been missing this in my life. From His Helllloooo, to his bling bling, and two snaps up for more apple jack his 20 minute visit was interesting to say the least. After he left then samta tying one on came out. After about 10 minutes it was hard to understand hem with the slight slir, It was diffecult to pay attention to him with all the hair brushing and beard pulling. by the time he was done and 4 shots of crown later his beard was half down hair extentions hanging off the swagger and slir one only knew that this was santa of the future, and a warning not to attend a 3 day rave because what's left is not pretty. We moved to the family room with more drinks in hand and just babbled. This is where for some reason the conversation turned to sexual appetities, and conquests. There we found my boss is a puma, however I don't think she's doing it right because she's only dating one at a time. I told her to do it correctly she needed to have more than one boy toy. She thought that I was discusting! I had to clerifiy for here what I ment. One should date multi guys and find out which one you like the best. One is the main toy the rest are to go out and have fun with. I have at one point juggled 6 at one time. No I didn't fuck them all and neither and you don't have to either. Just be up front and honset to the one's that aren't getting any, tell them they ain't getting any. They will still come around and take you out, I promise. Her Father, the gay< santa agreed she needed to do that. She feels her dad was trying to pimp her out, she's got it all wron. Then I was asked where I stood. I am a cougar and a sugar baby. I can and have dated 22 year olds, 32 year old navy seal, and a 60 year guy that was lots of fun and enjoy his company. Then Nancy said well when I was 47 I had a 21 year old boyfriend. We proclaimed her the ulitmate cougar. All of this and pictures of this showed up on facebook, with alot ot comments to follow. I have never had such a holiday gathering before. I think that after this year I will make myself a regular at that christmas gathering. After all the 4 stanas were enough then add sex and well there we go................its all in there. Hope you had as much fun your holiday season. May the new year be blessed have a great one! "T

White Oak Endangered and Exotic Breeding

Posted by Tumbles on 12/14/2009 5:18:28 PM

Every year we particapate in the breeding program with White Oak. What we do is spay and neuter canines and felines at the clinic I work for then collect them and give them to the research team at White Oak. What they do is try breeding and storing endangered animals and their genetic material for future use. They collect materials from the endangered and extinct animals and try to help the numbers increase with a breeding program that basically ensures each passing season is successful by AI the females. We have done this for two years in a row and I very much enjoy it and feel very special being asked to come and visit. This time we spent a lot of time in the research center. I will admitt that after being in that building with the work they do that going back to school would be most excellent. I rode up to the dirt road and left the king by some hunting camp and hitched a ride with one of my coworkers. The rains from the day before made the roads a complete mess, although it packed the sugar sand down hard making it easy to ride on the ruts from the raoin run off made it really unfomfortable. Once at the gate we were picked up by the journey jeep to beging the tour. White Oak is not only an animal research center for breeding but also an exclusive club. To belong to the golf club is 100,000. to take a tour like the one I'm taking is 800.00. Here on these grounds presidents have stayed, heads of states, kings and queens, some move stars and the very richest of the rich. We past the cottages that they would stay at when visiting the center. We pulled up in front of the research center. Its a beautiful builiding with Spanish mission doors from the 1400's that were imported and helped design the center. Once in side one is greeted with a desk but beyond the doors it opens to all the labs where the work is done. I knew what most the equipment was and what it was for, however once we moved into the surgical and treatment rooms the equipment was so large. I'd have to say 4 times the size I'm used to working on. After and explanition to what they use the collected samples for and how it helps them with their work and learning how they fertlize and AI the different species we moved to visiting the animals. The roads were potholed and full of puddles, for some reason I was labled as the glamor girl and our tour guide Linda was concered that I might get muddy......boy she really doesn't know me well now does she. We visited the White Rihnos first, they like behind their ears rubbed, the skin there is very soft but its about 2" thick. We continued on to the Zebras, which this time were more interested in running into the barns since it was their feeding times. We went by the cheeta pens, the males all got up and ran to shelter since they really are private animals and don't like to be viewed. I did try to take pictures of the clubs at the back of the pen with their mother but It was just to far away. We went on to visit the birds area. From there we visited the gazelles, there are several differet species here. One is from the desert, another has really long necks with these tiny little heads on them. They are very shy and hide behind the trees. We passed the bald eagle area. They have a nesting pair which they recieved injured. They are unable to fly but do breed so their chicks have been releassed in North Carolina. We continued on to see the evil crane, who was rather ill tempered. Them there were these birds from Austraila that were black and had blue necks, They are rather large birds with a horny type growth coming from their heads. What they do is make this sound that is unearthly. They were recorded for jurasic park to use as dinosour sounds. We visited the black rihnos, than the giraffes. The Giraffes were out and about. They have some of the most beautiful eye lashes, We got to feed them and watch them interact. We moved on to a somilean Rihno one of the smallest rihnos. I said why are his eyes blue it looks like he's got uveitis. The Linda the head researcher said yes he does. I've never herd of it, but since you have and see it before we are all wondering if he will ever see again. I said yes he will see again but he may always have damage to his eye and they'll be discolored. We moved to the Indian Rihnos. We were then informed its the only place in the world where you will see all 4 species of rihnos. cool. We also learned its the only place in the world where cheetas are breed and born consistantly. We moved on to the tigers. I love the tigers. I remember them from last year. The weather was cooler and they were just playing away. Both of these tigers have been neutered and were done at a young age. They are there to remind people why wild and exotic animals belong in the enviorment that they live freely and not in your home. These tigers came from Indinia and were in a private home and with in 6 months the owners realized that they were going to be bigger than house cats?????? do ya thinK??? White Oak took them because they had the space. The breeding panthers are long gone as the Florida Panter population is on the rebound, slowly but returning. There were only 35 a few short years ago but not there is 137. We thanked Linda for the tour and look forward in next years tour. I'm sorry to say that halfway through the camera crapped out and missed many great photos of some fantastic and beautiful animals that if we as the world population don't take care of we will loose them. Until my next adventure enjoy and have a great one! "T