Florida Southern College - Frank Lloyd Wright

Like Hal, I've always been a long-term fan of the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, and fortunately Kim seems to enjoy the clean modern lines and simplicity of his designs. Just a few miles from Hal & Normas rural country setting, lies the largest collection of FLW designed buildings located in a single small college campus. The campus is situated in Lakeland Florida about 20 miles. It was only fitting that we enjoy a visit to sample the great master's renderings introduced here by the dynamic lines of the campus chapel!


As we enter through the traditional low entryway, and into a small foyer, with it's centered fireplace, we feel the "compression" the Mr Wright always creates upon first visiting the structure....


We walk through a hall to our right, then, suddenly...wham! the ceiling explodes upward and you're treated to this wonderful spectacle of stained glass & light....

As we stoll around to our next building, we walk through and under one of the many low set overhangs that tie the entire complex together, both visually and practically...












Destination the theater and arts center, another modern geometric monolith...typical FLW style!

Inside we're treated to another explosion of high ceilings, angular interfaces and brilliant colorful lights!



Across we go and into the Visitor's Center, in which you are immediately greeted with more color full glass, and shortly after enter a rather large auditorium, appropriately lined with a photo-documentary of the construction, along with fine examples of some of Mr W's custom designed furniture.



Back across the campus we go, seeing many illustrations of those geometric openings and angles that are an everyday part of any Wright structure.

In the distance our eyes are lured towards the tallest object on campus, reminding us somewhat of the Romeo & Juliet Belltower at Talliesin East.

Just beyond things change again, this time a magnificant fountain that treats the viewer to a constantly changing water dance several times each day.






Just across the fountain is the old library, now turned student center. Here we take a lunch break. We sit on the patio, and just relax enjoying the fountain and cool breeze.
I give Kim & Dave an enthusiastic "Let's go, there's so much more!" Without a single word of reply, I clearly get the subtle message......enough of Mr Wright for today!

...so, I guess you'll just have to head out here to Lakeland and finish the tour yourself......

A Visit with Hal and Norma

We spent the better part of a few weeks visiting with a high school friend of Sam's near Dundee, FL. They lived on beautiful country acerage in the middle of several orange groves. Their modern contemporary home, built over twenty-five years ago, sits atop a hill overlooking a picturesque valley, complete with 20+ acre lake! This view from across the lake gives one a feel for this pristene setting!

The three of us spent many a morning roaming the twenty acre place, enjoying the smell of orange blossoms, and watching Hal's cattle graze slowly along the rolling hillside.

Every evening we were treated to a spectacular sunset behind the oak trees in their yard.

Their Frank Lloyd Wright style home was a treat to see. Hal designed it himself, and did most of the construction. Over the years they have added many improvements, and are collectors of Florida photographic art. We shared some great meals, reminisced about old times and learned about the new.

They generously allowed us the use of a nice apartment complete with a full bathroom and washer and dryer that Hal had added to the property years ago for his Mother, who was also a full-time RVer for many years! Sam & Dave ordered a new ham antenna, installed it on the rear ladder of our trailer and spent hours listening and talking to others worldwide. This peaked Dave's interest in the hobby, which he had oftened thought about over the years. Our second there, the boys ran off to the Lake Alford

ham club and passed exams, upgrading Sam to Extra class and starting Dave in the hobby as a Technician. Within a few weeks, Dave passed the General class...congrats to Dave!

We visited a few of the attractions in the area. Posts to follow on Bok Tower and Florida State University with it's collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.

As we prepare the rigs for moving farther south, we reluctantly leave this beautiful country domain and bid thanks Norma and Hal for your wonderful hospitality!

DISCOVERY LAUNCH!

Last eve we witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event at Cape Canaveral, FL.... yes a night-time Discovery Shuttle launch!

It all started a few days before, with a four hour journey from Hal's place in Dundee to the coast, that resulted in a postponement due to some sort of pressurization loss. We weren't looking forward to the long drive again, But....using Dave's motorhome as a "tourbus" made the travel and event much more enjoyable, as you can see from the refreshments on the table there....

We arrived early and were somewhat surprised to see the large crowds building for this special event. Luckily, we found a spot at the waters edge along the Indian River, directly across from the stunningly tall VAB (Vetical Assembly Building), where the shuttle is assembled to the main fuel tank & solid rocket boosters. The launchpad can be barely seen to the far left, since we are about 10 miles away!
The launch itself was SPECTACULAR!!! no video or photograph can capture the excitement, sounds and sights....one just has to be there...but, I did manage to get the actual communications of mission control and the shuttle on the ham rig. so be sure to check out the video with this accompanyong audio atour YouTube site... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9F3Iy0XeKk

As we walked back to the RV, I glanced back and captured the faint colorful remains of the vapor trail illuminated by the already set sun.

FLORIDA - Wakulla Springs Tourboat

Well today is rainey & wet, not too nice for a paddle, so we opt for a visit to Edwin Ball State Park at Waculla Springs. After having the famous Navy Bean Soup for lunch at the Lodge, we decide to take the 30 minute boat tour which travels the upper three miles of the River, including a loop through the Spring.

The lunch was delicious, and it wasn't long before we on board with Captain Luke, a hilarious character that made the trip worth it just to hear his southern accented tales & description of the creatures we'd see. For a video sample take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n53BVkTHGps&feature=channel_page




AS we pulled out of the dock and gazed down this beautiful stream, we truly appreciate the crystal waters and abundant wildlife of Florida!

the shores were moving with birds of all kinds....





and, of course, critters looking for a quick meal!

as we appraoch the turnaround point, I glance down and see hundreds of fish swimming by, mostly mullet & bass, wish I had my fishin' pole!











The trip around the backside of a long island rewarded us with more views of waterfowl, including a beautiful pair of Wood Ducks, and several Great Blue Herons.



John took advantage of the meandering journey back to enjoy a few personal stories from Luke...what a great day on the River!

FLORIDA - Wacissa Springs Paddle

After days of dreary skies and constant rain, we arrive at the put-in to be greeted by clearing skies and bright sunshine, what a great day for a paddle! Our welcoming party of Ibis waited patiently in the big cypress next to the launch as we readied the gear and slipped the boats into the clear waters of the Upper Wacissa.


Our new friends Paul & Melanie were first to zoom ahead, sporting two "motors" in their long & fast tandem. They stop slightly ahead as takes time to snap this nice pix of a Limpkin, working the grassmats a few feet from our channel.

Although we've been here several times before, I always marvel at the crystal clear stream. Visions of hula dancers pop to mind as we slip over the glently waving grass below. Their action is somewhat intoxicating, it's like staring into a fire, you just continue to be mesmerized.

A second welcoming party, this time Willets, awaits our arrival at the turnoff to the "Blue Hole", the largest and most prevalent of several springs that pour millions of gallons of fresh water into the River.





This time, I'm the fast one, leading the group into the spring in Kim & I's new Clipper, which I paddle solo today!
John & Dave circle above the deep cavern while Paul and I do a litle exploring along the swamp edges. Melanie got this nice shot of a Barred Owl, I opted for a closer view of the immature Night Heron.

I thought John was going to take over the diving platform there in the center of the spring, but for some reason he decided that the only thing he'd get close with was the camera lens!
The group really wanted to have lunch on the platform , but as we look closer at all those sharp teeth, we decide not to challenge it's present occupant....

Weaving in & out of the small creek trailing southward from the Blue Hole back to the main river channel, I find that the big new Clipper tandem does a nice job paddled solo.

Paul was surprised to find his cousin waiting for us back on the River!
Back on the main River, a couple of Bald eagles soar above, and Paul somehow gets the idea that he can climb right up there with them! It's always a pleasure meeting & making new friends as we travel around the country.......