Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge

Our first day out was only a short hop of 8 miles to a secure anchorage off a wildlife refuge that never disappoints to provide hours of enjoyment.  We managed to lower the dingy, reattached  the motor and took off to explore the deep recesses of the park. We always see tons of fish, bird life and utter calm and peace (when the winds allow)  Where we were can only be reached by boat so not a lot of competition for space.

Never get tired of these majestic birds.

New growth on the red mangroves.  These tendrils will make their way down to the water.

Such a growth of oysters on the mangrove shoots.  Something for everyone.

What it's like in a mangrove swamp

We saw these houses grouped off of Pine Island.  Maybe a new Stiltsville?

The end of an island next to a large pass.