Fog area…
On the drive to Florida we always discuss the “Fog Area”, which is near Calhoun, TN. Fog is common in this area due to the combination of mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. The Fog Area is approximately 19 miles of fog lights, 8 fog detectors, 22 speed detectors and gates on the on/off ramps. The reason for the lights, detectors, etc., is because Dec. 11th, 1990 there was a 99 car pile up due to fog…12 people died and 42 people were injured. The accident happened due to fog that drifts over I75 north and south, generally early morning. I75 goes over the Hiwassee River, which is part of the reason for the fog…this is where the worst fog occurs. It is always under observation and when dense fog occurs this area is closed and vehicles are rerouted until the fog has dissipated, but those who are caught in this area when the fog is present are given the following instructions when driving through: follow the speed limit, do not slow down, do not stop!
We have driven to Florida eight or nine times, so total of 16/18 times driving through this area, and have always been fortunate to go through later in the day, without fog.
On the way home from Florida this year we drove through that area around 9:00am and experienced light fog. As we drove over the Hiwassee River I looked to my right and saw what looked like a solid white, wall of nothing, it was so close I could almost reach out the window and touch it. I realized we were fortunate to go past the river when we did or we would have been engulfed in the dense fog…
This is a photo I took driving through the area(I wasn’t driving). We were almost through the fog area…I was watching the fog so it took me awhile to realize I should take a photo…unfortunately I only have the one! As you can see it was very light fog here, for which we were thankful for after seeing the dense wall of fog over the river…
http://itchyfish.com/the-fog-lights-have-been-activated-on-i-75/
http://newschannel9.com/news/local/i-75-fog-zone-closing-flashbacks-to-25-years-ago
It is a bit cooler here today, the wind strong and cold…this reminds me the warmer days are on the way!
Date Palm…
This was an interesting trip, I learned new, interesting info while away…no I didn’t know these were Date Palms!
Don’t bother me…
This fellow was relaxing, without any concern for those who where observing him…Naples Zoo, Florida
Screen…
while this photo leaves much to be desired, I liked the way the screen from the lanai was visible…
rolling…
On the drive to and from Florida one of the areas I enjoy driving through is around Lexington, Kentucky. I love the farms/ranches and the rolling hills in that area of the state. Even on a dreary day it is lovely to see…
When I took this photo I didn’t see the plane, I saw a speck and thought it was dirt on my iPhone screen…I was interested in the clouds. When I cropped the photo the plane became visible. Fun…
barnacles…
These fellows are from the arthropod family, apparently there are 1,220 species of barnacles…this particular one is related to the lobster and crab…who knew?
Reticulated Python…
Kaa, is a 19ft. 191 lbs., Reticulated Python found at the Naples Zoo. The enclosure looks small for this lady, but it was new in June of 2015. While these snakes are large and strong enough to kill an adult human they are nonvenomous constrictors who are generally not considered dangerous to humans…attacks are rarely reported. The photo is cropped thin due to the reflection of the glass in the photo, which was distracting and taking away from this magnificent specimen.
Red bananas
Saw this plant at the Naples Zoo and I have to admit I didn’t know what it was at first…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_banana
Ginger flower…
I have to admit, I’ve seen these flowers for years and never knew what they were called…Ginger flower.
Another photo taken on the drive home of two of my favorite subjects, clouds and trees…
new condo…
This photo shows a new condo construction in its early stages…photo isn’t great but the process intrigued me.
North & South
We didn’t stay on South Beach this year, but managed to visit…have to say I missed not staying along the coast.
North…
South…
White Ibis
If you been to Florida you will have seen these fellows, they are all over the place and are not too proud to beg for food. The White Ibis is one of 26 species around the world. In Florida you will find the White Ibis, which has black tipped wings you can only see this detail when they are flying, the Glossy Ibis, which has brown patches…there is also a Scarlet Ibis in southern Florida, this happens to be the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago and was introduced to Florida either deliberately or through migration. I’ve not see the Scarlet one but will watch for it…
Chinese Hibiscus
I’ve simply called this flower a hibiscus but apparently it has a grander name…”Chinese Hibiscus”…the leaf of this plant is lovely in it’s own right!
Heather Cote... 