Monarch in The Grass

The Bath

A little bee cleaning itself in my parents bird bath. 

The Gatlinburg Trail

The lovely downtown flowers on our way to get breakfast.

Once in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park we pulled into one of the stops that had a short path down to the river. Someone had left some beautiful rock art. 

Luna Moth wing.

The rock separating two streams right before they meet.

Photo by Teresa Kasper.

Mini pinecones.

Stunning jewel toned bee.

Converging wave patterns.

Lucky Ladybug

Harlequin Flower Beetle

Typically found in Texas, this striking beetle was on the steps outside of my condo in Florida.

Unfolding

Bagworm Moth Caterpillar

I spotted this Bagworm Moth Caterpillar on the dock at work. These unusual insects create miniature log cabins to dwell in. 

Bumble Butt

The Emerald Dragonfly

Paper Wasp

The Ocklawaha River

My siblings and I decided to visit our sister Jenny, who lives near the Ocala National Forest. 

Relying on landmarks is almost impossible. It looks like this for miles.

And towards the end the GPS system thinks you are driving off the edge of the known world.

Loading up the boats. Photo by Jenny Kasper.

But we made it to her place and she took us for a ride down the Ocklawaha River. 

Due to the recent heavy rains the water level was considerably higher than normal.

Surprisingly, Ocala is home to a group of Rhesus macaque monkeys. Native to Asia, they were brought to the area for a tourist attraction in the 1930’s and have quickly spread. There are many posted warning signs in the area since they can be agressive and unpredictable. Luckily, this one seemed content to watch us float down the river.

A large osprey pearched on top of a tree.

My brother Jon and sister Liz under a serene canopy.