Last week I drove over toward the center of the state in search of a Fox Squirrel. After all my outdoor adventures across the country over the years I still have yet to photograph one. That morning, as I drove east my hopes were high since a friend had recently shared some sightings online.

I started my day at Colt Creek State Park before wandering over to the Green Swamp. As can be expected in Florida in July, it was hot and humid. Though I struck out on my desired goal, there were still plenty of interesting things to see; birds, butterflies, reptiles, flowers (and even mating grasshoppers).

On my return trip I opted for side roads and wound up in the middle of nowhere. But more about that later…