Gulf of Mexico circle tour - What should we NOT miss
Fellow UHH members. I need your suggestions please. My wife and I are starting a 6 to 8 week photograph/sightseeing adventure Feb 3, 2015. Oh, the joys of retirement. We plan on driving to central Florida for several weeks of birding then follow the Gulf of Mexico around to Corpus Christi TX. WHAT SHOULD WE NOT MISS!!! Any subject is fair game. I can cover from 18mm to 700mm. Fur and feathers are foremost but landscapes are starting to gain popularity.
Depends how far south you start on the Gulf Coast? Near Ft Myers is Ding Darling Preserve on Sanibel Island (Closed Fri) and a Pelican Rehab, We also liked Manatees with little ones, hanging out at the warm discharge from power plant on Tampa Bay. Also, Myakka River state park Inland from Sarasota for a great teaching and photo op with state guides. The AAA TourBook is big help. Traveling West can 't help, but on our bucket list. I would not miss New Orleans.
Avery Island/McIlhenny Tabasco Factory near New Iberia La. February is start of migration and nesting time for egrets, spoonbills, herons, etc. Nesting season runs through about May 1.
Rockport, TX is where Aransas Bay and the Whooping Cranes come to. You could find them now until early April. Port Aransas and its great beaches are just down the road. Some boats will be better than others for photographers. You should be able to get some great photos of whoopers with your lenses. I only had a 28-300mm.
In Corpus Cristi, the oldest WW2 aircraft carrier has been turned into a Museum. Oldest by virtue of the keel laying date, the Lexington, CV-16.
In Mobile, AL, there is the Battleship USS Alabama, BB-60, one generation before the big four.
These qualify as landscape, and a break from wildlife.
Have fun!
I'll share my favorite spots near Tallahassee.
St. Marks Wildlife Refuge has beautiful landscapes, a lighthouse, and abundant bird life. It's well worth a visit.
Also, Wakulla Springs State Park offers an inexpensive wildlife cruise down the Wakulla River. It's unique in that there are no other boats allowed on the portion of the river covered on the boat trip. I frequently see Manatees there. Have lunch at the Historic lodge.
The Everglades! I could spend the entire six weeks there, particularly if you have access to a boat. Take bug spray.
Check out the Naval Air Museum, Pensacola.
Also, if birds are of interest, there are several sanctuaries between Galvaston and Corpus. Hope you enjoy your trip!
If you like the water you can go to Crystal river, rent a wet suit and snorkel with the Manatees.
Ctrclckws wrote:
In Corpus Cristi, the oldest WW2 aircraft carrier has been turned into a Museum. Oldest by virtue of the keel laying date, the Lexington, CV-16.
In Mobile, AL, there is the Battleship USS Alabama, BB-60, one generation before the big four.
These qualify as landscape, and a break from wildlife.
Have fun!
WOW, thanks everyone. What a super response. I'm busy marking each location on Google Earth. Glad I have a 1T external hard drive. I'll need it with all these great suggestions. Again - thanks all. Keep them coming if there are more. I've been known to go to some crazy places to photograph fur or feathers. :)
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