Next...Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge In Titusville

About 4 years ago, on our way back from Jacksonville/St. Augustine area, we went here but I didn't know there was a launch in the next 2 days and we were not let in. This still is part of the property of the KSC. This time, I really wanted to see the place which is a very popular place for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. It was probably about 45 minutes from Cape Canaveral so it was not bad.

I know it was going to be a very cold and windy day and even though it was sunny, the weather was like in the 30s especially with wind chill. We came prepared as I always keep track of the forecasts. I do enjoy travelling when it's cold compared to being hot and sweaty during summer in Florida. That's why we time our vacation during the winter months if it's going to be 'just here'. Besides, the best time to see wildlife especially migratory birds is during winter.

For first timers, the visitor center is a must and there is a trail/boardwalk just behind the center. That was a good start. The most visited place is the Black Point Wildlife Drive which is a 7 mile, one way, self-guided auto tour through salt and freshwater marshes. It offers 12 stops but you can stop anytime wherever you want really. You can just see almost every available wading bird, shorebird, raptors, waterfowl, alligators, otters and other species of wildlife (local and visiting) along the trail.

There are also other points of interest inside the refuge but we just didn't have enough time to check them out. I just didn't take really close-up wildlife photos as I don't have a really long lens for this kind of activity.

For photos, I just made a gallery of selected photos and you can view them by clicking on the photo. This includes photos made in KSC, the Astronaut HOF and Merritt Island NWR.

or HERE.

Post about Orlando coming next...

The Belly Dancer

A few days before Christmas, I had a shoot with Crystal, the sister of our friend Fria. Crystal is just visiting the US with her Mom Elma and they've been here for a few months now. The last time she was here was 3 years ago and that was my first photo shoot with her. I always enjoy taking her portraits since she is just so creative that shooting her is a breeze, not to mention that she also have these 'arsenal' of attires and props that it's easy to have a variety of the photos I can make with her.

She just graduated from Assumption last March and was the class valedictorian. This multi-talented lady is just a 'superwoman'. She's a writer, leader, figure skater, belly dancer and the recipient of many national awards. I know she is much more than that. It's always a pleasure having her as my model. By tomorrow she's already on the way home to the Philippines.

Two Nights of Camping

Backyard that is. We recently got our first real tent and to test it before using it in a real campground setting, we decided to do our own camping in a not so spartan setting. It is a Wenger Lugano, a 16' x 10' -2-room tent that supposedly can accommodate up to 8 people although I feel a family of 4 or 5 is just the perfect size for this tent especially when you don't want your place too crowded and you still want to be able to walk around inside. After doing some research on the net and finding out that this tent has the most glowing reviews for tents similar to this at the same price range, it was an easy choice. I also considered Coleman and Eureka but obviously, the Wenger won. It's just so full of features (i.e. an e-port, dirty shoes compartment that can be accessed inside and out, zip-up dividers, large windows, extra D-style door at the side) and so well designed but the most wonderful thing is, it's so fast and easy to set-up. I think I was able to put it up in less than 20 minutes with David and Missy helping me and we were not even rushing. Next time I put it up, it will be even much faster since I already know what to do.

Sleeping there for two nights and the kids staying there for most of the day but still being close to a real home's amenities was not that challenging but we all enjoyed it, never the less. To make sure the kids don't get bored, I put a small TV, included a DVD player and David's Gamecube. Missy got some of her new toys and they were all set. I just gave them a two-way radio to make sure we can easily communicate to each other especially that you can't really guarantee your complete safety even in your own backyard. I even gave them MRE's (meals ready to eat a la military food) for dinner one night to let them feel we're really camping out.

After the 'practice camping' which was how Missy put it, I guess we're ready to use it in the real outdoors. Hopefully we can do it during spring break or summer.

Christmas Day Dinner at the Trepaniers

After last night's Christmas eve dinner at the Freitags, we all went again to the Trepaniers for Christmas day dinner. So much so for trying to diet but a short break won't hurt. I already met my target # of pounds to lose for the month anyway. We brought 'bringhe' or what we call Paella Pampanguena. This is the first time I cooked this dish but I've seen my Mom cook it several times in the past especially when she's with us visiting. After a number of phone calls for some pointers, I plunged in. Although I know for certain what kind of adjustment I need to do next time, it still turned out pretty good.

I was only able to take a few photos and mostly of the kids while waiting for other guests to arrive. My camera battery went dead and then realized I forgot to bring my reserve batteries. I regularly rotate between 3 camera bags depending on the kind of shooting and the equipment I'd like to bring with me but I had left the batteries in the bag I used the day before. Lesson learned. I'll probably post more from Ophine's tiny point and shoot at a later time.


Anyway, it's always a pleasure to spend special occasions with family and friends and we sure enjoyed the evening.

Put your arm around Missy now...not that way!

























Missy striking a pose.

















































Ophine with Gail, Edna's youngest daughter.

Christmas Eve Dinner

After attending the Christmas eve service at CRCC, we proceeded to our friends Homer and Chit Freitag's house for dinner. They just moved middle of this year to Weston. They always celebrate Christmas with their whole clan as Chit have most of her family (3 more sisters) here in South Florida and they don't miss to invite us to be with them. When we don't have any other plans, we usually go and this year was no different. Chit cooked her famous kare-kare and Homer did a chicken dish and also a fish dish. I made Hungarian sausage with lentil soup which is a spicy dish. All the guests brought something to eat and as always, we were so full.

The party always includes a short program emceed by Chit. Most of the kids do a special number and of course some singing, which I believe has become a tradition among Filipinos having parties here in the US.

For some photos...

The hosts.

Nicole and Missy.

With Ryan and David.

Casey or Chelsea? To this day, I still haven't figured out the twins.

Nini's turn with the mic.