Here are some non-Christmasy scenes from our December trip to Mt Dora in Central Florida. (Mt Dora Christmas post is here.)
We had a great Holiday brunch at Lakeside Inn. Built in 1883, it is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the State of Florida. The grounds extend to Lake Dora and it is easy to imagine yourself back in that year strolling under the live oak trees, dripping with moss.
There is documented history of a number of well-known people who stayed at the Hotel over the years, mostly coming for the fishing and also (I'm guessing) for the winter sunshine. Rumor also has it that Al Capone was staying here incognito on the day of the Valentine's Day Massacre. I wouldn't be too surprised to learn that there are other places who lay claim to this dubious honor.
Great Egret
In Florida there are always opportunities for casual birding. We found these birds at the dock while we waited to board either the boat or the tram for our Christmas lights tour.
Common Gallinule (Moor Hen)
We did a little downtown window shopping one morning on our way to find some breakfast. And all I brought back was the photo souvenir below.
I'm sure our "climb" will impress family and friends from the mountainous states of Colorado and Oregon. Sadly, I neglected to get a picture of the view from the top.
OK, you can stop laughing. The "Mount" referred to in the town's name actually came from the fact that the town is built on a plateau 184 feet about sea level. Florida is really a flat state.
Comical birds in Mt Dora. The black vultures on the rooftop were not at all intimidated by the fake owl placed there to deter them. And the Great Egret, who really doesn't belong downtown, was pretty funny as he seemed to look both ways before crossing this street as if he owned it.
Ending with another beautiful sunset on the Lake.
We had a good time visiting Mt Dora. We went because the travel planner (Bill) had read about the Christmas light display and it really was amazing. And in addition to glorious holiday displays, it really was a great little town with lots to do and see – I'm sure it would be charming in any season.
LINKING this week to the following sharing opportunities: Thank you to the hosts.
NATURE NOTES; ALL SEASONS; OUR WORLD on Tuesday; MOSAIC MONDAY; GOOD RANDOM FUN; THROUGH MY LENS; TUESDAY TREASURES; WILD BIRD Wednesday; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; SIGNS SIGNS; THANKFUL THURSDAY; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; FRIDAY BLISS; SATURDAY CRITTERS; and RATHER B' BIRDING
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