Bird Murals in Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a fun and vibrant city full of life and art.  As I was walking down a seemingly boring alley near downtown I couldn't help but pause as these beautiful images jumped from the transformers and utility boxes.  I love all things birds but these works of art are more than that, they are just beautiful.  They take a hum-drum part of life and make it alive.

I recently read an article about murals and it even included a photo of one of Fort Collins bird utility boxes: http://heartfeltassociates.wordpress.com/2014/08/29/paintbrushes-ready-seven-reasons-to-make-a-mural/

I think murals are definitely used well in Larimer County, as you see them throughout Fort Collins and Loveland but I would love to see incorporated in other areas.  I definitely think its a nice way to bring the community together, create beautiful art, and make life a little more vibrant.

Warbler Tattoo

Everyone has a spark bird or birds in my case.  I became a birder in the spring of 2007.  I had just moved to South Florida and started working at Green Cay Nature Center.  As part of my job I knew I would need to hone my birding skills beyond the very limited knowledge that I had previously been bestowing to young kids.  So I started every morning to take a walk around the boardwalk and identify the birds.  

Missing Migrants by Charley Harper - inspiration for my tattoo.

At first I thought this daunting task of learning all the birds would be overwhelming but I learned quickly and something really magical happened.  I found that birding relieved my grief of recent break-up and become meditative in a way I had never experienced.  It was the warbler family that really transfixed me and made me into a birder.  The warblers are my spark birds and I thought it only fitting to ink a few on my skin this year to commemorate my birthday.  I have always loved Charley Harper's artwork.  I find the simplicity of his lines but the intricate patterns of his work to be visually stunning.  Thanks to ELark, I was able to take my warbler idea and put it to life.

We found a great tattoo artist named Shawn Hebrank online and I found out he would be in town for the weekend, so I shot an email over and by the next day we had an appointment.  Emily was so kind to give me this permanent artwork for my birthday/Christmas present.  What better present than one I will keep with me for life!

The best thing about Shawn, other than his friendliness, is that he really does pay attention to the details.  He worked tirelessly over getting all the right colors and shapes correct and referenced the Charley Harper Missing Migrants print that I brought along.  We reworked the Northern Parula so it could fit the design and Shawn was great at making sure that every beak color and wing bar was perfect.  I couldn't have asked for a better artist!

If you're in the Fort Collins, CO area, you can get your own Shawn Hebrank tattoo.  He will be moving here in January and will be working at Tribal Rites.  This is a great tattoo shop across from Colorado State University. All the staff seemed really friendly and they even allowed many rounds of Sibley trivia as Emily tried to keep me distracted through the painful parts.  

Swetsville Zoo

The Swetsville Zoo is right outside Fort Collins near Timnath, Colorado.  This bizarre "zoo" is the work of Bill Swets.  He creates each sculpture out of scrap metal and they are on display for anyone that wants to visit free of charge, donations accepted.  This zoo is filled with whimsical dinosaurs, alien-like creatures, and funny works of art - all fashioned from metal.

The Poudre River flows right by the property and allows scenic overlooks.  Swets has even incorporated the river into his artwork with funny looking creatures hauling in big catches.

The Swetsville Zoo is a nice pitstop of you're traveling along the I-25 corridor or happen to be out near Timnath.  Stop awhile, bring a picnic, and enjoy the whimsy. 

The best part of Swetsville Zoo is the unique local artwork.  It's a breathe of fresh air to see art with such comedy.  

Inside Canopy Tower

The Canopy Tower has an assortment of rooms to choose from.  We had a double room with a place to hang clothes, a great big window and a spacious bathroom.  At noon we would cool down under the fan and at night we heard the sounds of frogs calling from the window.

From the bed we saw Keel-billed Toucans, Scarlet-rumped Caciques, and hummingbirds.  It was a dream come true.

On the top level was the dining area and lounge.  This is where our meals were served and the general relaxation took place on the couch.  In the evenings we had cold beers and tallied up our day birds.  The bookshelf was full of great books, the windows gave us nice views, and the company here each evening was entertaining.  We had many nice conversations around dinner and cold beers.  The Canopy Tower is a little rustic but it's completely charming.

Everything from the artwork to the wait staff, every detail had its place. 

If you want an adventure then visit Canopy Tower.  I promise that it will deliver you more than just lifers, it will be a lifetime experience.

Tarpon Springs, Florida

Tarpon Springs, Florida is a curious little town with a history rich in Greek tradition.  In the early 1900s sponge diving boomed and Greek sponge divers flocked to the area.  By the late 1940s the sponge heyday was over but the Greek transplants stayed.  Now you can walk the streets of Dodecanese Avenue in the Sponge Docks District and see relics of another time.  There are plenty of stores where you can buy sponge souveniors, mostly imported.  While I was there I had a delicious gyro and some killer honey almond cookies. 

If you're on the Gulf side of Florida and find some time I highly recommend a little side trip to Tarpon Springs.  Enjoy the beach parks of Pinellas County and eat some great Greek food downtown.  The sights and sounds alone will be worth your time.  If you're curious about the history of this area check out the Tarpon Springs Historical Society's webpage.

Street Painting Roseate Spoonbill

Emily, Rosana, and Desi threw down a nice looking spoonbill at the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival.

Airboats at Night and Virginia Key

For my brother's birthday I bought us a nighttime airboat ride in the Everglades.  It was a fun experience and our guide was really great.  I am a bit critical when it comes to nature guides (since I am one myself) but this guy went way beyond my expectations and I even learned a thing or two.  Plus he was very accommodating with people on the boat.

We saw some nice gators on the ride, also cormorants and a Great Blue Heron.  The best part was when our guide turned the boat off and all the lights in the middle of the Glades.  As we sat there we could see distant fires burning (as forest fires spread across parts of the Everglades) and hear the cacophony of frogs.  It was very peaceful being out there, even with a boat full of people.

Actually the best part may have been going real fast on the airboat!  I did enjoy that as well and it was nice that my brother could join me for this little adventure.

My brother lives in South Carolina and doesn't have the chance to visit often so I always try to find new things for us to do.  On the following Sunday we woke up in Miami and headed out to Bill Baggs State Park.  After swimming and chilling on the beach we sought some refuge from the sun and heat by hitting up Jimbo's.  If you haven't been to Jimbo's then you haven't seen some real Florida.  It's a hodge podge of squatter camp, manatee viewing deck, cheap beer, bocce, artwork, photoshoots, run down vehicles and shacks, and all around great place to grab a few drinks.  Andy, Rosana, and Emily joined us for the day and we had some nice down time altogether.

From the dock you can see the Miami skyline, a huge contrast to the abandoned school bus and shacks scattered about the property.

It was the perfect way to end my mini weekend trip with my brother.  I hope he had as much fun as I did.  Certainly I'm looking forward to the next sibling reunion.

Dungeon Art

Down in the depths of El Morro were the dungeons.  The dark, damp walls were etched with prisoners names but more impressive was the art left behind.  In this cell, a long narrow stretch of a prison, a captive drew ships on the walls.  They were intricate and beautiful.  I marveled how time seemed to stand still in the confines of this dark fort.  I am sure the dungeons hold many tales that we will never know.

Puerto Rico is full of life and history and beautiful landscapes.  If you have never been I urge you to go and see for yourself. 

Daggerwing Student Art

Daggerwing Nature Center has the most lovely little gallery. I am always happy to sneak a peek at some of the local artists or see some of the area school's work. The exhibit that is on display now is a series of drawings done by a class of homeschoolers. The homeschool group signed up for an art workshop at the nature center and then the best works were selected for the gallery. I took photos of my top three for you to see:

I would love for Green Cay to also offer an opportunity like this for local artists and students. Now I better figure out the logistics!

Tree Art

I don't normally like carving in trees but I did like this muscular snake/dragon man that was carved into the Sea Grape on Bahia Honda. More to come about our recent camping trip to Bahia Honda State Park soon!

Update: Thanks to Nick I just found out the identify of the dragon. It is none other than Trogdor the BURNiNATOR. If you're curious about Trogdor check out this video. Thanks Nick for the heads up!

Wordless Wednesday: Found on the street in Boulder, CO

St. Augustine, Camping, & Street Painting Fest

Before Emily and I embark to Colorado this week I should catch you up to speed on the current camping trips. A couple of weeks back we had the pleasure of camping at Anastasia State Park. I've always wanted to check this place out and we weren't disappointed. Unfortunately we could only camp one night but it was definitely worth the drive. We woke up Saturday morning to the sound of the ocean and a nice shaded campsite (something that is mandatory in a good Florida campground!)

On our drive out we found Emily's lifer Gopher Tortoise. We watched it crawl towards the safety of its burrow. Once it was in close range the Gopher Tortoise ran (yes, turtles can run) and dashed into the darkness of it's home. I was a little late snapping the photo but at least you can see the tell-tale signs of the burrow entrance.

A Woodstork watched our departure of Anastasia Island. Check out those white sand dunes in the distance. One of things I miss about North Florida/South Georgia is the huge relic dunes that are still intact. You won't find dunes like that in my area of Palm Beach. After leaving the park we headed to downtown St. Augustine.

Emily and I cruised the shops and took in the sights and sounds of this charming historic town. We hit up the local winery for the last tour of the day. The San Sebastian Winery has a great building just outside of the dowtown and the wine tour is free. You walk among the casks and have really great guides to tune you into the subtle differences of each one. We picked up a couple of bottles before heading back to Lake Worth.

After a relaxing night we woke up to a full day at the Lake Worth Street Painting Festival. Some of my favorities are below. If you haven't been to this event put it in your calendars for next year. They shut off both downtown streets and give it over to the artists.

Peanuts Posters

There were a few posters that I left out yesterday that I wanted to share. I love the new environmental Peanuts exhibit at the museum called Peanuts...Naturally. And that teacher quote is for my mom, aunt, grandparents, cousins, and friends that gave/give their time to be a school teacher. I am admirer of all of you that give yourself so freely with little pay and much work.