I’ve been walking that same path every morning for almost ten years now. It’s part of my Florida routine—I get up early, go out on the balcony to check the weather, cross the street to walk in the beautiful Haulover park walking path for about an hour.
In the quiet of the early morning, I am greeted by the sound of waves and seabirds waking up with me. Over time, I’ve gotten to know the regulars: the many feral cats that dart across the path like they’re late for something, the sunbathing iguanas who refuse to move, the noisy seagulls arguing over breakfast, the graceful pelicans hanging near the fishing boats, and the ever-curious squirrels who seem to have their nose into everything and actually try to beg for food( too many people feed them).
But here’s the funny part—in all those years, I had never seen a raccoon. Not once! Until this morning when a little masked face appeared right in front of me.
We both froze, just staring at each other like, “Wait, you live here?” It was such a small, random moment, but it really startled me because raccoons can be agressive. Ten years of daily walks when I'm in Florida, and the first time seeing a raccoon on this path ( I have seen raccoons in Florida at other parks)
It’s funny how nature still manages to surprise you—even when you think you’ve seen it all. That’s one of the reasons I love these morning walks. There’s always something new waiting along the way, if you just keep showing up.
Hello Judee,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful collection of critters and photos.
I love them all! Florida is a great place for wildlife sightings.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend.
We saw a raccoon on a beach somewhere in Florida, and also one in Costa Rica. I’m surprised that this is the first sighting you have had.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking us along on your adventure.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Wonderful animals. The seagulls are making a good pattern! :-D
ReplyDeleteWant a delightful photo essay of your morning walk. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat last photo is amazing...as are all on this pretty walk. Thank you for your prayers my friend. They are much needed and appreciated! Hugs, Diane
ReplyDeleteI love raccoons and they're so cute, but they can also be super aggressive! I'll never forget the time out was out getting pizza, and raccoons came up onto the patio and literally stole an entire pie from another person... Hilarious in hindsight!
ReplyDeleteAlso I keep forgetting to log my name. It's be above with the pizza raccoon story. 🤦
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteJust today my sister told me her neighbor showed her a video of a raccoon going up the wall of their house. Raccoons are an invasive species here (Germany) and we know they are around, but you hardly ever see them. Guess that's starting to change.
what a great walk...great sightings!! the last picture is stunning!! have a great weekend!!
ReplyDeleteGreat nature photos! Unfortunately, we're having bears showing up around here after years of not seeing them so I'm not so excited about bumping into unexpected wildlife...
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful place to take a morning walk. I love being by the sea. I spent the first 20 years of my life living in sight of the sea in England, and I have enjoyed visits to Florida, but I live a long way from the ocean and I miss it. He was a very cute raccoon, a little bandit in a mask.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, I love this about walks. Just the finding of something new is very, very fun. Great photos to see as well. There is something wonderful about a quiet morning walk. Peaceful.
ReplyDeleteAs for the Halloween calendar, I never saw them either until this year and then I did digging and found more. Even Barnes is selling some now. There's a Marvel one and a Nightmare Before Christmas one. Toooooo expensive here though (for my blood). But at TJ/TK Maxx, Tim got the deal. We'll look out for a Christmas one.
Wishing you a wonderful and yummy weekend ahead.