Happy Easter!

Today we went back to Merritt Island but this time we went to the National Wildlife Refuge which is the majority of the Island ( the other part being the Kennedy Space Center ). The literature about the Refuge makes the point that the unique relationship the Refuge shares with NASA bears testimony that nature and technology can coexist.

Merritt Island is a 35-mile long barrier island which is strategically located on the Atlantic flyway, a major bird migration corridor, and it is a key resting stop for many migrating bird species. Merritt Island's habitats support one of the highest numbers of endangered and threatened species found within the refuges of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  We began our visit at theVisitor Center where we learned that the Black Point Wildlife Drive, a 7-mile, one-way drive is the best way to see the most diversity in the Refuge. So off we went on the drive that travels through salt and freshwater marshes.

Tricolored Heron

American Bittern?

I'm not much of a bird person, but there was a handy guide booklet that provided some names and pictures.

Between stops #10 and #11 there was the advisory to be on the lookout for Alligators.

First alligator I've seen that wasn't submerged in the water. 

At the conclusion of the Black Point drive we drove over to the Manatee Observation Area. There is a huge Manatee sanctuary that is part of the Refuge. In fact, the literature states that over 50% of the east coast population of Manatees is in the Merritt Island Refuge. We watched 4 of these gentle creatures feeding in the area and I took lots of pictures hoping to get a good one because most of the time the Manatees are feeding off the bottom in very murky water.  Mostly what you see is their humped back and occasionally their noses stick up above the water for air.

Keep looking.  You'll see it after awhile!

When we got back we did the laundry; the first time in 16 days. Then we went back to St. Mary's Church for the East Vigil service, which is my favorite in the whole liturgical calendar. Again, it was a very spiritual experience.

Beautiful sanctuary.

Peter, yesterday we learned that there are three companies that are vying for a chance to build the next rocket that will send a manned (personed?) mission to space. Lockheed?, SpaceX and another company (Souther California something) are the three companies. Perhaps your friend is working on this rocket design for SpaceX.

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you enjoy something chocolate!!