Fort Island

Panorama from the Lake Loop Trail

Despite going to bed early, we slept until after 6 am. Around 8, we took the dogs out for a walk to a nearby observation tower at the Salt Marsh Trails area of the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge where we saw several birders.

Breakfast was sheet pancakes with blueberries, maple syrup, and bacon. Everything was good.

Mary at the water's edge

After breakfast we drove to Crystal River area, hiked on the Lake Loop Trail, and drove out to Fort Island Beach. Although we didn’t see any birds or wildlife, the area was beautiful and was a great place for us to walk.

Mark, Cindy & Mary

On the way back, we stopped at the Citrus County Visitor Center to pick up information on attractions in the area.

We made a quick stop at the Ace Hardware for postcards then headed back to the house since Cindy had a conference call with the charitable foundation that she supports in Oregon. While she was in the meeting, Mark and I finished the installation of the new door on the back deck.

Steve & Mary at Fort Island

After the meeting we ran out to Publix for groceries then to the Tastee Treat for soft serve ice cream.

Dinner at the house was pulled pork and spareribs with coleslaw. Everything was good. After showers and Duolingo lessons, Mary and Cindy played Cribbage while Mark watched the NBA game. We stayed awake until nearly 10 and hoped to sleep well again.

It was another warm and very pleasant day. We look forward to tomorrow's walk along the Crystal River then perhaps kayak near the house in the afternoon.