We were born and raised in California, but have lived in Florida for over 40 years. Although we miss the mountains, living in a wildlife preserve nestled between two lakes isn't too bad either.

Just as we were getting ready for the Florida Trail Hike, a mating pair of Sandhill Cranes decided to make our pond their home. As seen in the photo, a mother is nesting. Look carefully and you can see her two very large eggs. Just to the left of the nest is a lumbering turtle looking for a log to sun on.

Unfortunately, we are worried.  Our resident alligator is also within lunging distance. However, Daddy Sandhill is a fierce protector and squawks up a storm. We haven't seen the alligator since Mommy has laid her eggs.