[NOTE: I’ve blogged all these “how-to” posts before, but am gonna re-run them on occasion, since folks may have missed them, and many of them have been updated or expanded since they were first posted.] If the only thing you see about “vanlife” is on InstaGram or YouTube, you’d be forgiven for thinking that every … More Vanlife: What’s my Hashtag-Vanlife REALLY Like…?

OK, EPCOT *used* to be my favorite place in Disney World—until I visited Galaxy’s Edge.  😉 But I do still like EPCOT. It’s more sciencey and educational than the rest of Disney. Most of all I like the World Showcase, and have several times spent most of the day there chatting with people from around … More EPCOT

OK, I spent most of my day in Disney Hollywood Studios at the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. But if for some odd reason you DON’T like Star Wars (????), there’s, ya know, other stuff here too.  😉 Some photos. ​Hollywood Studios ​This is cool. The Skyway is a new transport system that takes people from … More Hollywood Studios

So, one reason I am in Florida right now is to be warm for the winter. But the other reason is because, being a big Star Wars fan (I saw the original movie in the theater half a dozen times back in 1977), I wanted to check out the new Galaxy’s Edge place in Disney’s … More Galaxy’s Edge

[NOTE: I’ve blogged all these “how-to” posts before, but am gonna re-run them on occasion, since folks may have missed them, and many of them have been updated or expanded since they were first posted.] There are two basic types of people who live in a camper van: those who have, by unfortunate circumstances, been … More Vanlife: Why Live in a Van?

With its tropical climate and its position as a major center for the imported exotic pet industry, Florida has more than its fair share of invasive and non-native species. I’ve not spent a single day in Orlando so far without seeing at least one species that is not supposed to be here. Some photos.   … More Some Invasive Species

OK, everyone who knows me knows that I like snakes. So this diary has lots of snakes. LOTS of snakes. If you don’t like snakes, you may wanna skip this diary … The Reptile World Serpentarium, about 10 miles from Orlando, has a display of 70-odd snakes from around the world. They also produce snake … More Reptile World Serpentarium

The Audubon Birds of Prey Center in Maitland FL (about 20 miles away from Orlando) does rescue and rehab work for raptors that have been injured. When possible, they are released back to the wild; if they cannot be rehabbed, they are placed in an accredited caregiving institution. The Center currently has about 50 birds … More Audubon Birds of Prey Center, Maitland FL

[NOTE: I’ve blogged all these “how-to” posts before, but am gonna re-run them on occasion, since folks may have missed them, and many of them have been updated or expanded since they were first posted.] Van dwelling is a very cheap way to live. Or, more accurately, it can be a very cheap way to … More Vanlife: What’s It All Cost?

Winter Garden is nestled on Lake Apopka, and several parks and walking paths line the shore. It’s a great place to look at wildlife and have a picnic lunch. Some photos. ​Lake Apopka ​Hawk—Red Shouldered, I think ​Alligator ​Grackle, with lunch ​Anhinga ​Moorhen snacking on an apple core that somebody threw into the lake ​Coots … More Lake Apopka