Day 419

Today, we went to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to see the plants, and the new butterfly house.

Marigolds

Camellia

Hydrangea

Hydrangea

Devil's Tongue

These flowers have grown between an emergency exit gate. They were covered in ants.

Water Lily

Hydrangea

Monarch butterfly

Monarch butterflies

Day 176

This morning, we woke in Myrtle Beach, SC to a bright sun shine over the ocean.

We decided to go to Brookgreen Gardens, to see their beautiful landscape, butterflies and animals.

Monarch caterpillar chewing on the stalk of a milkweed plant. Only one leaf remained, of 30 plants.

Monarch caterpillar

Moss on one of the oldest oak trees

As we were about enter the first aviary with our guide, he pointed out a copperhead snake that was trying to escape us. I was surprised at how non-violent this very poisonous snake was.

In and outside of the aviary were many of these regional birds. I like the reflection this one casts on the water.

In the butterfly house, were a few butterflies. They were not very active, because by the time we got there, the rain had started.

This is a freshly emerged Monarch butterfly next to it's cocoon. If you look closely at the other two cocoons, you will see wings.

Male cardinal

Female cardinal

Storm clouds over the ocean

Day 41

Today, I woke up to a beautiful sunrise.

In the evening, we went to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens for their Gardenfest of Lights.

This is a light under the snow.

This is a white puffy flower back lit. I like the glow the light gave this type of flower.

Poinsettia

Lewis Ginter has many specialized varieties of poinsettias. I didn't look at what type this one is.

I don't know the name of this plant. I liked the shape and color of the plant.

White Orchid

Pink Anthurium

Pink Powder Puff Tree

I don't know the name of this plant. John really liked it.

White rose with a pink bud.

Most of their lake was frozen over. I like the glow of the lights and moon over the ice.

These are tree root that have been lit with purple and blue lights.