Stumbled Upon Surprises

I'm always pleasantly surprised when I go out to take photos and discover something that really peaks my interest and turns out to be even better than the normal street scene! Jacksonville was hosting it's first ever "One Spark" inventor and creator festival. I carried my smaller camera expecting to take photos but once on site discovered there was such vibrant activity that video was a better way to capture it, and I did not have my HD camera. But, no matter, I was still able to capture the fun atmosphere of the event.

The rules of the competition were that each presenter had a number and if you liked their project then you could vote for them to win the competition in various categories. That said, I decide to let you see who I voted for and also provide a chance to relive the event through each video. As usual, click each photo or video for a better view. 

I first encountered the group Elestical Sound and thought they were great. They played everything from New Age type to music you would expect to hear on Smooth Jazz radio, all under this wonderfully funky canopy. My video of them was not that great so I decided to include a photo of them in a video along with various sights of the festival and use their music as background.

Next came the Cel Project, an environmental group that uses containers to build schools, nurseries, and housing in under developed countries. The presenter was very personable and loaded with information. Each time I watch her on the video I have to smile because she is so passionate and bubbly!

I could not resist this guy because he had the novel idea of renting and providing bike valet service.He was into the fun of the event and had all kind of bikes for anyone tired of trying to walk the different venues.

The Jacksonville Zoo was also a competitor and was seeking votes for its new Tiger Trails, which would provide ranging room for a new tiger habitat. They wanted votes and were nicely hunting down people to get them.

Another competitor I fell in love with was the very inventive number 767.  they was seeking funds to place murals around the city. I thought their bill board high above the festival was a great marketing idea. And, I have to give them props for having the chops to back up their very high profile.

Their mural speaks for itself! I love the way the frog is holding a fisherman in his hands after swallowing his line!

But the absolute hit of the festival was the group Fathom Sphere and one of it's performers AJ! This group was amazing in putting together their own promo videos and then presenting one of the most engaging performances of the festival. I watched their performance and could not resist thinking that I had had the pleasure of viewing an up and coming buzz band. Others seem to have thought the same because Fathom Sphere won first prize in the music category. Just a hint of things to come for this group! Take a listen and you will understand why... 

Its All Happening At The Zoo !

Another weekend and what to do, what to do? A friend gave me some tickets to the Zoo awhile back and since it was a decent day I thought now might be the best time to use them. As usual, click each photo for a better view.


I sometimes marvel at my ability to marvel at things. So, when I saw this poster near the entrance I could imagine myself much like this little boy, ready to be amazed.

There are multiple directions to take based on your interest and the Zoo's layout. I decided to just wander and just see what caught my eye as I jumped from one section to another.

These guys instantly caught my eye based on their flaming red coats and white strips. I have to confess that in my haste to take the picture I forgot to take a picture of what they were as I usually do to help my memory once I am ready to do the blog. I know they are some form of antelope but am at a loss after that. However, I got a great shot of them relaxing in the shade don't you think?

This Okapi really got my eyes popping much like the kid in the poster, because it is so unusual. It seems cross of a couple of animals. The dark striped hindquarters makes it resemble a Zebra. But, it's head has the strange look of a Giraffe without the marking. The exhibit directions indicate that it is a cousin of the Giraffe but does not explain the Zebra like markings. It did however state that it's long black tongue was long enough to reach up and clean it's eyes and ears. I didn't witness this feat but I did wait around hoping to catch that shot. No such luck...

And on to the snakes! There were several different species but this guy definitely got my attention. Everyone I think is familiar with that deadly predator the Black Mamba (which really is not black but brown and has a black tongue from which it derives its name), but I had never encountered a Green Mamba. While it has the designation of Mamba it is actually in the Cobra family because it has a hood that it will open when threatened. The rope like pattern that covers the entire length of the body I thought very distinctive and helps it blend into the foliage. I could just imagine roaming around in the brush and stumbling upon this guy. Eek!!

And what visit to the Zoo would be complete without seeing a Lion or two. I was really impressed that these two had room to roam around but for the moment had decided to lounge in the shade on a rock mound. As I stood there quietly taking shot after shot, they seemed to give me a look that said "Are you dinner or are you glad to see us?" They seemed just as interested in me as I was in them and I was glad there was a barrier separating us.

But then, their interest faded and it was back to sleepy time.

Another section that actually made me smile was the Silverback Gorillas. In this shot, the big guy is taking a nap and two troublemakers are making their way over to him looking like they plan a sneak attack to disturb his slumber.

But, just when they are ready to play their little trick; the big guy shows why he has risen to the top of the pack and looks up. I love the way the two troublemakers are looking away almost saying "Who us, make trouble? We're just hanging around."

The Bird Walk was another really exciting area for exploration. I say that because once inside this enclosure, there are no cages or netting and you walk freely among the birds.












This is Florida and it was a lovely sight to get up close to a flock of Flamingos.

But the scene stealer was the Mandarin Ducks. They seemed unafraid as they walked around in their habitat and were more than willing to allow me to get unbelievably close.

I took shot after shot because they were such wondrous creatures.

This one is my favorite based on the detail you are able to see and how colorful they are.

I hope you were as thrilled as I was by all the animals I encountered. By now I hope you too realize that its all happening at the Zoo!