Backyard Otters

[Iona60]

We live on a little lake in FL that connects to the river. Many years when the river gets cold, the otters find their way into our lake. Saw one yesterday. This picture is from a differnt year. A good thing about MS for me is that I spend so much time looking out the window or just walking around the yard. Little blessings.

[erash]

Iona60 we've occasionally seen lake otters here (Central Fla) too. Cute critters but supposedly can be mean? I used to watch the sea otters play all the time in the Monterey Bay.

[Iona60 in reply to erash]

One time we had 3. I named them Huey, Duey, and Louie. We have a fence across the yard at the lake edge. Too many scary creatures to let them venture up into the yard.

[angelite in reply to Iona60]

What scary creatures, Iona ? Please tell us more ! : ) x

[Iona60 in reply to angelite]

We don't see them often, just once or twice a year. They stay outside of the fence, so not scary, just fun to watch.

[WAshingtongirl]

It must be fun to watch them, Iona60 , and a treat too! When we sailed up to the San Juan Islands a couple years ago, we heard a noise at the back of the boat. An otter quickly scurried off and back into the water when he spotted us. My husband said he anchored out in a secluded area off Vancouver Island last year and there were tons of them there...all swimming on their backs, some arm in arm. Really a spectacular sight!

[Iona60 in reply to WAshingtongirl]

What an experience it must have been for your husband to have seen them.

[Karen-x in reply to WAshingtongirl]

WAshingtongirl have you still been able to sail with the MS? My hubby and I planned to sail the intercoastals once our last teen is out (4 yrs). We are concerned that I now won't be able to keep my balance and handle lines, etc.

[WAshingtongirl in reply to Karen-x]

Hi Karen-x . I last 'crewed' for my husband one week in July 2105. That was off the coast of Vancouver Island. My neuro saw me a few days after my return, immediately ordered a course of solumedrol, and told me to never step foot on the boat again. 😬

I must admit that I got on the boat in bad shape, though. I'd fallen and fractured my ankle 3 weeks prior. I also was in a full blown relapse, which included vertigo. Can you picture an ankle brace on the right foot, a knee brace on the left (I tore my ACL jumping/falling off the boat to tie it off before that), and walking like a drunk? But I had committed to go that one week and I didn't want to let my husband down. (He had already been gone sailing for a week and had no idea I was in a relapse when I caught up with him.)

For now, I can't sail. And I won't. I'm afraid I'd fall overboard if I leaned over to drop the fenders or toss a line. My balance remains 'off.'

I hope your balance gets better and you and your husband can sail together as you hope to.

My husband sets sail for the next leg of his trip around the world in March. That's his dream, not mine. But I'm encouraging him to do it for as long as he is able and for as long as he enjoys it. (We all know the importance of doing it while you can!) I don't regret not joining him on this adventure. But I do regret not being able to fly to Tahiti or Fiji to meet him because I can't handle the heat or humidity there.

Are you RRMS? If so, maybe your balance issues will subside? I hope and pray so. 💕Dawn

[jimeka]

What a gift Iona60 to be able to watch such beautiful creatures in your back garden. I have only ever seen them on nature programs. I find it interesting that the river otters mate for life but the sea otters don't and also what I find amazing is that the male whistles to a female and if she is interested she will whistle back. Not unlike the human race, thanks for sharing blessings Jimeka

[Kath55]

They are so cute, but ferocious. I love the way they float with their babies

[angelite]

OTTERS ! ! ! : )

Sorry, I really must calm down ! I do love nature. I enjoy lots of birds, squirrels, hedgehogs and the odd fox where I live. I once saw a deer on the back field - okay, well it's white rump disappearing into the woods at dusk and a fast slinky stoat type critter too. Thanks for the lovely pic, Iona. Just one more time, let's here it for the OTTERS ! ! ! : ) : ) : ) x

[Amore55 in reply to angelite]

Iona, thanks so much for sharing! I absolutely love otters💕. They are so darn cute. Thanks again! Love, Kelly xx

[Iona60 in reply to angelite]

I've never seen a hedgehog. Snap a picture for us.

[angelite in reply to Iona60]

I'd love to Iona but don't have a mobile phone/camera and have no clue how to put a pic on here ! Plus they are nocturnal and should also be in hibernation at this time of year ! : ) x

[Iona60 in reply to angelite]

Learned something new. I didn't realize that hedgehogs hibernate.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Oh Iona60 how lucky you are! I would be out there all the time! I love being outdoors! Do you worry about Crocs tho?

🌠

[Iona60 in reply to Jesmcd2]

We have never seen any alligators in our lake. But they say that anywhere in Florida, just because you don't see one today, doesn't mean you won't see one tomorrow. Our neighbors laughed when we put up the fence at the waters edge. We've never regretted it.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Iona60 I don't blame you for putting up the fence. Not only for your safety but for the gators also. I have to say l would be putting one up first thing too.😅

What about that mega Gator "humpback" ? I really hope people will follow the park rules and leave him alone.

Jes🌠

[Iona60 in reply to Jesmcd2]

I've only been reading the headlines on that one, not sure what has been happening. We were really concerned about the gator snatching the little boy at the Disney hotel. Our daughter had just honeymooned there a few weeks before. She said that the waterfront there is very close to the playground. People who aren't from FL don't realize that you shouldn't walk that close to the edge of a lake.

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to Iona60]

I remember seeing that all very the news, it was so said.😞 And so hard to believe. But l guess your right not every one would know about them. Never lived in FL, but have been there twice. 1st time l was little and my mom goes, " your father and I are getting a divorce, but lm taking you to Disney world"😅 somehow you don't forget that 😅😅

That must have been scary for you, just because it hit so close to home😞