We continue our week in Kissimmee to escape our Wisconsin winter. The weather is warming nicely, we’ve seen a few alligators and more than a few long-legged birds – so life is good.

Click on the first photo in each group and scroll to see the square photos at full size.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit Dodging the Deep Freeze 2020.

Gorgeous Day for a Walk

The title of this post may conjure up memories of a ballet you once saw – or an animated movie you watched with the kids (The Swan Princess). If you’d like to listen to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake while you read this blog, now’s your chance!

Tchaikovsky has nothing to do with today’s post – nor does Odette’s lake that is filled with tears (thank goodness). And today’s lake is actually called Lake Eola, but you’ll see why I picked its name as we visit the beautiful Lake Eola Park.

We strolled the sidewalk that encircles the lake for almost a mile, and really enjoyed its many interesting features. Although mid-February is a tad early for the beautiful flower gardens that it usually boasts, we loved the birds, turtles, water-features and even the Orlando skyline.

The Sunday Farmer’s Market is every Sunday 10am-4pm.
“Supporting community and arts programs each week since 1987! You’ll find The Orlando Farmer’s Market is much more than just your average farmers market. Find seasonal fresh produce, a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, artwork, handmade craft items like jewelry, pottery, and soap. We are dog friendly, so bring your pets and enjoy a perfect family afternoon.” – READ MORE

Rainbow Amphitheater

The amazing multi-colored venue shown below is the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Several concerts are held here each year like Christmas at Lake Eola and Fireworks at the Fountain, with concerts by the Orlando Concert Band and fireworks by the City of Orlando. A popular destination for festivals, concerts, fundraising walks and even weddings – there are various locations around the park that are available for rent. The annual Fall Fiesta in the Park features plenty of food, with arts and craft vendors.

Inclement Weather?

As we approached the beautiful swan paddle boats – all lined up and seemingly ready for take-off, an attention sign told us otherwise. Paddle boats were to remain docked – because of “inclement weather.” Visiting from southeastern Wisconsin, we don’t think they know the meaning of the words inclement weather, but it was a little windy so that must have been the problem. Jim didn’t seem too terribly upset by that development, but I sure was.

Swans a-swimming, nesting and sunning themselves all around the lake just made my day. It was very exciting when one needed a little stretch or reconfiguration, revealing her future family.

Take Flight by Douwe Blumberg depicts a flock of birds during take-off. “Capturing a fleeting moment of beauty and defying gravity, Take Flight embodies a spirit of freedom and transcendent joy.” – from See Art Orlando

Lovely Pagoda

We could see the Chinese pagoda coming for quite a while. Click on the link for an absolutely gorgeous photo of this pagoda at night. You’ll be glad you did!

Birdy Babies

Two black swans were nesting in the landscaping. I felt a little like the paparazzi invading their privacy, but they weren’t too bothered by me. Unfortunately we weren’t able to see their eggs, but here is a beautiful video of four of the sweetest little black swan cygnets, who are actually a light grey color. March is probably a great month to see this place teeming with young families.

“Eola House (below) is a great place for meetings, conferences, bridal and baby showers, board meetings, parties, retreats and more.”

A ride in a swan boat may have gotten us an up-close and personal look at the fountain, but now that the wind has picked up it may have also gotten us wet! Since today was not the perfect day for close exploration, maybe we’ll give that a try on our next visit.

A Marvelous Habitat

“The fabulous Centered (by C.J. Reach) is a bold monumental sculpture made of eight individual forms arching in perfect balance with a kinetic yellow center able to spin in the wind. Centered makes reference to how Orlando is the center of family fun, experiences and memories. The yellow form in the center also pays tribute to Orlando’s clear and sunny weather.” – from See Art Orlando

Around every bend, wildlife seems to find just what it needs to survive here. Just letting them “be” constitutes a fabulous day for me.

Full Circle

Well, we’ve come full circle for a different view of the amphitheater and a new view of this little slice of heaven, right in downtown Orlando!

Next up: The City Beautiful

Happy trails,
Barb