Fall M Coupe Barbecue

A bunch of Colorado M Coupe and M Roadster owners get together every fall at Jon Martin's. Jon is the developer of mcoupebuyersguide.com, the best M Coupe market resource on the internet. This year our gathering was hampered by an early season snow storm, but the roads had cleared enough for some conservative "touring". Our crew consisted of 3 M Coupes, 1 M Roadster (all 2002 model year) and an E90 M3.

All driving photos courtesy of Colby Gregory

Shells and Dolphins

Before returning home to face the onslaught of winter, Jo and I relished our short time in Florida soaking up the heat with one last day at the beach. Barefoot and white-chested we strolled along the crushed shells with white wash lapping at our ankles. It was a proper end to our trip.

The Beach

From a Shell's Perspective

On the way back from the beach we crossed a drawbridge over the estuary. At the top Jo spotted a pod of dolphins hunting fish along pier. They were working together as a team to herd the bait fish to the surface then skim below to gulp up the fish.

Dolphins

Waiting for Scraps

Surfing Below the Surf

Peace River Wildlife Center Bird Rescue

On our last day in Florida we spent the morning at the Peace River Wildlife Center. It's a small non-profit bird rescue on the central west coast of Florida. It had a variety of local species ranging from Pelicans, Owls, Eagles, Hawks, Ospreys, and shore birds. They lived in large mews with similar species. They had all been injured to a degree that they weren't safe to be re-released into the wild. I would think that being stuck in an enclosed space would be hell for any bird, but most of the birds I interacted with seemed content and happy showing no signs of distress. This is probably personification on my part, but I almost detected an air of gratitude.

Burrowing Owl

(he was maybe 6" tall)

Eastern Screech Owls

A mating pair

American Kestrel

The smallest falcon in North America.

Red-Tailed Hawk

Bald Eagle

Sandhill Crane

Brown Pelican

Wood Stork

Black Vulture

This guy wasn't even a resident, he was just visiting. It was so funny how he tired to ease by my feet without me noticing.

Red-Shouldered Hawk

Red-Shouldered Hawks Playing

It looked violent, but it was all show.