March 31, 2025 - Stick Marsh by Air
Today the winds were light enough to go flying in the Champ.  We would fly north up over the Stick Marsh area.
   
Here we are on takeoff roll.  Notice how there isn't a cloud in the sky.
   
Champ shadow.
   

But soon after takeoff we began encountering low patchy clouds. 
 
   
Florida west of Interstate 95 is pretty empty.
   
Some kind of crop.
   
 
   
It's very unusual to be on top a cloud layer in the Champ.  Our altitude is less than 1,000 feet at this point.
   
The solar panels definately not getting the full benefit of the sun.
   
We decide to go back to New Hibiscus gliderport and wait for the low clouds to burn off.
   
What a difference an hour makes!  The clouds are much less a factor than before.
   
Looking west.  Fortunately, we are heading north.
   
Strange patterns visible from the air.
   
 
   
Now approaching marsh lands.
   
I'm sure there are lots of gators down there but they are hard to spot from the air.
   
The marsh is very pretty from the air.
   
P29
   
You can take swamp boat rides at this area.  We rode the Marsh Beast here a few years ago.
   
 
   
 
   
We did see a few gators but not in time to photograph them.
   
Bruce kept the Champ over the many berms so there was always a place to land if necessary.
   
 
   
The fishermen are out.
   
 
   
 
   
Now we're at the Stick Marsh.  The mangrove island is at upper left.
   
The mangrove island is still upper left.
   
The diversity of terrain in Florida is just amazing.
   
 
   
P43
   
 
   
 
   
Flying low down a berm.
   
Looking out the side while down low.
   
No idea what those hairy things are.
   
 
   
At center from top to bottom is a private grass airstrip.
   
A large orchard.
   
 
   
Protecting some kind of crop from the sun.
   
More shelters going up.
   
 
   
Passing by the swamp boat area again.
   
 
   
Another private grass strip.
   
Bruce rolling in hot.  He knows the owner.
   
 
   
Absolutely nothing on this flat land.
   
A small airport community:  Fly In Ranches (FD25)
   
Crossing I-95, looking south, with Spanish Lakes Fairways at center-left.
   
I saw this compound from the air and wondered what it was.  It looks abandoned.  But according to "The Internet", it is the facility of Infini-SEA, a US-based shrimp breeding company.   The facility includes more than 20,000 square feet of enclosed biosecure areas specifically designed for conducting all phases of shrimp production.  Maybe Infini-SEA is just using part of an abandoned complex.
   
another airport commuity:  Indian River Aerodrome.
   
From another angle.
   
The big Vero Beach Outlets near New Hibiscus Airpark, conveniently located right next to Interstate 95 (looking south).  A Steak and Shake is at lower left.  Good double-cheese burger!
   
Back overhead New Hibiscus Airpark (X52).
   
 
   
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