So! Last week JB and I went down to the Tampa to visit his parents and take in the sites (i.e. go thrifting, wander on the golf cart and be faux retirees for a week). I’d never been down south before and the terrain and wildlife blew my mind: specifically, Spanish moss, which was everywhere. Every non-palm tree was festooned with billowing nests of the stuff. It certainly sets a swampy, alligator with snapping jaws behind every willowy veil, Flannery O’Connor vibe, and I am now totally obsessed with it. I actually brought a big bag of moss back with me and I plan on hanging it in my apartment — perhaps from my new mantle. It’s ever so creepy fun!
Another highlight? We also saw the tiniest armadillo up close — like, six feet away. It was just toddling over the bulge of a golf green, minding its own business, while heading back to its ample hole in the side of the hill. The cuteness! Its skin was a mixture of snake scales and nature’s version of Medieval armor. Rat meets turtle meets snake! (It doesn’t sound appealing, but it really was.)
I can’t take credit for all of the photos above. The big tree that Jeff and I posed in front of is, in his words, “The ideal backdrop for a metal record cover photo.” I gotta agree! Click through to see all of the origin photos.
Just love these images-thanks
Wow! I am partial to the moss that looks like a long flowing curtain. Do you walk through it or around it? I’m a fan of armadillos from way back so nice shout out
You know, you can’t really walk through it! That was kind of a bummer. It looks so wispy and soft, but it’s actually a pretty hardy plant. I had to rip it off a tree to take some home!
ha! love the idea of a mantle covered in moss! maybe throw some vines in there while you’re at it
great photos, too bad you can’t walk through it, that would make it really mystical and totally crazy!
m.
Watch out! Sometimes the moss is full of little red bugs that bite.
I love these pictures- I used to live down south & I miss dreamy drapey spooky trees…
Thanks for the heads up! My friend Claire also mentioned this…I had no idea! Luckily my moss has been in a Ziploc bag since I left Florida. Here are tips on how to get the bugs out.
i’m such a fan of that type of moss and creepy southern feel as well!
xo
Looks like a magical place!
that moss is sooooo very cool. the tree sort of reminds me of avatar too. im obsessed w/ pandora.