hive-113748 cross-posted this post in Orchid Lovers 2 years ago


What If I Had 1000 Dollars To Spend On The Weekend ...

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The $1000 weekend: A posting contest

Mission: To Spend $1000.00 This Weekend, Guilt Free!

Is this even possible? I mean, will it really be guilt free? When was the last time I splurged on anything for myself, especially at such a price? I really couldn't tell you, BUT the time has come to .. "Screw it, Let's do it!" (-Richard Branson)


My Day Started Off..

Like many other Saturday mornings, but this time there was a bit of a pep in my step. You see, I had booked an exclusive and remote adventure tour through the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, located on the South Western coast of Florida. Here my personal guide will be taking me on an all day trip through the dense swampy environment in search for the elusive and rare Ghost Orchid.


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The Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii) is highly sought after by poachers looking to add this beauty of a species to their private collections. It is believed that there are only about 350 of these plants that have been documented within the Fakahatchee Preserve. More monitoring, preservation efforts and regulation need to be established to ensure their survival in the wild.

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Today I will set out on an adventure of a lifetime, in hopes of photographing this beauty and capturing visual memories that will last forever. I will also do my part in preserving the area for others to enjoy, for years to come.

$1000.00 Will Be Spent In The Following Way..

1 - Gas Up (50.00)
2 - Breakfast (7.00)
3 - Lunch For Trip (10.00)
4 - Guide and Equipment Rental (525.00)
5 - Gift Shop - Toy for Molly (25.00)
6 - Photo Development - (20.00)
7 - Local Artist Find for Wife - Orchid Painting - (50.00)
8 - End Of Day Celebratory Beer - (8.00)
9 - Leaving Nature As I Found Her For Others To Enjoy - Donation to Preservation Efforts - (305.00)
10 - Memories of this Great Adventure - (FREE)

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Source - NPS

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Source - FDEP

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That's One Thousand Green Backs Well Spent!