Florida Days, Florida Nights

My last few days in Florida meant taking in family time, relaxing pool side, filling up on German baked goods and coffee and nights of live music and cocktails lakeside.  Wednesday morning, I spent time reading in the sun-room before hopping on my Momma's bike to explore a bit.  I rode around their neighborhood and stopped into the diner for coffee and Floridian waffles.  By the way, it took me fifteen minutes to find the brakes on this bike...think old-fashioned bike with the cutest basket on the front, but no handle-bar brakes which had me totally confused.  Finally, I pedalled backward, accidentally, and hello brakes.  I was thinking the whole time, this is unsafe! But, got a good laugh anyway!

That afternoon, the three of us decided to spend some time at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages.  Think quaint seaside village with a colorful waterfront, boats running on Cherry Lake and people gathering to enjoy a night on the square.  The famous lighthouse and sunken boat are two landmarks you don't want to miss.  We made our way to grab a bite to eat and enjoy happy hour and live music with a gorgeous lake view.  Lake Sumter offers many dining options, boutique-style shopping, and nightly entertainment all year long.  There is a reason The Villages is one of the fastest growing cities.  After filling up on coconut shrimp and fruity cocktails with oranges...because in Florida, you have to have oranges...we wandered around enjoying the perfect evening.

The next morning, and my final day in Florida, I had to make the usual stop at Yalaha Bakery.  The patio is always open here so we enjoyed iced coffee and baked goods, with a box of cookies to-go.  A quick stroll through downtown Leesburg before hitting up the pool for a little sunshine and relaxation.  Views of palm trees and marshland make this saltwater pool even more enjoyable.  A few hours of sun and we made our way one last time around the Plantation via golf cart, because that's how you roll here.  I made sure to have one more helping of my Momma's lasagna before I was packed up and headed back to the airport to catch my flight home.  

As I sat in the airport I had time to really think about this get-a-way.  Of course I enjoyed the day at the beach, hiking, and taking a swim in the springs but really, just time with them was the best.  Our nightly golf cart rides around the Plantation, taking Dodger on his morning walk, breakfast and dinner together, mornings and evenings in the sun-room or just being lazy watching a movie.  And it hit me, I was sad to leave but I'll be back Florida.  Flight already booked.  

See You Soon Florida Oranges 🍊

Shona

Follow Me ↠
Travel IG: http://www.instagram.com/dirtroadshighheels
Personal IG: http://www.instagram.com/shonamhouston

Sign up for blog emails here: http://www.thedirtroadshighheels.blogspot.com

Juniper Springs and the National Forest

You shouldn't be surprised that I would make sure and visit any National Forest if I am near one.  In Florida, this is the Ocala National Forest.  Owning the title of the Southernmost forest,  Ocala is 673 square miles of protected sand pine scrub, includes three first-magnitude springs, over 600 hundred  lakes and ponds, hiking trails, camping, and recreation areas.  The springs allow visitors to swim, snorkel, and scuba year round.

For this adventure, I chose to visit Juniper Springs Recreation Area which is one of the oldest springs located on the East Coast.  As I made my way into the park, I stopped at the pay station to discuss hiking and swimming.  It's a $5 fee to enter but well worth the price.  The lady seemed surprised I was spending the day alone, when will people not be surprised by solo travelers? I gave her a big smile, hopped back in the car and made my way to start exploring!

It was late morning but already getting pretty warm, so I decided to take a dip in the springs.  Ice cold water, but crystal clear, and surrounded by some of the most beautiful Florida nature I have ever seen.  I quickly made friends with a girl named Becca. She was about 14 years old and was there for swimming lessons.  Ok Kansas, Florida gets a point for that!  We briefly discussed where we were from and then she said, "Do you want me to take your picture?" A girl after my own heart.

After cooling off, I decided to venture on to the Juniper Springs Nature Trail, an easy hike along the well-known boardwalk that would take me through the dense canopy of palms and oaks, ending at Fern Hammock Springs.  I made a quick stop at the Juniper Millhouse for a bit of history, learning this was built in the early 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps.  Along the way were hundreds of bubbling springs, both small and large, gushing out of crevices of the earth and known as Sandy Boils. It was an oasis in the middle of the desert like Big Scrub.

At Fern Hammock Springs and located under the footbridge that crosses here, is the largest sand-filled boil.  The bottom of the pool is filled with sand and aquatic grasses and the water has the most gorgeous blue-green color. This pool is kept in a more natural state surrounded by pine, palm, and hardwoods.  Swimming is not allowed here to protect the sand boils and natural character.  I did notice several turtles basking in the sun and a few fish swimming around. Alligators are often seen in the springs and in the surrounding areas.  Basically in Florida, if there is water, there are gators.  I will tell about my experience with a few of them in my next blog post, so be sure to follow along!

Before I left the park, I stopped one last time to take a dip in Juniper Springs.  Even though it was the coldest water I have ever felt, for some reason, it didn't bother me.  The beauty of the Springs was almost unreal.  As I drove away from the recreation area, I decided to leave the Forest heading out the opposite direction I came in.  I was on a mission to find a Ranger Station for more information.  I stopped at the Lake George Ranger Station and loaded up on maps and different areas of the forest to explore.  Camping here has now been added to my list!  Until next time Ocala, thank you for an amazing day!

Later Gator 🐊

Shona

Follow Me ↠
Travel IG: http://www.instagram.com/dirtroadshighheels
Personal IG: http://www.instagram.com/shonamhouston
Sign up for blog emails here: http://www.thedirtroadshighheels.blogspot.com

I Gotta Go Where It's Warm 🌴

If you read my last blog post, you now know I am full of fish tacos and rum so it was time to hit up another beach to spend the afternoon soaking up the sun.  Jensen beach delivered just what I needed as I laid out my beach towel, loaded up on sunscreen, and took in the salty ocean air.  The breeze felt amazing so even though it was 90+ degrees, it didn't feel that warm and besides, you have an endless supply of salt water to cool off in.  The boats in the distance I imagined were Pirate Ships, and even though they weren't, they offered a great view. So, I'd say the Atlantic is being good to me! And yes, I changed outfits...I mean, swimsuits.

Today was the first day I experienced Jensen Beach.  The sand is soft and it offers plenty of room for those wanting to spend the day there.  The water was cooler than Bathtub Reef but refreshing, clear, and a great place to paddle board, swim, or just float.  The waves here are bit more intense but once you get past the undercurrent, it's smooth sailing.  However, they do recommend you have some sort of flotation device if you are going to venture out too far...I'd say that's not a bad idea for safety reasons.  It's a great place to visit, so pack up a cooler and an umbrella, turn on some Jimmy Buffett, and bring a mermaid attitude.

Jensen Beach is also known as Jensen Sea Turtle Beach because of three different species of sea turtles that will nest here. Designated areas are marked off to protect the species nests, so remember that as you visit.  Jensen Beach is also part of the Treasure Coast because of the many shipwrecks in the 17th century caused by shallow waters and coral reefs. It is said that treasures are still being found even today.  Anyone up for a gold hunt?

Seas the Day
Shona

Follow Me ↠
Travel IG: http://www.instagram.com/dirtroadshighheels
Personal IG: http://www.instagram.com/shonamhouston
Sign up for blog emails here: http://www.thedirtroadshighheels.blogspot.com

Bathtub Reef and Cocktails by the Sea

An early flight from KC had me landing in Orlando at 9 a.m. My Mom picked me up right on time and we were off to the beach!  A short drive to the A1A and we made our way to Bathtub Reef, a beach located in Stuart.  The reef system if located just off shore and is home to more than 500 different species of marine life, including endangered sea turtles. The reef is created by tiny sea worms and is not only unique but also very fragile. The worms cement sand grains together and as they build on top of one another and over time, this creates a reef system that breaks up the waves, giving it the "bathtub" effect. The reef also serves to aid in beach erosion caused by waves.  This bathtub effect is one of the amazing features of these protected waters.

The water here is very clear and the temperature was actually warmer than I expected it to be.  There were many people snorkeling around the reef to get a closer view of the marine life below.  And if you are into seashells, the beach is filled with many sizes, shapes, and colors. It's a beautiful beach that is great for swimming; it is less crowded, more relaxed, and offers picturesque views.  I could stay here for days.

After leaving the reef, we headed to grab lunch making sure we could be on a patio with a waterfront view.  Our search led us to Conchy Joe's, located on the Indian River near Jensen Beach.  Dozens of Seagulls lined the dock, a lonely pelican perched high waiting to swoop down for fish food, and the breeze off the ocean was perfect.  The cocktail menu was full of fruity drinks; island style. I opted for the Voodoo Hooch which is filled with Cruzen, Pineapple, and Mango Rum, Orange and Pineapple juices and topped with a pineapple wedge and did I mention was...super delicious.  Fish tacos with mango marinated plantains was the perfect light lunch for a sunny day!

Next Up, Jensen Beach!!

Time flies when you're having Rum 🌴

Shona

Follow Me ↠
Travel IG: http://www.instagram.com/dirtroadshighheels
Personal IG: http://www.instagram.com/shonamhouston
Sign up for blog emails here: http://www.thedirtroadshighheels.blogspot.com