Dirt Roads ~ High Heels: January 2019

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

South Beach, Bringing the Heat

Did anyone else sing that title in their best Will Smith voice? Or maybe that was just me. Two words, South Beach. It was definitely a place in Miami that I have wanted to visit for a while; mainly for the art, the food, and well...the beach. I wanted to treat my Mom so I booked a night start at the Beacon South Beach, located right on Ocean Drive. This Art-Deco inspired hotel was the perfect location to take it all in.

We arrived early Wednesday afternoon and after having our car Valet'd, because that's the only way to do it, we dropped off our bags, put on our suits, and headed to catch some rays. It was 78° that day and we found the perfect spot in the sand to kick back and relax. The water felt pretty good too. The sea is always calling my name, no matter the temperature. After our beach time, we made our way back to our super cool room to get ready for dinner. A night on the town; which actually meant walking a block to one restaurant, having a cocktail and sharing a meal before landing back at our hotel, and repeating. What can I say? We were still hungry.

The next morning we dined on the patio for breakfast before heading downtown to the district of Brickell to meet up with my friend and travelling gal, Nichole. She greeted us with shots of Cuban Coffee, which by the way was some of the most delicious I have ever had, then showed us some really cool spots around the area. The architecture here is something to see. We made a quick ride back to our hotel and since we had a late checkout, had a bit of time to take another stroll along the beach before heading home. It was the perfect overnight get-a-way.

By the way; here is a quick review of the Beacon South Beach.

Friendly staff and Valet parking! Worth the $35, trust me!
Colorful rooms with an Ocean View...throw down the extra cash for this, you won't be disappointed!
Beach chairs and towels in every room just for you!
Breakfast served on the patio and if you are an early riser, they have a self-serve coffee and tea bar located on the second floor!
Right across from the beach!
Art-Deco style hotel!
Perfect location on Ocean Drive!
Bike Rentals close by!
Affordable pricing, but look for deals! I was able to get a night that included breakfast and an ocean front view on Black Friday that couldn't be beat!

Until Next Time Miami!
Shona

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Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Manatees + Florida Springs

After arriving in Florida at midnight, renting a car and driving 45 minutes to get to my Mom's place and barely being able to sleep that night, I was up early and ready for my solo day of adventuring. I left mid-morning and headed to a place in Florida called Crystal River. I was there for three things; the nature, the wildlife, and the hiking. After arriving at this off-the-beaten-path wildlife refuge, known for it's manatees and gorgeous springs, I took off wandering through the wet-lands and making my way to the boardwalks that wind around the beautiful blue-green colored water. It was a warmer day today so the manatees were mostly in the canal, and it's mating season, so they were busy anyway. But there was one lone manatee located in the center of it all and I like to think he was there for me. After spending a couple of hours wandering around and talking to the local volunteers, I hiked my way around the refuge and back to the car. I was off to my next destination, known as Hunter Springs.

I spent a hour perched under a lone palm tree, taking in the warm sun that was shining down. Hunter Springs is a cozy smaller beach and although it's man-made, it's a nice place to enjoy a picnic, cool off in the springs of Kings Bay, or launch a kayak or paddle-board. After my hour of paid parking timed out, I was on my way back to the Plantation. I took the long way, driving though the Citrus Wildlife Management Area aka Withlacoochee Forest. The winding roads decorated by large trees covered in moss, and through the smaller Central Florida towns, offered some cool sites to see.

My Mom and I decided to grab a quick bite to eat before heading off to play a nightly round of Pickleball. My only stipulations were eating outside and by the water; Boondocks on Little Lake Harris offered both. We enjoyed peach mimosa's and I had to try the California Blood Orange IPA made by 21st Amendment Brewery. This cute little joint was the perfect spot to enjoy a late lunch with lake views just steps away; the fish and corn fritters weren't bad either. It was a perfect day in Florida.

Tuesdays in Florida :)
Shona

Follow Me ↠ #kcgypsea

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Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Twenty18 Year in Review

Twenty18 was a year of many firsts and it's always fun to wrap it up by taking a look back at all of the unforgettable moments. Here are just a few: I traveled over 15,000 miles, hit my one year mark as a Registered Nurse, became ACLS certified, started Forensic Nursing in the ED, began my Bachelors of Nursing Program, and ran by 4th Half Marathon in Colorado. I learned to love camping even more than the year before and hiked a lot of miles of trails; I even learned to embrace the cold weather and realized winter camping is the most fun! I explored new places on my own and learned to let go of the fear of doing this, grew my travel blog, stayed involved in local KC photo-shoots, got a few new tattoos and spent time at the lake to end the summer. I just can't get over how incredible 2018 was for me.

The year started with a quick trip to Florida to see my Mom and Phil. I spent some time at the beach even though it was only 60 degrees in the water, did some hiking, and enjoyed the warmer weather.

Next came, Colorado. A long weekend trip that included two flight changes to see my bestie so we could catch up and a take a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

The month of March meant a road-trip to Eureka Springs for the BF's b'day, camping at Buffalo Point, and hiking Overlook Trail and Indian Rock House.

Checked out the Parkville Nature Sanctuary and hiked the 3 mile trail with Lola; waterfalls and an old root cellar are just a few of the highlights.

I made my solo trip to Colorado to run my 4th half-marathon, hiked around Garden of the Gods, spent some time at Pike National Forest and the Catamount Reservoirs, my favorite Zoo, Guanella Pass Brewery, met Parker the Snow Dog and his owner Dustin, and witnessed Seven Falls.

Back to Florida to see my Mom again. We ventured to Bathtub Reef and Jensen Beach, enjoyed seafood at Conchy Joe's, numerous golf cart rides, hiked in Ocala National Forest, took a swim at Juniper Springs, and dined in the Villages.

Flew off to Mexico and enjoyed the sand, sun, and cocktails on the beach. Toured Mayan Ruins, went snorkeling, drank rum from a coconut, and enjoyed learning to take the local bus' around Cancun.

Road-trip to Hermann, camping at Red Bluff Recreation Area in the Mark Twain National Forest, camping at Pull-tite on the Ozark National Scenic Riverway, hiking at Cave Spring Trail, Devils Well, and Round Spring. Missouri is full of surprises.

My sister and I surprised my niece for her 8th b'day and took her on her first plane ride to Florida; she experienced the ocean and swam like a fish, took in Disney World and Animal Kingdom, toured an orange grove, and watched a seaplane land.

Camping at Devil's Den in Arkansas; hiked Devils Den Trail, Lee Creak Trail and Yellow Rock Trail; this place offered views for miles and some of the prettiest scenery. Blue green lakes and streams and winding roads for days.

Spent my 38th b'day in beautiful Colorado; stayed in Georgetown, skied Loveland, went up to Echo Lake, drove up Guanella Pass, spent a day in the Springs and a night in Denver. One of the best b'days so far!