Dirt Roads ~ High Heels: manatees

Monday, January 25, 2021

Summers in Florida

Catching up on Summer 2020 because it's been a crazy year! But, this trip to Florida meant exploring new parks and beautiful beaches; kayaking clear water, watching manatees, eating good food, and finding the best coffee houses. I always value my time there as I have grown to love the Sunshine State! It has definitely become another home for me and I am always eager to return.

The trip started out with lunch at Lilly's on the Lake, a fun place with good food and lake views. I am always up for fish tacos! The next day my Mom and I explored Deland, the cutest dang town! We started with coffee at Trilogy Coffee, where the barista used her skills to make a Pirate on top of my latte! We walked around downtown before heading the Kelly Park to take in the beautiful, crystal clear springs.

Rock Springs/Kelly Park was breathtaking! Because swimming in the Springs was not allowed due to Covid, we had the entire park to ourselves. We explored the springs, took in the Florida sounds, and hiked the paved trails around the park. It was worth the trade off of not swimming to be able to experience this without all of the normal crowds. Tomorrow, Kayaking!

Let's talk about kayaking at Lake Chaz. The Chassahowitzka River is about 5 miles long and is completely spring fed; and it is gorgeous! It is home to hundreds of species of birds and the infamous West Indian Manatee. The very first spring on our list was Seven Sisters Spring, and it's must see. Of course, swimming is allowed at this magical place. Up next was Baird Creek, a tributary that ends with a spring known as The Crack. Tip* you must walk the last section to reach the Crack, but it's easy to do ... be sure to watch for gators :) Worth it in my opinion! We ended the day with lunch at Crumps, a fun waterfront Tiki bar!

I couldn't go to Florida without taking a dip in the ocean! Today we checked out two incredible white sand, crystal-clear water beaches; Honeymoon Island State Park and Caladesi Island (only accessible by private boat or ferry). We spent some time on Honeymoon Island collecting seashells before heading to the ever secluded Caladesi Island where we took in the sun and incredible views. Our day ended with lunch at Pearlys Beach Eats in Dunedin!

More info here: Honeymoon Island State Park

Last but not least, we visited the Second Largest Oak Tree in the state of Florida; it's estimated to be between 300-500 years old and was first discovered in 1811. It is located at Lake Griffith State Park!

Until next time Florida! 🌴

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.