It’s manatee season in Florida again. What does that mean exactly? Well, I’m glad you asked. When the temperatures drop, the river and ocean waters cool down causing manatees to seek the warmer waters of the Florida Springs. A few years ago, I went swimming with manatees in Crystal River. I would love to do it again someday, but this time I opted for the dryer adventure, at least it was supposed to be. Weekend Adventures We don’t tend to…
Every weekend, my dad texts me and asks “What state park are you at today?” I usually get this text a few hours after it’s been sent because I am in fact in a state park where there is limited to no cell service, but that’s my favorite thing about the weekends, exploring natural Florida. I’m not usually one to sit still on the weekend, but after a few crazy weeks, I finally gave in and just relaxed. And in my…
The Everglades, a marshy wonderland unlike any other ecosystem in the world. There truly is only one Everglades. Here is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and home to a wide variety of species. It was designated a National Park in 1947 and efforts continue each and every day to save and protect this unique and wild landscape in South Florida. Pack up the sunscreen, binoculars, bug spray, and camera and let me take you on a journey…
Withlacoochee, try saying that three times fast, or even three times correctly. I couldn’t seem to manage that despite how memorable it was. What made this a memorable experience you ask? Well, it was almost my last*. I hope this blog post helps save lives. First, if you’re going to go off-roading in Florida, be sure you are in the appropriate off-roading vehicle. A Dodge Charger is not one of those. Second, if you are going to explore the unknown,…
It’s been a while since I’ve written about or even visited a state park. There is only one thing to blame for that: Florida summer. The heat and humidity can make it a little less desirable to hike through the marshy forest. Luckily DeSoto National Memorial is an excellent mix of history, nature, and beaches. This National Park on the west coast of Florida is believed to have been the landing spot of Hernando DeSoto and his crew in May…
Did you know there were caves in Florida? Cave diving is popular at many of the Florida springs, but Florida Caverns State Park is the only dry cave open to the public. Behind a heavy metal door awaits exploration into another world. How did these caves form? Millions of years ago, sea levels were much higher leaving a majority of the coastal areas underwater. Over the years, as sea levels fell, debris on the sea floor hardened into limestone which…
It’s a sinkhole, what more is there to say? But here are some pretty pictures… Actually, it is quite interesting. The sinkhole is believed to have formed more than ten thousand years ago and has become a valuable resource in providing researchers information on Florida’s natural history. As you descend 120 feet to the pond below, you will notice the scenery and temperature change. It begins to resemble more of a mountainscape rather than tropical Florida. Everything seems a little…
Heading due east from Orlando, we found ourselves entering Black Point Wildlife Drive, a 7-mile, one way maintained road designed for wildlife viewing from the comfort of your car. While I love our hikes through Florida, sometimes it is nice to see it all from a well air conditioned car, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach well into the 90’s. This area was originally designed as a mosquito control impoundment. Water levels could be managed for the…