Forgive me for being a lousy blogger this year, but I’ve been otherwise occupied. For many of us, 2020 has gotten off to a rocky start, but we’re not giving up our plans to have a full and exciting year of Sunshine State adventures. If you’re struggling, too, know that you’re not alone — together we will get through all this flotsam and jetsam and into the good stuff. For now, until I get back to my regular Monday/Wednesday posting schedule, I wanted to let you know what’s happening with us.
Beginning in February, My Exquisite Florida will be at the Thursday morning farmer’s market at the Lake County Fairgrounds. We’re excited to share our Florida-themed jellies and jams and have some really fun stuff for you to try (Stout Jelly, anyone?). Come check us out, and of course, we’d love to talk about your favorite outdoor adventures.
Earlier this month, on a quite cold morning, Steve and I went to Blue Springs to see the manatees. Great choice – all the cool manatees were there. We did not see the manatee that has the bicycle tire stuck on it, but the ranger said volunteers were trying to help it that day. The springhead was peaceful and misty, very mysterious and calming. The other manatee watchers were a cheerful, if chilly, bunch and we made new friends from Colorado, who had never seen a manatee before.
Also this month, on the full moon, I traveled to Crystal River to visit the Crystal River Archeological State Park . They host a regular event on the Friday night closest to the full moon during the winter months. This was a guided hike around two shell middens and two burial grounds. The interpretation was top-notch and if you are at all interested in Native American culture in prehistoric Florida, you should take this tour.
Next month, I will paddle Silver River from Silver Springs to Ray’s Wayside Park with a group of friends. Please join me in hoping for monkey sightings.
Later in the spring, Steve and I will be making two trips to the panhandle. Ever since my first trip over 34 years ago, I have wanted to return to St. Andrews State Park. This will be the year I finally do it. In May, we will join friends at Presnell’s Resort in Port St. Joe for a few days of companionship. Steve will be ready for this rest after busy season.
Steve just finished Chasing Midnight by Randy Wayne White, a well-known author of Florida mysteries. He has enjoyed Wright’s Doc Ford thrillers while he recovers from his adventures of this fall. The book speaks favorably of the Mote Marine Laboratories. This warms my heart because in my final Master Naturalist class, a Mote jellyfish expert was most generous with his time and expertise when my group sought guidance on our final project.
What adventures do you have planned for the upcoming Spring? Can we help you put something together for a fun day outdoors? We’ve been thinking of taking a run out to Clearwater Lake Recreation Area or even closer to home, Lake County Water Authority’s Trout Lake Nature Center.
Oh! Speaking of Trout Lake reminds me that recently attended the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Beautyberry Chapter of the Native Plant Society (at Trout Lake). While I was there, I got to try Pine Leaf Tea. There were several varieties to try, and my favorite was Long Leaf Pine. Now I have something new to try at home.
Whenever you can, get yourself outside and try something new in our beautiful state. It just never grows old. As you can tell, I’ll have a lot to talk about when I can finally settle and write — I’m looking forward to sharing with you our latest goings on in My Exquisite Florida.