When you’re in remote and wild areas, the right equipment can be the difference between a day of jubilant discovery and miserable slogging with wet feet and welts from biting insects. I was exposed to two new pieces of gear on this trip and I want to quickly mention them. Neither is necessary on every outing, and yet they could really save the day under the right conditions.
Continue reading “New Equipment”Nearly Contactless Travel
During this time of COVID-19, Steve and I have been very careful. We wear masks when we leave the house, we require his business clients to wear masks when they come in the house, we shop only when necessary and have been very much at home since mid March. So, I am still kind of surprised that I recently decided to travel to north Florida . . . but I’m not going to feel guilty about it.
Continue reading “Nearly Contactless Travel”Pancake TV with Pam and Valerie
In addition to spending as much time as humanly possible outdoors, I also love to cook. One of my favorite things to cook is pancakes, and on the second Saturday of the month you will generally find me at the East Lake County Chamber of Commerce cooking up pancakes and sausage for the community breakfast. Of course, this has changed now that we are social distancing. Serving pancakes to my friends and neighbors has become a bit more difficult — BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE!
Continue reading “Pancake TV with Pam and Valerie”What’s the difference between State Parks and State Forests?
I recently mentioned on Facebook that I was in the Seminole State Forest, and a friend responded that they thought State Parks were closed due to the COVID-19 restrictions. She was absolutely correct: State Parks are closed — BUT the State Forest is still open.
It got me thinking, what is the difference between State Parks and State Forests? This answer will only apply to Florida, so if you’re in another state things might be a bit different. If that’s the case, please comment! I’d love to know how things work in other states. After all, we love Florida but it’s not like we never cross the state line!
Continue reading “What’s the difference between State Parks and State Forests?”Happy Birthday to My Exquisite Florida
Super short post today, but it occurred to me last night that just a year ago, My Exquisite Florida officially kicked off this blog. It has been a fun year, and I’m still learning the ins and outs of blogging — I’ve got a long way to go to get where I want to be, but isn’t that kind of the way life is supposed to be?
Thank you for sharing this year with me, and thanks for being on board for the upcoming adventures. Don’t let COVID-19 keep you from getting outdoors. Even with social distancing, you can still hike with a friend or find a peaceful place to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. The chance to do those things may be one of the silver linings to the dark cloud that is pandemic.
Looking forward to meeting you to play outside!
WWW – 04/03/2020
Just checking in
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.
Continue reading “Just checking in”WWW- 11.27.2019
Much for which I’m thankful
For the past six or seven years, our Thanksgiving tradition has been to take a picnic and head for the Ocala National Forest. Whether it’s Wildcat Lake or another forest site, we’ve enjoyed a lot of good food together on Thanksgiving Day.
This year, we’ll be eating at home, and we won’t be kayaking or hiking before or after our dinner. Instead, we will be very intentionally thankful for the fact that we can celebrate together.
Continue reading “Much for which I’m thankful”Florida Master Naturalist Program
The older I get, and that is happening with terrifying speed, the more I realize that my chosen state, my own exquisite Florida, is not the same today as it was yesterday. And tomorrow will not be the same as today. There are few wayside parks where travelers can stop for a picnic and a lovely stretch before continuing on their journey, natural places are disappearing, our beautiful springs are in peril, and it’s because we’re losing our appreciation of our natural history and the natural beauty of our state. So, working as an individual, I really want to promote an awareness and appreciation for these things. Becoming a Master Naturalist has given me great tools to use in this effort.
Continue reading “Florida Master Naturalist Program”