Feeling Reflective

“What you think you become, what you feel you attract, what you imagine you create.” –Buddha

As we start to explore new opportunities on the east coast it’s hard not to reflect on the most amazing adventure that we embarked on the last year. We experienced some of the most exciting, challenging and developing encounters that one might pursue. The changing environments week after week could be stressful for some but it became a way of life for us that was intoxicating. From hiking the slick rock and slot canyons in Utah to having morning coffee with seals in Malibu to feeling the vulnerability of sleeping in a tent in bear country our journey in its entirety was the destination.

Our road tripping treks are getting further apart these days but we had the opportunity to take another loop down through Florida. To check Biscayne National Park off our list but also to explore some other really amazing places. Our first layover was in Wilmington, NC visiting with family and enjoying Big Benny’s Pizzeria and the culinary fare of Uncle Tom!

This trek did not include the trailer so we were back in our Kelty Tent and we set up camp in Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, FL. Our site felt jungle like with oversized plants, Spanish moss dripping from the trees and of course lizards scurrying through the fallen leaves. Anastasia State Park is historically a coquina quarry and is the home of 4 miles of pristine beach on a peninsula. After morning coffee and beach combing we made breakfast and hit the road again to Miami. We stopped in St Augustine to break up the drive but definitely know that we want to come back and explore more.

In Miami we stayed in the tent sites at Penny and Larry Thompson Campground. Maybe the only campground in Miami Dade County, its proximity to the National Park was its only redeeming quality. We booked a sailing tour with the Biscayne Institute. The park is made up of emerald islands, coral reefs and pristine waters; it’s recommended to visit by boat. Our sailing captain, Judy, 31, took us out for the the day with 4 other visitors. We helped sail the boat, steering, tacking, lifting and dropping sails. The morning was cloudy and rainy but the 45 foot Morgan held steady as we crossed Biscayne Bay to reach Boca Chita Key. Once owned by Mark Honeywell, known to host extravagant parties in the 1930s on the island, firing a cannon with every guest arriving by boat. As soon as we docked the we entered the ornamental coquina lighthouse climbing 53 steps to views of the aquamarine waters teeming with wildlife. We saw many bird species, a manatee and some stingrays. We eventually made our way to the other side of the island for snorkeling and paddle boarding. There were tropical fish darting about in the shallow waters, Portuguese Man O Wars beached on the sand and sea turtles swimming around the pylons. The whole environment felt like a postcard. Our day on Boca Chita was unforgettable and then we made the long sail back to the mainland learning more about sailing and even taking the helm! Our evening back at the campground was less than desirable but we always make do!

We then made it to the beautiful gulf side of Florida to visit with Brennan’s Grandparents who snowbird in Englewood. The beaches here are perfect for relaxing and beach-combing, known for finding shark’s teeth. While visiting we enjoyed daily yoga on the beach hosted by Loving Light. We took a day to visit Boca Grande and traveled the island by golf cart stopping at the lighthouses, a local museum, large banyan trees and a lovely restaurant called South Beach. Englewood is a great place to get a little sunburnt and relax by the water.

Our last stop was to visit with our close friends, Kevin and Erin in Land O’Lakes outside the Tampa area. They took us to explore Tarpon Springs. We started at Fred Howard Park to hang out on the beach for a bit. We saw dolphins feeding in the water as soon as we drove in. We walked around the historic sponge docks for some window shopping and an amazing meal at Rusty Bellies. This restaurant is so incredible. They own their own fishing boats and all the seafood is caught fresh and local; and the meal starts with a brown paper bag full of hush puppies which is always welcome. The following day we went to Jay Starkey Wilderness Park to explore the trails that wander through a hammock forest and is filled with large gopher tortoise. That evening we stayed with close family friends, The Kowalski’s which I have not seen in over 3 years. It was great to catch up.

The following morning we drove up the coast to head back north. We love Florida, catching all the sunshine and wildlife there is always energizing and seeing family and friends is always refreshing.

We are blessed! Thanks for reading!

#florida #nationalparks #biscayne #bocachitakey #travel #gooutside #camping #hiking #sailing