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A road trip



florida redux



In the 80's Florida was an annual winter escape and Disney thing to do. For my birthday in 2016 it made sense to revisit the state and favorite places. Florida sits just a few feet above sea level for the most part. That low and flat profile reminds me of Manitoba although we have a good 750 feet above sea level. However we have winter, lots of winter and none of the wonders seen here.



captiva





A gulf island that totally captivated me in the 80's and repelled me on this trip. The density of the island has become too intense and the small cottages have been replaced by McCottages, as we say. Had to go to the Bubble Room for a birthday burger. The 8 layered cakes were gone.



henry morrison flagler museum





What if you lived in New York and then built the eastern railroad that went down to Florida and ultimately Key West. You build yourself a Beau Arts palace and then The Breakers for overflow company. Curious place as all the bedrooms line up, have a chaise, and door links to the bedroom next door, the inner servants hallway and finally out to the floor hallway. Lots of rambling opportunity.



You just glide over the manatee



Think hippo without the killer mouth and legs. The manatee are one of nature's curiosities , grass eating giants who just float . They will cluster in cold snaps as they crave warmth,



Just hanging out in the hammock



Crystal clear, 73 degree water running over fine sand all year long, warm in winter, cool in summer.



weeki wachee springs state park





The State Park gives way to a canaled subdivision on this pure, warm and clear stream. Kayaks, canoes and probably paddleboards now are as gentle as the manatee. All just a few hours from Orlando.



Evewwry trip to florida has to have a little disney



Disney
Downtown







Downtown is Disney's entertainment district incase you get bored with the Kingdoms or want to skip that cost for the cost of parking. The Boathouse is a restaurant with a boat museum attached. It's a niche thing.



The oldest city in the USA





Saint Augustine





Fort Matanzas National Monument



Not your usual shift.





The fort protected Saint Augustrine to the north and had cannon to repel invaders.



Since 1742 the fort was operated by a corps of true patriots who came in for three week stretches before returning to their home lives. The summer months would have been challenging indeed.



Busy Fort indeed





Over a million people were visiting annually since 2005 until the pandemic hit.