We abandoned ship in Key West and took to the sky. "Two if by sea," three if by air? Legends of sunken treasure and pirates brought us to the isolated outpost and the fort is now a national park. We circled the fort, landed in the water and beached the plane. Then we set out on foot to explore the fort before getting out fins wet diving the coral reef.
This squirrel was cute eating fruit and acorns on the rocks. There are so many acorns around for them to eat. Did you know Florida is the only state with no snow at this time? What you might not realize is the water temperatures are 50 degrees. Manatees and fish life have a hard time in these temperatures.
Temperatures warmed up yesterday to a high of 66 and felt glorious. Today 72 is expected. I've got a to do list and I'm going to enjoy every single minute of the warmth. This morning I did yoga and then walked my dog since she was anxious to get out and about. We stopped at Starbucks and I went inside while she waited outside and then we split a parfait.
This is the land of giant redwoods along the Russian River. Armstrong Woods is a gem to spend some time hiking and playing around.
The beauty of these 2500-year-old redwoods in the northern California is surreal. The fog on the coastline nurture their growth. It's amazing to think they survived earthquakes, hurricanes, mudslides, and everything else out here.
I enjoy a hike and this was not a difficult one by any means. On the way back up the hill it can be more tiresome. This picturesque trail lead me down a quarter mile path to Hamilton Pool; conveniently beginning at the parking lot.
Today we decided to visit this gem of Travis County for a couple of reasons; proximity, hunger, and famous BBQ.
Out in the middle of nowhere is a special place called Hamilton Pool. Before we dipped in the swimming hole, we decided it would be best to feed our faces. I heard there was a great BBQ place called The Salt Lick which is a must visit if you enjoy eating meat of the smoky rubbed kind. Texas BBQ is not only food, it's an event. The Salt Lick is a friendly establishment that sneaks up on a driver quickly if not keeping a look out for the sign.
Well I've had enough of the rain and I'm headed to drier ground. I think. Ah Texas, larger-than-life tales of honor, valor, betrayal, and romance. In my quest to be someplace where the sun is shining, Austin seems like a good idea this weekend. Austin appears to have more nature trails than you can shake a stick at. Then, when the sun sets and the bats fly the live music calls to my heart.
My weekends are spent out on the water; boating, swimming, and frolicking on the beach at sunset. The water is calm and warm, maybe too warm in August. Getting lost is not a waste of time. I never wear my watch and purposely loose track of my cell phone.
