Wakodahatchee & Green Cay Wetlands

 

Two Sisters in Long Beach

Finned Ones

  Our days in Long Beach were short but our adventures were grand. The girls, Cousin Jesse and I ventured out to the Aquarium and on a whale watching tour. It was my hopes that the girls could catch a glimpse of some of our finned friends, now that they are old enough to hold the memories (they barely recall our dolphin tour on Sanibel). We were very fortunate that we not only saw whales but we saw dozens of dolphin  (two species) that graced us as they swam in pods, doing their enchanting dances.

And those elusive whales, so massive but gentle, it was an honor to be so close. Havana who was skittish at first about getting to close to the rail, became brave at the first sightings. Soon she and her big sister were all ohs and ahhs as they made memories that will last.

El Dorado Nature Center

Spring Break. A week in early Spring, when families usually spend time together while kids are out of school. In our family, since we usually go away in February, our Spring Break has meant me finding friends for the girls to hang out with while Don and I go to work. This year was some of the same with a twist in the middle of the week. With my impending career change, I decided to take off so the girls and I could have our own getaway.

My seasoned traveling partners and I flew down to Long Beach for a few days to visit with Cousin Jesse and to see some new places. On our first day, thanks to Google, I found a sweet nature preserve in the heart of the concrete jungle.

There is nothing like time in nature to regroup and recharge. On our short hike we came upon some wildflower, wildlife and soft ground for which to reconnect with the earth.

We may have been away on Spring Break but it felt more like a break from the grind and what a treat that was.