‘Dougfest’ 2020 ~

I still laugh every time I see this name. ‘Dougfest’ was simply a group of people coming together to camp and explore the springs. The get-together was named after Doug, since he was basically the organizer, tour guide and host. It was an epic weekend all around. I slept in the hammock all night under the stars, watched people walk a tight rope, explored a private hidden cave and swam over devil’s eye at Ginnie Springs. It was exactly my type of event.

Manatee Tour and Swim~

I had been thinking how I was going to find a manatee before it got too warm and my opportunities to cross paths with a mermaid were diminished for 2020. I decided a guided tour would be my best option and I booked the soonest one. Swimming with the manatees exactly the was an amazing experience I thought it would be. The manatees are like big puppies and they would swim right up to me and roll over for belly rubs. Since water and visibility is not super clear in King’s Bay, the manatees would almost suddenly appear directly underneath me and I would float above them in awe. I must add, they have a very interesting texture I was not expecting. The tour guide described them as wet elephants! In this area, you are allowed to be up close to the manatees and it was obvious they loved the attention and interaction as much as us humans.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens ~

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is a 20 acre botanical garden that has been in continuous creation for over 27 years. It’s set up quite interestingly as it was formed from an abandoned 110-year-old limestone quarry. The multiple walkways wrap around several levels with a lake sitting at the bottom. The paths lead to themed gardens, koi ponds and several cascading waterfalls. Around each corner, you will find yet another breathtaking view or photo opportunity. I saw so many different types of flowers, many I had never seen before. My favorites are the azalea bushes and orchids of what felt like every color and variety. The garden is truly wonderland and I will let the photos speak for themselves.  I highly recommend you pack a light lunch and spend an afternoon roaming the trails at Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens.

Loquat Picking ~

I only discovered loquats within the last month. This fruit is delicious! I’m not sure how to describe it, but it reminds me of a cross between a peach or apricot and an orange with several large seeds in the middle. I happened to find a local tree on my friend's property and have been harvesting loquats every few days with ZERO shame. There is something about picking fruit right off the tree and eating it that I absolutely love and find to be one of the simplest enjoyable pleasures of life.

Marco’s First Night Sleeping in a Hammock ~

Now this is not the best photo ever, however he looked so cute upside down in the hammock. Marco incorrectly refereed to the hammock as a’ hamrick’ or a ‘shamrock’ and it was hilarious. He thought playing and sleeping in the hammock was his favorite part of his weekend. I was pleasantly surprised he stayed there all night with no issues.   

Social Quarantine Weekends ~

Unfortunately, as March came to an end, the Corona virus begun to make its way to nearly every city in the world. We had been advised that social distancing was the best way to protect everyone. Almost everything closed until further notice so there was not much to do outside of our home, nor did we want to take the risk of catching and spreading this harmful virus. Instead, we stayed in.

I hope you had a wonderful month despite Covid-19!