It’s official – I made a 2020 Bucket list! I have an Excel spreadsheet organized by city of places to visit, but I decided to make a list of my top ten adventures I wanted to have in these next 10 months of 2020. I thought I would share it here to not only hold myself accountable, but also to possibly inspire you to check out these incredible places too!
1. Devil’s Den - completed June 2020
Photo credit: Vaney_moon
One of North America's most prehistoric places, Devil’s Den is an underground spring inside a dry cave. It’s clear to see why it is such a popular snorkel and dive spot. Plus, the drone shots from where the ground has caved in and exposed the spring from above are legendary!
2. Swim with a Manatee - completed March 2020. Read about it here!
Photo credit: z_cook10d
I have yet to do this, but I love these mermaids and getting to experience their magic up close and personal is high on my bucket list. I dream of capturing a photo like this. - I did this in March 2020!
3. Paddle board at Ginnie Springs/Devil’s Eye - swam over Devils Eye in March 2020
Photo credit: katjamons
Ginnie Springs is one of the most beautiful springs I’ve visited both above and below the water. There are several incredible spots here, but devil’s eye/ear always takes my breathe away and I really want a photo floating or paddle boarding directly above it. I haven’t tried paddle boarding yet, but this looks like a fun place to test it out.
4. Kayak King’s Landing /Emerald Cut - completed June 2020. Read about it here!
Photo credit: nomadic_movement
Photos of King’s Landing and Emerald Cut have me experiencing serious FOMO every time I see them. This paddle run looks like a different country and the drone shots here are beautiful.
5. Spring hop around the the Santa Fe River
Photo credit: High_on_hypoxia by Naturekristin
Doug always seems to be enjoying himself in some of the lesser-known spots around Florida, creating some of my favorite quirky photos. He is also an Airbnb experience host in case you are also interested in snorkeling Florida’s hidden springs.
6. Everglades National Park
Photo credit: adventuresofaplusk
Since this is so up my alley, it may be surprising that I haven’t visited any part of the everglades yet. The air boat rides and gators have been calling my name loud and clear since my son visited last summer.
7. Florida Caverns State Park - completed November 2020. Read about it here!
Photo credit: pbates_gallery
This state park had been closed due to damage sustained after a recent hurricane so I’m excited to see most of it reopening because – um, rainbow caves.
8. Falling Waters State Park -completed November 2020. Read about it here!
Photo credit: dwhike
This state park is home to a 100-foot deep sink and Florida’s largest waterfall. There are also some hiking trails and a butterfly garden. Enough said.
9. Oregon Tide Pool Adventure
Photo credit: girlinwaterphotography
Oregon is on the west coast, which I haven’t visited. The nature scene here looks so completely different from Florida’s east coast beaches and palm trees. The tide pools filled with starfish and anemones along with the lush forests and adorable amanitas (mushrooms!) are beautifully captured by Jamie. She is the most darling person EVER and she is hosting two photography retreats this year. I wont be attending those, but I will be making it out to Yachats in August.
10. Wildlife & Water ~ Completed April 2021. Read about it here!
Photo credit: gatorboys_chris
I saved this one for last as I think it might be the hardest to accomplish, but I want to swim with the sharks, stingrays, alligators or pigs. I’m thinking somewhere in the Bahamas or with Chris. I need to practice my free diving a bit before I embark on this one, but it’s on my list.
And that concludes my bucket list for 2020! Thank you again to everyone who allowed me to use their photos. Each one is absolutely beautiful. Have you explored any of these locations? What’s on your bucket list for 2020?