June saw a lot of businesses reopening after being closed due to Covid 19. While we did venture away from home, we tried to find activities with minimal contact with others to reduce any possible exposure to the virus.
~ SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Here in Florida we are in our season of daily afternoon thunderstorms, so this aquarium was the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. Although this is a smaller aquarium, it’s home to more than 5,000 sea creatures. I’ve been to a few aquariums and was surprised to still see some unique exhibits at Sea Life. There were special glass bubbles the kids could crawl into and stand up in to view the aquariums as if they were inside the tank, a shoeling fish ring room that almost looked animated, a color-changing jellyfish wall and the only 360 ocean view tunnel in Orlando. As stated above, this is a great indoor activity if you are looking to avoid crowds and Florida’s weather.
~Devil’s Den
I’ve wanted to go to this spring for so long! This location was first on my bucket list and I’m so glad Evan and I got to complete it together for his birthday. Devil's Den is one of the most prehistoric places in North America and is essentially a sinkhole that opened up to expose a spring. We had a blast snorkeling and observing the cavern-like structure, but I think the dancing rays of light under the water were my favorite part. If you plan to check it out, make sure to bring full snorkel and fin gear in order to gain access to the swimming area or rent them on site.
~ Mushroom Hunting
Since we have had so much rain lately, mushrooms were everywhere at Devil’s Den and Juniper Springs. Evan and I had a fun walk through the woods hunting for mushrooms and trying to get to Fern Hammock before the rain. I love when I find a new mushroom because I get to send it off to a Florida mushroom identification group on Facebook. I’m not sure why I have such a fascination with mushrooms. I just think they are so whimsical looking and fun to find. They aren’t super common all times of the year, so each one I come across feels like such a treasure.
~ Fern Hammock
We did make it to Fern Hammock and all the way back to our car before the skies opened up. Fern Hammock is one of my favorite spots in Florida because it’s just so peaceful and blue. It’s surprising, but I have never ran into anyone while out here.
~ King’s Landing
King’s Landing has been my location crush for a while. It was on my bucket list for 2020 after seeing so many photos of these gorgeous blue-green jungle waters. I can’t wait to go back with the drone. This is one kayak run you would not want to miss.
~The Drone
Evan decided we needed a drone and we did! He got the Mavic Mini and it’s a blast! We can’t wait to take it over some springs.
Now that June is coming to a close, Florida has become even more of a Covid hot-spot so we are back to laying low for a while. We will still make our best attempts to find a balance between protecting ourselves and others while enjoy nature. I hope you had a w0nderful June!