1.) It affirms my very wise decision to never live too far away from the equator when everyone gets off the plane holding winter jackets and compliments my tan. Note: you won’t need your winter coat down here, but you WILL need sunscreen!
2.) As we sail down the straightest, flattest trail under canopies of Spanish Moss, I love hearing the very creative varietals of pronouncing Withlacoochee (the name of one of the longest paved trails in Florida, among other things). Just be bold! If you say it with gusto, everyone else will think you know what you’re saying! And the guides won’t correct you (unless you ask).
3.) How many people can say they swam with a manatee!?! Hugging a manatee = hugging a big, wet, non-stinky puppy that doesn’t bite and just wants a little love. Swimming with the dolphins is so 90s… but waving to them from the trail (which we also do on this trip) is kinda cool!
4.) If you notice I am particularly in a hurry skating down the famous Pinellas trail, it is because I know the old Greek sponging town of Tarpon Springs is my destination and the best Greek food I can find anywhere awaits me!
5.) The sunsets over the ocean on the west coast of Florida are not possible to explain with words… and one of them kicks off our epic scavenger hunt through my favorite little town in Florida: Dunedin! It’s the only place in FL I can walk to a micro-brewery, dance in a drum circle, taste Florida wines, and end up playing BINGO with Drag Queens!
PS: It tickles my soul to know every year I get to spend a whole week with Gary, my trusty Florida co-guide and partner in crime!
Take a break from Winter! Watch a short video of guides Desiree and Gary, who invite you to join them on our March 23 – 27, 2014 Florida Gulf Coast Skating Adventure.