Florida, the Beautiful: Nature's Paradise in our Backyard

When I was a child, I dreamed of jungles, safaris, and having Jane Goodall as my mentor. PBS and Discovery Channel nature documentaries captivated me. I soaked them up like wild Tarpon Springs sponges. I was in love with nature. There wasn't an afternoon spent that wasn't surrounded by trees, the whimsy of wind, and exploring tidal creeks with best friends or canine adventure companions. My bicycle and a shoreline were all I needed.

Today, not much has changed. Though I went through a prolonged denial that my backyard was in fact paradise, the beauty that is natural Florida is glorious. Bountiful is its ease and grace to meet you just where you are in life. Plentiful are its shores, as they have been for eons, otherwise the original native occupants would not have settled here for so long before the common world caught up. These treasures ARE the fountain of youth and memories of the young at heart.

I'm grateful to know Florida in this way, but it occurred to me not many others do. So, why not take you with me. Join me as I explore and share my favorite hidden gems in Florida, the beautiful.