Wednesday, July 27, 2011

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #23


Many years ago I stood on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico in Port Richey and noticed several houses on stilts out in the distance. I was fascinated at the idea that someone would build a house in the gulf, and I immediately wanted one. Still do, actually.

Turns out I can't have one. They cannot be sold, only passed down within a family. New ones cannot be built. And if existing stilt houses are ever destroyed, there are rules as to how much of the original structure must still be standing in order for rebuilding to occur. Luckily for me, my husband's family is friends with one of the owners, and they sometimes let us visit theirs when it's not in use.

It's all the fun of the beach with none of the sand. And with my impossibly fair skin, I greatly appreciate being able to hang out in the shade without having to leave the party.

Monday, July 25, 2011

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #22




I have always thought that Indian mounds were pretty amazing things. I never got the chance to see the Cahokia mounds near St. Louis when I was living there. Then I moved here and was surprised to find an Indian mound tucked neatly between two homes right next to the Pithlachascotee River. The mound sits peacefully beneath a canopy of live oak trees, and the stone staircase that ascends one side simply begs to be climbed (though the signs strictly forbid the activity). I pass the mound frequently, and no matter how many times I read the warnings, I still find myself longing to perch myself at the top. Alas, I begrudgingly refrain.

Friday, July 22, 2011

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #21


Florida is the land of candy-colored houses! This one is particularly festive. I am very tempted to build myself a house just so I can paint it crazy colors.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #20



There is something about the way Spanish moss cascades over tree branches that is very peaceful. I've heard people complain about it before, but I find it to be beautiful and calming. It is also especially creepy on Halloween night, so I consider that an added bonus. 

Saturday, July 16, 2011

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #18


About a year ago, I got to drive through the heart of the Everglades National Forest with my sister. I had been through the Everglades once before, but this time we took the long way so we could see more of the forest. We were hoping to see lots of wildlife, but we saw very little. Other than an alligator carcass and some buzzards, all we really saw were a whoooooole lot of bugs. Big bugs. Bugs that see cars coming and attack instead of fleeing. "Oh my God, did you see the size of that frog - no, wait, why does that frog have six legs" kind of bugs.

Yeah... not my favorite part of the trip.

However, I have to admit that the forest was breathtakingly beautiful. There are swamps, thick forests, and vast expanses of grassland dotted with random trees. Parts of it resembled the Serengeti. If only we had found a Florida panther! Perhaps next time.

I'm sure I'll visit the Everglades again (when I win the lottery, I'll pass through it on my way to my palatial estate in Key West).