101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #26

The gopher tortoise is currently a threatened species. Therefore, it was a treat to find one happily scavenging for leaves and grass when Terri and I were walking through Key Vista park the other day. He (she?) stopped, posed for a couple of pictures, then went back to gnawing on whatever plants had the misfortune of growing in his path. In fact, as he grazed, he wandered closer and closer to my feet. Very shortly after this last photo, I backed up several feet to avoid losing any appendages.

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #25

Anyone who knows me is aware that I'm not a fan of arthropods. The fact that I'm featuring them on my blog should tell you something about how cute these little guys are compared to other creatures of the same phylum.

Walk up to any unpopulated beach area around here, and you'll see dozens of tiny, previously unnoticed critters go scattering in all directions and then disappear into the sand. When you get closer, you'll see tiny holes everywhere. If you stand extremely still and be quiet, the fiddler crabs will slowly begin to emerge from their hiding spots. Make one move, and they will vanish again. It's free entertainment!

101 Reasons Why I Love Florida: Reason #24

I'm not a huge theme park person. I mean, they're OK, assuming the weather is perfect and the crowds are small, but that's an extremely rare occurrence. I'm also not a huge Disney fan. However, I must admit that the Disney people really know how to create an experience. The prices are far from cheap, but they do make sure you get your money's worth. And no one can walk away from Disney World without a few lasting memories.

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.

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.

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.

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.