Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park…what a find!!  The park is only 13 miles south of Gainesville and 29 miles north of Ocala.  It was a perfect getaway for me and my dog Annie in between horse shows at the World Equestrian Center.

I typically don’t visit state parks because unlike National Forests, dogs have to be on a leash and there is an entrance fee.  At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the fee was only $4.  I couldn’t believe it!  I am so glad I visited this 22,000 acre wilderness over two days.

HAPPY HIKING!
ringling circus museum

The Ringling Circus Museum

As a kid, I loved the circus.  While I have a few fond memories of sitting in the nosebleed section, eating cotton candy, and seeing all the performers, I also remember being disappointed that we stopped going.  Maybe that is why once I learned of the Ringling Circus Museum, located in Sarasota, I was set on visiting.

Sarasota is only a few hours from Ocala where I am spending a few months horse showing at the World Equestrian Center.  I took a two-day break to explore Sarasota with visiting the Ringling Circus Museum being the main draw.

STEP RIGHT UP!
moody leading lines of mountain lake and trees landscape photography

The Ultimate Guide to Capturing Stunning Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is a timeless art that allows us to capture the beauty of the natural world and share it with others. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding amateur, mastering the techniques of landscape photography can significantly enhance your creative portfolio. This ultimate guide will provide you with essential tips and tricks to ensure your landscape photographs are nothing short of stunning.

HAPPY SHOOTING!
sandhill crane closeup

The Celery Fields

During an overnight visit to Sarasota, I was looking for a nearby, natural setting to walk my dog, since most beaches in Florida are not dog friendly.  Google Maps showed a place called Celery Fields Park a short drive away.

It seemed like an odd name for a park, so I decided to check it out.  I’m not sure why it piqued my interest so much, as I can’t stand the taste of celery. Just hearing the word gives me shivers!

EXPLORE!
cross florida greenway trail

Cross Florida Greenway: Land Bridge Trail

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway is a 110-mile linear park which spans from the Gulf of Mexico to St John’s River.  It’s 70,000 acres features 300 miles of trails for paddling, biking, hiking, horseback riding and multi-use activities. 

HAPPY HIKING!
scuba diving in indonesia

SCUBA Diving in Indonesia

I recently returned from SCUBA diving in Indonesia on the Mermaid II liveaboard.  The 7-day itinerary was Bali-Komodo-Bali, and we dove six of those days, with the rest being transit.

The Mermaid II spends most of its time in Bali, Komodo, and Raja Ampat with a few weeks in Lembeh, Alor, and the Banda Sea.  The SCUBA diving in these areas is superb! The marine life and biodiversity are like none other.  Mantas swoop overhead while rare nudibranchs, frogfish, pipefish, and pygmy seahorses hide in the colorful corals.

DIVE IN!
Komodo dragon

Komodo Island’s Komodo Dragons

After three days in Singapore and three days in Bali, we finally boarded our dive boat to explore the waters of Indonesia on the way to Komodo Island and back.  I’m embarrassed to admit that on our 7 day dive-centric trip, I was most excited about potentially seeing a Komodo dragon!  That statement probably sounds like blasphemy to my fellow SCUBA divers, but I had never seen one of these endangered creatures.

The Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world, may only be found in the wild in Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The park is comprised of three large islands in Indonesia’s Lesser Sundra Archipelago: Komodo, Padar, and Rinca, as well as many smaller ones. 

GO KOMODO!
Ubud

Ubud: Bali’s Cultural Center

If you are picturing relaxing, sandy beaches for your next island vacation, Ubud is not it!  Instead, Ubud is the cultural center of Bali with mopeds zipping in every direction.  If you are interested in arts, markets, cafes, temples, and a few scattered rice fields and waterfalls, then you have come to the right place while visiting Bali.

EXPLORE!

Singapore: Three Day Itinerary

Singapore is an island and city state in Maritime Southeast Asia. Ruled by England, Japan, and Malaysia before becoming an independent country in 1965, Singapore features a diverse culture.  It boasts a population of nearly 6,000,000, with 43% being foreign born.

EXPLORE!

Getting Back to Nature in Maryland

Maryland has a bunch of fantastic towns and cities to visit, but one thing that’s not always celebrated about this state is its nature! Even the fully paid-up members of the city slicker club will struggle to resist the charms of Maryland’s natural beauty. There’s birdwatching, hiking, boating, exploring, and a little bit of eating thrown in for good measure. So, if you’re in the mood to get some of that fresh air in your lungs then look no further.

EXPLORE!