Early Voting
I voted today. There was no wait and it took me all of 20 minutes, tops, to sign in, cast ballot and get my “I voted” sticker. Early voting is the bomb!
Cross Seminole Trail – A Relaxing Ride
David: Whereas some like my brother and his mountain biking friends prefer to be out bashing and thrashing through the mud and trees of a mountain bike course, my taste runs to a nice smooth trail pedaling at a sane pace and soaking in the sights. The section of the Cross-Seminole Trail from downtown Oviedo to Layer Elementary in Winter Springs is a favorite of mine with bridges, creeks, parks, wildflowers, wildlife and easy access.
Gemini Springs Park – Debary, FL
Jodi: Gemini Springs is home to two of Central Florida’s many natural springs where the water is 72 degrees year round. A bit on the chilly side for this native New Yorker…I mean long-time Florida resident. When I was a kid 72 degrees was the magic number for pool water. By that I mean that’s when Mom had finally heard enough begging and let us get in for the first swim of the season up north. Today, I’ll admit, my system prefers 80 degrees.
David: Jodi and I both come from western New York State. Learning to swim in the Finger Lakes meant that moms became very astute at observing their children for certain signs like turning blue and uncontrollable shivering! That was time to get out and warm up no matter how much we begged to stay in…kids.
Anyway, I first came to know of this park and springs through patronage of the Lake Monroe Park a short distance away. I like to launch my boat from Lake Monroe Park (which was also the starting place for our earlier St. Johns River boating adventure). I found out that there is a trail leading from Lake Monroe Park to Gemini Springs Park. One thing lead to another and there we were!
Geneva Wilderness Area – Seminole County
David: Jodi and I decided to visit a site fairly close to our homes in Seminole County. As a former public land manager and long time Seminole County resident , I was interested in seeing what our own county had to offer. So, we made plans to visit the Geneva Wilderness Area. I had driven past this property on many occasions. I’m a bit ashamed to say that I was always going somewhere else and had given little thought to actually paying a visit. That would soon change.
My Backyard…and a little out front
Remember when we said, way back at the beginning, that you may not have to venture farther than your own Central Florida back yard to experience “nature”. Well, here are some species of plants and animals I found inhabiting my own backyard that you may have seen or could be seeing.
Right place…right time?
Jodi: Sometimes you’re just in the right place at the right time. Sometimes you just sense something is about to happen though you’re not sure exactly what. David and I were in the car one morning when I asked him to stop and turn around. I think he’s now accustomed to my immediate requests so, he no longer even questions why. He just did it.
David: Fortunately we were on a back road so I was able to comply. My own curiosity was piqued and I wanted to see what Jodi was seeing.
Hike Central Florida and Beyond 
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