Welcome to the spring edition of the Tales of the Traveling Tote. Spring is alwlays full of surprises, and we are starting to enjoy beautiful blooms. A dear friend rented an Airbnb for the winter in Weeki
Wachee, Florida and invited us gals to visit. I packed Miss Aurora "my tote" with mermaid bags for my dear friends, and off I went to do some kayaking on the crystal
clear rivers. The water temperature is 72 degrees year round on the rivers. We
were able to get tickets for the mermaid show in Weeki Wachee, and I met my
first Manatee on the Weeki Watchee River. They are amazing gentle Giants, and
they swam on the side of my kayak all three days. The spring was named "Weeki Wachee" by Seminole
Indians, which means "Little Spring" or "Winding River" in
their language. The mermaid attraction was created in the late 40’s. Hollywood has occasionally used the attraction and its mermaids in the
filming of movies, and currently the park is owned by the Florida DEC.
The park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
One evening we headed to Pine Island beach which is five miles from the Airbnb in Weeki Wachee. We enjoyed a charcuterie board on the beach and watched the sun go down.
We kayaked daily to see the manatees. The word "gator" never came up LOL. The water temperature is 72 degrees year round. 
Each evening we spent some time on the dock of the Airbnb watching (and putting on a show) for the manatees.These floating pads are great and are comfortable to sit on. On our way to the airport, we enjoyed some time at Sunken Gardens. I am on the walkway where the brides walk when they get married at the garden.
Our tote group is offering a Champagne and Cake scented Golden Hour disc to one lucky winner. Leave a comment with Sarah @ Hyacinths for the Soul for a chance to win. Miss Aurora and I thank you for your time and interest reading about our adventures.
For Mother's Day, we went to Sycamore Hill Gardens for their lovely fundraiser. It's a tradition to attend with family members and friends. Joe grilled chicken kebabs after the event, and I made a lemon dessert. Now for the giveaway..........
Hope everyone has a great summer! I'm taking the summer off from blogging, and will return on September 1. In the meantime, here's a favorite summer beverage of mine. It's even wonderful without the rum.
PIÑA COLADA
1 pound (about 3 cups) frozen pineapple chunks
3 ounces (1/3 cup) white rum
2/3 cup coconut milk
optional garnishes: fresh pineapple slices, maraschino
cherries, cute paper umbrellas
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine all ingredients together in a blender, and puree
until smooth. If the mixture is too
thick, feel free to add in extra water or coconut milk to help it blend.
Serve immediately, topped with your desired garnishes.
Oh, Deb, I love that you got to kayak with the manatees! They are so huge, I guess it's a very good thing that they're gentle giants! The spring's water looks so pretty. Your friends look like they're a LOT of fun. I've never been to that part of Florida, but now I want to go! Cute photo of you posing as a mermaid. Do they have a mermaid show there?
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun getaway! The water is so clear and such a beautiful color! My daughter has a floating pad and they take it out on the lake when they go boating - we have so much fun on it! Your cocktail looks delish! Enjoy your summer.
ReplyDeleteYou look terrific as a mermaid! Debbie I loved reading about your trip with your girlfriends. The kayak with the manatees looks like an amazing experience. Looks like a special time with friends. Makes me want a trip to Florida!
ReplyDeleteSarah Anderson
ReplyDeleteDebbie, you look terrific as a mermaid! Love seeing your trip with girlfriends. The kayak with the manatees would be exciting. I bet there were lots of laughs. Your trip makes me think I should plan a trip to Florida!
ReplyDeleteYou had a ball..those clear waters are so lovely!Manatees:) Often seen where we have gone for 100 yrs lol:) Have a fun summer!
ReplyDeleteYou make a beautiful mermaid Deb!! What a fun girls trip! I'd never heard of Weeki Watchee Fl until you blogged about it, it is a beautiful place! kayaking on that beautiful water with manatees looks amazing! Your Mother's Day sounds lovely, and cheers to Summer and Pina Colada season!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Debbie, love your mermaid look and how special you got one for your friends. A lovely trip to get away with the girls. Beautiful kayaking and scenery. The manatees sound wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI am on board with your pina colada cocktail. Cheers to a wonderful summer.
Oh Deb, how much fun can one person have! I love your trip with the girls to enjoy kayaking with the manatees! You are an adorable mermaid and I love all the fun activities you enjoyed. Fun in the sun is always special but this was an amazingly fun time. Cheers to summertime!
ReplyDeleteDebbie- Such a great trip, especially with the manatees! So happy I read to the end and spotted the Pina Colada! It looks fabulous in the M-C glass butterfly tumbler! Enjoy your summer! Sue
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip you had with your dear friends, Debbie. It’s so amazing how crystal clear the water is. Your pina colada looks so refreshing. Enjoy your summer off from blogging. ❤️
ReplyDeleteDebbie, I loved reading about your trip to Weeki Wachee. Though I've never been there, I've had several friends who go there, and have gone since back in the early 70s.Going with friends had to be such a fun time, the photos certainly show it. Thanks for the drink recipe, nothing better than a good pina colada in summertime. Enjoy your time off, going to camp, I'm sure, and enjoying the CSA weekly take while home.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your trip! Would love to know the airbnb details if you have them.
ReplyDeleteWe saw our first manatee (in the wild) while kayaking down that same river!
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy, fun post, Debbie! You and your friends certainly know how to have fun! Love the mermaid costume!
ReplyDelete