“Turn off the computer, Lyn”, it whispers, “and go for a walk on the beach.” When I heed the advice, I return home tired physically, refreshed mentally, and nourished spiritually.

I love strolling leisurely on all of “my beaches” in east central Florida; and because I visit often, I am struck by how the beach scene changes. The tides, the weather, the season, the number of people, or even my own state of mind make each seascape and each experience unique.

Over the last several days, I walked on two very different beaches, separated not so much by distance, as by human use.

New Smyrna Beach takes pride in its beach, as well it should. Locals and tourists alike enjoy not only the sand and surf, but also the hospitality, activities, and accommodations of a beachside community that values its “charm.”

Twin Condos, New Smyrna Beach Florida

PSA area, Jet skies only!

I was pleased to share smiles and friendly greetings with others that were enjoying a day in the sun.

On this trip, I was amused to see a portion of the beach designated as a Personal Watercraft Area for launching jet skies without, I presume, needing to avoid bathers or surfers.

Several days later, I visited Apollo Beach in Canaveral National Seashore about 10 miles to the south of my first stop.

Agave plants in bloom, Apollo Beach

Certainly, structures are present. Some are remnants of early settlement, such as the Eldora House, now a museum. The National Park Service builds and maintains other structures, such as boat ramps or dune walkways, to help visitors enjoy the outdoor environment, from the Mosquito Lagoon estuary, (aptly-named, by the way) to the Atlantic shore.

“Leave only footprints” has a very special meaning here.

How fortunate I am! I can tailor my beach experience to my mood: festive and sociable, reclusive and contemplative, or somewhere in-between.

Apollo Beach, Canaveral National Seashore

“She who loves the beach” will always be…Lyn

Mr. Duck

Just imagine the vivid scene as Boy Scouts with paddle boards pushed and guided hundreds of bright yellow duckies toward the finish line at the end of a canal, cheered on by the spectators. I wondered (out loud, I fear) if the Scouts were on their way to earning a coveted duck badge.

I missed much of the bull riding but did catch the “tail end “of that, plus the antics of the Rodeo Clown who cracked the usual one-liners, tumbled around the ring, and led youngsters in a crazy dance contest. And, I took lots and lots of pictures of the whirling rides.

The Powersurge ride!

On May 16, I could not resist attending the First Annual Potato Festival in Bunnell, Florida. Although on a smaller scale than the midway and festival in Titusville, friendly locals and hospitality won my heart.

A friend and I arrived early in Bunnell and decided to tour the Holden House Museum before the Festival activities were in full swing. The museum docent graciously spent much time with us, providing not only a full narrated tour of the House and local history, but also took us through the adjoining Museum Annex.

Holden House Resident

At noon, my friend and I wandered into the potato / beef recipe cook off. Both of us hoped to sample the food, for a fee, of course. Imagine our surprise when the event organizers implored us to sample for free and to vote for our favorite in the People’s Choice award. Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? The portions were ample, the cooks charming, and the food wonderful. We were stuffed.

I went home with a bag of locally grown potatoes and big smile on my face.

Festival Favorite

However, my inner child is loudly chanting “liar, liar, pants on fire” in my head. So to quiet her down, I need to admit that they were fun when I was a kid, and they are still a blast.

Happy summer! Lyn