Fort De Soto

2 Chicas Fortify the Camp

At the far end of St. Petersburg, FL is Fort De Soto Park, often ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States by Dr. Beach! 2 Chicas don’t know Dr. Beach, but we have been coming to Ft. De Soto for quite some time and agree with his assessment.

Pristine water, beautiful views of the bay and the gulf as well as incredible panorama of the Skyway Bridge make this the place to come decompress. The fact that it isn’t real crowded is an added benefit.

Fort  De Soto is also a prime area to fish, sun, bike, kayak, swim, birdwatch, hike, explore an old fort, and camp.  This chain of five interconnected islands has parks, beach areas, two fishing piers, and a ferry to Egmont Key. 2 Chicas decided to stay close to the action and set up camp for a few days worth of adventures! There are no hotels or other accommodations here, but St. Petersburg Beach and Pass a Grille Beach are quite close nearby if camping is not for you.

Chica 2 has become quite the camp designer and set up expert. She had the tent pitched in just a few minutes and this is no small abode.

She waterproofed it a few days before and also checked the seams to secure our temporary home from traditional late summer storms. It’s so nice to find Chica 2’s true strength. Tee hee he

Sure enough, early in the morning, a storm rolled through and we didn’t have as much as a single drop of water inside our tent.

She placed the tent so we had a perfect water view. It was a million dollar scenic overlook from a hundred dollar domicile!

Then a few critters from the wild came lumbering up the path to our campsite. A group of raccoons who were all too comfortable around humans rolled out the welcome wagon.  It was obvious they were looking for any invitation to join. Chica 2 said they were so cute, until one sat down and started to scratch.

Please don’t feed the wildlife! They become dependent on human handouts, which only invites danger. After a few loud “gits” (get), they quickly scurried off to another campsite, but they weren’t done with 2 Chicas.

Setting up camp made everyone hungry. Chica 1 always cooks a traditional cowboy steak for dinner on the first night. Paired with potatoes and broccoli, these happy campers are satisfied.

2 Chicas Reach the East Beach

Time to explore! Outside of the camp, 2 Chicas took the kids down to explore the East Beach, a much quieter and secluded area. There was one fisherman wading out to try his luck at catching dinner.

2 Chicas captured a tricolored heron looking for dinner as a snowy egret seemed to watch the fisherman in hopes that he would generously share his catch.

Chica 1 looked out at the Skyway Bridge and marveled at the how gorgeous the pointy sails looked in the distance. Like a large sailboat frozen in time. Chica 2 said it looked like pointy Mickey Mouse ears; two very different perspectives wouldn’t you say?

Back to the campsite to tell stories and roast marshmallows over an open fire. No s’mores tonight because Chica 2 forgot the graham crackers.

It wouldn’t take long for us to move to no campfire stories, because Chica 2 is so scary, but the kids purified small palm fronds over the hot firewood then roasted marshmallows.

They felt so special making their own skewers. Tomorrow would be filled with adventures that would fill the day and exhaust the evening!

Chica 2 took the kids to the beach to swim, but Lil’ Chica discovered a new passion, searching for sand dollars. A kind lady on the beach taught her how to wade in chest deep water and shuffle her feet to find these beautiful creatures of the sea. Lil’ Chica spent the better part of two hours blissfully in search of her new best friends.

2 Chicas Cannonball!

A short hike to another portion of the beach brought exploration of part of the fort. Chica 2 threatened to call an ambulance if Chica 1 didn’t stop breathing so desperately after climbing to the top. The hike up really wasn't that bad.

Chica 2 could not imagine early Spanish explorers in full armor marching around this fort. Neither could anyone else Chica 2, as this installation wasn’t constructed until almost 1900. You were only off about five hundred years (Tee hee hee)

The canons were large and stationed all over the fort. Fort De Soto was only active for twelve years from 1898 until 1910.

Chica 2 said she knew a few girls from home who saw more action than this fort! Chica 2, we do have a young audience too! Many of the rooms in the fort are open and mostly empty.

Explore the fort, climb to the top and enjoy the views, and take a picture by the cannons. Don’t forget to yell cannonball!! If anyone complains, tell em 2 Chicas told ya to do it!

2 Chicas and the Case of the Daring Bandits

After hanging out at the fort, we headed back to the campsite. We briefly stopped to see how much it would cost to take the ferry over to Egmont Key. It was reasonable, but the return trip was four hours later. 2 Chicas had too many plans, so maybe next time.

As we came down the driveway to our campsite, we noticed something was awry. A head quickly peeked out of our food cooler, then another head, and yet another!

Chica 2 I thought you put the cooler away. Chica 1 I thought you stored the cooler! Oh no!! Those little bandits got away with fajita wraps, hamburgers, and some butter.

We rounded up as much as we could and placed it in the garbage cans onsite. Those little thieves didn’t go far, waiting in the bushes for us to make another oversight and leave something out. Ughhh, it is a good thing we had bleach spray to clean everything! 2 Chicas made sure the coolers were hereafter stored in the trunk!

2 Chicas Fishing or Floundering?

Soooo, Chica 2 decided she was going to take the kids fishing. Off the team goes to a picturesque canal to cast fishing rods out into the deep and see what we would catch.

Almost immediately, the fish were biting. The group spent hours casting and reeling! At times the fish were small and other times they were even smaller.

The kids learned the importance of preserving resources by returning the little ones to their home to hopefully grow bigger.

Chica 1 caught a sizable flounder, which provided much joy for the entire group. For hours, the entire group enjoyed feeding the fish shrimp and every now and again, getting a fish to bite on the hook.

There is something about the anticipation and hope of fishing that reaches deep into the soul. Often we feel we could never get a child to spend time doing something that may or may not reap an immediate reward. 2 Chicas were thrilled to see so many children out with their parents fishing. Some were catching, some were not, but

2 Chicas caught some serious bug bites. In our excitement to fish, we forgot to spray ourselves with bug deterrent. What a major mistake. Days after leaving Ft. De Soto, the remnants of the fishing excursion lived on in itchy, scratchy skin.

It was finally time to leave our little bit of paradise. Chica 2 broke down camp and before you could say hop skippity wobble, we were back on the road to home.

2 Chicas are so lucky to know that Ft. De Soto will be around for another much needed respite visit. Bring your bike, fishing pole and swimsuit. You’ll be glad you did!

Tarpon Springs, FL

2 Chicas and the Case of the Strange Sponge

Tarpon Springs is a small village known for its large Greek community and their history of sponge diving. Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek residents in the country and is considered the “sponge capital of the world”. 

All of these traditions live on and the area has any number of Greek restaurants selling traditional foods. Snuggled up against the shores of the Anclote River, the historic sponge docks are a haven of fun for all ages. 2 Chicas are drawn to fun like a turkey vulture is drawn to road kill, so off we go.

As you drive through Tarpon Springs, it is hard not to notice how small the community is, yet it is so filled with tradition. Turning on to Dodecanese Blvd, you are immediately teleported to a different place and time. 

Boats and sponges are everywhere, and some of the boats have sponges attached! Chica 2, began dreaming of a luxurious drawn bath with large masculine servants pouring bubble bath into the water. Chica 2 put that sponge down! Incredibly, Chica 2 then began a rambunctious version of some song from Sponge Bob. It’s best not to ask; just go along with it!

Stop into the small Harbormaster/Visitor’s Center building and pick up some information on the area.  You can have all your questions answered and get some advice on an interesting boat ride to see the sights down the river. 

If not, there are plenty of “callers” on the block trying to entice you to take a ride on their boat. It is an interesting experience that harkens to a different time period. 

Next, go over to Sponge O Rama, where there is a free museum. The store also carries lots of trinkets, but so does about a hundred million other souvenir stores on the block.  Tee hee he! 

Wander down the block and check out the different Greek restaurants. Stop and have lunch or plan for dinner, but you can’t come to Tarpon Springs and not have some authentic Greek food. 

Chica 2 randomly picked a restaurant, Costa’s.  Chica 2 was reviewing the menu, looked up and yelled “FIRE!!” It’s not a fire Chica 2, it is actually a menu item.  Saganaki is a sharp Greek cheese doused with brandy and then extinguished with lemon juice. Naturally we had to secure our own order of flaming cheese. OPA! In addition to being a great presentation, it was also very tasty!  Chica 2 stuck to the Fish and Chips, but Chica 1 ordered the Dolmades.  Both dishes were very tasty.

Back out on the strip, there is an impressive bronze statue in honor of the sponge divers who lost their lives in the pursuit of their profession. The heavy helmet and small air hose made this a very dangerous occupation. Well, we don’t want to get into teary eyed thinking about all the handsome Greek men who didn’t make it back home…. 

Make sure you get a good picture of the old diving gear.  Chica 2, I’m not sure that head gear will fit, you better stick with your every day helmet – Tee hee he!

Spring Bayou is located just west of the sponge docks and it is the site of the annual Epiphany Celebration in January.  Fifty select young men jump into this very cold water in search of a cross that promises an extra special blessing. There is quite an impressive procession of individuals in bright, traditional Greek costumes, grand church pageantry and a few dressed as divers. 2 Chicas salute the town for embracing this spiritual ceremony. Otherwise, this body of water is home to manatees and other Florida wildlife. 

There are museums, tours of founder’s homes, and lots to do if you enjoy being out in nature. Come to Tarpon Springs and squeeze a sponge.  Yes that’s right a sponge Chica 2. Maybe you’ll get lucky and meet a handsome Greek hunk!  Chica 2 says she’s sure that it’s better than squeezing any old brand of toilet paper.  Only she understands. 

Treasure Island Kite Festival, Treasure Island, FL

2 Chicas and What’s Right with Kites

Too many times the 2 Chicas hear stories of what has gone wrong in this world.  Far too often, it is truly a matter of perspective, but trying to get people to look at the situation reasonably, is like trying to get a vulture off of a freshly killed possum.

But every day, 2 Chicas are lucky enough to encounter everything that is right in this world.

Average people doing outstanding things to help others for no other reason then just because they can.  The Treasure Island Kite Festival provided the perfect backdrop for a feel good story about giving. 

One of the largest contributors of kites at the festival was Barry and Karen Ogletre and their Whatakite.com business.

These philanthropists travel the country using their infatuation with kites to raise money for worthy charities.

Often, they visit small towns with limited resources to lift the spirits of those in these tiny places working together to help their neediest citizens.

2 Chicas salute these incredible people!  Thank you for doing God’s work.

The Kite Festival is pretty darn spectacular!  How is it possible that a simple interest can be transformed into a sport.

The participants can make their kites dance, walk, wiggle, as well as soar!  What fantastic family fun!  From the smallest child to one of the oldest adults, this is great day at the beach.

From a flying Batman and Joker to the United States Flag, there are some great characters with even greater stories.

Take Randy the Kiteman, a retired Boston principle who took to flying kites as a stress reliever!  Now he visits kite shows and flies an incredible huge dog and a manta ray gone wild kite! 

Is it for money, fame or fortune?  No, just to share a love with others.

To see the children’s faces as they point to the sky and identify different kites and then run to fly their own is priceless.  2 Chicas salute you Randy as well.

Chica 2, always the bobble head, quickly disappeared pointing and trying to take the reigns of one of the enormous kites.  Nooooo, Chica 2!

This is a really good event for children.  There are vendors selling kites and the children can learn how to fly them right there. 

Nothing like good clean family fun to make the adrenaline flow!  Take the kids next year and go fly a kite! 2 Chicas will let the pictures do the talking!

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Lake Seminole - Seminole, FL

2 Chicas Like Lake Seminole

2 Chicas can’t help but love the water because there is sooo much of it here in Florida. 

So Lake Seminole in Pinellas County provides another opportunity to mingle with the wildlife and chill in the perfectly sunny outdoors.

Lake Seminole is easily accessed from the county park with the same name. 

Chica 1 is busy looking for the perfect spot to set up camp for the day.  

Chica 2 is striking a pose very similar to the anhinga perched on a post in the water.  

There are about 13 shelters to choose from so get there early if you need to be under cover. There’s picnicking, jet skiing, boating, and kayaking. 

There is a pier for lots of freshwater fishing. For the land lovers, there is plenty of space to rollerblade, jog, or skate.

The park is a wildlife sanctuary and has picture perfect opportunities get that “money” shot.  Chica 2 thought this referred to a specialty beverage akin to jello shots (but probably found in a strip club).  Uhhmm

So whatever you’re into, you can find a respite on the lake. If you want more sand and sun, you’re not far from the beach! 2 Chicas say - Let's get to exploring….

Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary

2 Chicas and the Broke down Birds

It is the weirdest thing when birds pose for pictures on the beach. 2 Chicas discovered the bird thingy has a lot to do with the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary being really close nearby. This conservation program houses the largest bird rescue hospital in the United States! 

It is amazing how many birds are hurt each year; the majority of the injuries are caused by humans. And as you know, they don’t have a health care plan either.  Chica 1 is particularly sensitive to sick things as she has suffered from a few painful ailments in her lifetime.  Some of which were caused by Chica 2!

Chica 1 keeps looking into each cage with a heavy heart. Walking through the sanctuary is somewhat strange.  There are strong vibrant birds in the trees overhead nesting.

But being in a cage isn’t where birds should be.  To see a healthy pelican soar and plunge down fast to the water to capture dinner is amazing.  To see a tern running down to the shoreline and take off in flight is a brief glimpse into heaven!

More able-bodied birds fly and land on the netting trying to get in on what they perceive to be a good thing!  Free food, water, and camaraderie! 

Chica 2 was busy searching each cage looking for a peg legged pelican, but to no avail. She must be watching far too many cartoons!

There is no admission charge.  Take a tour with staff and give a generous donation. Help staff reverse the damage caused by humans.

Chica 2 was going to give a single dollar and even her hard little heart was moved to give more.

Teach the kids what they can do to help.  Remember to make a difference wherever you are and however you can.

Visit the sanctuary and tell them 2 Chicas said now get to stepping early so that you can go get that worm early bird!  2 Chicas certainly try!