My friend Loretta and I drove up to Cedar Key this past weekend for the inaugural C-Key Tiki Fest. Though we were there for the music, with the wide open spaces, it was easy to see why it’s called Florida’s Nature Coast.

The festival featured Trop Rock singer-songwriters (the Jimmy Buffett inspired genre) from all over Florida as well as Nashville and points further north. I love these small, laid-back gatherings; the music is fun and there’s plenty of time to socialize and dance with fellow attendees (and musicians).

Turned out there were quite a few of us from the Tampa area and I look forward to seeing my new phriends at upcoming events. It was Loretta’s first introduction to the Parrothead lifestyle and I’m certain it won’t be her last.

The dog-bird boats, bushel baskets, and other tackle (evidence of the area’s famous fishing, clams, and oysters industries) scattered throughout the quaint village piqued my curiosity. After this brief stay, I know I’ll be back up to explore the various parks and preserves and to delve into the area’s history.

My cousin Gracie traveled down from Ohio with friends this week. While the rest of the gang stayed in an RV park about an hour south, Gracie came up and spent some time with me.

Though the weather wasn’t the greatest we made the best of the cooler, windier days. Fun times!

By Saturday night it was a couple days past full but the moon was still mesmerizing as it danced in and out of the clouds. My neighbor’s palm tree also put on a good show.

Just spotted this character in traffic (had to turn around in order to get the photo). Guess that explains how he’s able to hide all those eggs in all those places.

I came across this image on Facebook a few days ago and thought it was a cute joke. But yesterday the nearby town of St Pete Beach actually hosted an underwater Easter egg hunt.

However you celebrate, I hope it’s happy!

A colorful orb caught my eye while out working in my front yard this past weekend. Not sure where the egg came from or how it ended up there but I found the timing to be quite apposite.

A perfect way to unwind after work, with a fire and a good friend. We have to take advantage of these mild temperatures while they last. Thanks for bringing the yummy snacks, Alyssa!

Last night when I learned that there was a group kayaking out to Shell Key today, I tossed all my plans out the window and decided to join them. Forget yard work and household chores, those will just have to wait!

The weather is absolutely perfect for adventures right now; warm but not too humid, and slightly cloudy. I know that soon it will be hot, muggy, and buggy so I’m trying to make the most of Spring.

The trip turned out even better because Christine led us through mangrove tunnels to the north end of Shell Key, which I’d never explored before. The bay was so incredibly colorful, words and photos both fail to do it justice (though, of course, I still tried to capture some images).

The water was also exceptionally clear, I was delighted to spot my first Lettuce Sea Slug (Elysia crispata)! Sadly, even though it was Manatee Appreciation Day we didn’t see any. However, one of the dolphins put on a bit of a show.