Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox
What a great book. MJF is such a good writer with humor throughout, he also curses a little, which is strange for Alex P. Keaton.
This book reflects back to his childhood and early years of his career until his identification of Parkinson’s. He is such an appreciative actor of his fans and fame, even coming out a better person following his diagnosis at such as young age. I read this book quickly because it was so good and I look forward to his 2nd one which is already out. MJF is a brave person to have such a public battle, and his wife has such strength, what a great couple.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ichetucknee Area - Underwater Spots
Blue Hole
http://www.tfn.net/Springs/BlueHoleItch.htm
If you are in the Ichetucknee area you have to visit Blue Hole. It is one of the springs that form the Ichetucknee River. You must go into the park then take a little walk (not nearly as long as the one for tubing in the river) on a boardwalk. When approaching the hole you may not be impressed at first, but do not be fooled, this place is really cool. The darker color is grass, the center, Blue Hole, is a spring that goes down 35 feet with a current coming up. At first, unless you are an experienced snorkeler, you may be caught off guard. Over 12 years ago when I first went it freaked me out a little, but this year I loved it. I was proud of some of the girls in our group who tried to swim down further each time. My son, well when he saw the hole, decided not to venture over it but around it instead.
Devils Eye
Is located in the same area as Blue Hole. It looks like a nice swimming spot, again the water is cool so be prepared. Also be prepared with your snorkeling gear because you will regret it if you do not have it with you here. Here my son became a little more brave and ventured down near underwater rocks, chased fish and had to be forced out because it was getting dark. Once you are use the temperature of the water you are good to go.
divethesprings.com/.../ginnie/devils_eye.jpg
They have areas to picnic here and if you pay to get into the Ichetucknee park the ticket is good for this area as well.
http://www.tfn.net/Springs/BlueHoleItch.htm
If you are in the Ichetucknee area you have to visit Blue Hole. It is one of the springs that form the Ichetucknee River. You must go into the park then take a little walk (not nearly as long as the one for tubing in the river) on a boardwalk. When approaching the hole you may not be impressed at first, but do not be fooled, this place is really cool. The darker color is grass, the center, Blue Hole, is a spring that goes down 35 feet with a current coming up. At first, unless you are an experienced snorkeler, you may be caught off guard. Over 12 years ago when I first went it freaked me out a little, but this year I loved it. I was proud of some of the girls in our group who tried to swim down further each time. My son, well when he saw the hole, decided not to venture over it but around it instead.
Devils Eye
Is located in the same area as Blue Hole. It looks like a nice swimming spot, again the water is cool so be prepared. Also be prepared with your snorkeling gear because you will regret it if you do not have it with you here. Here my son became a little more brave and ventured down near underwater rocks, chased fish and had to be forced out because it was getting dark. Once you are use the temperature of the water you are good to go.
divethesprings.com/.../ginnie/devils_eye.jpg
They have areas to picnic here and if you pay to get into the Ichetucknee park the ticket is good for this area as well.
Ichetucknee River
When in the Ichetucknee area you have many places to explore underwater.
The river itself is truly lazy. In a tube or whatever way you choose to go down, the current is just enough to carry you winding through the old trees for a ride that takes about 2 hours or more depending on where you go in.
If you are early enough to be one of the first for the day you will see much more wildlife. I, with some teenage girls, was ahead of the crowd during one trip and we saw so much more than the previous day; herons, turtles sunning, large fish and even beavers. I took my (expensive) camera on our first trip. It was double bagged and I was in a rubber boat. I got awesome shots and was happy with my decision even though others questioned my sanity. Of course the 2nd day when I saw much more I did not have it.
The water stays an average 72 degrees all year, which is cool to us Floridians. I totally recommend purchasing your own snorkeling equipment to take along – you will get good use out of it.
Getting to the river from the drop off area – yes they have a drop off and pick up area, is quite a walk. Not only is a little bit of a hike but you have to carry your tube. The 1st time we left our shoes, which was a mistake in my book, the 2nd time we planned ahead and all had them on (flip flop type). Some of us put them in their rubber boats or another option is to tie them to you tube – bring something to tie them with, we brought some thin rope (my smart husband thought of that).
Keep in mind you are not supposed to bring food/drinks on the trip. Leave some in your car at the end because you will be thirsty or even hungry. You have to plan ahead if you are transporting yourself (some places provide this service) to the drop off location to the pick up because it is a more than walking distance.
Yes it is a little bit of a walk, but so worth it because tubing, boating…whatever, down the Ichetucknee is a great experience.
http://www.ichetucknee.org/springs.html
The river itself is truly lazy. In a tube or whatever way you choose to go down, the current is just enough to carry you winding through the old trees for a ride that takes about 2 hours or more depending on where you go in.
If you are early enough to be one of the first for the day you will see much more wildlife. I, with some teenage girls, was ahead of the crowd during one trip and we saw so much more than the previous day; herons, turtles sunning, large fish and even beavers. I took my (expensive) camera on our first trip. It was double bagged and I was in a rubber boat. I got awesome shots and was happy with my decision even though others questioned my sanity. Of course the 2nd day when I saw much more I did not have it.
The water stays an average 72 degrees all year, which is cool to us Floridians. I totally recommend purchasing your own snorkeling equipment to take along – you will get good use out of it.
Getting to the river from the drop off area – yes they have a drop off and pick up area, is quite a walk. Not only is a little bit of a hike but you have to carry your tube. The 1st time we left our shoes, which was a mistake in my book, the 2nd time we planned ahead and all had them on (flip flop type). Some of us put them in their rubber boats or another option is to tie them to you tube – bring something to tie them with, we brought some thin rope (my smart husband thought of that).
Keep in mind you are not supposed to bring food/drinks on the trip. Leave some in your car at the end because you will be thirsty or even hungry. You have to plan ahead if you are transporting yourself (some places provide this service) to the drop off location to the pick up because it is a more than walking distance.
Yes it is a little bit of a walk, but so worth it because tubing, boating…whatever, down the Ichetucknee is a great experience.
http://www.ichetucknee.org/springs.html
Ichetucknee Camping / Cabins
This past spring break we had a nice size group that headed to North Florida for a few days to spend in the springs. We choose the river in Ichetucknee Springs State Park, which is in the northern part of the state slightly west of the middle, if looking at a map.
This area has less of a Florida feel then, say, the Space Coast. It can be hilly, coolers and the landscape is not as tropical but equally as picturesque. Ancient Cypress trees provide a shaded canopy over the water to give you a better view at the prevalent wildlife. The clear river & springs are inviting to swimmers who want to snorkel or dive, and even those wanting to stay dry in a kayak or canoe.
Making this plan we had no problem finding a place to stay that would meet our needs; providing transportation down the river. The area has many places to camp, since many of us no longer have all the camping essentials we chose http://www.ichetuckneecanoeandcabins.net/ and slept in primitive cabins (just the basics; beds, porch, a few chairs, light, a/c but no bathroom – you have to use the bathhouse, same as you would if you were tent camping). The outside of the cabin had a grill and fire pit. The price was good, they had a little store which sold a variety of items including breakfast supplies and free coffee to guests (not the best but it was hot). The owners were very nice and dealt with all my questions prior to our arrival. We were able to rent tubes, or even a rubber boat (my choice so I could bring my camera). Canoes and kayaks were available, we planned on using those at one point as well but after adding up all the fees, plus the fee to ISSP it was costly and not worth the amount of money for the 2+ hours.
My negatives for this place;
Cost of canoes / kayaks - knowing we decided against renting them due to cost and the fact that we had a large group (hardly anyone else was there this particular weekend), we were given no kind of deal or discount. Did we deserve it? No, but we would have considered using the boats at a cheaper rate considering they were just going to sit there anyway. My sister in law went with her family, for 6 of them it was $150 and they were done in less than 2 hours.
The other complaint was the ticks – Im not sure if it’s the area, the campground in covered in trees that are covered in Spanish Moss. At some point you couldn’t even enjoy sitting around the fire because the thought of ticks just freaked everyone out.
This area has less of a Florida feel then, say, the Space Coast. It can be hilly, coolers and the landscape is not as tropical but equally as picturesque. Ancient Cypress trees provide a shaded canopy over the water to give you a better view at the prevalent wildlife. The clear river & springs are inviting to swimmers who want to snorkel or dive, and even those wanting to stay dry in a kayak or canoe.
Making this plan we had no problem finding a place to stay that would meet our needs; providing transportation down the river. The area has many places to camp, since many of us no longer have all the camping essentials we chose http://www.ichetuckneecanoeandcabins.net/ and slept in primitive cabins (just the basics; beds, porch, a few chairs, light, a/c but no bathroom – you have to use the bathhouse, same as you would if you were tent camping). The outside of the cabin had a grill and fire pit. The price was good, they had a little store which sold a variety of items including breakfast supplies and free coffee to guests (not the best but it was hot). The owners were very nice and dealt with all my questions prior to our arrival. We were able to rent tubes, or even a rubber boat (my choice so I could bring my camera). Canoes and kayaks were available, we planned on using those at one point as well but after adding up all the fees, plus the fee to ISSP it was costly and not worth the amount of money for the 2+ hours.
My negatives for this place;
Cost of canoes / kayaks - knowing we decided against renting them due to cost and the fact that we had a large group (hardly anyone else was there this particular weekend), we were given no kind of deal or discount. Did we deserve it? No, but we would have considered using the boats at a cheaper rate considering they were just going to sit there anyway. My sister in law went with her family, for 6 of them it was $150 and they were done in less than 2 hours.
The other complaint was the ticks – Im not sure if it’s the area, the campground in covered in trees that are covered in Spanish Moss. At some point you couldn’t even enjoy sitting around the fire because the thought of ticks just freaked everyone out.
Where to take your crap...
A site that is great for finding local recycling centers, where you can take household items that cannot go in a curbside bin, what you can do to prevent pollution and how to help the environment.
earth911.com
earth911.com
Birthday Party Idea for Sports Fans
As a mom who is always planning gatherings, parties and events, whether at work or at home. So of course I have spent years making sure my kids have fun birthday parties.
However, this year my plate was a little to full to take on another celebration. After tossing around some ideas for my son’s 10th birthday, my daughter suggested Space Coast Sports Academy, which is located in Melbourne and opened this past March.
We celebrated Kaden’s birthday in June with a group of his friends, mostly boys. My son was able to pick from a list of games to be played, which were a big hit with not just for the boys who attended but the girls as well.
Planning a party in June you always have the threat of bad weather in Florida. This particular day it was a downpour but indoors we had a full game of dodge ball, kick ball, an obstacle course and basketball. The staff filled in to even out the teams for better competition. One employee was assigned as our party assistant making sure food / cake / presents were done at the time I liked. She boxed up the left over cake, decorations and put together all the presents for us to take….even reminded us that we had goodie bags (we provided) to hand out.
The price is well worth it, leaving nothing out (pizza, cake, soda all included), but more importantly I was able to take pictures at my leisure, sit back and enjoy the party!
http://spacecoastsportsacademy.com/
However, this year my plate was a little to full to take on another celebration. After tossing around some ideas for my son’s 10th birthday, my daughter suggested Space Coast Sports Academy, which is located in Melbourne and opened this past March.
We celebrated Kaden’s birthday in June with a group of his friends, mostly boys. My son was able to pick from a list of games to be played, which were a big hit with not just for the boys who attended but the girls as well.
Planning a party in June you always have the threat of bad weather in Florida. This particular day it was a downpour but indoors we had a full game of dodge ball, kick ball, an obstacle course and basketball. The staff filled in to even out the teams for better competition. One employee was assigned as our party assistant making sure food / cake / presents were done at the time I liked. She boxed up the left over cake, decorations and put together all the presents for us to take….even reminded us that we had goodie bags (we provided) to hand out.
The price is well worth it, leaving nothing out (pizza, cake, soda all included), but more importantly I was able to take pictures at my leisure, sit back and enjoy the party!
http://spacecoastsportsacademy.com/
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