Redemption in the Mangroves: A Florida Farewell

Happy New Year from the Sunshine State!

Our time in Florida was cut short by a few months this year. Unfortunately, much of that limited time was spent catching up with family and friends and squeezing in our annual whirlwind of dentist appointments, eye doctor visits, and errands. Needless to say, it left little time to enjoy the joys Florida is actually known for.

Before we left, however, we promised ourselves at least one day of sunshine and nature. It was a beautiful Florida afternoon, so we inflated the kayak to revisit the mangroves of the Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg.

We were looking for a bit of redemption. The last time we ventured here, Mitch miscalculated the high tide. We ended up having to portage the kayak through the mud for part of the trip—a distinctively unpleasant experience with mucky soil squishing between our toes!

This time, we got the tides right. It was a glorious day to be out on the water among the birds and the preserve’s quiet hum. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones with that idea; the narrow mangrove tunnels turned into a game of “bumper kayaks” with traffic flowing in both directions! Despite the crowd, we were just thankful for the opportunity to soak it all in.

We hope everyone rang in 2026 in their own special way. We look forward to the year ahead and the many blessings it brings. Mitch and I wish each one of you good health, happiness, and a prosperous New Year.

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