Diving the Blue Heron Bridge

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One of my 2023 New Year’s Resolutions was to start scuba diving again. When I put my gear into storage after moving to Chicago from Australia, I never imagined it would be 8 years before I used it again! I was a little worried I would have forgotten everything and would have to get re-certified, but thanks to the help of some patient friends I was able to dive again after just a quick little refresher with the equipment.

I have actually already been diving twice this year, but the first time we went too deep for me to take my camera with me. We dove the Princess Anne wreck off West Palm Beach, which is at about 100 feet. The second time I went diving, my friends and I headed to the popular Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach, FL. It’s a very shallow, easy spot popular with snorkelers and divers. There are lots of tropical fish and starfish as well as lobsters.

I’m so glad to be adventuring again, and will do my best to keep up with the blog! Thanks for reading.

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The Everglades

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A view of the Everglades from the boardwalk at Kirby Storter Roadside Park

The Everglades is a 1.5 million acre swath of wetlands in Southern Florida. There are two main highways that cut through the preserve – the Tamiami (Tampa to Miami) and I-75 (Alligator Alley). Tamiami is generally considered the more touristic way to see the sites, as there are several stops with walking paths along the way. It’s easy to see alligators most times of year and there are tons of bird species as well. My favorite walking path was at the Kirby Storter Roadside Park as it was a bit quieter and more secluded than the other areas. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there are also extended walking trails for longer camping trips.

The little town of Ochopee is a nice stop along the way if you’re doing a road trip. You can see the smallest post office in the United States and grab lunch at Joanie’s Blue Crab, a divey local joint with lots of fried seafood on offer.

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Wynwood Street Art

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A mural by Toxicomano in the Wynwood neighborhood of Miami

There is a neighborhood in Miami called Wynwood which is a mecca for street artists and muralists. Colorful walls stretch for blocks, covered with work by artists like Pez, Kashink, and Toxicomano. You can wander around for hours without knowing what you’ll find around the corner, but if you’d like a bit more guidance you can refer to Wynwood Map, which will help you locate and identify particular art or artists.

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Morikami Japanese Gardens

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Morikami Japanese Gardens

The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is located in Delray Beach, FL and is a nice spot to relax and experience some nature. The gardens are lovely and the museum features work by Japanese artists. There is also an exhibit for children about traditional life in a Japanese home and also a variety of different types of gardens, showing how zen gardens have evolved. If you are so inclined, you can feed the koi fish in the pond as well. Try to go on a weekday when it’s not so crowded so you can get the full peaceful benefit of the environment.

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