Here Be Mermaids

Rode out to Bayport again today, haven't been in quite a while. On CR 476, just west of Nobleton, there's the back 2/3rds of a dinosaur by the road. No idea what that story is, tales of failed roadside attractions come to mind.

Was very surprised to see the improvements put in, nice restrooms, improved parking, walk areas to see the views, really well done! West on what's left of SR50 where it terminates into US19 at Weeki Wachee, about 7 miles past the road ends at the gulf in this really nice park. Always see a lot of bikers at the restaurant there at the turn to Pine Island, very popular spot.

Today I decided to go into the Weeki Wachee attraction. $13 to a good cause, it is the last of the old-school tourist spots for sure! The park does show it's age, but the folks that work there really rever the old place. The short ride on the river - narrated by a lady that had been there many years, the attendants at the show, the persons in the gift shop, all were very nice. The Mermaids in the show - how cool to be keeping that tradition alive. Go Mermaids, go. The turtles in the spring really seemed to be getting into the show as well, the mermaids could be seen gently shooing them out of their swim paths as the show progressed. Sad that the water level is steadily dropping, 3 feet in 6 years, that doesn't speak well for the condition of the Florida Aquifer.

All in all, a nice afternoon diversion, if you go, park hours were kind of short, 10a-3pm this early in the season, so time it accordingly. Say hi to the mermaids when you go!

Bayport & Weeki Wachee

Sunday Afternoon Favorite ride

Whenever I find the weekend slipping away...and not enough riding done...if there's 2 hours to be had, here's my favorite spots...

Head up through Sugarloaf - find Ferndale, then find Sugarloaf Mountain Rd. The view on a clear day is great, you can see the I-4 Eyesore and the Orlando skyline.

Go on up towards Tavares, cut over to SR19 and cross Little Lake Harris - always beautiful with the lake stretching out on both sides. Follow SR19 south into Howey-In-The-Hills, and at the little yellow caution light turn east to find an awesome lakeside park.

Further south on SR 19 almost into Groveland, is the Arnold Brothers boat ramp at the Palatlakaha Creek (fun to say, beautiful nature views from the scenic boardwalk to see!).

Any time of year, a quick run through these scenic spots restores me and washes the workaday blues away.