Ocala National Forest

What are the images the mind conjures when you think of Florida? Disneyland, Universal studios, Orlando, Miami, Miles of sun-kissed beaches, Everglades, Key West, Cruise to Bahamas?... But can you envisage 383,000 acres National Forest only about 1.5 hours northwest of Orlando's theme parks? A nature lover's bliss in the heart of Florida! 

This year, the Labor Day weekend came upon us in a flash and we had not made any vacation plans, so we decided to travel locally in Florida. We wanted to avoid the famous attractions where we knew hordes of tourists would descend. I had read about Ocala National Forest in a magazine and we decided to try it out since it was off the beaten track. So with our enthusiastic friends, we set out to Ocala, albeit with modest expectations!

"There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm." - Theodore Roosevelt

As the first rays of the sun heralded the Labor day vacation, we helped ourselves to a hearty breakfast and then hit the road from South Florida. Enroute, we stopped at Woodlands Indian cuisine at Orlando for lunch. After a delicious buffet, we resumed on our drive to our Hotel in Ocala where we reached late afternoon. We freshened up at the Hotel and decided to check out Juniper Springs since they were open till 0800PM. 

Juniper Springs:

It was an impromptu decision to visit Juniper Springs and when we reached, we realized we had not got our swimwear. We got off the car dispirited at our ill-equipped visit, but once we saw the Springs, all those feelings vanished. With immense pleasure, we stood staring and appreciating the beauty of the glistening blue crystal water of Juniper Springs, with a waterwheel house providing a picturesque background. Having set off with low expectations, I think we were pleasantly surprised and awed at the natural beauty of the Springs. Believe me, this was just the opening act of many surprises we were going to explore. 

The three cool musketeers

There was a trail and since we couldn’t jump into the springs (having forgotten our swimwear), we decided we might as well hike the 1 mile round trip trail to the Fern Hammock Springs. It was an easy boardwalk and the kids were having a great time singing and walking and posing for pictures. We had no idea though as to where the trail would lead us to. A few times, we decided to turn and walk back to the springs but carried on in the spirit of the saying "We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." - T. S. Elliot". With the push of enthusiastic friends, we completed the trail. We saw one of the highlights of our trip - The Fern Hammock Springs

Kids on the easy boardwalk to Fern Hammock Springs

There was a bridge on the left side at the end of the trail. When we looked down into the clear shallow spring pool, we saw sand boils with water constantly oozing out. On the other side, the shallow springs had reflections of the beautiful tree. From my research on Google, I read that "the very light blue color was from small boils that are artesian springs where water emerges from the limestone substrate under pressure". 

Picture below: Hubby trying to pick up a plastic bottle from the Fern Hammock Springs where swimming is not allowed. The intentions were good and we were lucky that nothing happened, however please don’t try to swim here unless you have magical powers to disappear when an Alligator swims by to give you a big kiss... 

After a quick fast food dinner and a good night's sleep, we got up to a scrumptious Sunday breakfast at the hotel and left with the following itinerary that our friend Santhosh had prepared after much research on the hotel's free internet. 

1. Clearwater Lake Recreation Area

2. Alexander Springs

3. Lunch 

4. Silver Glen Springs 

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area: As we entered the park, we saw a few tents with campers camping out. It was a beautiful sunny day and we were all swim suited up and ready to jump into the beautiful lake. The water was warm and just as the name suggests it was clear. The lake was surrounded by pristine wilderness and had none of the tourist trappings or crowds that throng other springs.

After a lot of swimming, fun and some snacks, we drove off for some lunch. There is no cafeteria in Alexander Springs and we were guided off to a close by city for Subway and a Pizza place. We settled for pizza and some Subway as well. 

Alexander Springs:

“The best swimming pools are not the ones with chlorine in it, but the ones that are courtesy of Mother Nature” – Deepa ;)

This spring took our breath away. The spring was huge. As we jumped into the water again, it was really chilly and I froze for a second before I regained consciousness from the super cold water :). It didn’t matter to the kids as long as they were in the water. The underwater landscape here was beautiful and even though this day was a well planned trip, we forgot our snorkel gear in the hotel room. We are now officially the seasoned travelers :). We had a great time here.

Silver Glen Springs:

Our last stop for the day was Glen Springs. This park was crowded and everyone was barbequing. There were a lot of party boats on the left side of the spring when you are facing the spring. The swimming area was again beautiful. There were a lot of shells in the water that we collected for the kids. There was a walking trail that would lead to a lake however it was starting to get late and the kids had had enough for the day.

We headed off to our hotel room. While the mom's and kid’s freshened up, the dads picked up one of the tastiest Indian Biryani and Dal Makhani from Amrit Palace. Highly recommend this place!! Spicy and tasty!

After some soul-searching nirvana discussions among the girls (Mother Nature does that to you!!), we called it a night!

Day 3

As we got ready to head back home and prepare for weekly routine, we just had one stop to make. 

Rainbow Springs:

This spring has amazing waterfalls. Yep! Waterfalls in Florida!! Well, okay... Its man-made falls but in this park, I felt as if I was in a Rainforest!! The natural spring was a most beautiful sight. Alas, we were short on time, so we could not manage a dip. But we did get to feast our eyes on one of the most beautiful springs!! We walked to some waterfalls, clicked some pictures, had some ice-cream and headed off for some tasty lunch at Sarvana Bhavan Orlando and then to home sweet home!!

Thanks Santhosh for this pic :)

Clicked by Santhosh the photographer :)

A splendid break from routine with our fun-loving and adventurous friends and the heart craves for more!!

Hola Mexico

A vacation with zero driving, free entertainment shows, gourmet food and desserts on demand, babysitters, kids entertainment and exploration of new countries. How is that possible? Well, that's what we thought too until we cruised! A fun break from routine.

While we were busy exploring different states in USA, we realized that we were ignoring the amazing travel features presented in our own backyard in South Florida. With several cruises on various cruise liners offered from Miami, we finally decided to do our first CRUISE. If you want 5 star treatment vacation with exploration of new countries, then you must hop aboard on this relaxing and energizing vacation.

We took Carnival Cruise Line which is the world’s largest cruise line company. We went end of April on a 4 day cruise to Key west and Cozumel Mexico. We were debating between ocean view and balcony, but finally booked a balcony room. It was a great decision and we intend to go on balcony staterooms for all future cruises (and hopefully one day graduate on to suites!). The sheer joy of sitting on a cruise balcony in the middle of the night listening to the ocean waves as the ship makes it's way through the ocean is something to be really experienced.

Cruising is Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy - You go to the port, park your car, hand over your luggage that reach your room before you do, check in and get your tickets and enter the ship. Once you are in, the food and fun starts right away.  

What we did that we loved:
1.       Balcony – I cannot imagine our first cruise experience without a balcony. The view, sunrise, sunsets, the views at nights and mornings, the refreshing wind blowing on your face, breakfast and snacks in the privacy of your balcony.

2.       We traveled with family – We were lucky to travel with mom. It was a great family vacation. After a full day of activities, while mom and toddler slept peacefully at night, we would slip out to do the fun night activities on board like their entertainment programs, comedy club, dancing, piano bar, lido, entertainment, casinos and mid-night snacks. 

3.       Requested Indian food for dinner - The chef was from India and he made dinner that we would look forward to every night. Had delicious Indian food for dinner and the other guests at our table always seemed to salivate at the sight and smell of our food.

4.  Car Parking - We parked our car at the port and that way when we got off the ship, we had the car right there and could drive back home. This saves a lot of time and energy when you are travelling with a toddler. 

Relaxing fun vacation

Places we saw:

1. Key West - We woke up to see sunrise from our balcony. We were docked at Key West. A free trolley was there to take us to Mallory square and back. We have been to the Keys before but it was the first time with the kid and mom. Evenings are when Key West really comes alive with various sights and sounds but it is a fun place to spend an afternoon too

2. Cozumel - We did not book any excursion from the cruise line. We took a cab from the Playa del Carmen port and drove a very short distance to Chankanaab Park. This gave us flexibility to explore at our own pace. I recommend this park. It had replicas of the Mayan ruins, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, manatee show for kids, dolphin feeding, restaurant with fresh and tasty guacamole. We had time to go to the downtown area. Instead we decided to enjoy the small shops and pubs dotting the port area and enjoy the fun atmosphere. We then dropped mom and kid back to the room and went back to the port to spend an extra hour before our awesome last night dinner on the ship. Next time in Cozumel, we will go do the city tour.

Before we cruised, one of my friend who travels a lot (a lot.. like a LOT), told me that cruising was not his kind of vacation. I became a bit apprehensive thinking that cruising is suited more for retirees and the non-adventurous. However, I must say that cruising is a real fun experience at all ages. I am glad....... really GLAD .......... that my family loved the cruise experience and cannot wait to go on our next cruise and visit new countries. 

Wonderful and relaxing family vacation to Key West and Cozumel, Mexico!!! This was our first, but definitely not our last cruise! Happy Cruising!