AND FINALLY … AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OUT
In a recent report from an acclaimed figure (dubbed “Doctor Beach”) noted for his annual grading of America’s beaches, Florida featured three of the 2008 list of top ten.
For somewhere completely different, and certainly a break from the whirlwind of activity that underpins the theme park environs, why not try a day out to Caladesi Island, just north of Clearwater.
Caladesi Island is a State Park which has the most divine pure white sands and warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping its shores. There are no roads, hence no vehicles, and the only way to reach its natural beauty is via boat. If you do not have your own salted away somewhere, the hourly ferry makes the 15-minute crossing for $10 (adult) and $6 (children 4 to 12) return.
Visitors are only allowed to remain on the island for a maximum of 4 hours. Aside from the gorgeous sandy beaches and warm, calm waters, there is a nature trail across the centre of the island where you may see the ospreys nesting in the tree tops or fishing for food, the protected gopher tortoises and all manner of other sea birds.
The slightly more adventurous can rent a kayak and get really close to nature, paddling in the crystal clear waters through the mangroves, creeks and inlets. The fishing is also good if you are that way inclined.
There are showers and bathroom facilities and also a basic snack bar, commensurate with the fact that your stay is restricted to just a few hours – so don’t expect much in the way of haute cuisine!
If you want a chill-out, get-away-from-it-all day on America’s best beach, in one of Florida’s most beautiful, natural and unspoilt places then bring a towel, bottled water, a camera and some sunscreen.
For more information visit www.floridastateparks.org/caladesiisland
