Gal- avanting

One gal’s ( that’s me!) account of going in search of pleasure in downtown Fort Myers and its surrounding areas

There are few things that are more “Old Florida” than water- skiing during springtime. I will admit to getting my feet wet once or twice learning to slalom ski in the Caloosahatchee River while growing up. However, my skiing skills are nowhere near the amazing ability of the Southern Extreme water- skiers. I was lucky enough to catch one of their shows down at Miromar Outlets and was amazed at the talent of these volunteers.

They jumped, danced, twisted and turned to choreography so athletically and gracefully; it was all the more astonishing because they did it while being pulled behind a boat! Check out their show schedule at southernextreme. com

After seeing the Southern Extreme skiers I was inspired to get back out on the water, if in a less strenuous way. I hauled my kayak out of the garage and managed to strap it to the roof of my car ( quite a feat!) to take a journey down to the “Ding” Darling wildlife refuge for a day of relaxation in Pine Island Sound.

ROSEATE SPOONBILLS SWOOPED SILENTLY OVERHEAD, WHILE THE SUDDEN “PLOP!” OF MULLET JUMPING WAS THE ONLY STARTLING NOISE OF THE AFTERNOON.

The new Wildlife Drive opened last fall, and I took advantage of a cloudless blue afternoon to explore the mangroves. After making sure I had all my gear ( safety first), I took off on my adventure. In the lulling silence of the mangrove forest, it is easy to forget all the stresses of everyday life and concentrate on nothing more than enjoying the peace.

Roseate spoonbills swooped silently overhead, while the sudden “plop!” of mullet jumping was the only startling noise of the afternoon. I was able to spy a bird’s nest in the mangroves. It was abandoned but still beautiful in its neglect.

Although I wished otherwise, I couldn’t spend all day on the water. I eventually paddled my way back to the dock and re- harnessed my kayak— much harder this time, it seemed. Driving back down Periwinkle and across the causeway on my way home, I couldn’t help but wonder at the gorgeous world of water we’re blessed with in SWFL. Go out, explore and find some “liquid peace” in your own life. It’s worth it.