Aloha to Florida - Honeymoon Island

On Saturday, we visited a local favorite - Honeymoon Island. From its website (link),

The pioneers called it Hog Island, but it became Honeymoon Isle in 1939 when a New York developer built 50 palm - thatched bungalows for honeymooners. Today, visitors can drive across Dunedin Causeway to enjoy the sun-drenched Gulf beaches, mangrove swamps, and tidal flats.

Nature lovers will find osprey nests, a wide variety of shorebirds, and one of the few remaining virgin slash pine forests in South Florida. The park boasts several nature trails and bird observation areas. Visitors can swim, fish, and snorkel in the warm waters of the Gulf or picnic while they enjoy the beautiful scenery. Shelling is particularly good here, as the Gulf currents deposit an incredible variety of seashells on the shore.

We spotted a gopher tortoise on the Osprey Trail.

The trees offered abstract art against the blue sky.

Walking back to the beach, we spotted our friend again.

The beach is rocky ...

... but attracted several beach combers ...

... including a flock of seagulls (not the 80s New Wave band).

Clearwater Beach and its resorts looms in the distance.

Honeymoon Island's rocky beach may be a challenge to walk ...

... but still offers special treasures.

I met a sunbather with a special friend.

Do you have a favorite beach?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, August 16, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 17.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Children enjoy the beach.