Day 302 – My Favorite Lake Monroe Scenery

Lake Monroe Sanford FL

Lake Monroe in Sanford has a lot of beautiful views to offer. I have taken pictures from many spots and angles but I think this is probably my favorite scenery of Lake Monroe. Doesn’t the lake look huge? The deep blue water is fascinating, too bad it doesn’t always look like this

What is your favorite view of Lake Monroe?

Day 299 – Deer in Alaqua

Deer in Alaqua

While showing a home today in the Alaqua subdivision in Longwood I got to see this beautiful deer. We stopped the car to take some pictures and stood there for quite some time. The deer just quietly kept eating. Isn’t it amazing that there are still so many communities out there in Central Florida where you can see deer just running around in your front or backyard?

For those of you interested, here’s a bit more about the home and subdivision of Alaqua.

Day 295 – Gradient Sky and Mall

Gradient Sky in Sanford FL

A rainy day in Sanford. I wanted to take our guests out a bit so we decided to run over to the mall. As we left the house I looked up in the sky and saw this amazing “gradient sky”. The designers among you will understand why I am so fascinated with this truly natural gradient Sometimes the sky looks amazing just before a thunderstorm and it produces gradients that can’t be topped by Photoshop.

Below another proof that it is true: H&M will be at the Seminole Town Center this Fall! And it will be a quite a huge store! Counting the days…

H&M at Seminole Town Center

Day 277 – Wekiva Falls

Wekiva Falls Resort

One of the best (and very affordable) activities for a summer weekend is visiting Wekiva Falls Resort in Lake County (Sorrento) – not to be confused with Wekiva Springs in Longwood, FL. It is actually only a short drive away from Sanford (10 minutes from mall area) but canoeing on the Wekiva River will make you feel as close to Florida’s nature as you could possibly be.

The Wekiva Falls Resort is actually an RV resort and great spot for camping. At the Wekiva Falls Resort you can enjoy:

• RV Camping
• Tent Camping
• Swimming
• Picnic Areas
• Beaches
• Volleyball
• Logaoon Slides
• Biking
• Nature Trails
• Canoeing
• River Cruises
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Boat Launch
• Bait & Tackle

So we decided to go there on Sunday to do some canoeing on the Wekiva River and afterward hang out by the huge pool like lake with water slide. Since I have previously only has experience with kayaking I wasn’t too afraid of canoeing – little did I know how shaky the canoe can get. Not sure if the reason was that I sat in the middle of a 3 person canoe or maybe canoes are just shaky in general? Anyway, it didn’t take longer than 5 minutes until the 3 of us landed IN the river! We tried to avoid a tree that “suddenly” appeared in front of us and, of course, all leaned to ONE side of the boat. Luckily we were still close to a shore and were able to turn the canoe back over and get all the water out of it – only took 5 minutes. I have to say I was pretty mad – not because I was soaking wet (it actually felt very refreshing with temperatures close to 100) but because I am terrified of alligators and there ARE alligators along the river. Yes, they are afraid of people and all, but knowing that they are in nesting season right now makes me wonder, what if we accidentally step a bit too close into a gator’s territory? Well, I don’t want to ever try that… We learned from our mistake though and managed to stay ON the boat for the next 2 hours enjoying the amazing beautiful nature that surrounded us! If you are not absolutely terrified of alligators you have to try this! And there is an alternative to canoeing: a river cruise on a larger boat. I will opt for kayaking next time though. Being closer to the water actually gives you more balance…

After our little adventure on the Wekiva River we moved over to the lake/pool and cooled off a bit. The water has a high percentage of sulfur so be prepared for it to be a bit smelly. You get used to that though. There was a live DJ who played some good up beat music and had some games prepared. You can barbecue and just enjoy the day by the lake/pool/river shores. Of course, being a Sunday and being Father’s Day it got pretty busy but there is plenty of space for everyone.

The Wekiva River Resort is having a 4th of July event and we are thinking about celebrating there. It’s an all day event with lots of music, games and prizes. Fireworks start at 9:30pm. I will post more details soon!

Here is their information and below some more pictures of our fun day by the river:

Wekiva Falls Resort
30700 Wekiva River Road
Sorrento, FL 32776
Phone: (352) 383-8055

Wekiva Falls Resort

Quick Snapshot Video of Wekiva Falls

Day 271 – A Very Green Yard

Green Yard

All the rain has truly made our yards green! So at least it was good for something, right? This is a beautiful yard of a home we currently have under contract. I thought this picture could really show off how beautiful Florida’s “backyard nature” is

Day 265 – Lake Monroe FL

Lake Monroe

Lake Monroe is one of the lakes of the St. John’s River system in Florida. Sanford FL is located on the south shore of this huge lake (it is the 8th largest lake in the Orlando area). This shot was taken from I-4 on our way to Debary (on the North shore of the lake). Too bad we can’t swim in Lake Monroe, not only because of its rumored alligator infestation. A day on a boat out on the lake though sounds like a fun plan to me and I also enjoy taking in the magnificient view from one of the waterfront restaurants at the Sanford Marina

Day 228 – A Day at St Pete Beach Tampa FL

I love St Pete

We spent a fantastic day at the beach today! My first time this year, believe it or not. It’s beginning of May in Central Florida and I hadn’t been yet – shame on me. I really should take advantage of living close to the beaches – but oh well, work gets in the way too often…

We chose St Pete Beach, not the closest from us (Sanford is closest to New Smyrna and Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach is also closer) but definitely one of my favorites, maybe also because it is on the gulf side. Jose’s aunt and uncle were in Tampa and we met them at their hotel with beach access in St. Petersburg.

As you can see the color of the water was spectacular, not a cloud in the sky, white sand, pleasant water temperatures and a light breeze – the perfect beach day! We really enjoyed our time and hope we can get back to the beach soon!!

Idyllic Beach

White Sand and Blue Sky

Day 216 – Centennial Park in Sanford FL and Cinema in the Park

Centennial Park in Sanford

The Centennial Park in Sanford is a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon reading or playing with the kids. The pavilion makes a great place to sit and chat with friends. The Sanford Centennial Park is located between 4th and 5th Street and Oak and Park in Sanford.

The park is also the location of the popular Cinema in the Park, a free movie night event, that takes place every third Friday of the month after 8pm. For upcoming movies check out this web site. Now that it’s warmer at night time a movie in the park is a great plan for an evening out. Don’t forget to bring your blanket or lawn chair – popcorn is free! After that, you can visit one of the local bars and restaurants in downtown Sanford.

For more info contact Barbi Bauman, Special Events Supervisor at 407.302.5815. The next movie event is set for May 15th. See you there

Day 202 – Trees of Central Florida

Trees, so many trees!

Just a quick shot to show off our beautiful Central Florida trees! I am not an outdoors person by any means but I love nature and to look at it! This shot was taken in Lake Mary.

Day 136 – Sunset in Clermont Florida

Sunset over lake in Clermont FL

This must have been one of the most beautiful scenes ever, I had to kick myself for not bringing my good camera. The picture was taken with my phone, still tunred out ok, but oh, if you could have only seen the real life scene… We were out showing properties in Clermont, FL (I know, kind of far from Sanford, a good 45 minute drive) and drove by this lake on our way home. I had to stop the car and get off to capture the beautiful, romantic silhouettes created by the setting sun… Next time I’ll make sure to have my camera with me