Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the
pool or you go out in the ocean.
Christopher Reeve
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| Ft. DeSoto Beach View |
I am a confirmed beach lover. As such I observe that each beach has its own
nature and character. I am drawn to the
Gulf of Mexico for its serenity. My
favorite beach, and admittedly I have yet to visit them all, is Ft. DeSoto Park
in Tierra Verde, Florida. Fort De Soto
was named America’s Top Beach for 2009 by
Trip Advisor. Mullet Key that
encompasses Ft. DeSoto beach has something for everyone. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm
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| Ft. DeSoto Beach Tranquility |
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| Historic Ft. DeSoto |
First occupied by Tocobaga Indians, the area was explored
and conquered by Spaniard Hernando DeSoto in 1839.
There are the ruins of historic Ft. DeSoto completed in May
1900 for coastal fortification. Workers
used shell concrete formula, which proved very strong, later adding stone to
the mix. Ft. DeSoto, constructed within
its $155,000 budget, was a new design mortar battery camouflaged with tons of
sand and scrub vegetation effectively hiding and protecting it from attacks of
enemy warships. In 1977 it was added to
the National Register of Historic Places.
This is a must see for historic weapons afficiados.
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| Ft. DeSoto Cannons |
There is a wonderful 7-mile paved mult-purpose trail that is
wide enough to accommodate bikers, roller bladers and walkers all at the same
time.
Three miles of white sand beaches are available for human
enjoyment – wind surfing, swimming, shelling, relaxing in the sun, which is my choice
pastime. I love the sand between my
toes and the sound of the timeless surf.
Nothing better for me to center and open myself to the wonders of
nature.
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| 3 miles of white sand |
A 2.5 mile canoe trail is a nice cool pursuit on a hot day. The park also offers habitat for the diverse
wildlife and birds residing in the park.
I have observed a very friendly raccoon extract grapes from a picnicker’s
lunch.
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| Ibis |
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| Ft. DeSoto Amenities |
A dog park, picnic pavilions, playground equipment and a
fishing pier also attract visitors.
So, plan to spend the day.
There is now a $5 fee for parking, which buys a whole day of enjoyment.
