Waterways calm my restless spirit

For a guy who doesn’t swim, I sure spend a lot of time around the water.

We live in a county surrounded on three sides by water. And in a state with plenty of water within a few hours’ drive.

So, with the heat upon us and the official start of summer only a few weeks off, I figured now’s a good time for a photo page on water selfies.

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As regular readers know, the selfie is a Just Wright Citrus staple. Not sure how it started that way, but folks recognize me from the selfies. It’s the one photo angle I’ve mastered.

Twenty percent of my selfie photos involve water (yes, I checked). Whether it’s Citrus County rivers, inland lakes, or even a vast ocean on the opposite coast, waterways provide the perfect background for my adventures.

We start today at the Waccasassa Park boat ramp just up the road from Citrus County in Gulf Hammock. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s where I’m standing.

Cedar Key is the destination for most trips up U.S. 19 north of Crystal River. However, I’d suggest taking a left on Levy County Road 326 at Gulf Hammock and following that quiet, scenic road to the river.

The Yankeetown boat ramp has long been a favorite Levy County drive. Waccasassa Park is right up there.
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I’m not on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge all that often, but I always stop at one of the rest areas near the old bridge. 

Motorists are afforded a panoramic view of Tampa Bay. Downtown Tampa one way; downtown St. Pete another, though it’s a bummer not seeing the white roof of Tropicana Field.

This whole region offers numerous water-related possibilities. Deb and I have visited all the Pinellas County beaches and John’s Pass.

Tampa Bay is an easy hour drive down the Suncoast Parkway. Yeah, the traffic is crazy, but no worse than an ordinary Tuesday through Inverness.​

Daytona Beach has been my escape for decades.

Everything about Daytona Beach held my attention. Beer and the boardwalk. Video games. Driving on the sand. A people watcher’s paradise.

Even as I aged and gave up alcohol, Daytona still provided hours of adventure.

I last visited a few months back. The arcade games no longer take quarters. It’s all high-tech now. Total turnoff to a guy like me. I didn’t even get in a game of Pac-Man.
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I took a long walk on the beach and stuck one of my business cards in a support beam under the pier. Watch any day now for Just Wright Daytona.​

I love Citrus County, but right after an election, I need to get as far away from here as possible. A day or two usually does the trick.

When the 2024 primary concluded, I high-tailed it to Key Largo. So long as the drive didn’t include the freeway, I was open to any route. One, though, I wanted to try: Card Sound Road between Homestead and the Upper Keys, not known to be clogged with tourist traffic because it’s not a direct shot from Florida City to Key Largo.

It’s a beautiful drive, of course, featuring the famous Alabama Jacks restaurant. My fish sandwich was just OK, but folks don’t stop here for the cuisine.

In my old life, Alabama Jacks would be a place to sit on a bar stool and drink the day away. When I visited in August, I found nothing but peace and tranquility.

It’s a long drive to the Keys, and it seems even longer coming home. But, man, well worth it. ​

Fortunately, I don’t have to drive several hours for waterway relief. I can pick any one of numerous locations in Citrus County, including the Old Homosassa Heritage Park.

This is one of my favorite places to visit because of what it represents. A working waterfront, created by community leaders, provides a park for generations.

The communities of Homosassa, Crystal River, Chassahowitzka, Hernando, Floral City, Inverness, and Dunnellon all feature public waterways. 

Summer is here and, boy, is it hot. Time for a drive. I know just the place.

Have a great weekend, friends.

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