Loxahatchee River - Jupiter

The first time I remember hearing of the Loxahatchee River was back in the early 80's. The first time I kayaked on the river was last weekend. Why the long wait? I don't know either. I should have done this many years ago and many times by now. As you may know if you follow this blog, I have kayaked or canoed many places in South Florida and around the state. I have enjoyed kayaking many more times and places than I have ever posted. When I say this trip was unique, you can take my word for it.


There are a few points along the Loxahatchee River you can pick up a canoe or kayak. This particular trip began at River Bend Park. I heard a lot about this section of the river and I was well prepared. The first order of business was to rent a kayak. My inflatable was a no go. The water level in the river changes drastically and this day it was low. That means a lot of bumping over logs.

I rented a kayak at Canoe Outfitters of Florida  right inside the park. Clicking the link will give you a pretty good idea of what they offer but bottom line, a kayak for the day - $25.00. I own an eleven foot inflatable Sea Eagle 370 and in the past have always rented ocean kayaks of about the same or slightly smaller size. The kayak I rented for this trip was about 7 feet long, a sit inside type, and a lot more tippy than I'm used to. About half way through the trip I noticed foot cleats inside. As soon as I adjusted them and started using them, my back stopped hurting and the kayak became much more stable. Wish I had noticed them sooner.


This is the kind of place you can enjoy over and over or a must do at least once in your lifetime. For me, it was a one hour drive and a  million years back in time kind of trip. You will not hear a car or plane 99% of the time. Only the sounds of running water and wilderness. This is where I am going to give you a wealth of information to make your trip more enjoyable.

Call ahead - This is a small river with a limited amount of boats for rent. I had no problem but I would  make a reservation to avoid possible disappointment.

Go early - The Canoe Outfitters opens at 8:00 am. We arrived at 8:30 am but still had the entire river to ourselves all the way out to the turnpike bridge. The way back was a totally different story. The river went from slightly congested to packed with novices.

Bring a camera - When else will you have an opportunity to see ancient, giant cypress trees unless you are lost in a swamp. There are also some great wildlife shots along the route.

Dams - There are two. You may be able to slide over them on the way out if the water is high enough but you will need to get out of your boat and drag it back the other way. It's actually a lot of fun even if I totally sunk my kayak on one. A dry bag is a great idea. Wish I had brought mine.

Alligators - They have them and in abundance. They will not eat you unless you are stupid. If you are stupid, and you know who you are, stay home. That goes for noisy, reckless, a litter bug, or just plain ignorant. This river and all the plants and animals who live in it were here long before you were. Try and remember you are visiting their home and use some of that common sense and common courtesy that seems so rare these days.

Skill - That all depends in the water level. On the day I went, it was a bit more challenging. There are obstructions and currents all the way down and back. For me it made the trip worth while. For some canoeing couples, it was putting relationships to the test. I will very likely go back when the water is higher just to see the difference.

Choices - If the river seems too intimidating, going the opposite direction at the start takes you down a wide and extremely flat canal. There is even a picnic area and launching beach if you brought your own boat. Much more suitable if I want to come back with the inflatables another time.

Once the canoe ride was over, I found some very elaborate and well marked walking/bike paths. They are all crushed coral with the occasional bridge. I walked along for a while as I was drying out but decided I would return with the bike and fully explore them soon. Not too far of a drive for a truly unique get-a-way from the big city.

7 Super Shots Challange

It's been a good week. First, my blog reached over 20,000 views. I never thought a blog I write basically for my friends and family would ever have that kind of popularity. Second, my biggest fan in the whole world RedNomadOZ from Australia has invited me to join the HotelBookers 7 Super Shots Challenge. I'm not sure the contest is still on but I found the challenge intriguing. Find seven photos in my collection for the seven categories provided and write a little explanation of each. Oh Red - you have no idea what you are asking. I have 14,836 digital photos in my collection tonight and I've never given these categories much thought so I'll have some digging and reminiscing to do.

A photo that … takes my breath away:

Every time I look at this photo I remember the day my young daughter pedaled her bike right up to an alligator and started taking pictures. I had the biggest panic attack since high school. Luckily this little guy was more interested in getting some sun than snapping her foot off. Since then she's held a gator (mouth taped), kayaked with gators, and had many a plate of gator bites. This will always be the close encounter I remember most vividly.

A photo that … makes me laugh or smile:

So what is this  - can you guess? Yes it is a hot air balloon but if you can't figure it out, it's a reflection in a canal. If you look dead center you can see the big white flame that is creating the lift for the balloon. Just to the right is my head and half my body leaning out over the basket so I could get this shot. I had to jam my foot on the huge propane tank so I would not fall completely out of the balloon. The pilot was not amused. I smile every time I tell this story at the looks on faces of the people who hear it. 

A photo that … makes me dream:

I have always dreamed of flying off to space and exploring the universe but taking a picture of a Saturn 5 engine at NASA is about as close as I'm likely to get. Still hopeful of one day making it to orbit at least. On the day I went, most of the space station was sitting in a clean room behind a glass window. Now all those bits and pieces are floating overhead. This generation's recent collective dreams made real.

A photo that … makes me think:

This is one of the Gator Boys now made famous for their gator wrangling reality show on Animal Planet. I was amazed by the seemingly casual way he handled this dangerous critter. Even more amazed that this is his line of work. There are days I wish I was doing something else for a living then I think of guys with jobs like this and I run right back to my air conditioned cubicle. I think I made the right career choice.

A photo that … makes my mouth water:

The famous BrooN AKA Brian Howard. A favorite of the Renaissance Faires and stages across the country. After many years of being a mere fan and watching my favorite performers eat fire, I took the plunge and a class in the art. This one photo tipped the balance for me and sent me on the quest to follow a crazy and dangerous hobby. Although fire eating will definitely make your mouth water, it's one of the few exotic delicacies I've tried that decidedly does not taste like chicken. I may never perform in front of a paying audience but family BBQ's will sure be interesting.

A photo that … tells a story:

This sign is located at the entrance of a decommissioned Nike Missile base in South Florida and tells the story of why this country still exists. I thought I knew about the Cold War until I got a history lesson from a Nike Missile veteran. Without this weapon system, those on the other side may have seen the opportunity to "push the button". The nuclear-tipped defensive weapons at the ready in this bunker and around the country gave everyone second thoughts. Had the Cold War heated up even a few degrees, it's hard to imagine South Florida still being habitable. This story was best written by letting sleeping dogs lie and never launching these weapons in anger.
  

The photo that ... I am most proud of:

This photo starts with the first fly away trip I took with my daughter a decade ago. I was still shooting film at the time. We went to Washington DC and Virginia for a week traveling the mountains, caves, and history of the area. On the very last day, just before our ride to the airport, we stopped off at the Korean War Memorial. Even though neither of us had a personal connection to the war heroes etched in this wall, we both felt the connection our country had to them. This was the 37th photo on a roll of 36 shots. The last roll I had left after a week of shooting. This shot never should have existed and yet here it is still bringing tears to my eyes even after all these years.

____________________


I have looked at so many photos I have not seen or thought about for a very long time. So many memories attached to each. Over the years I have gone from a few shots here and there to hundreds for a single event and they all have a memory associated with them. Thanks Red. This has been much more than a simple challenge and I have enjoyed the 3 days it has actually has taken to accomplish. 

Miami Renaissance Faire at Cauley Square

Casey Martin and Rob Williams
Kamikaze Fireflies

You would think that I would be Ren Fested out by now. I know I thought I was. I have a friend who missed all five weekends at the Deerfield Beach Ren Fest and wanted to go, so we packed the cameras and headed south. I've been to Cauley Square before and I remember it as not a big place, so I was expecting a tiny event and a quick day. Wrong! We got there at opening and closed the place. My friend got pulled up on stage during the second show we attended (and luckily loved it), stared into the eye of a hawk on her shoulder, and fired a Ballista at a live and moving knight. She also bought me a couple of hard ciders and a cup of mead which left my camera focusing a whole lot better then I was. So how did such a fantastic event occur in such a tiny place?

Magic and a chain saw.

Intricately winding paths cut through the heavy ficus forest and were covered in gravel. Stages were strewn randomly throughout. It really helped to pick up a map and show schedule at the gate. Turn after turn down the paths I slowly began to realize this was a really big show.


You do not want to miss Celtic Mayhem, Masala Dancers and the Joust. All Florida Faire favorites. The Kamakazi FireFlies came all the way from LA just for these two weekends so it hardly mattered how far I had to drive to come see them. There was plenty of shade for the audience which really sets this event apart. The performers - not so lucky. Those stages get pretty darn hot. Even hotter if Casey Martin blows a 20 foot fire ball across it.

Masala Dancer

I was there Sunday and witnessed one of the jousters sustain an injury during an unscripted dehorsing. No matter if they are riding horses, battling in full armor, eating fire, stilt walking, or blasting out a wild fiddle tune on a 110 degree stage - every act is live, dangerous, and exists for the sole purpose of your enjoyment. A whole lot more enjoyment than you will ever find on your TV or Xbox. I never get tired of saying these performers work for tips and a buck or two is a small price to pay for the value of the experience you will have.


The Miami faire is open just one more weekend so don't miss it. I did not have time to revisit the Cauley Square shops but my friend was very interested in going back again to thoroughly check them out.

Joust

This is a very quaint and historic piece of Miami's past and I am so glad the Florida Renaissance Festival will be bringing thousands of new visitors to what I hope is their new permanent home.  I spent a lot of time at the Ren Fest in Deerfield Beach this year and a lot of the visitors at the Miami show were new to me. It's great to see even more people enjoying the last of the Vaudevillian style performances in America, and hopefully maybe even their first trip of many to Cauley Square.

Miami Food Trucks - Hollywood

You may remember my post on the Miami Food Truck Invasion back in August. If not, you can just click the link above to check it out. I was there opening day and I was impressed. I have been back a couple more times and so far I have enjoyed the gourmet offerings.

Today was the first attempt to bring these rolling kitchens to Hollywood City Hall. What I understand from the Assistant City Manager, Cathy  Swanson-Rivenbark, is this four week experiment may be extended if it's successful. Personally, I hope so since it's a half block from my office. I like to walk to lunch and there are plenty of places nearby. I've eaten locally for years. This is more of an exciting treat than an everyday lunch choice. Maybe a bit on the pricey side for some, but I love trying new flavor combinations and a couple of bucks is a small price to pay for unique and inventive flavors.


Even though this mini-event was held right on City Hall Circle next to the Broward County Public Library building, probably two thirds of those in line were no one I've seen around the neighborhood before. I overheard someone say that they mostly brown bag and eat at their desk and they just walked over to give it a try. I'm not sure how this was promoted but the word certainly got out around City Hall Circle. It was fun to have lunch with people I work with but just never have time to go out with. I even saw one woman introduce herself to her co-workers who only knew her over the phone.


So how did I make out? I decided to give the famous $7.00 grilled cheese sandwich from Ms. Cheezious a try. This is not Mom's grilled cheese, that's for sure. First, it was heavily loaded with delicious, stretchy cheese - like a pound and a half heavy. Smothered inside, I found tomatoes and fresh basil. The whole concoction was called The Italian, appropriately enough. I opted for the sweet potato fries for the full experience.  The second I made my choice, I spotted a sandwhich on the menu with goat cheese & prosciutto. Next time for sure.

This experiment will run Wednesday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for the month of April. There was limited seating, but since the four trucks were well attended I suspect the City will bring out a few tables and chairs if this takes off. The trucks at City Hall will be rotated, but if you want to choose from the full compliment of Miami Food Trucks they are still at the Arts Park every Monday evening. Monday night Downtown is slow so it's a great excuse to get a unique meal and check out the constantly reinvented Hollywood Downtown. That way you can plan for that big Friday night out to impress your friends with how well you know your way around. I know that's what I do.

Cupcake Burlesque at Five Points Lounge - Fort Lauderdale

Five Points Lounge

Everyone who knows me and anyone who has followed my blog for more than the last two months knows that for me "Burlesque" and "Lounge" is the equivalent of saying I went for a weekend camping trip to the moon. Just wouldn't happen. So how did I wind up in this place for this event?? A little mermaid invited me to the show and under some spell she cast over me - I agreed.

My blog is based on me trailblazing new adventures for my friends. It has also been a personal diary of me pushing myself to experience life with a little more color and flavor, but this was something way outside my comfort zone. As much as I wanted to change my mind about going, I could not disappoint the little mermaid. I ocean kayak regularly and I hear mermaids can get pretty nasty when crossed. Not to mention, this one dries off and grows legs. Best to play it safe, do as I was told, and hope for the best.

Let's build the anticipation by describing the venue. Parking was a challenge so let me save you a ton of frustration. Just south of the lounge is a very sketch alley. Turn down there and find plenty of fenced-in parking behind the building. Took me a pass or two to figure it out.

The Five Points Lounge is connected to the Kreepy Tiki Tattoo shop and the entire place looks like a 1950's tiki bar straight from the South Pacific. I grabbed one of the few tables and camped the entire night watching the patrons arrive and mingle. I have one tattoo which made me practically naked compared to the inked beauties passing by. A good number of them dressed and quaffed in the vintage style of the '50s that my aunts and uncles maintained throughout the 60's and 70's. None of these outfits came from Granny's closet or a third hand store. They were fine new works of art with plenty of views of the best tattoos I've ever seen all in one place.

Jenna Smith

The band Askultura took the stage and played for about an hour. The sound system could have been a bit more crisp and the stage more brightly lit. The music did however fit the room and the mood. I can't even remember the last time I saw a band with a wailing trombone that didn't involve uniforms and marching.

Finally, it was time for the  Cupcake Burlesque to take the stage somewhere close to the midnight hour. I managed to be standing in the front row with my big camera and blasted away till my flash overheated. I should apologize to everyone around me for blinding them. I was hoping to have more to show for my efforts but I am not a professional.  If you head over to Jenna Smith's Facebook, you will find plenty of really good photos from the event.  If you want to see more, and believe me they show a lot more..... you are going to have to attend one of their many performances around South Florida.

This is not my regular type of thing but all in all I enjoyed it and highly recommend it. I was left with the impression that a whole room full of people time-traveled from the simpler life of the 1950's with a quick stopover in the 90's for some ink and piercings. I appreciate that the performers and the crowd are reviving that simpler time in this modern, crazy world. While I was there I spotted a vintage mermaid tat at the Kreepy Tiki that would have made my merchant marine Grandpa and uncles proud to display.

I'm thinking about it.

I may not be doing this again but I do have friends that love this era and will no doubt be checking it out (if they have not already).

MeduSirena and the Mermaids at the Wreck Bar - Fort Lauderdale

Not very long ago I drove a very long way to see a very famous Florida mermaid show which was fairly entertaining.

In keeping with the theme of "Living like a tourist in my own backyard" I found a mermaid show right here in Fort Lauderdale. Who knew? Well most of my friends did it seems. I don't miss much but this slipped right off my radar.

MeduSirena Marina

MeduSirena Marina and her mermaids perform at the Wreck Bar in the Sheridan Hotel on Fort Lauderdale beach. Some of us remember it as the old Yankee Clipper but it is old no more. There has been a top to bottom renovation but the 1950's pool with viewing ports in the bar is still there. Parking is across the street for $10.00 and a sky bridge gets you to the hotel for safe street crossing. The sky bridge is also a pretty obvious landmark to find the place. The bar itself is small and extremely overdone. Just the way I like it. I got there at 5:30 when the doors opened for the 6:30 show and camped out right on the bar in front of the windows, camera charged and ready.

My first impression of MeduSirena - fabulously beautiful and not the kind of woman you can just go up to and talk to.

Don't worry about that. If you are in the bar waiting for the show, she will come right up and talk to YOU like you are old friends. I know this because I had never met her before and we had quite a conversation. She has been performing for 25 years and headlining the mermaid show at the Wreck Bar for the last five. She does some other interesting shows as a fire eater elsewhere which I'm sure will wind in my blog soon. We were deep in conversation right up to show time.

When the first mermaid glided by the window the place was jammed. Half the crowd knew there was something happening with cameras, phones, and iPad's at the ready. The rest - total surprise. From the very first pass this show was incredible. All four mermaids are not only stunning but brought with them plenty of personality to go with their athletic grace. Winks, bubbly kisses, long flowing hair, and crowd interaction are what you get and all the action is right up against the glass. Very different from that other show way up the road.


After the performance the mermaids pose for pictures, answer questions, and generally just look amazing one flight up on the pool deck.



MeduSirena is the undisputed ring leader and to say she engages the audience is an understatement. If you are not careful, you will be knee deep in the pool with your friends laughing so hard they will have trouble holding their camera still long enough to get the shot.


I got plenty in case you missed yours. Head over to my Flickr page and see the best of them. I'm sure I can do better. MeduSirena invited me to swim along with the mermaids in a future show. Yeah - that's not gonna happen but I will go back with friends and a different camera soon. Shows are every Friday night at 6:30 and last 30 minutes or more.

MeduSirena Aquaticat Performer Hinalea

Celtic Mayhem plays The Field - Dania

What does it take to get me out to a bar on a Wednesday night during a work week? The planets need to align just right and a very special event needs to be taking place. Such a happening occurred this very week. The Field Irish Pub was open for business and the band Celtic Mayhem played to a house full of loyal fans, pub regulars, and patrons just lucky enough to show up on this special night.

Ok, The Field is always open and is my favorite Irish Pub not actually in Ireland. If you travel Griffen Road in Dania, you may have driven past it without a second glance. I've been going for years and have never once been able to park in their parking lot if that tells you how popular it is. There is a parking lot just a block west and they are nice enough to run a little shuttle service. No matter how many times I visit, I am always impressed that the place is bigger on the inside than the outside. Whether you sit inside right on the stage or outside under the banyan tree, the music is pumped directly to your table. If the great food, terrific service, and the best beer around isn't enough to get you to visit, the music certainly will.

Celtic Mayhem

The house bands Celtic Bridge (my favorite), 2 of Us (Beatles tribute), and George Orr as Rod Stuart play five nights a week. This particular middle of the week night featured a very rare appearance by my new favorite Irish band Celtic Mayhem. Three long sets, with two short breaks filled the night with rocking Celtic music and some oldies that were new when I first heard them making them classics. I'm sure they were new to some of the folks sitting near me. That would be the ones who weren't singing along till the second chorus.

It's difficult to find someone to head out with on a school night so I did this little adventure alone. I certainly didn't stay alone for long. I struck up a conversation with a guy at the bar next to me as soon as I sat down and by the last set I had 10 new friends. Thanks Chris, Robin, Ginger, Tricia, Dave and everyone who's name I didn't quite get for a great time.

Celtic Mayhem - Artsy Cell Phone Shot

It is not too late to enjoy the Celtic Mayhem experience. They are playing the Miami Ren Fest the next two weekends then all over Florida after that. Click on the links above for more info on the faire, the band, and The Field.

Museum of Discovery and Science - Fort Lauderdale

 How long has it been since I last visited the Museum of Discovery and Science? Well since it's doubled in size since my last visit, I would say too long. Sure I've been in the area for the IMAX movie theater, Sunday Jazz Brunch, Glam Doll Strut, and other events but I have not set foot inside the museum since my daughter informed me she was too old to go anymore.

I don't know how that's possible. I still love to play with all the interactive exhibits. Fifteen years ago, most everything was mechanical. A lot of that is still there but every area has been updated with new displays, entirely new exhibit rooms, interactive computer touch screens, and simulator rides. There is also a  full size elephant and giant shark.

Clock

I was not totally sure they would let me play with all the exhibits by myself so I borrowed a couple of kids to be safe. Even so, I had plenty of play time. Memories of past visits with my daughter came flooding back. I remember different items she would concentrate on over the many years and visits as she grew up. One year it was soap bubbles. The next, staring in wonder at the visible escalator. My loaner kids were glued to the window where the otters played like it was an episode of Sponge Bob Square Pants. My personal fascination is the gigantic, mechanical clock that tells time with multicolored bowling balls. At certain times, a whole slew of them are released to clatter along a complex racetrack that fills the entire entrance courtyard. Yes, there have been times when I've grabbed a lunch and waited for the clock to pass the noon hour putting everything in motion.

Otter Pool 

Clyde Butcher

So what prompted this visit? Was I having some sort of second childhood episode? No. Actually I went to see a presentation by Clyde Butcher. If you have been in South Florida for any length of time, you have heard the name and/or seen his work. If you have never heard the name, then click on it above and get introduced. Mr. Butcher is a fine art photographer who has made a career of standing waist deep in the swampy waters of the Everglades to bring the tremendous beauty to your local art gallery or living room. His use of a rare and ancient, large format camera allows him to capture photos of astounding clarity printed to enormous sizes. Clyde spoke with great passion about the destruction of the Everglades and the anemic measures being taken to repair the damage. I wonder, if it was not for him and a very few like him, would the Everglades have been seen as anything other than a wasteland to be drained and paved over? Clyde offers Swamp Walks to the public at his studio from time to time. There is no better way to get close to nature than walking in it up to your knees.

The Museum of Discovery and Science is an excellent destination to introduce your children to science and discover a day's worth of fun for the whole family.

Impressions of the Florida Renaissance Festival

Mimi the Mermaid

Why am I writing about the Florida Renaissance Festival twice this year?  My last posting hit a half a thousand views, my Flickr photos are getting 500+ views a day, and I’ve attended four and a half times with one weekend yet to go. World shattering records for my blog and myself.  With this kind of interest, I thought I would take a deeper look.

When asked what my attraction is to this event, my quick and easy answer is the people. Not only the performers but the costumed characters, the vendors, and the fans. This year I made a real effort to do more than gawk and shoot photos. Now several performers know my name. I've met a couple of fellow photographers in person who’s work I’ve admired for years. I’ve hung out with some awesome performers and their over the top fans. I've learned to eat fire. I don’t really recommend that last one. Not that anyone besides me has fire eating on their top 100 list.

So what does this little faire have to offer? I attended four full days before I saw every act (so I thought) and each time was a truly unique experience. There is something for everyone who enjoys live entertainment.

Celtic Mayhem

The Harper & the Minstrel

Iron Hill Vagabonds

Music is everywhere. If you look hard enough and listen close enough you will find some of the most beautiful, hand made music on earth. The Glass Harp which is singing water bowls or a harpist by the water for those who like their music quiet. The juxtaposition of cannon fire in the background may upset the purists but there is no shortage of CDs for sale so you can take it with you and listen in the cocoon of your car on the way home.

 Somewhere in the middle are the loud and bawdy bands belting out anything from Irish drinking songs to comedy and pirate tunes.

Cast in Bronze

If you would rather feel your music more than hear it, stand in the front row at the Cast in Bronze performance and get your bones rattled and fillings loosened. This has to be the most unique musical instrument I've ever seen. All four tons of it. It takes quite an athlete to play this collection of church bells on a truck bed but he never misses a beat.

Masala Gypsy Dancer

Irish Step Dance

How about dance. Plenty of that. No matter how many times I visit, the Irish Step Dancers and Masala Gypsy Dancers dance their hearts out for the audience. I'm constantly amazed by the attendance these performers draw. They can't all be parents and relatives like when I watched my daughter's shows way back when. Every time I attend there are large and enthusiastic audiences. I think that speaks to the type of visitors the Ren Fest attracts as much as to the quality of the acts.













What would a Renaissance Festival be without the knights? These guys take quite a pounding every weekend for our entertainment. I don't care how scripted the show may appear. You fall off a galloping horse in full armour and it's going to hurt somewhere between limp and 911. I've been going to Renaissance festivals for 15 years and I've only seen one real injury but I'm sure these guys put their career and health on the line every time they suit up. The audience knows it too and the Field of Dreams is always the Field of Loudest Cheers.

Washer Woman

Commedia Del Sol

I Want My Mommy!

My favorite - the comedy. I don't really think there are enough opportunities to laugh in this life. TV just does not have the same effect on me as live comedy. I've seen the same acts plenty of times over the years so are they still funny? Oh Hell Yeah! This is a live show with a volatile audience and performers who might just change the act in mid stream if it suits them. Then there's the classic jokes I just can't get enough of and look forward to hearing time and time again. One thing every act has in common is audience participation. That means they grab someone from the audience and toss them on stage. Every once in a while someone goes crying for their Mommy. Ninety-nine percent of the time the uncanny skill of the performer to pick the perfect victim enhances the enjoyment of the audience and in the end makes a hero out of the chosen one. Something they will remember fondly for a long time and possibly re-live through the photos of their friends who were thanking their gods they were not picked. This year the Mud Show is back. A show where there is a good chance you will be sprayed with mud in the first twenty rows. This is the only show I sit in the back row with my long lens. Not so much to protect my camera as people fight for those front row seats. Now that's what I call audience participation.

Mud Show - Splattertime Players

Jana Lee and Adam Lowe

What's left? Acrobats, RenFairies, beautiful woman, games of skill, and turkey legs. You can't see everything all in one day, that's for sure. I was looking at some of my new friend's photos and found a couple of acts hiding in the woods that I missed. Good thing there is one last weekend.

At the end of the day, when the closing cannon blasts letting everyone know it's time to leave, there is no mad rush to play bumper cars on the way out. Five times with oodles of people leaving at once, the very first driver I came upon waived me onto the road. I, in turn, did the same all the way to the exit. Merging into traffic leaving a concert or ball game in Miami is more of a Gladiator sport. The folks who attend the Ren Fest this year have braved the elements, the cold, the wind, the rain, and blazing sun for a full day and still are polite enough to drive with courtesy. Like I said at the beginning, the best part of this event for me is the people.

RenFairies

Beauty 1

Beauty 2

Beauty 3 (on the inside)