Picnicking and Penguins in Florida

Oh, wait. Did I say Penguins? Sorry, I've had Penguins on my mind ever since a man yelled to someone trailing behind, “Hurry, come and see the (bleep) Penguins!” For a moment, we were stunned into silence, I, because he had been so thoughtless with his (bleep) language in a family-like setting, and my friend Phyllis, because he had mistaken Pelicans for Penguins.

Phyllis is a sea world buff and after a brief pause, and deciding he has harmless, she patiently explained to him the many differences between a penguin and a pelican. His reply: “Are you sure?” Obviously, he was a visitor to our shores!

We were standing on the North Jetty at the Southern end of Nakomis Beach in Florida. After our Penguin versus Pelican incident our attention returned to the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico, although one could not help but glance to our right from time to time to watch the amusing antics of the dozen or so Pelicans fishing for their supper in the rather choppy water.

Earlier we paused near the rocks in the small channel between the North and South Jetties where we spotted playful dolphins and while watching the various boats come and go. I'm not sure how many fish were biting but the fishermen attracted plenty of water birds looking for a free hand-out.

A few days later, I returned with a picnic supper, arriving almost two hours before sunset and settling myself at a picnic table near the jetty. In between watching all the goings-on, I enjoyed the late afternoon sun, and read. Shortly after unpacking my picnic a couple asked if they could share my table and we soon stuck up a conversation. It was a pleasant diversion.

As they were preparing to leave the husband remarked that he was getting hungry, and I said no wonder, having to watch me feed my face. I decided the next time I go alone I will be sure to bring extra food; it would have been nice to be able to share dinner with such enjoyable company.

A few minutes before the sun was ready to set I walked down a sandy path adjacent to the Jetty with my camera. My best photograph this day: An orange sunset framed by a Palm tree on the left and a boat on the right.

What I like best about this destination and so many others in Florida is that whenever I visit I am guaranteed to see the same beautiful beach, water, sand, rocks, or palm trees, yet depending on the season, weather and group dynamics, there will always be that element of unpredictability.

Although there is one thing I'm sure we won't see in this area - a Penguin.

Romantic and First-Date Picnics

A reader recently asked me about the best places for a romantic picnic, and a first-date picnic. First, a romantic picnic.

I love this question, because there is a kind of romance simply in the act of planning a picnic, thinking about where to go and what to pack for the ultimate experience. One of my favorite picnic menus is also the simplest; go to the market for a loaf of good crusty bread, a hard cheese (cheddar?) and maybe some brie. Add grapes, or fresh strawberries, and your favorite beverage. Don't forget the bread and cheese knives, napkins and a cloth to use as either a table cover or ground cover. If you want to go all out, include a candle and a portable CD player. Now, where to go?

Hammonasset Beach at sunset: Arrive late afternoon, take a walk on the beach, then sit on the sand or at a picnic table and enjoy your picnic while waiting for the sunset.
The Pond at Gillette Castle State Park: Before you drive up the hill to the parking area, look for the pond on your left. In the summer, the pond is covered with pink, white, and fuchsia water lilies, and the picnic tables surrounding the pond are set far enough apart for a feeling of privacy. Later, a visit to the castle can also be quite romantic, as is the view of the Connecticut River from the balcony.
The top of the mountain at Mohawk Forest State Park: A 4-mile drive brings you to the top of the mountain where there is a small roundabout with 2 or 3 picnic tables. Although there is no guarantee, there is a good chance you will have the space to yourselves. The panoramic view is breathtaking.
Wineries: Picnics at wineries can also be romantic. First the wine tasting and agreeing on the perfect wine to go with your picnic, then finding a secluded spot on the scenic grounds to enjoy the picnic and each other. Check out the wineries in the Connecticut Wine Trail for hours and picnic facilities.

First-date picnics should be stress-free, so don't overlook something as simple as picnicking at a local park. Pick a scenic park with unique attractions, such as Elizabeth Park in West Hartford (enjoy the flowers, especially the rose gardens peaking in late June and the duck pond), or Wickam Park in Manchester (ornamental gardens, woodlands, pond, panoramic view and plenty of walking around space. Picnicking options are plentiful at parks and the fun is to let serendipity guide you to the perfect spot. Check out the local parks in your area, and also the state parks, such as Kent Falls State Park in Kent, or Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. Just like city and town parks, each state park has its own unique features.

More ideas: Tour a historic home, such as Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Mark Twain House in Hartford, or Roseland Cottage in Woodstock. (Check with your local library for free or reduced passes.) Or, spend a relaxing afternoon poking around Connecticut's charming town greens and scenic main streets like Essex, Stonington Village, Mystic, and Litchfield where, after your stroll, you can always find an inviting place to picnic.

Finally, the perfect day trip and picnic for romance or first-date, suitable for any age group as well as families, take a boat tour of the Thimble Islands, available at the Stony Creek section of Branford. Picnic at the small beach adjacent to the dock.

Although space is limited here, more information on all the places mentioned should be easily accessed on the web or at the Connecticut Visitors Center. Hopefully these ideas will get you started in thinking of your own romantic and first-date picnic ideas. I'd love to hear any success stories!


I don't usually use this venue to talk about my book appearances, however, I will make an exception here since it's an exciting opportunity for folks to meet 7 Connecticut authors with books of diverse genres. The date is June 7th at Buttonwood Tree in Middletown, where at 3:00, we will briefly introduce ourselves and our work and autographing our books until 5:00. Come meet and greet the authors and check out the great selection of books.