Spook Hill - Lake Wales, FL

While visiting the Bok Tower and Gardens we drove over to a natural phenomenon know as Spook Hill.  Apparently you pull up to a line, put your car in park and then are able to actually roll up hill.  Cars are not the only things that will roll, so bring a ball or anything round.  As you pull up there is a sign that explains the legend of why the car rolls up hill, but it actually is a gravity hill or magnectic mountain.  We tried it out and it works!!!! if you are in the area I would definitely follow the signs and try it out for yourself.  http://www.lakewaleschamber.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=30

as you can see from where we are at the sign the white line is definitely downhill

the car is in neutral and we did roll up the hill

view of another car approaching the line

and as you can see their car is rolling up the hill

Bok Tower & Gardens - Lake Wales, FL

During our Christmas time off we decided to check out the Bok Tower & Gardens in Lake Wales.  It is home to a 50-acre garden and 205 foot marble and coquina Singing Tower decorated with tile mocaics, animal carvings and custom iron-work.  Edward W. Bok gifted this garden and tower to the American people in 1929.  He wanted them to have a real piece of Florida to come visit and enjoy.  The Singing Tower sings from the 60 bell carillon that is built in the upper level of the tower.  The bells are attached to an organ and songs are played every half hour and a half-hour concert is preformed at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm every day.

Since we went during the winter months there was not quite as many flowers in bloom as I expect there are during the Spring.  We will definitely be going back to see the difference.

The land itself is the tallest point in the state of Florida.  They said on a clear day you can almost see the Gulf of Mexico from the grounds behind the tower.

the air gardens at the entrance

a small version of the tower - the top is where the carrillon is, the second is where the carillonneur lives

showing the sheer size of the bells - Duane is 6ft tall

I thought this view was beautiful with the swan and the reflection

the front door - it is said that this is made from solid gold

Edward Bok's grave is at the entrance to his beloved structure

stands at an impressive 206-ft tall

one of the intricate mosaics that surround the top of the tower

you can see the tree and the monkeys in this shot

beautiful iron work

he followed us around the lake wanting us to feed him

the highest spot in Florida is exactly where the circle is shown

can you believe the size of the agavae plant

frome the window by the lake

even there orange trees are sculptured

this lantern was dedicated by one of Edward Bok's employees.  He saved for 7 years and purchased this piece as a sign of love of humanity.  It is positioned so that Edward's grave can be seen from the latern.

view of the grave from the lantern

showing the coloring of the stone.  Each piece was put up separately and was laid by craftsman and artisans

This is a wonderful place to pack a picnic lunch, walk around and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.  If you would like to get directions or check the website out just click here - http://boktowergardens.org/

Parasailing and Snorkeling - Key West, FL

One of the things that my daughter and I wanted to do more than anything in Key West was to go parasailing.  We spoke with the conceirge at the hotel and he suggested we use Fury Watersports as they have competitive prices and lots of things to do.  After much discussion we all decided that Jasmine and I would parasail and then all four of us would go snorkeling at the coral reef.  We purchased the parasailing tickets for $35/each for an hour and the snorkeling was $45/adult and $25/child for a three hour trip.  Two hours on the ferry, 1 hour in the water.

We arrived at the dock and checked in with no issues.  We waited where they told us and the deck hands for fury met us and walked us to the boat.  There was another couple, a party of four and Jasmine and I that all went on the boat.  The place we ended up sitting us was the spots that would go up first.  I will not lie we were a little intimidated by the thought of going first, but I was also extremely excited.  The let us know that we would be flying at approx 300 ft in the air.  I must say that this was a fabulous choice and it was a great bonding experience for Jasmine and I.

the view of us flying from the boat

our view from the air

After our parasailing adventure came to a close we met up with the guys and boarded the boat for the Rum and Reggae snorkeling adventure.  We choose the 3:30 trip because we would still be out at sea for sunset and I really wanted to get some good sunset pics.  The ferry took about an hour to travel the 7 miles out to the Coral Reef.  The Reef extends from Key West 127 miles to Miami.  This is the reason that the Keys are not know for their beaches (they have to ship in the sand) and Miami has beautiful ones.  On the trip out they explained about the reef and how to work the gear that you were supplied.  Unlimited soda's were available on the way out - no alcohol or you can not snorkel. 

Once out to the reef we jumped in and were on our way. We snorkeled for most of the hour but the sun started to set and water temperature began to drop.  It was in the 70s in the water still and the day we went was so clear you could see at least 50 meters below the surface.

After our snorkeling was done for the day the unlimited adult beverages started to flow.  They had their house specialty Rum Punch and it was definitely not on the wimpy side.  I was able to get some amazing sunset pics and we were able to discuss our adventure with ourselves and others on board.  By the time we hit land we were all tuckered out from our long but wonderful day on the water.



I would suggest doing either of these excursions if you go to the Keys.  Both of these adventures where the highlights of our trip.

Fury's website - http://furycat.com/

Key West Aquarium - Key West, FL

When we were on the trolley tour the driver informed us that the Aquarium on Key West was the first aquarium in the state of Florida.  The prices were reasonable so we decided to take a look.  It was very small, almost like the aquarium in Tarpon Springs.  There were two large pools of water that took up the majority of the middle of the room. One was touchable area that was loaded with starfish, crawfish, small sting rays that allow kids to pick up and examine. 

The other was filled with sharks and large stingrays and there were a ton of them hanging out with each other.

All along both of the walls there were tanks filled with a wide assortment of fish. 

One of my favorite tanks was the jellyfish.  The lighting that was used in there tank allowed you to really see all of their small parts.

Out back they had large tortoises and a hammerhead shark.  The shark wasn't out as they usually only allow him to come out for feedings and we were not there at that time.

Another area had animals that were common to Florida - gators, iguana's, turtles, and a red shoulder hawk.  The gators were not around, but below are some pics of the other inhabitants.

For a small place they have quite a bit to see and you and your family should definitely take a look.  http://www.keywestaquarium.com/ - ticket prices were $12/adults - $5/kids.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory - Key West, FL

When we made plans to visit Key West I knew one of the places we had to go in and check out was the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.  I have always held a special place in my heart for butterflies, I even have one tatooed on my back.  Their symbolism to change from one thing into something more beautiful has always been an inspiration.  The prices were a little high, but I knew that going in.  I think it was $45 for the four of us (3 adults, 1 child) with a $1 off coupon that we had on our map.  We entered into a double door area and then proceeded into the atrium.  It was breath taking.  There were 1000s of butterflies flying around as well as different species of birds and koi.  As we were walking a butterfly landed on Duane's hat and hung out with us for a while.  Below are some pictures we took while inside the exhibit.  Even though it is a little pricey, I would recommend this to anyone who has never been.

http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/