We’re back baby! After last week’s rerun from 2017 of my experience flying on Fat Albert, we are back in real time with the latest from Mak & Lou’s Adventure Series.
This week we take it to the back roads, through the historic streets of Milton, Florida, a few miles down the one lane highway, to a secluded spot in the middle of the trees.
Parts of Juniper Creek can be found off Red Rock Road, with both private and public access to the creek.
We took a left at a saved pin that a friend had sent, and down the rocky dirt road we went. The cell service became terrible once we started getting closer to the creek. Be sure to note where your people are in case your GPS or messages suddenly stop working.
Lou and I had the honor of bringing her older sister along for the journey this week. Taylor and I have known each other since she was just 3 years old. Now she is 15. Despite their dad and I’s separation back in 2019, we’ve all stayed connected and continued our spontaneous adventuring.
Both girls have been along for the ride for lots of nature exploring with me. We’ve built an understanding that we may or may not know where we are going. We are confident that we are doing it together and respect that 3 brains are better than 1 if something were to not go accordingly.
There is nothing I enjoy more than taking the people I love out into nature to disconnect from everything. Outside of the snacks, water, and other necessities, we are not connected to technology or obligations outside of being exactly where we are supposed to be.
I’ve got many fond memories of growing up around nature like Juniper Creek. Instilling adventure that involves getting quiet with nature verses seeking a thrill that can be overstimulating is healthy.
If there is one thing you take away from this read, bringing our kids out in nature to get away from a world that is very distracting is a good thing.
My adventure buddies and I collected rocks, floated on our backs, and at snacks creekside for a few blissful hours.
Hours: General public access (dawn to dusk), surrounding businesses like Adventures Unlimited and Bob’s Canoes offer tubing, canoeing, and lodging services.
Location: Off Red Rock Road, Milton Florida
A Quick Review:
Our plan was to get to the river by 10 AM and leave around 2 PM when the sun was at its hottest. Despite our best efforts, we were an hour or so behind on our arrival, though it didn’t make much of a difference.
To our surprise, it didn’t rain once! A rare reality on a summer creek day. The trees’ coverage and the cool running water of the creek try to convince you that sunscreen may not be necessary. We are all three here to tell you not to be fooled by mother nature’s trickery. WEAR PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN.
One of the only things we forgot on this trip was better seating. We did have a mat and towels to sit down on, though a lawn chair or lightweight camping chair would be ideal to bring. Most of our time was spent swimming in the creek.
We found cool rocks.
Talked about everything.
Built sculptures out of natural clay.
Saw friends that we love dearly.
Swam against the current.
Floated down the creek.
Laughed A LOT.
Our souls felt full and our cheeks felt sun-kissed.
The entire day was really sweet.
Mak, Lou, & Tay Rating:
As we hit the interstate to get home, I asked the girls what they would rate the trip 1 out of 10. 1 being the worst day and 10 exceeding their expectations. Taylor led with “hmmmmmm.. I’d say a 12.” And Lou followed up with a “100 million.”
I trailed behind with a big smile, “I’d give it those scores too.”
We were all so eager to share this adventure with you because of how good it made us all feel. To disconnect, to play in nature, and to soak up special quality time with each other that we believe every family deserves.
Make the effort to arrange your day so you have the freedom to get out and play! When it comes to a fun adventure, there doesn’t have to be an age limit or an expensive place. What’s important is the quality time you set aside to make these special memories.
See you next time,
Mak, Lou, & Tay
Faith & Entertainment Writer
Local Pulse Pensacola
