"Making A Mountain Out Of A Big Hill"

Anybody who knows me knows I am not much of a tourist. I don't have any yens to see the Seven Wonders of the World, or to travel around the world in eighty days. I prefer to stay at home, and when I do travel I prefer to do it by car even though that limits my circle of sightseeing.

When I accepted an invitation to take part in the "Lake County Festival of Reading" I did so knowing I could get there by car. Being in the middle of the state of Florida, it wouldn't even be that much of a trip. So a few weeks ago I got up early and started my trek to Mount Dora, Florida where I would be spending the night. I was going to speak at the library in Paisley, Florida but Mount Dora would be my home base.

I took the interstate down to Wildwood, Florida and then switched to the parkway that goes to Miami. Armed with directions I had gotten from Mapquest (God love em), I made my way slowly to Mount Dora. I got to the town but couldn't find Heron Cay Bed and Breakfast where I would be staying. A quick call to Randy and Margie, the Owners/Managers, and I was off again.

When I found the B&B I was overwhelmed. It looked like a Victorian era home sitting across from a lake. It was one of the most beautiful settings I had ever seen. And inside the house there were more surprises. It was all furnished with the utmost care and taste. My room had two huge queen size beds and comfortable plush chairs everywhere. I felt like a king.

Margie and Randy showed me around the downstairs and told me all about breakfast and when it would be served. They also offered directions to some of the best restaurants in the area. I didn't get a chance to talk with them for long as I had to get changed before my host for the evening picked me up.

The next day I awoke rested and ready for more sights. I ate breakfast at the B&B and then packed up for my drive to Clermont where I was speaking that afternoon. Randy told me I would be going by one of Florida's rare mountains. It was called Sugar Loaf or Sugar Hill or something like that. He said it was a real mountain, or at least a great big hill, and that it was definitely worth getting off the main road to see. I decided against doing that. Getting lost is always a danger for me so I stuck to the road I knew.

Clermont was another pretty city by a lake. No wonder they call this place Lake County. There were lakes everywhere. I felt like I had been taken out of Florida and dropped off in New England. This area just didn't look like the Florida I knew.

After I got home I began to brag on the towns and communities I had seen. I was surprised at how many people did know of the area, especially Mount Dora. My mother in law told me she had actually gone on a tour to the area and found Mount Dora to be sweet and quaint. 

I am still not convinced I want to be a world traveler, but I do want to go back to this area of middle Florida. My wife would love it all. Plus I want to see that mountain I missed or at least that big hill.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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