Set with Keira Grant by Keira Grant

I  felt incredibly lucky to have a friend move so close by this last year. Keira is only 3 hours from me now in one of the prettiest cities of the Southeast, Asheville. While it is only 3 hours away, I haven't spent a lot of time there. I want to. I want to climb to the top of its amazing mountains, explore it's waterfall region, and find whatever else is in between.

I just returned from Florida. Florida was beautiful, but so different. It's different from anywhere else I've been, except, maybe, Mexico. There are springs and clear rivers, tourquise oceans, trails of palms and tropical flowers, and so much more. I've estimated, that maybe if I decided to stay in Florida for 5 weeks, I'd feel like I could really explore much of the areas. I wouldn't see everything, and I didn't add in days for breaks. I know there are hidden abandoned structures, as well as active animal preserves to find and visit. I could spend years in Florida. It's so funny how misunderstood Florida is, but someone once told me it's because their government hasn't protect the privacy of its citizens as much. So their police reports and news become a lot more public than elsewhere. It also has a heap of dangerous animal or plant varieties. For all the time I've spent there I haven't been threatened by a snake or alligator (or crocodile) yet. They're all there, but most live passively, enjoying the sun as much as any of us do. I'd probably have to be nocturnal to live in Florida. I didn't sun burn, but I did have a close call one day after spending hours in the light without applying sunscreen every 30 minutes. That might seem excessive, but it isn't for me. Everyone in Florida seems to love it there. You have to love the water in some way, either the beaches or springs if not both. Although many of the Floridians rarely see either! It's the only way to stay cool besides AC. 

My favorite places in Florida so far are Tampa, Miami, and Daytona. I'm a city girl, although I don't spend a lot of time in those cities. Tampa is pretty with a large artist community. It isn't too far from the ocean, springs, quarries, or swamps. The traffic is awful, but th area has a lot to enjoy.  I haven't seen much of Miami, but I love its beaches and water. I want to spend more time in Miami. There are a variety of shooting locations in and around Miami. While I enjoy the Keys, the keys have pretty water and drinking... You usually need a boat to do or see more. It is peaceful, but I like that about Daytona (and Daytona is half the price on everything). The ocean is lovely (although not as clear water) with long beaches. On off seasons, my friend and I walk the beach, get breakfast or drinks right on the shore, and can take the best photos of its sunsets and sunrises. Daytona isn't too far away from the springs either. The further south you go, the further from the springs you get. 

I love the springs because I love fresh water, but they're always cold! The ocean temperatures vary, but I'm not as much a fan of salinity. The reefs could be so impressive, but everywhere I've been they're dying. It's incredibly sad. What's left is still so inspiring. I'm still thinking about the maroon corals, swaying grasses, and imaginative fish.