Waves, Trails and Pure Bliss; A Mother's Tropical Paradise Adventure

In a world where life often moves at a hectic pace, there are mothers who have discovered a tropical paradise, transforming the ordinary into an extraordinary adventure. Imagine a life where the daily soundtrack is the rhythmic crash of waves, and the backdrop is a lush paradise offering everything from thrilling surf sessions to invigorating hikes. This is the reality for a mom living the dream in a tropical haven, where each day is an exploration of nature's wonders.

Exploring Jungles in Hawaii

Hi, I'm Lea. A New Mexican Native, latina mama, who has now calls Florida home. I have a zest for adventure, travel and get bored living in the same place for too long. This is a little story about living in the tropical Florida and how motherhood's adventure is one to celebrate, embrace, and be stoked about.

Aloha 33 years

From Hawaii to now Florida, I am living proof dreams are possible. I knew from a young age I was meant to live near an ocean. I was the girl with countless dolphin figurines in my room, dolphin posters, and dreams of seeing the ocean. Growing up in the SW, we have rivers but no ocean. I didn't put my toes into the salty ocean until the 10th grade of High School. I was hooked. I worked hard to get into the military to "see the world". I was lucky enough to get stationed in Hawaii as an Army nurse. HAWAII! Little me from nowhere New Mexico got the chance to live in Hawaii for 5 years. It was those years that have shaped everything from then on.

My husband and two kids and I now reside in the beautiful state of Florida. While it's not Hawaii, it's its own paradise and we are exploring some amazing new locations here in the sunny state.

Surfing Through Motherhood

The morning sun finds me waxing my surfboard as my children play in the sand nearby. With the waves calling, I paddle out, riding the crests and troughs with a grace that only comes from years of practice. My husband and I take turns to find tranquility in some much need "me" time. Surfing isn't just a sport; it's a way of life, a meditation that keeps me feel connected to the ocean's rhythm and a way of life I strive to instill in my babies.

Surf mama with her mermaid

Family Hikes and Nature's Classroom

In the afternoons, we transform our homeschool classroom to the outdoors. Knocking down traditional classroom walls and using logs as chairs, and the abundant hiking trails as our backdrop. These hikes are not just about getting exercise; they are a journey into nature's classroom. Along the way, I learn alongside my kids as we discover the diverse flora and fauna that call the tropics home. From vibrant flowers to amazing animals, every step is a new discovery and an opportunity for the family to bond.

Finding Hidden Gems

Living in a tropical paradise isn't just about the obvious beauty of sun-kissed beaches. Like many moms, I like to find the hidden spots, where peace and quiet fills the air and I can watch my kids barefoot, wild and free.

Pure Bliss

We recently discovered this amazing conservation area by ACCIDENT. We were driving down a known dirt trail that parallels the river and is known to have dolphins, pelicans, and other locals parading the waters. We drove to far past the original spot I wanted to stop at. We continued on trying to find a spot to turn around (this trail is narrow). We continued on a few miles and found this pier with an old fishing and citrus stand and I was in awe.

Adventure Always

We explored the area until the sun set and it was pure bliss, untouched paradise, an absolute.

Known as Jones Conservation Pier, this beautiful pier is open to the public and its nestled behind palms and pines. The small building boasts colorful shades of green, pink, yellow. In 1886, locals could stop by with their fish or to purchase locally caught fish and Florida grown citrus. The kids and I had so much fun ringing the bell, walking on the boardwalk and watching the sun glow in the sky.

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The Balance of Motherhood and Adventure

For me, the key to balancing motherhood and my adventurous spirit lies in the symbiotic relationship between the two. I believe that exposing my children to the wonders of the outdoors not only instills a deep appreciation for nature but also fosters resilience, adaptability, and a love for exploration. Every surf session and hiking adventure becomes an opportunity to teach life lessons and build lasting memories.

Conclusion

In the heart of a tropical paradise, there's a mom who has mastered the art of balancing motherhood with a passion for adventure. Our days are filled with the thrill of surfing, the tranquility of nature hikes, and the joy of discovering hidden gems. I hope to inspire, other mamas to explore opportunity to create a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime. Even if you're not living in a tropical environment, I encourage you to get outside and find new epic spots for you and your kids to adventure.

What kind of adventures have you embarked on that were total accident? What places have you found accidently? I would love to hear!

Happy adventuring!

Stoked on Wild Adventures