Lukey had a playmate today - my nephew, Dylan. And I use the term playmate loosely. That’s my word not Luke’s. He’s currently unwinding with a rawhide.
We spent the morning at De Soto National Memorial, a waterfront park in Bradenton where the Manatee River meets Tampa Bay. A serene site recounting a violent history between exploring Spaniards and Native Americans, creepy cutouts like the one above are everywhere. And the signs that accompany the cutouts are no less creepy. Since we stopped for the picture, I read half of one to Dylan before realizing I was about to tell a 4-year-old how the doggie in the picture was about to maul and eat an Indian. But this is the cutout that will stay with me…
It made me jump a little. The cutouts may not be my thing, but the park by itself is. Shaded trails open up to bay views and a quiet little beach. The boardwalk cuts through the mangroves, and Spanish Moss drapes the trees. Although we didn’t partake, the park also offers reenactments of Florida history spanning five centuries. And it’s all free! There are no admission or parking fees.
And Lukey had some fun too…
Love the photo of Lukey rolling in the sand…it’s good for him to act like a dog sometimes!
The last photo of Lucky is precious. So is your nephew too.