Camping in the wilds of Bayport, Florida, just a skip away from Weeki Wachee. Gorgeous setting on the banks of the Mud River where we saw an aggregation of manatees. I had to look that up as I thought it would have been called a school. I think we counted about twelve of them!  According to www.livescience.com, manatees often swim alone or in pairs. As they are not territorial, they have no need for a leader and when seen in a group, it is either a mating herd or an informal meeting of the species simply sharing a warm area with a plentiful food supply. Much of the group canoed or kayaked on the river…

Our campsites were surrounded by banana trees, stately palms, quiet (except for the Rogers/Taylor clan). At dawn, we were serenaded by a wide variety of birds. Some said they heard monkeys howling during the night. I never heard the sounds but wild creatures were definitely at work destroying our trash bags each evening making a huge mess. Breakfasts were plentiful with the highlight being Carl’s biscuits and sausage Sunday morning. We feasted on burgers and dogs Friday, three different marinated chickens Saturday, and the piece de resistance was an awesome filet mignon on Easter Sunday with absolutely scrumptious caramelized onions and mushrooms. Never ending champagne, bloody Marys, Coronas, and Bud Lights flowed freely throughout the days and evenings. Easter egg hunt for the little ones. Much game playing. Basically, a good time was had by all.

It is Friday, April 19th.  Tax season is over and Easter is actually occurring this year after tax season!  We all know that Easter is always on a Sunday, but it moves around more than other holidays. So, what’s the earliest date Easter can be and the latest, and why?

According to the TampaBay Times, Easter, the annual Christian celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, can fall anywhere from March 22 to April 25.  Easter as early as March 22 is very rare. The last time it happened was 1818, and the next time will be 2285. Easter last fell on the latest date in 1943, and will again in 2038. This year it’s April 20.

How the date is determined sounds simple but is pretty complex. Generally, Easter is observed on the Sunday following the first full moon in the Northern Hemisphere, or the first full moon after the vernal equinox March 20.

Whatever, I am just happy that I can actually spend Easter with some of my family and this year, we are going camping in Mary’s Fish Camp, a destination retaining its authentic old-Florida charm.  On the banks of the Mud River in Weeki Wachee, we will be RV-ing, tenting, cooking out, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, singing around a campfire, toasting marshmallows, and generally, just enjoying each other.  Fun!