Cedar Key adventures

Today was a beautiful Sunday and the second day of a three-day weekend. So we packed up and headed over to Cedar Key for some fun. We started with a seaside lunch, 

which everyone enjoyed. 

Then on a whim we decided to take one of the Island Bout tours. Resli's hat blew into the water so she was sort of sulky to start, 

but the kind gentlemen on the pier got it out for her and returned it to us! 

Anyone under 12 had to wear a life jacket.  Yes, even infants.

 

Then for two hours we toured the islands, enjoyed the sun and the sea spray and had a grand old time. Although it was very windy...

 

The captain pointed out that we were in an area where we might be able to see dolphins, so of course Resli and Lela were immediately on the lookout. (Don't tell anyone but they were really looking for mermaids...)

It turns out, he was right! It was amazing to see so many dolphins up close, and so eager to interact with the boat. (The captain said that they often come over to investigate when they hear little kids squealing...)

We also passed through some breathtakingly beautiful little island areas. 

And then to top it all off, once we got back to shore (as Resli pointed out to everyone, "land ho!"), we enjoyed a quick scoop of ice cream to recover from the heat and sun.

Finally, the perfect ending to a perfect day: as we returned to Gainesville, we saw an amazing rainbow across the whole sky. 

I'd like to say that's a harbinger of great things to come, although realistically speaking I think it's more a precursor of Tropical Storm Beryl's arrival.