Where: Marineland, FL
When: Feb. 7, 2015, 9 AM to 1 PM
This year we are starting out in the Southeast quadrant of our territory, with a plein air day at the public beach in Marineland, FL. This is a easy place to reach, take state route 206 exit off I-95, head east, and once you cross over the Intracoastal Waterway bridge take a right onto A1A south, and it will be a few miles south on the ocean side, past Fort Matanzas and past the Marineland Aquarium.
There is a large public parking lot there and restroom facilities. Not too much shade though, so bring a hat, and hope that February weather will be pleasant here.
Marineland is a fascinating place because it has something very rare in our area, rocky beaches! Doesn't this photo look like it should have been taken along the coast of Maine rather than the coast of Florida?
However along this stretch of the coast the coquina rocks make an interesting change from the miles of flat sandy beaches we are used to seeing.
There are also several picnic tables on the boardwalk that fronts the beach, so we should be able to eat together, though may have to split into groups.
Contingency plan? If it does seem to be too hot without shade, or maybe too drizzly, we can always move another mile or so down the road to Washington Oaks State Park which we have already been to once before. It not only has the coquina beaches but also shade, trees, lovely formal gardens, and a picnic pavilion. Note, however, there is a fee for Washington Oaks.
Mother Nature has generally smiled on our efforts though, so let's all hope for good weather, and a great day of painting at Marineland!
