Picnic blankets, canopies, umbrellas, sandcastles, and of course, people. There were people everywhere. When we arrived, people lined the beach. Children running from the water to the sand just to drag their parents out to the ocean. Cypress Point Park gets crowded as the only beach in Tampa. We found a quiet spot off to the right, past the sunbathers and loud music. It was off the beaten path in the mangroves, where fishermen usually stake their claim. There were no people, It was well shaded, and it was by the water still!
I tell all 11 of the Hurley’s that we have found the perfect spot! Past the walking loop, past the main beach, past the quieter side beach, we trek into the mangroves to the small clearing we had found. We arrive and hundreds of little crabs scurry back into their hidey holes in the sand, chased by Kyle (and Brylan shortly after!). Alex even caught one! Even as far into the mangroves as we had the family hike, they all followed! You guys are real troopers!
As everyone arrives and we prepare to start, we realize the mistake we made as everyone starts to take their shoes off. While we were comfortably wearing shoes, we hadn’t even thought of what the ground looked (or felt) like in our perfect little clearing! Where the mangroves grow, roots shoot up just above the surface of the sand. To step on them is the equivalent of stepping on a LEGO brick. We set everyone up, and we were able to catch a few in our mangrove clearing, before we quickly moved on to the nice soft sand. I believe their feet are probably still recovering from the torture I put them through.
Once we made it to the softer sand, everything else was smooth sailing. We shared laughs and fun, and we all got our exercise for the day! Shoutout to Sam for being more than just a bag holder this session! She actually got the chance to take some photos, and she did a great job!
Hurley family, thank you for not hitting us with a stick, and tell your feet that we’re sorry!
Kelsey and Sam
October 10, 2021
Beautiful!!! Such a wonderful family and you captured them perfectly.
Your professionalism was impressive that day. Despite the roots, lol, the locations you scouted out were perfect and you chose just the right time for the lighting. Thank you!!
[…] that romantic, private feel. This park reminds me of Cypress Point Park, where we have done two sessions now, but I think this is going to be my new favorite […]