To celebrate the start of fall, our family decided to enjoy all of Heron Bay’s outdoor activities in one day. I’m here to report that it can’t be humanly done. As herons, we were able to take shortcuts by flying, and even we couldn’t do it.

We started out with by going to the Canongate Grille for a filling breakfast.  Spalding and I had a putting contest on the practice green while we waited for the girls to finish eating. I hate to admit that he beat me three out five putts.

Our next stop was to enjoy some of the trails in the neighborhood. This time, Haley created a contest to see who could identify the most native plants. Over the course of the morning, our little environmentalist identified more flora and fauna than the rest of us could imagine. Luckily, she had brought along her plant guide, so Helen and I were able to verify her answers. Poor Spalding. He wouldn’t have had a chance at all if it hadn’t been for the markers Heron Bay has placed along the trails.

Next came a picnic at Lakefront Park. Helen had fixed lunch, and Spalding ate most of it himself in the sandwich-eating contest. Afterwards, the kids wanted to have a race to the playground. I beat both of them this time. While they challenged each other to everything from swinging the highest to crossing the monkey bars the fastest, Helen snapped pictures and I watched.

When Helen woke me up, it was time to head to the lake for a canoe trip. You wouldn’t believe who paddled the fastest – Helen! Once we got to our favorite, secluded spot, we just relaxed on the water awhile. The kids were tired, so Helen told them a story. While they napped, Helen and I enjoyed watching the other other birds, the dragon flies and all the other creatures who make their homes there. It really took us back to the old days.

That evening, we went to the Lodge and gathered around the outdoor fireplace with neighbors. The kids challenged the parents to a game of kickball on one of the playing fields, and, wouldn’t you know it, the kids won. Isn’t that always the way?

When the day came to a close – and you can tell it was a fast-paced day – we still hadn’t played golf (I would have won easily) or tennis (Haley’s the champ there). We hadn’t visited the trails at Cubihatcha Outdoor Center, which is just adjacent to us. And we hadn’t even played in our own backyard!

One thing is for certain: there’s no contest when you want to spend day enjoying the nice fall weather. Heron Bay is definitely the place to be.