Lake County is underappreciated…at least it was by me. So, what’s upped my love for this region of Central Florida? Among other discoveries, I credit Jones Brothers & Co. Air and Sea Adventures, a family-owned company operating single-engine and multi-engine aircrafts for both recreational eco-tours and aviation training! Docked just off the historic train tracks in Tavares, now known as “America’s Seaplane City,” Jones Brothers welcomes residents and tourists of all ages to climb aboard as co-pilots.

Thankfully, the scenic roads leading to its lakeside launch pad helped calm my apprehension. Then, upon arrival to the quaint, wooden administration building beside Wooton Park, I was greeted by my laid-back and smiling pilot, Christian Kyst, who was born into an aviation family and later earned his wings at just 17-years-old. If you’ve ever flown on a “small” commercial plane, I can assure you that it is nothing like Jones Brothers’ two seaplanes docked on Lake Dora: one a 2-seater and the other a 4-seater. With one giant step up, we hopped into the “larger” of the two seaplanes ─ clearly, you recognize that I use that term loosely ─ with my travel companion now seated in the back, Christian at the helm, and I in the co-pilot seat! Ready for takeoff…

I expected the departure (and frankly the whole flight) to be loud, bumpy, and downright frightening; but I was nicely surprised to be completely wrong! Christian started the engine and I simply pulled the right door shut (lighter than that of a car). Then, the seaplane gently gained speed on the water’s surface and seamlessly rose to display a breathtaking view (and no, I wasn’t just holding my breath). Flying peacefully at a low altitude of just 500 feet above downtown Tavares, historic Mount Dora, and Lake Dora (a combo of the “Tour Tavares” and “Tour Lake Dora” routes), we chatted through our microphoned headsets about the county’s cherished chain of lakes and surrounding woodlands.

Then, Christian warned, “Ready for the Splash-and-Dash?” Suddenly, the seaplane was LANDING in the middle of the lake! Its ‘floats’ (similar to the base of a pontoon boat) absorbed the mild impact while creating small waves ─ and making big waves on my experience. With a quick redirect on the control board, the seaplane was sky-high again and, soon, back down for our soft, final landing beside the boat ramp. Quite simply: the impressive seaplane ride was pleasantly smooth sailing…both on land and in the air.

Jones Brothers Air and Sea Adventures welcomes custom route requests within a 25 nautical mile radius but typically flies, on average, 3-12 trips daily using their prefixed routes: Tour Tavares, Tour Mount Dora, Lake Eustis & Tavares West, Lake Harris & Long Island, Lake Griffin & Ocklawaha River, Gator Tour (the most popular choice which coasts over Lake Apopka and Clermont with maximized sightings of Florida’s beloved reptiles), Orlando Attractions, and St. Johns River & DeLeon Springs (the longest of the excursions). Flight durations range from 10 to 75 minutes and prices start at just $34 and cap at $349 (varying on 1-3 passengers; lap seat children (under 2 years old) are free.

“Seaplane adventures are fun for all ages. Families with infants may enjoy a 15-minute ride, whereas those with school-aged children may prefer the 45-minute gator tour,” said pilot Rob Galloway, who manages both of the Jones Brothers’ locations ─ Tavares, Florida and Ozarks, Missouri. Jones Brothers also offers specialty packages including daily upgrades, such as flight instruction and lunch/dinner options, or getaway weekends, including accommodations at a local bed and breakfast, plus other area attractions.

Additionally, Rob adds, “Jones Brothers also caters to young people who are interested in perusing aviation as a career or hobby.” The facility boosts single engine and twin engine seaplanes with instruction to accomplish training for private to ATP skill level. Whether you want to become a pilot or simply ride side-by-side with one for your enjoyment, visit JonesAirandSea.com or call (352) 508-1800.

OFM’s Alternative “Flying” Options

Are you too chicken to fly on the wild side with hang gliding, flyboards, or sea planes? Well, naturally, chickens aren’t known to be the best flyers… In fact, a chicken’s body weight is more than what its wings can carry for most distances. Maybe you can, instead, flutter into fun with these alternative flying options.

Indoor Skydiving

I’ve heard that the thrill of skydiving is like no other. Still, jumping out of a plane is not (and likely will never be) on my bucket list. However, at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, located on International Drive (with 20+ other locations worldwide), I was able to experience an adrenaline rush similar to skydiving but without taking the plunge from 13,000 ft. Flight Instructor Lane Paquin explained, “There are five parts to skydiving: plane ride, exit, free fall, parachute opening, and landing. The iFLY tunnel simulates the free fall. You’re flying on a column of pressure, so you feel a bit of resistance but, whereas during skydiving you really feel like you’re slicing through the wind; here, we are generating lift and the feeling of being held up.”

After practicing proper in-air positions and hand signals in the demonstration room, I was nervously outfitted with a fly suit, helmet, goggles, and ear plugs. With a slight lean through the doorway into the circular flight chamber, my “weightless” body began to soar thanks to 130-175 mph wind gusts. I quickly learned that remaining in the “fly position” was key; otherwise, I risked falling to the trampoline floor below, or bumping into the windowed walls that allow spectators to view the action. “Since the tunnel lets you control your movements, a lot of skydivers come to iFLY to practice. If you can fly in a small space, then you can fly in a big space,” said Paquin.

Just about anyone can fly without previous experience, including children as young as three. First-time bookings include a training session, equipment rental, one-on-one tunnel assistance, and a completion certificate.  iFLY offers plenty of options, starting at $59.95 for first-timers, and lower rates for return or experienced flyers and groups. iFLY also books family packages (up to 5), birthday parties (up to 100), and corporate outings. Because the iFLY wind tunnel is a marvel of math, science, and engineering, student groups are encouraged to partake in iFLY’s educational programs, led by physics professors, before “experimenting” in the wind chamber.

There is no scary jump, no parachute, and no ‘stomach in your throat’ sensation. Nick Romeo, iFLY Director of Sales & Marketing, wisely proclaimed, “At one point in time as children, we all wanted to fly. As we’ve gotten older, our mindsets may have changed, but this lets you capture what you once dreamed of doing as a kid: FLY!” If you fall in love with the sport, you can enter the world of competitive indoor skydiving. iFLY will host a “bodyflight” competition, open to the public, on November 15-16, 2014. Visit Orlando.iFLYworld.com.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

If you’ve traveled west on I-4 during the early morning hours, you have likely seen the beautiful sunrise sky filled with colorful hot air balloons. Now, picture taking in that stunning sight from within a floating basket (yes, it’s both literally and figuratively a ‘bucket’ list item). A few years ago, my husband and I decided to celebrate our anniversary by letting our adventure fears float up, up, and away!

After checking in at the Radisson Resort in Celebration, we were transported via hotel shuttle to a nearby open field. Within 20 minutes, three HUGE balloons were inflated from large fans and blasts of flames. Soon, we were airborne in a compartmental carrier filled with about 24 passengers (including a FAA-certified pilot), and rising more than 11 stories high under a half-million cubic feet of hot air. Over the next hour, from a birds-eye view, we observed orange groves, forests, houses, lakes, and animals running on pastures.

We landed in a livestock-clad meadow beside Showcase of Citrus in Clermont and celebrated with a champagne toast (non-alcoholic beverages are also available). Then, to our surprise, the best part of the journey happened as we exited the basket ─ three gorgeous parrots briefly flew overhead. I was confused to see parrots in the wild, but naturally amazed! Passengers participated in the balloon deflation process and then were shuttled back to the hotel, inflated with sky-high happiness. Visit OrlandoBalloonRides.com to learn more about the nation’s largest hot air balloon.

Parasailing

Like many travelers, I booked parasailing excursions while on vacation ─ first with a friend in Key West, and then with my spouse in the Bahamas. On both trips, my tandem partner and I first enjoyed a boat ride and then stepped into a harness that was attached to the boat, squatted into a seated position, and were gently elevated as the boat powered on. Tip: Don’t let fear cloud your judgment because parasailing is a surprisingly tranquil experience!

Our publisher, Eva, and her family are repeat customers at Daytona Beach Parasailing, located in Ponce Inlet, which offers flights (varying from 6-12 minutes in length) for individuals, doubles, and triples with US Coast Licensed Captains. Aside from drifting 600-1200 ft. high, parascenders can opt to be “dipped” into the water, so swimwear is ideal. Daytona Beach Parasailing can entertain from toddlers to senior citizens since no skill level is required. Prices start at $65; visit DaytonaParasailing.com.

Zip Lining

Does your inner Tarzan want to soar between trees and over ravines with the wind blowing on your grinning face? Central Floridians now have numerous location choices to experience this exhilarating quest that lets you ride through the air while attached to cable lines while in the safety of a harness. Superhero wannabes might opt for The Canyon’s Zip Line and Canopy Tour (zipthecanyons.com), located north of Ocala, to ride “superman style” down the 1,600’  dual-racing Super Zip. Or, perhaps true dare-devils would prefer to clip in and zip off on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland (Gatorland.com) in Orlando. You’ll zoom between multi-leveled towers over the alligator breeding marsh, filled with 130 giant (and hungry) gators! Individuals with disabilities can also enjoy the boundless zip line at Gatorland.

Maybe take your love for biking to new heights with the Cypress Canopy Cycle at Forever Florida (ForeverFlorida.com) in St. Cloud. Seated comfortably in a reclined bicycle suspended from steel cables, this new eco-adventure lets you ride the friendly skies just 25 feet above ground level. Tip: SIT back and enjoy the ride… I quickly learned while zip lining at Florida Eco Safari’s (which, this year, changed its name to Forever Florida) to just lean back and let gravity naturally work its magic.

Editor’s Note: We recognize that all recreational activities come with some risk. Please take all proper safety precautions and enjoy!