AS I kayak on Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, I’m lost for words.

With its ancient mangrove forests and prehistoric-looking pelicans dive-bombing the water, this wouldn’t be out of place in Jurassic Park.

© 2023 Peter Frank Edwards

Have fun paddling in a kayak[/caption]

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But then comes the real excitement, as 20-plus dolphins start splashing around just metres away.

And they’re having plenty of fun as they jump out of the water and even swim right under me.

This body of water is 156 miles long and the most ecologically diverse estuary in North America.

I’m taking a paddle on an uncharacteristically overcast morning, but it’s usually baking hot and packed with even more wildlife, including manatees and all manner of birds.

I’m staying in the city of New Smyrna Beach, on Florida’s east coast, which offers something entirely different from what might spring to mind when you first think of the Sunshine State.

It’s only about an hour’s drive from the theme parks Florida is known for, but presents an entirely different experience.

I’d rented my kayak from the Marine Discovery Center, which offers daily guided tours.

But out of the water, there’s plenty more to see in this vibrant beach city, which is popular with surfers and about as laid-back as it gets.

The main boulevard, Flagler Avenue, is peppered with independent shops, bars and restaurants and feels like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie.

I grabbed a spot on the veranda of the Flagler Tavern, where I sipped on a deliciously tall cocktail and explored the menu packed with American seafood specials.

It was then just a short stroll back to my hotel, Marriott’s SpringHill Suites.

Rooms here are huge and feature walk-in wardrobes, but the real selling point is the fabulous view you get over the Atlantic Ocean and New Smyrna’s amazing beach.

Next morning, I was up early to get the sand between my toes.

Om Sunshine Yoga runs community classes on weekend mornings, with all the gear provided.

They even offer paddleboard yoga, although I soon found out my balance is bad enough on dry land — let alone the water.

Gopher tortoises

Even before attempting to get into a downward dog, the beach took my breath away — its fine white sand is set against expansive blue skies which have to be seen to be believed.

In fact, because the sand is so compact, you can even drive on it — so that’s how I decided to explore the coastline.

Pedego Electric Bikes offers guided tours to see the three miles of coast at speed.

I took in the sights, sounds and sunshine, while feeling the sea breeze in my hair, as I cycled north to the Smyrna Dunes Park.

Here you can see the striking Ponce de Leon lighthouse — the tallest in the state at 175ft — as well as explore the park with its boardwalks and wildlife.

Try to go at sundown for the best chance to spot gopher tortoises.

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Take a ride on an e-bike on the beach[/caption]

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The historic Victoria 1883 guesthouse[/caption]

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Reuters

A rocket launch at Cape Canaveral[/caption]

If you’re looking for something more upmarket for dinner, then Riverpark Terrace is a great spot, with a tropical garden and fancy menu.

In fact, it is known as the area’s most romantic restaurant.

And love was in the air as I travelled across town and checked into luxury guesthouse Victoria 1883 to continue my stay in New Smyrna Beach — it doubles as a sought-after wedding venue and overlooks the Indian River.

It is also the oldest property in the area and steeped in history but was renovated and opened as a boutique B&B in 2022, with a gorgeous lounge, garden and speakeasy-style bar.

While the urge to relax here was strong, I took a ten-minute stroll to the creative district of Canal Street, where shops sell art, bric-a-brac and homeware, and there is brilliant vinyl at Spinning Records.

At newly refurbished restaurant General Public, I filled up on hearty Southern cuisine then headed to the Sugar Works Distillery for a drink.

This independent bar and distillery has some of the best cocktails I’ve ever tasted.

They are created using the distillery’s spirits, which are largely made from produce within a ten-mile radius.

New Smyrna Beach is a beautiful escape from the bustle of Orlando, so a great way to vary your time during a Florida getaway.

I flew Aer Lingus from Heathrow via Dublin, which gives a sneaky benefit when travelling to the States — you go through pre-clearance US passport control at Dublin airport, meaning you don’t have to bother with the faff of security when you touch down on the other side after the long-haul flight.

But it turned out that wouldn’t be the only memorable flight on my holiday, as New Smyrna Beach is just 60 miles from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral, where rockets are launched into space once or twice every week.

So one of the most unforgettable moments came when, just past midnight, I stood on the beach and watched as a Space X rocket rose through the sky and blasted off into the solar system.

Just like that, this holiday was out of this world.

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The Sun’s Howell Davies with a drink in hand[/caption]

A NEW report shows one in ten people aged 18 to 24 prefer health-related first dates to going to the pub.

This could be one reason creatine is the supplement of the moment. The compound, found naturally in muscles, helps produce energy for high intensity exercise.

But there are reports some supplements contain ZERO creatine. I put credible ones to the test.

STRAWBERRY GUMMIES

Novomins

The Novomins Creatine Monohydrate Gummies contain 5 grams of pure creatine monohydrate[/caption]

In each serving of Novomins Creatine Monohydrate Gummies there are 5 grams of pure creatine monohydrate.

These have been independently lab-verified to ensure quality. Studies show 3 to 5 grams per day are recommended if you are supplementing. Higher doses offer no advantage.

You’d need to eat 850g of red meat to get 5g of creatine needed for improved performance.

These gummies taste great and the main ingredient is creatine.

From £18.66 for a month’s supply – 90 gummies, novomins.com.

POWDER MIX

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Ancient + Brave’s True Creatine+ is a powder which contains 4.5g of creatine monohydrate per 6g serving[/caption]

THERE is a reason that Ancient + Brave is becoming a very popular brand and that’s because it makes some great products.

Its True Creatine+ is no different.

This is a powder that just mixes creatine with taurine – a naturally occurring amino acid used for energy – magnesium and vitamin D. There is 4.5g of creatine monohydrate per 6g serving.

This combination can support energy and strength plus focus and recovery. I love magnesium for its stress relieving properties and we should all be taking vitamin D.

Powder may seem fiddly but it is tasteless and you just add it to water. This comes in a jar or portable sachets.

From £22.40 for 30 servings, see ancientandbrave.earth.

NO-FUSS CAPSULES

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New Leaf’s Creatine Monohydrate Capsules is a convenient supplement that is easy to add to your daily routine[/caption]

NEW Leaf Products is a no fuss supplement company that doesn’t do as much fancy marketing as some others but has a great range of products.

Their Creatine Monohydrate Capsules is pure creatine apart from the synthetic outer shell and magnesium stearate which is added as an anti-caking agent.

A convenient supplement that is easy to add to your daily routine. And creatine is not just for Gen Z, it is great if you are getting older as it can help stop the loss of muscle mass that naturally occurs.

It can make you gain weight because it can cause temporary water retention by drawing water into muscle cells but this is very different to weight gain from fat.

A good starter dose of 3g and just £14.95 for a two-month supply, new-leaf-products.com.

OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.

Today, Dr Zoe helps an elderly reader who wonders if it is normal for their pulse to fluctuates between 80bpm and 55bpm.

Olivia West

Dr Zoe Williams helps Sun readers with their health concerns[/caption]

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Q) I AM 82 years old and my pulse fluctuates between 80bpm and 55bpm. Is this normal?

A) Strictly speaking, a normal resting heart is defined as being between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

But it is perfectly normal for the heart rate to go as low as 55 at night, when the body is in a state of relaxation.

Some people, particularly those who are very fit, usually athletes, may have a resting daytime heart rate that is below 60.

It’s generally a sign of a healthy and efficient heart.

So if these lower readings are occurring at night, then there is nothing here that is concerning, especially if you feel well otherwise.

It’s also normal and a good sign if the heart rate increases above 100 when you are physically exerting yourself.

It means the heart is responding appropriately.

If your heart rate drops below 50 bpm, or the variability is not tied to rest and more active periods, or if you have any associated symptoms, then I would advise getting it checked.

I’d recommend keeping an eye on any symptoms that might accompany these fluctuations, such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue.

You don’t say if you are using a fitness tracking watch to make these readings.

If you have any abnormal activities or alerts, save them in case they become handy for any GP investigations.

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TIP: Symptoms of heart issues can easily be swept under the carpet.

For example, shortness of breath, especially during exercise, fatigue or swelling in the ankles – which we may mistake for summer heat-related issues.

These are warning signs of a potential heart-related problem. Persistent or severe symptoms warrant a trip to the GP.

• Send your questions for Dr Zoe to: health@thesun.co.uk

DEAR DEIDRE: I’M convinced my husband is cheating after having his head turned by compliments about his “cool camper”.

His VW conversion is his pride and joy and it’s not unusual that people come up when we are out and about to talk about the van.

We’ve been married for 17 years. We’re both 45.

A few months ago my phone ran out of charge. I borrowed my husband’s phone to make a call, and found messages between him and a woman who lives a couple of streets away.

I recognised her name because she often stops to talk when my husband is cleaning the van on the front drive.

In these messages she said he was the “hottest camper driver” she’d ever met, and she looked forward to bumping into him because he was so handsome.

His replies were equally flirty, telling her she was really sexy.

I had it out with him but he put it all down to harmless banter. I insisted he stop messaging, which he promised he would. A few weeks later, I got home late, and looked through his phone while he slept.

I found fresh messages between them and they had moved onto discussing exactly how they’d like to thrill each other and I’m certain they’ve been sleeping in the double bed in our van.

They even exchanged explicit photos and said they “needed to meet up again”.

After confronting him, I admitted I couldn’t ever trust him again and he suggested we live together as friends.

He doesn’t want to move out. I’m in such a mess and don’t know where to go from here.

Is he trying to hold on to our relationship simply because he doesn’t want to lose our home?

I am one unhappy camper. What can I do?

DEIDRE SAYS: Your husband has repeatedly betrayed your trust and lied to you. He continued this liaison even after you first discovered it.

He has been unable to control himself, or be honest with you. If he felt there were issues in your relationship, he should have addressed them. Continuing with this affair demonstrates a complete lack of regard for you and your relationship.

It might be convenient for him to live together as friends, but convenience breeds contempt. Now is the time to think very hard about what will work for you.

Splitting up will impact other members of your family but don’t go along with what he wants. To work out a way forward it would be helpful to talk this through with a counsellor.

I’m sending you my support packs, How Counselling Can Help and Cheating – Can You Get Over It?

WIFE LETS SISTER BE VILE TO ME

DEAR DEIDRE: MY sister-in-law is so rude to me, but my wife just lets it go. Am I wrong to expect a wife to stand up for her husband?

We’ve been married for three years. I’m 34, my wife is 36. Her sister is 30.

The first time I met her sister was at our wedding. She seemed nice enough. But as the champagne flowed, she shot me nasty looks across the dancefloor.

I thought I was imagining it.

We all met up again for drinks, and the sister insulted me whenever my wife was out of earshot.

She slated my job and even made fun of my clothes.

When I asked what she was playing at, she called me disgusting names.

I told my wife, who simply said her sister could be “difficult”.

We moved house and had a party. I didn’t want the sister to be invited but my wife said I was overreacting.

Lo and behold, her sister insulted me again. I told her not to talk to me that way, which she seemed to find hilarious.

Instead of stepping in, my wife just shrugged it off.

We didn’t see the sister for ages after that, and it was lovely.

But my wife and I had a row recently and she went round to stay at her sister’s house.

She came back even angrier at me than she had been when she left, and since then they’re on the phone every day.

I feel my wife has taken her sister’s side over mine. There’s no loyalty. I’m feeling really hurt by her attitude and I’m even wondering if we should get a divorce.

DEIDRE SAYS: It is interesting that you didn’t meet her sister until your wedding.

Perhaps she has behaved in a similar way with your wife’s previous boyfriends?

I wonder if the sister is jealous of your wife and her relationships.

It might not be a coincidence that every incident has involved alcohol – could she have a drinking problem, or lose control after a few glasses?

Whatever the reason, it certainly sounds as if she thrives on creating conflict. You need to pick a moment to talk to your wife and explain how you feel, and that you are ready for divorce over this.

Ask her to set up a coffee and chat between the three of you to get the bottom of the issues.

That could help you to sort this out in a sensible – and sober – way.

FAMILY FORUM

DEAR DEIDRE: SINCE I opened up about my early sexual abuse, I’ve been cut out of my family.

My parents split up when I was five. My mum soon met and married a new man. He had a son of his own, aged nine, who’d stay with us during the summer holidays.

From his first visit, my stepbrother tried to have sex with me.

I didn’t realise what was happening at first, and assumed it was how boys acted with their friends.

This continued until my mum and stepdad divorced when I was 17.

I went on to have a son of my own. That was when I realised how inappropriate my stepbrother had been, and I finally told Mum.

I expected support and understanding. Instead, I got shame. She told me never to tell anyone else as it would make things awkward and embarrassing for her.

From that point on, Mum began to cut me out of the family. I stopped being invited to get-togethers, and I wasn’t even allowed to attend my grandfather’s funeral.

I thought opening up to Mum would bring me some closure on the early sexual abuse, but instead I’ve lost everything.

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m sorry this has happened to you.

Children can develop sexual feelings very young, but it’d be unusual for a boy aged just nine to know about sex unless he had witnessed something at an early age.

He might have seen pornography or caught his father having sex. He might even have been sexually abused himself.

He wouldn’t necessarily know that his actions were wrong at first, but as you both grew older, he would have realised. Instead of stopping, he took advantage of you regularly. This really was abuse.

I am sending you my support pack called Abused as a Child. It has details of places you can get help. Reach out for that support: it will be therapeutic for you.

For help navigating your difficult relationship with your mum, contact Family Lives (familylives.org.uk, 0808 800 2222).

Its live chat will provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and work out your next steps.

THE Club World Cup has RETURNED in the summer of 2025 – with a new look tournament and new look rules.

Sides from all over the world will travel to USA to compete in the competition this summer.

AP

32 sides will compete for the Club World Cup in a new format for the competition[/caption]

Getty

Chelsea will play in the competition after winning the 2021 Champions League[/caption]

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Stars such as Lionel Messi will be involved in the competition[/caption]

Uefa Champions League winners between 2021-2024 Chelsea, Real Madrid and Man City are among 12 teams representing Europe in the States.

20 other teams from CONMEBOL, Concacaf, CAF, AFC, MLS and OFC will make up the participating field – which has expanded from six to 32.

Stars such as Lionel Messi, Cole Palmer, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele will be on show in the new look tournament.

SunSport can reveal what the new rules for the Club World Cup are.

What are the new Club World Cup rules?

The Club World Cup will see FIVE new rules this summer, those being:

• Referees will wear body cameras with the footage used on live match broadcasts.
• Footage from referee monitor reviews will be aired LIVE in stadiums.
• Advanced semi-automated offside technology will be in use. Balls will have a sensor inside.
• AI will be used to collect live match data as part of Fifa’s partnership with Hawk-Eye.
• Substitutions will be requested on a digital tablet rather than via paper slips.

How to watch the Club World Cup for FREE

• The WHOLE Club World Cup will be available on DAZN.
• Some matches (23 in total) are also available to watch on free-to-air Channel 5 in the UK.
• The tournament starts on Saturday, June 14 and concludes on Sunday, July 13.
• SunSport will live blog select matches, including all Chelsea and Man City games and the KO stages.

Are there still tickets available for the Club World Cup?

Limited tickets still remain available for Club World Cup games.

*Please note that TicketMaster and other secondary ticket sites may list tickets above face value.

KING GEORGE hero Bravemansgame has been moved to France in a bid to reignite his career over jumps.

The 10-year-old will now be trained by 29-year-old Marine Pineda in Chantilly having spent the last six years with 14-time champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

PA

Bravemansgame won the King George in 2022[/caption]

PA

He spent six years with 14-time champions trainer Paul Nicholls[/caption]

His best season came in 2022-23 when he won the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day before running a mighty race in defeat when second to Galopin Des Champs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

In total he won nine races for Nicholls and £726,484 in prize-money for his owner Bryan Drew.

But his form took a dip this season, with his best performance coming in the Betfair Chase when he was third behind Royale Pagaille. His final run for Paul Nicholls came in the Grand National when he finished 15th.

Drew, who is not averse to moving his horses between trainers, felt a change of scenery would do him some good.

After discussions with Nicholls, they felt switching him to France could help him rediscover some spark in the autumn of his career.

Nicholls said: “He has been a great horse for us at Ditcheat and we had some memorable days with him.

“He won three Grade 1s for us, including a Challow Hurdle and a King George, and he ran a blinder in the Gold Cup a couple of years ago.

“He has had some hard races over the years, and Bryan just felt he would have a better chance of winning a race in France at this stage in his career.

“I have no problem at all with the decision, it’s worth a try and hopefully he goes over there and has a good time of it.”

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

ALDI shoppers are going wild for a new boozy product that looks perfect for summer BBQs and picnics.

The supermarket has brought out alcoholic mango margarita cans, which cost just £1.70.

Instagram/Aldiuk

Aldi is selling a Mango Margarita can for £1.70[/caption]

Instagram/Aldiuk

The supermarket showed how you can turn the cans into ice popsicles[/caption]

And the best part is that you can easily turn them into ice lollies for a refreshing snack.

Aldi shared a photo of the 250ml cans and some freshly-made lollies and said they would be perfect for Father’s Day this weekend.

The supermarket wrote on Instagram: “These BOOZY Mango Margarita Popsicles taste like summer, sun & BBQs!!”

They also helpfully shared their lolly recipe if you are tempted to make a batch.

All you need to do is mix together two cans of their Mango Margarita, with one of their 200ml Mango & Passion Fruit Smoothies.

Add two tbsp of fresh lime juice and then divide between the tubs or ice lolly moulds.  

The website states: “Top with a slice of lime and insert a lolly stick, then freeze overnight.  

“When ready to serve, remove the ice lollies from the moulds and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and lime zest.”

The post appears to have excited numerous Aldi shoppers, who rushed to the comments to share their views.

One said: “Need to make these.”

Another added: “Yum.”

And a third commented: “We finally tried the spicy margaritas recently, they’re so good. 

“I can see I’m going to have to try these too!”

Aldi joked in response: “We take no responsibility for any joy and/or mischief that results from the creation of these Popsicles…”

Alamy

Aldi has released the drink ahead of the summer[/caption]

BOOZY BALLS

The supermarket has also just released a range of boozy drinks that have been taking TikTok by storm.

The discount supermarket has boasted that it will be selling BuzzBallz for the cheapest price around, at just £2.99.

The colourful pre-mixed drinks come in clear plastic balls and they’re hugely popular with Gen Z.

Aldi

Tequila Rita is a take on a classic margarita but it also includes vodka[/caption]

Aldi

The Choc Tease could be poured over ice cream as a dessert or drunk from the ball[/caption]

You can pick up Choc Tease, Strawberry Rita and Tequila Rita from Aldi this summer.

Choc Tease is described as a “rich, chocolate cocktail crafted with premium vodka, real cream and natural chocolate flavour”.

It can be drunk straight from the ball, in a cocktail glass or poured over ice cream as a dessert.

Tequila Rita is a take on the classic margarita.

It combines a lime flavour with “premium tequila, vodka, and natural flavours”.

The Strawberry Rita is more of a fruity margarita and can either be drunk straight from the ball or poured over ice and garnished with a fresh strawberry.

BuzzBallz are already available in corner shops and in other big supermarkets like Morrisons, Tesco and B&M.

But Aldi says you’ll get them for the cheapest price in its stores.

The standout swimmer at Australia's selection trials for the world championships overcame a range of health issues, then COVID ruined her Olympic debut.

The PM has confirmed that he will likely meet Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 Leader’s Summit in Canada.

Alexander Zverev will face an opponent who's beaten him in their last four matches when he tackles Taylor Fritz in the Stuttgart Open final.