tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3215332195065801152024-03-14T12:24:11.222-04:00Our Year OutdoorsPaulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-14038049575796076122014-05-04T14:29:00.000-04:002014-05-04T14:29:15.834-04:00Suwannee River Overnight Paddle<strong>State Parks visited: 78</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS224-5yYe_JnDHHof1vIbZdj_2N4b8jhPaayzULbnl6PAn8hETdmcT3iXV5BpScgY87S0KiuhFP5K5TVPifMSCe9ahkw4WirlT8teN77KG2px_BC27NWJ14wFjLHhxPizGZ8O_KA8dBQ/s1600/DSCF1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS224-5yYe_JnDHHof1vIbZdj_2N4b8jhPaayzULbnl6PAn8hETdmcT3iXV5BpScgY87S0KiuhFP5K5TVPifMSCe9ahkw4WirlT8teN77KG2px_BC27NWJ14wFjLHhxPizGZ8O_KA8dBQ/s1600/DSCF1766.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The last time we were on the Suwannee River was New Years' Day a few years ago, and it was high time for a return visit. Chris suggested an overnight paddle trip, and so we planned it for the weekend before Thanksgiving. Olivia ended up staying with my parents for the weekend, so it was just Chris, Xandra, Rob, and me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT5D-Fs7rdDJGrSPG68C7mCaiV6MILA_BtZCXZzRyg4CTQelsQkqwhz-OO8qcg_h853vQ8Q_yrpjrzq8pbWWbxRN3VeOkzZcweP_kjsYzeIBcLFkOBzEwFul1t2Tlu_6ouO0EGTtKSDY/s1600/DSCF1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcT5D-Fs7rdDJGrSPG68C7mCaiV6MILA_BtZCXZzRyg4CTQelsQkqwhz-OO8qcg_h853vQ8Q_yrpjrzq8pbWWbxRN3VeOkzZcweP_kjsYzeIBcLFkOBzEwFul1t2Tlu_6ouO0EGTtKSDY/s1600/DSCF1675.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We used the shuttle service provided by Canoe Outpost Suwannee River, with me and Chris leaving our cars at Suwannee River State Park and taking the shuttle back to our launch spot, Spirit of Suwannee Music Park. But first, a yummy beer to start the journey!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07sCcJe8sei2jWw63Pwbe7qTO9U50GmKnXAKt4-JRKeJhddC9l5f8d_a1ffj4QnueJNmS5s1u6LctmjiL9DEy3DHcryj_E-SEyZ0CV_LHYWk4Jrq-3HLjg9MQ034i_tREfsDtMm8PgUM/s1600/DSCF1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07sCcJe8sei2jWw63Pwbe7qTO9U50GmKnXAKt4-JRKeJhddC9l5f8d_a1ffj4QnueJNmS5s1u6LctmjiL9DEy3DHcryj_E-SEyZ0CV_LHYWk4Jrq-3HLjg9MQ034i_tREfsDtMm8PgUM/s1600/DSCF1697.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The scenery was immediately the star of the show. From the tannin-browned water to the limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches and twisted, moss-covered oaks, this was unlike anywhere we had paddled before:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1Isekcz1OcXRmxgl_UIlC0Ba0yxbbrNZEDs2SZKlRT02RzO0F84OUMTizCjKpdUaG5FVQ3-C0mKgbILlE3oC9Tjv9vn4bmLzlsEdksUMdUXnLWQYWzv_uZjXX4maRBaGfChbB64Qdek/s1600/DSCF1692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1Isekcz1OcXRmxgl_UIlC0Ba0yxbbrNZEDs2SZKlRT02RzO0F84OUMTizCjKpdUaG5FVQ3-C0mKgbILlE3oC9Tjv9vn4bmLzlsEdksUMdUXnLWQYWzv_uZjXX4maRBaGfChbB64Qdek/s1600/DSCF1692.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJhUv7-E5rhs4HNa0wg9WVnHG9o-UFHfb4seX6itrqYJPI1sgjUEHS5wKBp0gdT9bVbY9Tq5wSU7FITbanQ_IwJt1xzzhvT9V60D1yI-fdmL6QWVJJQiVrBpLlweFAj6ZWEY2DUL4iIA/s1600/DSCF1704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJhUv7-E5rhs4HNa0wg9WVnHG9o-UFHfb4seX6itrqYJPI1sgjUEHS5wKBp0gdT9bVbY9Tq5wSU7FITbanQ_IwJt1xzzhvT9V60D1yI-fdmL6QWVJJQiVrBpLlweFAj6ZWEY2DUL4iIA/s1600/DSCF1704.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTc0BAflactepWdA1U4TJrv3bSNZhLIxzcHYy51GlSFaaDBu4_pdsHJzhhkfCyaI8h15GGFoiv9YjJKW0RKYzb1KoddO5woumKcBYVdxvnWQ_AFhjrcvIbqLFVMMiDxydmfazWuuDhrM/s1600/DSCF1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTc0BAflactepWdA1U4TJrv3bSNZhLIxzcHYy51GlSFaaDBu4_pdsHJzhhkfCyaI8h15GGFoiv9YjJKW0RKYzb1KoddO5woumKcBYVdxvnWQ_AFhjrcvIbqLFVMMiDxydmfazWuuDhrM/s1600/DSCF1716.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty soon we also began seeing small caves in the limestone, and even a freshwater spring. Of course, we had to explore!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p0qDtQ3nNkbOImN2TZF8fWMIy7Nv-ZSynV4_LazhIOUg6Arymp1RPYDO5ToOqOjXediDS0YUBjQCGcdxSzft7-t2snvNvCHbYmYNfJyYtpn_3VC_aEMsMYrzHu2Ny37N4IjBJSr13yY/s1600/DSCF1808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4p0qDtQ3nNkbOImN2TZF8fWMIy7Nv-ZSynV4_LazhIOUg6Arymp1RPYDO5ToOqOjXediDS0YUBjQCGcdxSzft7-t2snvNvCHbYmYNfJyYtpn_3VC_aEMsMYrzHu2Ny37N4IjBJSr13yY/s1600/DSCF1808.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not sure if you can see the orange blaze in the background there, but that's a section of the Florida Trail.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseoN0X60KX5KcHUiUd7pK61fu5RUw7nc8APBKp56PLh_wzgvty_WpqDAa3sqPaZ67aKtG4Xvh3GFyJwvNIwrwF0GrTJN26t5wkvLjFNkE1KaH-ov_ChAWouFjw56lxXGExKCnu-z78Zo/s1600/DSCF1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseoN0X60KX5KcHUiUd7pK61fu5RUw7nc8APBKp56PLh_wzgvty_WpqDAa3sqPaZ67aKtG4Xvh3GFyJwvNIwrwF0GrTJN26t5wkvLjFNkE1KaH-ov_ChAWouFjw56lxXGExKCnu-z78Zo/s1600/DSCF1810.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwSkxPqdROTXMBYP_5n40hk5l2QZBLkJX9VysCvWExEFBREfmMbmFEL6sLIdH-kCTNIbJbA5uRrZ7ZVCYufx6Xl0FWHLrc1jJe3NkM1BLqrLzAaHea84MIlMclwb3cw36rWTxO3qBMho/s1600/DSCF1812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwSkxPqdROTXMBYP_5n40hk5l2QZBLkJX9VysCvWExEFBREfmMbmFEL6sLIdH-kCTNIbJbA5uRrZ7ZVCYufx6Xl0FWHLrc1jJe3NkM1BLqrLzAaHea84MIlMclwb3cw36rWTxO3qBMho/s1600/DSCF1812.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was the first of several magical stops!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We paddled onward, enjoying the fall colors. Northern friends, don't laugh! This is our Florida-style fall color!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jcMIJ0oH6dnW5Cis7WXMn5ZOdHMSaIF2HfmulZsUxJXs4LVl0MFpL9uXRGmfTDX22dNZp2eO_UFaLxKmtQEroYVvl0NNxKSTmS_XCaSh_qjUdp05Xw7YaMWzzUfCQ822kmqEvprlBEQ/s1600/DSCF1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6jcMIJ0oH6dnW5Cis7WXMn5ZOdHMSaIF2HfmulZsUxJXs4LVl0MFpL9uXRGmfTDX22dNZp2eO_UFaLxKmtQEroYVvl0NNxKSTmS_XCaSh_qjUdp05Xw7YaMWzzUfCQ822kmqEvprlBEQ/s1600/DSCF1866.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgXpzxYiwRyCSE7bPc8U19UYJhJRzwbCQLuBihxyxTMHpfCAO3yjFtEYGSyhORguKowTZETRDUaECGbGUQwVnr5juvT9Lr6BxRKmZjzSWo1v65sL4c0Gfcyb9Fl3MMtskGskptgLuURs/s1600/DSCF1868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgXpzxYiwRyCSE7bPc8U19UYJhJRzwbCQLuBihxyxTMHpfCAO3yjFtEYGSyhORguKowTZETRDUaECGbGUQwVnr5juvT9Lr6BxRKmZjzSWo1v65sL4c0Gfcyb9Fl3MMtskGskptgLuURs/s1600/DSCF1868.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty soon I saw something that sent my dirty mind running. I pointed it out to everyone, and of course we had to stop for pictures. One picture in particular had us all dying with laughter, and it has actually found its way around the internet. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFpCn3jhJeaMZHgnvCwZ45hzEHdiV_fY3e4L_Fv3OD8hA4tn2FeHUUCRoBD4_HBi4_2jFSOWEnraDNG43e8yQqN17HyOahW8BBgRQ0O0Bk6gs0ajAYJpTLug1E0plNYZNzJacZtt5rbQ/s1600/DSCF1885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFpCn3jhJeaMZHgnvCwZ45hzEHdiV_fY3e4L_Fv3OD8hA4tn2FeHUUCRoBD4_HBi4_2jFSOWEnraDNG43e8yQqN17HyOahW8BBgRQ0O0Bk6gs0ajAYJpTLug1E0plNYZNzJacZtt5rbQ/s1600/DSCF1885.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just out of curiosity, have you ever seen a tree with testicles? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, so back to the river. Our destination was the Holton Creek River Camp, which is a stop along the <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/wilderness/" target="_blank">Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.</a> Eventually we rounded a curve and found the stairs and signs and knew our day on the river was done. Xandra ran up and found the campground hosts, securing us one of the (free!) screened enclosures for the night. We unpacked boats, secured them, and deposited our stuff at camp, and got some firewood. While our weather had been pleasant and warm during the first day, the night was going to be cold. And then, exploration and dinner.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkHPGtz_928fMLohGukEWZI-ms0V4EOpo0LoiniQmTSNdaF1-5e3RRHCdHTTfGkLCXJIeUOKv_UP9TqnrIbM6vfSiN-Esj8B8U3JlHrmJX1vmalIQQCpsEKzDNijSFqQRA2BRmB9uviE/s1600/DSCF1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIkHPGtz_928fMLohGukEWZI-ms0V4EOpo0LoiniQmTSNdaF1-5e3RRHCdHTTfGkLCXJIeUOKv_UP9TqnrIbM6vfSiN-Esj8B8U3JlHrmJX1vmalIQQCpsEKzDNijSFqQRA2BRmB9uviE/s1600/DSCF1945.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwNydbYcOmaNDbza4BZJ2uEBZvI56wicu6I4BZphL0niEYHXLDhU9y29m3urCMfnOMHPMiFW71vaZ9ynkk2GK0A3Th-vCUh-W_UoObVjeceEa868DRjEvds97HI90n4mR_C2iDqsZn2M/s1600/DSCF1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwNydbYcOmaNDbza4BZJ2uEBZvI56wicu6I4BZphL0niEYHXLDhU9y29m3urCMfnOMHPMiFW71vaZ9ynkk2GK0A3Th-vCUh-W_UoObVjeceEa868DRjEvds97HI90n4mR_C2iDqsZn2M/s1600/DSCF1947.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAILFa3ZCd2feT5cSG67bfNr7z5AGRLEWfJwz_AWhjR1MAFHmFg9-AItn36XylK9FChTi_zdoY0ajm5488MQ4t1M6NZOp3tcgmJ935Dz4r2kXRlZgH7j1EHcxMu-c1zL9U_njmjtdRO2Q/s1600/DSCF1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAILFa3ZCd2feT5cSG67bfNr7z5AGRLEWfJwz_AWhjR1MAFHmFg9-AItn36XylK9FChTi_zdoY0ajm5488MQ4t1M6NZOp3tcgmJ935Dz4r2kXRlZgH7j1EHcxMu-c1zL9U_njmjtdRO2Q/s1600/DSCF1949.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefa-QRo3ONaswpwCWWuJcpC1loU4EnDHWH8omZeIU2zi4q3IYjJl_iD_xWAEnxknWOE3CJq9VA81PzGpuYPUD99etdYwEo3-y-P44lc0UsYKozkl5SC_VnPj7yH-MGh-yGTnP93e-AX4/s1600/DSCF1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefa-QRo3ONaswpwCWWuJcpC1loU4EnDHWH8omZeIU2zi4q3IYjJl_iD_xWAEnxknWOE3CJq9VA81PzGpuYPUD99etdYwEo3-y-P44lc0UsYKozkl5SC_VnPj7yH-MGh-yGTnP93e-AX4/s1600/DSCF1955.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The hosts insisted this was the largest cypress tree in the world.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6bXb9TRJ1KhEiY2pRi8GQnRBupxS_B8t7_LB8M4ZLUuZVxljvCqbwuvC5jMXKJbdz2oHUZ7aWT1Bk8LvPuEOZFVRtNr-w1A0tTE8UWSKZu5iozFBNgU4cMVSBH0umBXbzzc6BqrpM74/s1600/DSCF1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6bXb9TRJ1KhEiY2pRi8GQnRBupxS_B8t7_LB8M4ZLUuZVxljvCqbwuvC5jMXKJbdz2oHUZ7aWT1Bk8LvPuEOZFVRtNr-w1A0tTE8UWSKZu5iozFBNgU4cMVSBH0umBXbzzc6BqrpM74/s1600/DSCF1974.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wN_rOAS6gOZ8c7Mn-hNaoyy6z9bNFKohOsphyphenhypheneHPlqK1zI5HKpFaNnJVfCr5TnY7msVomkls3SoJ9Lsy_8tFfm_35he7g4N1nmbihbUgs-jM58uVEwzQhz1eQznMOIdycttm2QgRBJY/s1600/DSCF1977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wN_rOAS6gOZ8c7Mn-hNaoyy6z9bNFKohOsphyphenhypheneHPlqK1zI5HKpFaNnJVfCr5TnY7msVomkls3SoJ9Lsy_8tFfm_35he7g4N1nmbihbUgs-jM58uVEwzQhz1eQznMOIdycttm2QgRBJY/s1600/DSCF1977.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was even a full double bath house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunday morning was cold and windy. We had a long paddle ahead of us, and we knew we needed to be on the water early. And did I mention it was cold? Much, much more than Saturday. Brrr!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDm82ow5T0EuTxde8mb1yCV2FQhlIN5tRSjvtKQYW7BpjXOdXLNLvLPirrFX63Mr0UokhPu7MsK8RJC0ORe0fvrAmQCIzbGrT3gFbVn5N-XYhwdpmTRaFCWT3hDDyda4P3YRVTB6SPIw/s1600/DSCF1987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDm82ow5T0EuTxde8mb1yCV2FQhlIN5tRSjvtKQYW7BpjXOdXLNLvLPirrFX63Mr0UokhPu7MsK8RJC0ORe0fvrAmQCIzbGrT3gFbVn5N-XYhwdpmTRaFCWT3hDDyda4P3YRVTB6SPIw/s1600/DSCF1987.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The guys loaded up our gear while Xandra and I cleaned up our site. Once we launched, it wasn't long before we realized we would paddling into and fighting the wind all day. It was a complete turnaround from the day before. But, it was also not long before we came across the first of several springs that feed into the river. And, like the day before, we explored.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsBx7QUGMwGOIFN9JgMB64NXTVAJKnl28ljr2K3NamzF2RryrrJdM9HCmln6lujpkktwlH_QwA4MG6xh5KZRj9XaP0qWUWCfoIbRUoCxtq7kDZwnOuLG77A6-TE-YsxLS39u4GBtZDJk/s1600/DSCF1994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsBx7QUGMwGOIFN9JgMB64NXTVAJKnl28ljr2K3NamzF2RryrrJdM9HCmln6lujpkktwlH_QwA4MG6xh5KZRj9XaP0qWUWCfoIbRUoCxtq7kDZwnOuLG77A6-TE-YsxLS39u4GBtZDJk/s1600/DSCF1994.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHyNH8vRnu1x9Pmq7qrAofzowRZYqFW71eUMmDzWM9e9NMoPjRgSyLI8BNnLuLJDyue25qHvEP609SJEQRaTCiyf847ze5nbEzkhKxoXtgdJzlLnq2A6IDAPSATMUvD-DuFsdTuL7qH0/s1600/DSCF1995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHyNH8vRnu1x9Pmq7qrAofzowRZYqFW71eUMmDzWM9e9NMoPjRgSyLI8BNnLuLJDyue25qHvEP609SJEQRaTCiyf847ze5nbEzkhKxoXtgdJzlLnq2A6IDAPSATMUvD-DuFsdTuL7qH0/s1600/DSCF1995.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothing like a fossilized sea biscuit to remind you that Florida used to be underwater!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGeSD9wBFD7TF8yXXluIIcvrAEDDVPqZh4-i8Ck7-I2HWrPFh8j_iMRGXzHyqU-svi4wdBUzJCGANxHePBXJMPA0Lf_Mtstxw-wP01JgdY2_6mGvCUvl41cEfBGPWUgO5pMJwNX-MuLY/s1600/DSCF2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGeSD9wBFD7TF8yXXluIIcvrAEDDVPqZh4-i8Ck7-I2HWrPFh8j_iMRGXzHyqU-svi4wdBUzJCGANxHePBXJMPA0Lf_Mtstxw-wP01JgdY2_6mGvCUvl41cEfBGPWUgO5pMJwNX-MuLY/s1600/DSCF2007.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The day went on like this. Caves, springs, wind, hard paddling. Hard, hard, hard paddling. Our journey was beautiful, though!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSlvW4DkvD4sjno-CNvyf8_E0LtWzUxOWUCUoGXulB4MDHjKo-bAh8W5dKTFKiMcnVncxg2K1p8PAPw1B4ZNTQHEGCN3atFMsuyqzXifDlPJdEzaqHxZFbG4FalPtWBm7bnscnr8zR6E/s1600/DSCF2018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFSlvW4DkvD4sjno-CNvyf8_E0LtWzUxOWUCUoGXulB4MDHjKo-bAh8W5dKTFKiMcnVncxg2K1p8PAPw1B4ZNTQHEGCN3atFMsuyqzXifDlPJdEzaqHxZFbG4FalPtWBm7bnscnr8zR6E/s1600/DSCF2018.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyY_m7fEJ2CL7qOYcpgbom2Gld3e8sw7Du7OlGvaC9Eg3UTID2ZfjOHXcQf2YkgIDocroJr6_VQc2M3HzGsrm-5GE9biBLNi418WCJiBNnNwituhsG96oaIT8rJIiPWvT85LKX1TKoHq0/s1600/DSCF2023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyY_m7fEJ2CL7qOYcpgbom2Gld3e8sw7Du7OlGvaC9Eg3UTID2ZfjOHXcQf2YkgIDocroJr6_VQc2M3HzGsrm-5GE9biBLNi418WCJiBNnNwituhsG96oaIT8rJIiPWvT85LKX1TKoHq0/s1600/DSCF2023.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9IXWidpHGyL9aZuFErL8UoHCveMlGTG8c8c3kha9-pGuTuUuXrMVJWqTv8mIWuYT_Pc4qsXHRhQIgs1FO4sRaCKVxW1XtI-i5cCqbUCv4HpM8esGG_qRKbOspL4f9hDbZj6fP1p0gm0/s1600/DSCF2033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC9IXWidpHGyL9aZuFErL8UoHCveMlGTG8c8c3kha9-pGuTuUuXrMVJWqTv8mIWuYT_Pc4qsXHRhQIgs1FO4sRaCKVxW1XtI-i5cCqbUCv4HpM8esGG_qRKbOspL4f9hDbZj6fP1p0gm0/s1600/DSCF2033.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAhKqwwq3ieLc6m-GFPdew64y4popSCuJVdtPF3NcJtzDKbzRwvEIo9DkbLVdAAHiDXvi5LCNgwsjGf1ai2AgPFo8kVeZpcEvb4iVHXjo6UK6UzfHz38rhuxUfJgpvXfxVgk49iwTfTk/s1600/DSCF2039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCAhKqwwq3ieLc6m-GFPdew64y4popSCuJVdtPF3NcJtzDKbzRwvEIo9DkbLVdAAHiDXvi5LCNgwsjGf1ai2AgPFo8kVeZpcEvb4iVHXjo6UK6UzfHz38rhuxUfJgpvXfxVgk49iwTfTk/s1600/DSCF2039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk6WeQMlg2XU2aHKCHHmyxfb2P0CtIkAagUzTizck53MOI2birjTb4IowyVGCEbvRngRpLmjUID_VQoxbj-TYV7Phlv1zYYL3zewu9PBdJkyJoqn9suzdkOp6-ZO66dI0SnlGfp1wtFk/s1600/DSCF2056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijk6WeQMlg2XU2aHKCHHmyxfb2P0CtIkAagUzTizck53MOI2birjTb4IowyVGCEbvRngRpLmjUID_VQoxbj-TYV7Phlv1zYYL3zewu9PBdJkyJoqn9suzdkOp6-ZO66dI0SnlGfp1wtFk/s1600/DSCF2056.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k37NIYOhklvpCBjO4YaaZSNwPl_kYPkrl3CdmB0v_6I6a5emJM_nz0mlpkLg6z4caOWKYDrv19q-Wm8_sWpA5rN1dw92JZ375HQimKFr6ZWy7RA0hj47ypXp8-41CAUmGznt8Q9vP3c/s1600/DSCF2064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k37NIYOhklvpCBjO4YaaZSNwPl_kYPkrl3CdmB0v_6I6a5emJM_nz0mlpkLg6z4caOWKYDrv19q-Wm8_sWpA5rN1dw92JZ375HQimKFr6ZWy7RA0hj47ypXp8-41CAUmGznt8Q9vP3c/s1600/DSCF2064.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymGO-YT4xiJS-wvhHB3X2t6i33343D5pfvnH9lXD2S4K5sePWRSnmsnJmMb0jnTXD-5UhkuDRzno6j7022ripv5ZqjdYVzqsoP-5f93RIvkFiP5-7u64S0MEpRcLpoEK8oJkWtXOdsnk/s1600/DSCF2071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymGO-YT4xiJS-wvhHB3X2t6i33343D5pfvnH9lXD2S4K5sePWRSnmsnJmMb0jnTXD-5UhkuDRzno6j7022ripv5ZqjdYVzqsoP-5f93RIvkFiP5-7u64S0MEpRcLpoEK8oJkWtXOdsnk/s1600/DSCF2071.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The final bright spot of our journey was another spring. We looked over and saw caves like in the last picture. Further exploration revealed clear water flowing out of it...a freshwater spring flowing out of the cave. It was amazing! We parked the boats, took off whatever shoes and socks we were wearing, hiked up our pants, and climbed in to get a better look. The outside cave led into another chamber. You could see where there had been a cave-in, and sunlight was streaming in on some plants that grew in the protected environment. It was, in a word, magical.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2975-9ifN1p3FbgofiTT2099qN8mHOtbbzRdBXUpgwibQ612fizKlr-4ilesS7D-aW3P98Hg_rPATNU4bPLLHF1UgMQiIidMbwNgtM7cLpfSHNf_zbO1mISbvSAm4Z1tQTR1QFqv8-0/s1600/DSCF2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2975-9ifN1p3FbgofiTT2099qN8mHOtbbzRdBXUpgwibQ612fizKlr-4ilesS7D-aW3P98Hg_rPATNU4bPLLHF1UgMQiIidMbwNgtM7cLpfSHNf_zbO1mISbvSAm4Z1tQTR1QFqv8-0/s1600/DSCF2106.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg819WGLIrph0nx5lGkWpyGECUd7b5rnkmbe7KK5QWgsUiNlfhBaM5t7gG5w56KzjS73sY8tVbng5gbKX5y0UV5WXPjcDQ7ySIj954hrrJ2DX65DxIY7ygJdRSAjNdg-_cO3OVksZHcJNg/s1600/DSCF2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg819WGLIrph0nx5lGkWpyGECUd7b5rnkmbe7KK5QWgsUiNlfhBaM5t7gG5w56KzjS73sY8tVbng5gbKX5y0UV5WXPjcDQ7ySIj954hrrJ2DX65DxIY7ygJdRSAjNdg-_cO3OVksZHcJNg/s1600/DSCF2107.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPdayWxew95BTiShaZwdjym8RwyHo2q5enrK7sVmQ9nCiZxISLFAFC9Mwy0J20GfNjLlOJE3BaCv7P2CUnLJigz_Mtd6ZQRnDf8AB9fg940E4jCMnsCgIvVZXws0w_9JgsgAPUNOoKsU/s1600/DSCF2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPdayWxew95BTiShaZwdjym8RwyHo2q5enrK7sVmQ9nCiZxISLFAFC9Mwy0J20GfNjLlOJE3BaCv7P2CUnLJigz_Mtd6ZQRnDf8AB9fg940E4jCMnsCgIvVZXws0w_9JgsgAPUNOoKsU/s1600/DSCF2113.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoxA45TZHrQZB5ixO5loWqb6sQCbqYQvWHnQ0PW4xYMQ6uXDm2Yt9uOvZ0qezl91pVBcmj4hPNnj7GjD_0NJKtTS6BZRQMEa3HMvEIkiPt6uxElpaLtNsJ1o9yIp2zYpwnfdv5NTp2cE/s1600/DSCF2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoxA45TZHrQZB5ixO5loWqb6sQCbqYQvWHnQ0PW4xYMQ6uXDm2Yt9uOvZ0qezl91pVBcmj4hPNnj7GjD_0NJKtTS6BZRQMEa3HMvEIkiPt6uxElpaLtNsJ1o9yIp2zYpwnfdv5NTp2cE/s1600/DSCF2116.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kcJJed7us77vt0xfubsrEH9-SgjD4fPbdIgx8tFfggI9yfioz1pzcwqQ86Cmfx7dj6wc1pOBL2MDc8P4aegl2cMn4GFvzhwzile-WXyaKyH1PVcTcZ7axrg12OaegdmX1qz8iKYCxuY/s1600/DSCF2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kcJJed7us77vt0xfubsrEH9-SgjD4fPbdIgx8tFfggI9yfioz1pzcwqQ86Cmfx7dj6wc1pOBL2MDc8P4aegl2cMn4GFvzhwzile-WXyaKyH1PVcTcZ7axrg12OaegdmX1qz8iKYCxuY/s1600/DSCF2122.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRGzGKV_lIiRr7ZYFhRmSHvZW5MvGBE-ui7OQnngauI3rTT_VnChjQ4-lRLDZ6GAxzhbqgm-aTzvBh0Fmaj45fcKWJgx4oIyBb-mZvU32RribB2hLhv66fQyQjD3ER8Mi7hgD0jQXJz0/s1600/DSCF2129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvRGzGKV_lIiRr7ZYFhRmSHvZW5MvGBE-ui7OQnngauI3rTT_VnChjQ4-lRLDZ6GAxzhbqgm-aTzvBh0Fmaj45fcKWJgx4oIyBb-mZvU32RribB2hLhv66fQyQjD3ER8Mi7hgD0jQXJz0/s1600/DSCF2129.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzr0imNXNaoiGdri6kfD0SoN79IaAcw2LuC6Xq4GFFV5douG7GpLju0d50afeL5gb12sETwcmvNgQIT5C9t-FKU_YdjcSg-LM9B6_IGBpaLjXoCiSEbIYhDDYpm-JhyphenhyphenqzWV4QVlqWL9g/s1600/DSCF2131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyzr0imNXNaoiGdri6kfD0SoN79IaAcw2LuC6Xq4GFFV5douG7GpLju0d50afeL5gb12sETwcmvNgQIT5C9t-FKU_YdjcSg-LM9B6_IGBpaLjXoCiSEbIYhDDYpm-JhyphenhyphenqzWV4QVlqWL9g/s1600/DSCF2131.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soon after this, the boat ramp at Suwannee River State Park appeared. Our journey was over. And let me tell you, it was the most difficult journey I've ever loved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-59324755660326955362014-04-21T20:17:00.000-04:002014-04-21T20:17:03.086-04:00Chassahowitzka River<strong>State Parks visited: 78!</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeNwGCBgCyG2DNg4FOyMtjmC7UsC2mtShP4anBFTtB_5FbWpvXYnXdfITZxYjGDnD2rqIDoeUyPDT-DD8AnpNGxlCrM4cn18HwcqQbGy6EL6wEZLoO-IfPGT057cYvSb_8taNi4SN3t4/s1600/DSCF1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeNwGCBgCyG2DNg4FOyMtjmC7UsC2mtShP4anBFTtB_5FbWpvXYnXdfITZxYjGDnD2rqIDoeUyPDT-DD8AnpNGxlCrM4cn18HwcqQbGy6EL6wEZLoO-IfPGT057cYvSb_8taNi4SN3t4/s1600/DSCF1612.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I was in middle and high school, I had a friend named Jean. Her family had a cabin on the Chassahowitzka River, long passed down through several generations. They liked to spend long weekends at the cabin, a two-room structure without electricity or running water, and Jean and her brother were often allowed to bring friends along. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IGM7VWAmqLmmoSXPrVogM4KDulmiRwmT4GSyqsCdd6Oio1W52TQHUsl7BhM7tecV5LlsVG_cKWec3Ua6eMLIRzX2fIaqEhrWm6wGqmNcnDMvMEdkTuzkDNqxo69YHTzh7PSPX6IrzE4/s1600/DSCF1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IGM7VWAmqLmmoSXPrVogM4KDulmiRwmT4GSyqsCdd6Oio1W52TQHUsl7BhM7tecV5LlsVG_cKWec3Ua6eMLIRzX2fIaqEhrWm6wGqmNcnDMvMEdkTuzkDNqxo69YHTzh7PSPX6IrzE4/s1600/DSCF1602.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was fortunate enough, several times, to be one of those guests. I was fascinated by the little cabin. It was a completely different environment from what I knew of travel. Launching from a local boat ramp, the cabin was only accessible by water. Watching Jean's mom brew coffee with an old percolator. Making faces at Jean from our bunk beds. Looking for alligators off the dock at night with a flashlight. Going scalloping in the nearby Gulf of Mexico. I loved visiting. I don't think I ever realized that the 'Chessawhiskey,' as I knew it, was part of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, or that I wouldn't visit it again after we graduated high school. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We lost Jean in a car accident in 1998. I'm still close with her family, and my own daughter...Olivia Jean...reminds me daily of what a special friend Jean was. I've gotten several invitations to go to the cabin with her family. However, I can't imagine it being the same. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdACdqI2oTQHv3BJfYGdZUYM7S365GNNZclBNXTbZAG0RQ6Enakcn-RyjVTA2dZCf_pzeX6ChVDL5oCPm9bdIhEEw71O6mXxdJsWyJZIhtXQPVCNea_WkDQNZeceiHvvVMBgOlR6Qra8/s1600/DSCF1646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdACdqI2oTQHv3BJfYGdZUYM7S365GNNZclBNXTbZAG0RQ6Enakcn-RyjVTA2dZCf_pzeX6ChVDL5oCPm9bdIhEEw71O6mXxdJsWyJZIhtXQPVCNea_WkDQNZeceiHvvVMBgOlR6Qra8/s1600/DSCF1646.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chris turned 30 last year. To celebrate he decided to go paddling down the Chassahowitzka River, and he invited us along. There are many natural springs that feed into the river, and Chris wanted to go see as many as he could.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We launched at the same boat launch used by Jean's family. It was strange, vaguely remembering what it looked like over 20 years after my last visit. Once we got under way, we were quickly treated to a sight: Otters! Playful otters, about 5 of them. They were very curious about us, but they kept their distance. We watched for quite awhile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6022vbSGxuZe2i8J-IaQfHSpiwU4nFglhPYqMX95cfHgbDoC1Gne5eahF_tbeAZTdSby9gQaHmlY31VEUwMP560zb5IjHLXVnq64JWf0hsOQRtVlgNy7DG1voHuF-dr-vLGU5Bfsmr8/s1600/DSCF1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6022vbSGxuZe2i8J-IaQfHSpiwU4nFglhPYqMX95cfHgbDoC1Gne5eahF_tbeAZTdSby9gQaHmlY31VEUwMP560zb5IjHLXVnq64JWf0hsOQRtVlgNy7DG1voHuF-dr-vLGU5Bfsmr8/s1600/DSCF1574.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcNTgU7JwwyQPtsg0PkcU90jIlTXJYs5oZZiJ3vKb6-sCr9_7hxFm6GWXwj7pBYwmFDWnFFNbEfXgIjpuuOD-HCmhqgVJG4A6XdYe3uuBbsfU1pEN4OqEe7r0nL5_SIWC-rK4ykFOGjY/s1600/DSCF1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcNTgU7JwwyQPtsg0PkcU90jIlTXJYs5oZZiJ3vKb6-sCr9_7hxFm6GWXwj7pBYwmFDWnFFNbEfXgIjpuuOD-HCmhqgVJG4A6XdYe3uuBbsfU1pEN4OqEe7r0nL5_SIWC-rK4ykFOGjY/s1600/DSCF1592.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We paddled on and saw several springs. We did some geocaching as well. Our final destination on the river was a place commonly referred to as Miss Maggie's Crack. It's a spring set way off the main river, and it's like a secret party spot. We weren't there for partying, exactly, but we still wanted to see it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbCwsyyaZmeYn2wkNTyhPc4ld5BzJMUqNO9JGsckAwnyeK0Q3UjRZKtX_Jz-vFcJ9rdd0naYFSE9z0sSkYKdi78-SO7wMvL42F8FUrpp_LnRszryRXrsunrIMAzLP3JewmuMG1gUyA1Q/s1600/DSCF1659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbCwsyyaZmeYn2wkNTyhPc4ld5BzJMUqNO9JGsckAwnyeK0Q3UjRZKtX_Jz-vFcJ9rdd0naYFSE9z0sSkYKdi78-SO7wMvL42F8FUrpp_LnRszryRXrsunrIMAzLP3JewmuMG1gUyA1Q/s1600/DSCF1659.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD1uEjA8vAlwLeP5GBAgW3OXYdvIpVpNFrKpbL3M8qatVIj6l2yLNIUfoGAix1xRcLYGLm9I3yQIZn7xFCM0nzwTUsVuQace7f_Ii8KUiiS6R164t8fuRyZnlAlJbknHZvUl7I8wpOuE/s1600/DSCF1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvD1uEjA8vAlwLeP5GBAgW3OXYdvIpVpNFrKpbL3M8qatVIj6l2yLNIUfoGAix1xRcLYGLm9I3yQIZn7xFCM0nzwTUsVuQace7f_Ii8KUiiS6R164t8fuRyZnlAlJbknHZvUl7I8wpOuE/s1600/DSCF1660.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzUULFkr9Sh7HDwr0KdMnXcfiZT63-itL3_zYfi906wGVH14kgBH5V4V44Y1hOoUkVc8pm5RIM-L2IdKW6hpgHDPPlej1ZCJjQ5trmm-Cl4bFOFVlOTZXtRQXHmwBilCzX-gbyjL_-sA/s1600/DSCF1663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzUULFkr9Sh7HDwr0KdMnXcfiZT63-itL3_zYfi906wGVH14kgBH5V4V44Y1hOoUkVc8pm5RIM-L2IdKW6hpgHDPPlej1ZCJjQ5trmm-Cl4bFOFVlOTZXtRQXHmwBilCzX-gbyjL_-sA/s1600/DSCF1663.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh59DPTi-JsJsUaJ_HyXDEFtViwM_9lbOeZ18X3rgYtGxb0NF99ohXrXyQDsNatFgPQoVuGj7cvbOw0LOf0sm0uI7pHJ8-jR1HcLn13U2GzfEKuVuysidy3rKYgfK223k-4D6KxYOkIQ/s1600/DSCF1662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIh59DPTi-JsJsUaJ_HyXDEFtViwM_9lbOeZ18X3rgYtGxb0NF99ohXrXyQDsNatFgPQoVuGj7cvbOw0LOf0sm0uI7pHJ8-jR1HcLn13U2GzfEKuVuysidy3rKYgfK223k-4D6KxYOkIQ/s1600/DSCF1662.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The waterway became more and more narrow, the trees thicker. Eventually we had to abandon our boats and walk the rest of the way in shallow water. And then, there it was:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHra3dDz9HAdbjkEfDZzr9LuphKmdl1HS6Y1xcgAoMCM1iz06zTd08E4IQ7nxd4tjiEBgqQFO_BnW0WefSnLQBAdr-rRm1-5_vIVRyDFAcBIdUAxQxcEzRPlqGQOyysM8tkDFKus8XCE/s1600/DSCF1664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHra3dDz9HAdbjkEfDZzr9LuphKmdl1HS6Y1xcgAoMCM1iz06zTd08E4IQ7nxd4tjiEBgqQFO_BnW0WefSnLQBAdr-rRm1-5_vIVRyDFAcBIdUAxQxcEzRPlqGQOyysM8tkDFKus8XCE/s1600/DSCF1664.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We only spent a little while at Miss Maggie's. Just enough time to soak up some cool spring water and then eat our lunch. Then it was time to drag the boats back out and make the return journey to the launch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our trip that day brought back so many memories for me. Parts of my youth I wanted to share with my family...the joining of my younger memories with what I was currently seeing. The desire to visit with Jean's family again and make a visit to the cabin, which I realize now probably meant more to me than I ever realized. I am really so very grateful for the time I was able to spend there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't wait to go back.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-43083117516078825502014-04-07T20:42:00.002-04:002014-04-07T20:42:55.225-04:00Birthdays! We celebrate outdoorsy-style!<strong>State Parks visited: 76</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYTo1h3HAgLoUvKeiWMhyphenhyphenXfwBF6asSZtIhSEf3igBRfVh4gYHMumhuduqqqOkBRaaCUj89tbbqu4PiF7f7iUqeHz5NBNg1mutGt-E4N70KYKgp-4q4jK1n1zubbMuf0G12I-kU0dFzMU/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCYTo1h3HAgLoUvKeiWMhyphenhyphenXfwBF6asSZtIhSEf3igBRfVh4gYHMumhuduqqqOkBRaaCUj89tbbqu4PiF7f7iUqeHz5NBNg1mutGt-E4N70KYKgp-4q4jK1n1zubbMuf0G12I-kU0dFzMU/s1600/IMG_2041.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the time since I last posted last year, we've all gotten just a bit older. Birthdays are special events, and worthy of a celebration! Olivia turned 9 last summer, and true to form, she asked to visit a state park on her big day. Her choice? <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/gasparillaisland/default.cfm" target="_blank">Gasparilla Island State Park.</a> But first, a quick stop in Englewood for some geocaching:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLZDQtpt9mNoRnlSqC8HnOrjmrlbsHvUgwQO4p7JxomcckY_fsbemnKLl9KhU5pdEc9G9H8QhiTzGioP5o7qZ5x_oKhRRJZVeoUCjy3PiKmY32J1HRi5E_Z-vQcSrbLjDD5Z_M3h2f6s/s1600/IMG_2001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKLZDQtpt9mNoRnlSqC8HnOrjmrlbsHvUgwQO4p7JxomcckY_fsbemnKLl9KhU5pdEc9G9H8QhiTzGioP5o7qZ5x_oKhRRJZVeoUCjy3PiKmY32J1HRi5E_Z-vQcSrbLjDD5Z_M3h2f6s/s1600/IMG_2001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yep, this boat grave is a geocache!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The state park is home to a lighthouse, beaches, and a range light. We were fortunate enough to make it there while the lighthouse was open since it closes for the month of August. So, we looked around the lighthouse, enjoyed the beach, and took in the scenery</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7gsRtaSR7mms_NrfQ78l3-Dsp64vAC3M-5vTiMHkUPd83JEDquGXIgfQ94VCeqdJuWBMvLIMvW8V10zKvmknmtZqR5oIS3OW-IMuNgiAxpStq8y8WFthtRdXjmXcr2KvEZU5xVTqMw0/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7gsRtaSR7mms_NrfQ78l3-Dsp64vAC3M-5vTiMHkUPd83JEDquGXIgfQ94VCeqdJuWBMvLIMvW8V10zKvmknmtZqR5oIS3OW-IMuNgiAxpStq8y8WFthtRdXjmXcr2KvEZU5xVTqMw0/s1600/IMG_2031.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Beautiful birthday girl!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2NHPXmlNYsjVnf1HPyjjxvS9AsWQQLYmtC-BVZiTn9RZqmYK62Zr7KcHkyJSVXSrm-D1msY7g6YqYL51g3W-0DVtlPshC8RDAHfakwkkn2jlMJEjgvJ84Sd4e4yvoec7mIf-dGiJyCY/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2NHPXmlNYsjVnf1HPyjjxvS9AsWQQLYmtC-BVZiTn9RZqmYK62Zr7KcHkyJSVXSrm-D1msY7g6YqYL51g3W-0DVtlPshC8RDAHfakwkkn2jlMJEjgvJ84Sd4e4yvoec7mIf-dGiJyCY/s1600/IMG_2038.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Railroad vine</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxJT5nIhRfbEIpROKl_GZWiAH2mdxNRb00eLP19VGnS8Lncecpu3F6kzwz5DarAyTjsVXm1rM9l52WNKAqgEks9LBVyswCWfNeuCmVP8Fy_dZIMCL9ubTNBAE1rjym2nRBH2BP-lA_h4/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxJT5nIhRfbEIpROKl_GZWiAH2mdxNRb00eLP19VGnS8Lncecpu3F6kzwz5DarAyTjsVXm1rM9l52WNKAqgEks9LBVyswCWfNeuCmVP8Fy_dZIMCL9ubTNBAE1rjym2nRBH2BP-lA_h4/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The range light at the other end of the island</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0TrqhPDaCm2AJx1yNJpHdWaWhncUx4w1YwZWU-9tloQD_AcpYWYs1kg_i4ufsoq64i3t9frwUBZaqB9vp1LAm0joSe2DNSKk4PfHr9m0FyR7Eyg7573MMZfOlZXyeSZyD-hWqhKaJVU/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0TrqhPDaCm2AJx1yNJpHdWaWhncUx4w1YwZWU-9tloQD_AcpYWYs1kg_i4ufsoq64i3t9frwUBZaqB9vp1LAm0joSe2DNSKk4PfHr9m0FyR7Eyg7573MMZfOlZXyeSZyD-hWqhKaJVU/s1600/IMG_2088.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRWaHbMFwqipY9yUeb9w5qr3NCIWjhCEOiugdBawGECewfpZUP3ykMIBSjMIY5nOn0jvTx2HRCkBBRxp3csEr7n1GTgv7UYFkJMXUxESEM3KXYQgL9-vViy4-HpRSvguuJ3S7ON1AVFM/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRWaHbMFwqipY9yUeb9w5qr3NCIWjhCEOiugdBawGECewfpZUP3ykMIBSjMIY5nOn0jvTx2HRCkBBRxp3csEr7n1GTgv7UYFkJMXUxESEM3KXYQgL9-vViy4-HpRSvguuJ3S7ON1AVFM/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zOMfd7IWmNK5IVHnsHugKycuOhw4dRKZAK3ipI80EA9t9-z_sY8xOi6bHzfh3MXMphbAXcxU3bDy_jvnHExYZLGRMbjFv2J0Iy_Hmoh1uM-AhXZpHf-1p1pCIIO0s1xXKT8q6ZJLYto/s1600/IMG_2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zOMfd7IWmNK5IVHnsHugKycuOhw4dRKZAK3ipI80EA9t9-z_sY8xOi6bHzfh3MXMphbAXcxU3bDy_jvnHExYZLGRMbjFv2J0Iy_Hmoh1uM-AhXZpHf-1p1pCIIO0s1xXKT8q6ZJLYto/s1600/IMG_2096.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEltwDMFlXO1ZNjLS8NUVQFBywEeeXDOwiB-On2N1VsghxbSYoM8OpzQjexqcNsCz_a-KL0Mm7fS_9yFY8-uPtUJY4RaboKYy3cNpVrhRocY2rjJ5uvbLSPWrq9OWMwQapp03YZWDZVs/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJEltwDMFlXO1ZNjLS8NUVQFBywEeeXDOwiB-On2N1VsghxbSYoM8OpzQjexqcNsCz_a-KL0Mm7fS_9yFY8-uPtUJY4RaboKYy3cNpVrhRocY2rjJ5uvbLSPWrq9OWMwQapp03YZWDZVs/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Birthday girl playing under the watchful eye of a crab.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next came my birthday in August. I chose two parks, and we made a whole weekend out of it. I've always wanted to see <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/floridacaverns/default.cfm" target="_blank">Florida Caverns State Park,</a> and we also decided to visit <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/fallingwaters/default.cfm" target="_blank">Falling Waters State Park</a> as well since it's nearby. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vBoGmcWJ5G_YPwxGN92AffKgXAnyaoJTk2RD8YDqU6gKAQ8oNmGtYyYp2wBu-qD-tOvlPgVF-kmHGM4Z_Drn-f8Xyd91Y8xz4JoQ2KdC17WlKxmB8Al7VGsXzv-AdCdEHtAzGbYPlWE/s1600/IMG_4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6vBoGmcWJ5G_YPwxGN92AffKgXAnyaoJTk2RD8YDqU6gKAQ8oNmGtYyYp2wBu-qD-tOvlPgVF-kmHGM4Z_Drn-f8Xyd91Y8xz4JoQ2KdC17WlKxmB8Al7VGsXzv-AdCdEHtAzGbYPlWE/s1600/IMG_4392.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieczLAyV6S6lu9FRaS8gSS7aYyF39Y3yPY1vhQtTdS7JfjCS-Zn0GaoKviaOGxlKizw5p5a27p2EKibK077RPtYINGUafdoKjgzNPdfhEWzyKmWtCgQs9oAfbUsOUbDiMZdGLmUd-fnRY/s1600/IMG_4440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieczLAyV6S6lu9FRaS8gSS7aYyF39Y3yPY1vhQtTdS7JfjCS-Zn0GaoKviaOGxlKizw5p5a27p2EKibK077RPtYINGUafdoKjgzNPdfhEWzyKmWtCgQs9oAfbUsOUbDiMZdGLmUd-fnRY/s1600/IMG_4440.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtojhmNio5EaXjIv_J0tDhAUAEObxTL7aur7dw4ecrV4wLEKq5bgOopBXp6chEga4L3mzk4lnOXfRpiGyu79mHO3F8CN5yT9Qu4Fb6zWKbyCd-uwSk_tWmHi2W-4V9ILL2klxMOINiyKo/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtojhmNio5EaXjIv_J0tDhAUAEObxTL7aur7dw4ecrV4wLEKq5bgOopBXp6chEga4L3mzk4lnOXfRpiGyu79mHO3F8CN5yT9Qu4Fb6zWKbyCd-uwSk_tWmHi2W-4V9ILL2klxMOINiyKo/s1600/IMG_4443.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8wom80cL9aLrXqO7NX7So0XLQDlySGTAqNc2ZOXFghh2PdDWkR6XM6ShtrORrwpSyBSKqN5WhbgOSuBz7idLx5CO9OY_fbLsPBPg5Mu1aHFQDPKIwIYrTMkxJ2kPMq92aU_Mu9LQG9s/s1600/IMG_4447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8wom80cL9aLrXqO7NX7So0XLQDlySGTAqNc2ZOXFghh2PdDWkR6XM6ShtrORrwpSyBSKqN5WhbgOSuBz7idLx5CO9OY_fbLsPBPg5Mu1aHFQDPKIwIYrTMkxJ2kPMq92aU_Mu9LQG9s/s1600/IMG_4447.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghWFhvS7lsd1w53nea79A1kO3DiO-PzIXPA1Egg8wmtRrdHAzn_1b3gRNekFTo6VxJCmAQAai5o57pfIttpIbcJ-vW2g1_kJBLr8EeR6boiO6brwMrVtt5vaLpoFgCJpj__poMclS_Lo/s1600/IMG_4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhghWFhvS7lsd1w53nea79A1kO3DiO-PzIXPA1Egg8wmtRrdHAzn_1b3gRNekFTo6VxJCmAQAai5o57pfIttpIbcJ-vW2g1_kJBLr8EeR6boiO6brwMrVtt5vaLpoFgCJpj__poMclS_Lo/s1600/IMG_4450.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Falling Waters is absolutely gorgeous....it has the highest waterfall in Florida at 73'....not bad for my flat state! They also have hiking trails, camping, and a neat (and very active!) butterfly garden. I am so glad we made the additional stop to see it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUqogpN1agfR6YtWuAm5JHW9_dSLHshRo_jLU7RXxGyU8M3goccuYVAGDWzC4BTIV78hMiugYODBGzLn_Hmp3uY_0JI6BYh7OM493CqIZuJRe8zARD8TeNYEX1Ss3_jA-_SAoiB5IqOc/s1600/IMG_4480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUqogpN1agfR6YtWuAm5JHW9_dSLHshRo_jLU7RXxGyU8M3goccuYVAGDWzC4BTIV78hMiugYODBGzLn_Hmp3uY_0JI6BYh7OM493CqIZuJRe8zARD8TeNYEX1Ss3_jA-_SAoiB5IqOc/s1600/IMG_4480.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia with a statue of the CCC Worker. Florida Caverns was one of our first 9 state parks, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3ARDrLohD52RV2-J5CLhG1CpZvtnvN7Su13HZAP4O0BnJnxRpw5pzX99AOkI0R4kBNYkfAz0IbMvec9A5noHjN7bJpkC7fWadiLI4dBhvF7HwCBy1gv_ConAXakAnquGLauxvyfWVpw/s1600/IMG_4520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3ARDrLohD52RV2-J5CLhG1CpZvtnvN7Su13HZAP4O0BnJnxRpw5pzX99AOkI0R4kBNYkfAz0IbMvec9A5noHjN7bJpkC7fWadiLI4dBhvF7HwCBy1gv_ConAXakAnquGLauxvyfWVpw/s1600/IMG_4520.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLgJWgLAFjz5ibSELnE05-1uLZ0exTb4LpkhypNWa6meopgJ_bTyg1lV1PpgkBo53z94yO4B31Xc_CMJJmX3swWLvOX6aXovQzLT-ZJBCOfaifJmxuhmV89zwcwh2F5Adsh54nV7xo7I/s1600/IMG_4530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLgJWgLAFjz5ibSELnE05-1uLZ0exTb4LpkhypNWa6meopgJ_bTyg1lV1PpgkBo53z94yO4B31Xc_CMJJmX3swWLvOX6aXovQzLT-ZJBCOfaifJmxuhmV89zwcwh2F5Adsh54nV7xo7I/s1600/IMG_4530.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8n6FpiDN31jXOO-MmaEje5AcvGuFULGM7Iy3L0ZnoZc1zTiMFRiF_XnJPjfEZf1sF7EXgKUylyWjg8aWT8_A_IWCCT2ga7B5XJzq6mvM7ffl6eLgOBCQhFadqtvRjKIvLa0G4eKGGZU/s1600/IMG_4544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8n6FpiDN31jXOO-MmaEje5AcvGuFULGM7Iy3L0ZnoZc1zTiMFRiF_XnJPjfEZf1sF7EXgKUylyWjg8aWT8_A_IWCCT2ga7B5XJzq6mvM7ffl6eLgOBCQhFadqtvRjKIvLa0G4eKGGZU/s1600/IMG_4544.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfRAcdSJta7P1tp4jLn8B3Pvv7vcC-Wbq-b7khzBy6URVaM3EHn4TO_Y4bcuK_mF7Yz25ddAPMYR7n8vd45dzJPiihRoN1oUPSooejSWY7ccfRqAEWjOANpRPQgtgizK5Mmo9f2W6bk4/s1600/IMG_4587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfRAcdSJta7P1tp4jLn8B3Pvv7vcC-Wbq-b7khzBy6URVaM3EHn4TO_Y4bcuK_mF7Yz25ddAPMYR7n8vd45dzJPiihRoN1oUPSooejSWY7ccfRqAEWjOANpRPQgtgizK5Mmo9f2W6bk4/s1600/IMG_4587.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She stayed like that for a looooooooonngggg time.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRUh6id-ODXKg_71TszAXDBx15QrlaR82aJCw21hhGyU9H8PkmBQBmTp1d8Tg0Ph4uTKKyeXRc5h2LZXm76-Gz55x_V5CkI0J4lKDEMlsgr6xg9b0QbIHOrH45uHY3HuCyj_MVBi8-xs/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRUh6id-ODXKg_71TszAXDBx15QrlaR82aJCw21hhGyU9H8PkmBQBmTp1d8Tg0Ph4uTKKyeXRc5h2LZXm76-Gz55x_V5CkI0J4lKDEMlsgr6xg9b0QbIHOrH45uHY3HuCyj_MVBi8-xs/s1600/IMG_4611.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Florida Caverns is near the Chipola River, and the river was quite high when we were up there last summer. Our cavern tour was abbreviated, then, since several rooms were flooded. Despite the shorter tour, we really enjoyed ourselves! Our tour guide was funny and kept goodheartedly teasing Olivia. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the cavern tour we hiked around on some of the trails in the park. They were amazing! So green and luscious. Every once in awhile we would come across another cavern opening. It was so neat to stand there and feel cool air emanating from the openings! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy7T_DFNNTM-ydE81IewVO4kKRXKESj_nek0T4MHLRMRtYKzwwT0oNS_aSibt8HuaA2Ao3NCwcAjjBZDSpqtbvPDfDNz7GfsXuW_RjAxhjcsdHvHW2HHSaPCKINK67aFhYnd5KvJU-4U/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjy7T_DFNNTM-ydE81IewVO4kKRXKESj_nek0T4MHLRMRtYKzwwT0oNS_aSibt8HuaA2Ao3NCwcAjjBZDSpqtbvPDfDNz7GfsXuW_RjAxhjcsdHvHW2HHSaPCKINK67aFhYnd5KvJU-4U/s1600/IMG_4637.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73PdLD7VHhGrV5eME1YhfTrlVZK52OnbQcq1gSE7WENf9iJ86r-NPr76UJhmVVkNVfkVE9wC-ZG3_prQ5UDAGPtw7AvhRqpjBWBH7qi04OO4yDxQNY-8Ne-UHs1TdGV_iIENQN6a5XQA/s1600/IMG_4650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73PdLD7VHhGrV5eME1YhfTrlVZK52OnbQcq1gSE7WENf9iJ86r-NPr76UJhmVVkNVfkVE9wC-ZG3_prQ5UDAGPtw7AvhRqpjBWBH7qi04OO4yDxQNY-8Ne-UHs1TdGV_iIENQN6a5XQA/s1600/IMG_4650.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifupI3wtmUNEK9lyPuzyP-dxqFyqHTAUSgGrQoZ3T9iho6rHsCVoFNbT1RbH17mYqj1OucAZPdnBbpX_UaP10Zt-AQWLHYrsFmsJURg2u9-Le9GqIiJb0jyInxy2WrafvZnMwYbD2NyNs/s1600/IMG_4654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifupI3wtmUNEK9lyPuzyP-dxqFyqHTAUSgGrQoZ3T9iho6rHsCVoFNbT1RbH17mYqj1OucAZPdnBbpX_UaP10Zt-AQWLHYrsFmsJURg2u9-Le9GqIiJb0jyInxy2WrafvZnMwYbD2NyNs/s1600/IMG_4654.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqZqpTSncipy0ukLBpaFMY5whm7PzlHXSFX5S5lZlJyQGPl9ltV1t5H8O7jT-Pd8sjh62Wq_aqmvUoqDUc0iRJVRP-rb25uCSRZYeG7YANIaSI3NOMLWp4InJ3OsVjMHWnC91ZvUKlwE/s1600/IMG_4656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqZqpTSncipy0ukLBpaFMY5whm7PzlHXSFX5S5lZlJyQGPl9ltV1t5H8O7jT-Pd8sjh62Wq_aqmvUoqDUc0iRJVRP-rb25uCSRZYeG7YANIaSI3NOMLWp4InJ3OsVjMHWnC91ZvUKlwE/s1600/IMG_4656.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizK9wVEN-y0QqNtRu1v2LzjoJgjmS3cmdTPB39cgLXfieMjyOE4ZqhdDI102opKUZtqsI9GswCop1AcZOH5Emash3SeG-gcRBbtyUM2ABIyGazdw4fzEVtM1ySx1Ov9F6yU7rSZ9HpwYI/s1600/IMG_4661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizK9wVEN-y0QqNtRu1v2LzjoJgjmS3cmdTPB39cgLXfieMjyOE4ZqhdDI102opKUZtqsI9GswCop1AcZOH5Emash3SeG-gcRBbtyUM2ABIyGazdw4fzEVtM1ySx1Ov9F6yU7rSZ9HpwYI/s1600/IMG_4661.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My heart+my soul</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3k1zhFLI7gCwUqhtpRyONR_SpDad_bCLDQMAlRS6G13nPvUsRTR08nINhyTpF9ik3anjK2nGatResVpSPHOEl2o6Oeot9XyrasCKe-__1CGNxKPORN9kzwJD74E9wub2hUakRzp3eFtc/s1600/IMG_4667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3k1zhFLI7gCwUqhtpRyONR_SpDad_bCLDQMAlRS6G13nPvUsRTR08nINhyTpF9ik3anjK2nGatResVpSPHOEl2o6Oeot9XyrasCKe-__1CGNxKPORN9kzwJD74E9wub2hUakRzp3eFtc/s1600/IMG_4667.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My birthday was great! Just a week later is Rob's birthday, and to celebrate we returned to a favorite spot: Sanibel Island.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPWW8r0F6zgogdN8A7dZUuYYe_7hRE7NdUN-nnlGJdLrKGjaPIHYVcOfU00db6kpVWAAVuqsVvXM1c3kzf5UA8-FLiV6shB7jKbEGBu_DPc8ui8vn2kH0ZaYDfvf9UjQI9VlOlHgJtbI/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPWW8r0F6zgogdN8A7dZUuYYe_7hRE7NdUN-nnlGJdLrKGjaPIHYVcOfU00db6kpVWAAVuqsVvXM1c3kzf5UA8-FLiV6shB7jKbEGBu_DPc8ui8vn2kH0ZaYDfvf9UjQI9VlOlHgJtbI/s1600/IMG_4757.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year we decided to go kind of luxurious, and we stayed at the <a href="http://www.tween-waters.com/home.html" target="_blank">Tween Waters Inn</a> on Captiva Island. We've never stayed at a resort like this! It was a ton of fun. We spent our time in a cabana on the beach, tossing a beach ball around in the pool, shelling, eating awesome food, and really just letting go and relaxing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMEtrmYZH2KhdOF6gX38XiDAHm3KQt2tdOOShzXPKx9tXwN606BEacjhuZ_I60b-Z9o1mJV6Q_N-DBRZZhYGR5SWC6jkNJQIdGwgJb-FKUrvVca_I7RT_d1PTT-dQwAw6zVTbaoMi1f0/s1600/IMG_4767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHMEtrmYZH2KhdOF6gX38XiDAHm3KQt2tdOOShzXPKx9tXwN606BEacjhuZ_I60b-Z9o1mJV6Q_N-DBRZZhYGR5SWC6jkNJQIdGwgJb-FKUrvVca_I7RT_d1PTT-dQwAw6zVTbaoMi1f0/s1600/IMG_4767.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwzrKDLgLE8YH62qZ5BzL-KTPZBBYz1OU-UliR-ddz8C-Zb9AllIZ4l1IIvQJu-MtYiIB6MpgNLlPzZd19oF_CdaVvdaJzAdCLjrTT3KbhWTnCVqWFbckledxRonRge4YK6_sIwvufJA/s1600/IMG_4785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwzrKDLgLE8YH62qZ5BzL-KTPZBBYz1OU-UliR-ddz8C-Zb9AllIZ4l1IIvQJu-MtYiIB6MpgNLlPzZd19oF_CdaVvdaJzAdCLjrTT3KbhWTnCVqWFbckledxRonRge4YK6_sIwvufJA/s1600/IMG_4785.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSy9uuhhVPB4sekW-qUOHg_cxMBIvgpF2_q2gu-34L6q78FoFsvWpuHTAzaZHmx1Xwstvi-aUP-yfGdKTiVhGSu1WR8WDyroLV6Yo6_las-wdf4CJ6ayAfmFyd6oMlf3HMuLAA-bGFCw/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSy9uuhhVPB4sekW-qUOHg_cxMBIvgpF2_q2gu-34L6q78FoFsvWpuHTAzaZHmx1Xwstvi-aUP-yfGdKTiVhGSu1WR8WDyroLV6Yo6_las-wdf4CJ6ayAfmFyd6oMlf3HMuLAA-bGFCw/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriUAxHuOr0iyiiLVxeooGiz-8tJQIzZYrdX7M75a1TlImwUZATmDhht-rG6l4z1soNSmem0zOdFmtjaIiOYWPkuvvM4YPuaZX07X12FDz3DXZcNrGDs4L1ia6W-qzPsD-sXnXxMfS-74/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgriUAxHuOr0iyiiLVxeooGiz-8tJQIzZYrdX7M75a1TlImwUZATmDhht-rG6l4z1soNSmem0zOdFmtjaIiOYWPkuvvM4YPuaZX07X12FDz3DXZcNrGDs4L1ia6W-qzPsD-sXnXxMfS-74/s1600/IMG_4789.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFCKjK_cYHYihn7Bjp0Z4HK9x7Nf6tUkFMx_lmQedqYLTA5YeCXomEDM0ABWT9zjR0PIexLq2o8dB-85ErjL2fTKHKPhw8DlKz4QOBxU36G_ARq1hXP8V4i7ozpmDJ8AMqe1x_Xc67JY/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFCKjK_cYHYihn7Bjp0Z4HK9x7Nf6tUkFMx_lmQedqYLTA5YeCXomEDM0ABWT9zjR0PIexLq2o8dB-85ErjL2fTKHKPhw8DlKz4QOBxU36G_ARq1hXP8V4i7ozpmDJ8AMqe1x_Xc67JY/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Three different birthday celebrations. One awesome summer for my happy little family. We are indeed blessed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Paula :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-40397120146555296202014-04-03T19:50:00.000-04:002014-04-03T19:50:12.079-04:00Fumbling back into the blogosphere<strong>State Parks visited: 76 (not to worry, I'll catch you up!)</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_WlTOraAP6KD1t8jOZIAdK8JonxatizPINQFZXYo0-GF9Jbnwn9bQgBrTb80IJA9NkQlcqtie0y7JZ314WOu3HGXFZKsyRLhBJqulDRfy9ClsSHzT9fiH4RVkmPlzI-89a4lOsZRyHA/s1600/DSCF0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_WlTOraAP6KD1t8jOZIAdK8JonxatizPINQFZXYo0-GF9Jbnwn9bQgBrTb80IJA9NkQlcqtie0y7JZ314WOu3HGXFZKsyRLhBJqulDRfy9ClsSHzT9fiH4RVkmPlzI-89a4lOsZRyHA/s1600/DSCF0705.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, where have I been and what have I been up to? I wish I could tell you something exciting like, I collected my lottery winnings and have been vacationing lavishly around the world. Or, I've given up on society and now spend my days doing selfless charity work in a Third World country that the internet hasn't found yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Those things would not be true. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The real story is, I have been having a disagreement with modern technology. It's so silly, but I have issues with the time it takes to post this blog from my desktop computer. I managed to convince myself that, if I had a laptop, I could spend time in the living room with my family and be a real presence, instead of closing myself in the guest room for a couple of hours. So, welcome to our world, new laptop! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've had a couple other issues as well. Like, the memory card of my camera that took a giant leap of faith off a bridge in a state forest last year. I had gotten an error message to check the memory card. I opened the compartment, and I guess the little guy was completely unhappy inside the camera. He popped out of his little space, flew through the air, and fell into the swamp grass next to me. Yep, I actually got down in the grass and searched for a good long while, but that memory card was gone. I was devastated...how do I post when I've lost half the pictures?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was even more devastated last summer after we spent some time in the Florida Keys. We came home and went to load the photos from...yep...a memory card, into the computer, when another error message came. Card failure. All of our regular camera pictures...gone. Devastation. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's not to say we haven't take any pictures at all. Rob and I both have iPhones and are constantly using them as our primary cameras. But, that's another issue I have. To me, there's a greater complication to sync the iPhones to the desktop and download the pictures and...blah blah blah, I know, shut up about the issues and just get back to blogging already!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, what have we been up to? Lots of stuff, actually. We still participate in the Trailwalker program from Florida State Forests. We were all pretty close to achieving our first 10 trails, and I managed to find an area where we could each make our goals in one weekend. A weekend of hiking in the Withlacoochee State Forest...and losing a memory card...occurred last fall, and we have each managed to move into the Trailblazer category! A couple of highlights (from a different memory card!):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV2mxxpoOn0Wei4EY00GVHoLksJ3XniwjOXanlkngAf4eYrgBAHDglCf-xTZNwlQC1AmpEIKMbuWpIfwD7RG9tfykpVTQWriqO3FEx4NM0Pw70UV7NCrYXQNIx3XyW_NoQOItM3FdTtc/s1600/DSCF0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPV2mxxpoOn0Wei4EY00GVHoLksJ3XniwjOXanlkngAf4eYrgBAHDglCf-xTZNwlQC1AmpEIKMbuWpIfwD7RG9tfykpVTQWriqO3FEx4NM0Pw70UV7NCrYXQNIx3XyW_NoQOItM3FdTtc/s1600/DSCF0641.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The infamous bridge!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxTfXK2qUsELZtX4CwGed84h2zMyI8e5YdTjjhca_j71NJ0uoZqr6Y5QHxvFRl0_uV9aOguroiEO9WVoogHuau8OMooDmRNWGI9XsxWhfkOlre358SCOlyD7a8BszKBk31CQJ5Q6K_cM/s1600/DSCF0652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxTfXK2qUsELZtX4CwGed84h2zMyI8e5YdTjjhca_j71NJ0uoZqr6Y5QHxvFRl0_uV9aOguroiEO9WVoogHuau8OMooDmRNWGI9XsxWhfkOlre358SCOlyD7a8BszKBk31CQJ5Q6K_cM/s1600/DSCF0652.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swallow Tailed Kites</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE0z4HzMqQv0qMK_BmP5VpL3PDVgZN3VIJWAUtqfh4PmOTgaR0k-sOVvbo1zTJWSCRzCDHZY2eBe5AH33JmdGyVIDw8eJlp_0PJS8QWOfIPTRS2jgYjvYDNwvdL-thYmMJsrY-UZlxos/s1600/DSCF0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYE0z4HzMqQv0qMK_BmP5VpL3PDVgZN3VIJWAUtqfh4PmOTgaR0k-sOVvbo1zTJWSCRzCDHZY2eBe5AH33JmdGyVIDw8eJlp_0PJS8QWOfIPTRS2jgYjvYDNwvdL-thYmMJsrY-UZlxos/s1600/DSCF0760.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsLpK1vzOTEsTnmZSaa_HBivCbTNdONk30tj-WfWVcXgigX8XMWFajmezjdg0w_uvpZTECzeMNa0C8P6PM3nWOPvhSz1hDMEkdz58YzP8GNM0a417Imd93Zn5wEmRL5R3_wHPxhL6OA4/s1600/DSCF0807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsLpK1vzOTEsTnmZSaa_HBivCbTNdONk30tj-WfWVcXgigX8XMWFajmezjdg0w_uvpZTECzeMNa0C8P6PM3nWOPvhSz1hDMEkdz58YzP8GNM0a417Imd93Zn5wEmRL5R3_wHPxhL6OA4/s1600/DSCF0807.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once school got out for the summer (summer...you know, the hottest time in Florida), we decided to go camping in the Florida Keys. We booked a site at <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/curryhammock/default.cfm" target="_blank">Curry Hammock State Park</a>, our 67th park, and filled the days with lots of sunscreen and air conditioned activities. I must say, having stayed at Long Key before, I wasn't really crazy about Curry Hammock. It's a bit more modern, but the composting toilets in the bath house were off-putting to me. Not sure what a composting toilet is? Go ahead, look it up. I'll wait.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Great for the environment, but I've *never* in my life seen roaches that size. They don't necessarily bother me. But, the smell... 'Nuff said.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took a day trip into Key West, spent some quality time at Fort Zachary Taylor (where we were disappointed a couple years ago), toured the Hemingway House, and watched the sunset while we ate dinner. It was lovely. Really and truly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the way home we made a stop at park #68, <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/keylargohammock/default.cfm" target="_blank">Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park</a>. Um, holy mosquito swarm, Batman! I'm sorry to say our visit was pretty short, but we did wander the trail and enjoy ourselves for a little bit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are some pictures of the adventure. I do have the ones from our phones, at least!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBTAa3TNWQpd-v0UhzZy5SUABDS5QPKwu-s25R-NUqe0l21SygyOIXmmEDUMD9S1ejIhZ5vbeF5DwcRw47tui2KPQHiyRMfGXI4DNV6hZSN-26MYZmuObEaRztLk_pRSbwi8dIR7IwDc/s1600/100_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBTAa3TNWQpd-v0UhzZy5SUABDS5QPKwu-s25R-NUqe0l21SygyOIXmmEDUMD9S1ejIhZ5vbeF5DwcRw47tui2KPQHiyRMfGXI4DNV6hZSN-26MYZmuObEaRztLk_pRSbwi8dIR7IwDc/s1600/100_0446.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIL4KLwJ2t6ODewJYXYVuILMhgqFb_cVaq413IOlOwjYA3h9gL0JCJ5ZCAJjR_JdNvMs5jmsKs3Kqqu5lJREdbnpanCGi_Rr-JQX8A6TC4vZ93v3eGcm8SaXYSLlED2tPO0Ruf0y8cOS0/s1600/100_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIL4KLwJ2t6ODewJYXYVuILMhgqFb_cVaq413IOlOwjYA3h9gL0JCJ5ZCAJjR_JdNvMs5jmsKs3Kqqu5lJREdbnpanCGi_Rr-JQX8A6TC4vZ93v3eGcm8SaXYSLlED2tPO0Ruf0y8cOS0/s1600/100_0447.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzaCSDZmzHXyZRNMKc6epBroK1OqZPHYNwK2p2p8BM1zt-1Y6MOYeMzt_jE9j4Zk5Y8636NbQqG503VfB02ZA-IcQcDUkgbVjhJe0qC-Ekz4vWYWh_8763hyON5kp7k0X13u8tz_E08o/s1600/100_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzaCSDZmzHXyZRNMKc6epBroK1OqZPHYNwK2p2p8BM1zt-1Y6MOYeMzt_jE9j4Zk5Y8636NbQqG503VfB02ZA-IcQcDUkgbVjhJe0qC-Ekz4vWYWh_8763hyON5kp7k0X13u8tz_E08o/s1600/100_0519.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-OFVm08xxVJ3ixpyUwrdqNR4M8EZ7i5GpY6Bmk3xET1Gzwjr0VZtiKNXaSU3z-r_Os7vgd9_ELxZZDj46QR9iY12vDQGg-A_fYkQh8r06e0U0LQH149F57YcjyZnCzQt5ykOLxqa5dw/s1600/100_0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-OFVm08xxVJ3ixpyUwrdqNR4M8EZ7i5GpY6Bmk3xET1Gzwjr0VZtiKNXaSU3z-r_Os7vgd9_ELxZZDj46QR9iY12vDQGg-A_fYkQh8r06e0U0LQH149F57YcjyZnCzQt5ykOLxqa5dw/s1600/100_0521.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaeCHVksKfWXAe0WCPVVn3za98WwiU2IThVpGZqJMYIOJbQniFvq0aVx_OSe4wWDunTche82tglsLUGXFrTOM4UnvTgnxFCVZSYhWJdETQ0u6ovU-SgA_z2S8LQe2JfQUwOSTxwKMTKs/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOaeCHVksKfWXAe0WCPVVn3za98WwiU2IThVpGZqJMYIOJbQniFvq0aVx_OSe4wWDunTche82tglsLUGXFrTOM4UnvTgnxFCVZSYhWJdETQ0u6ovU-SgA_z2S8LQe2JfQUwOSTxwKMTKs/s1600/IMG_3769.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Royal Poinciana trees</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5hI5c3Vik1cru96DIioD1FsjXQ4xgmEvPfBvg7DWjCg0TKzkBFMM7pZUfg0DSLlKY64mYojXk5T7y34p14zjRTVWT1hPtctqaAtREsaa1XOihZ2GyhJi-ecgO2wF_4VNgKPrBgoW-U0/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5hI5c3Vik1cru96DIioD1FsjXQ4xgmEvPfBvg7DWjCg0TKzkBFMM7pZUfg0DSLlKY64mYojXk5T7y34p14zjRTVWT1hPtctqaAtREsaa1XOihZ2GyhJi-ecgO2wF_4VNgKPrBgoW-U0/s1600/IMG_3813.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In true tourist form!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCPQeXmSLYM4p2w1WAU1orcVsgcDHxfwGrHWIoWH-ND_iaNv67tvzk8a4nQtbOzfMh4j6JkSZ2tjEeLHgU-7BJy9av5aNoOPi-E44YzeAYsRNg7vjHZdGj-MhQiEbT-95G-8MZcjT1LQ/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCPQeXmSLYM4p2w1WAU1orcVsgcDHxfwGrHWIoWH-ND_iaNv67tvzk8a4nQtbOzfMh4j6JkSZ2tjEeLHgU-7BJy9av5aNoOPi-E44YzeAYsRNg7vjHZdGj-MhQiEbT-95G-8MZcjT1LQ/s1600/IMG_3816.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the famous Hemingway 6-toed cats.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAopITp7AfrJMosM9TpTDPDLZb4BtFg8ZlYztnvJFEO63ZmCGMxxi_lAmZuECZsfsReoCd_kkeyIoGTzlZpWpH_0mol4h5x6ZD1HuwwP4gVrsAk3HrG1AOqKYIN4bS5pjeO3P0eG0gT7Q/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAopITp7AfrJMosM9TpTDPDLZb4BtFg8ZlYztnvJFEO63ZmCGMxxi_lAmZuECZsfsReoCd_kkeyIoGTzlZpWpH_0mol4h5x6ZD1HuwwP4gVrsAk3HrG1AOqKYIN4bS5pjeO3P0eG0gT7Q/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our lunch venue, Fort Zachary Taylor.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6fYAFdIq8Uz0qqFI-G8JDbAr5gCnZuQKslHtkOmKEEJshixAqZawfE6v1CihtM2KtU9nWXgxFRClXYWl3WHat0gmXv_xsjllCgQstxAVn5fknTv7OJ-A0HCOlYOiSSIXVb45uAOVbQg/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6fYAFdIq8Uz0qqFI-G8JDbAr5gCnZuQKslHtkOmKEEJshixAqZawfE6v1CihtM2KtU9nWXgxFRClXYWl3WHat0gmXv_xsjllCgQstxAVn5fknTv7OJ-A0HCOlYOiSSIXVb45uAOVbQg/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjtTeS6s4dYfddcXkE5bTwWdHb0irzD32SdWDkOTidpSC131Wc1hR992uKTF06VeL5-lrQnkzqI2NZSSioBq70Iiz_mi6Nng4Gb-Ra11KeLCLhcr8ITAwFdTcpqb2xemIgPJCGKEYx9A/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjtTeS6s4dYfddcXkE5bTwWdHb0irzD32SdWDkOTidpSC131Wc1hR992uKTF06VeL5-lrQnkzqI2NZSSioBq70Iiz_mi6Nng4Gb-Ra11KeLCLhcr8ITAwFdTcpqb2xemIgPJCGKEYx9A/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawSl5n1F1n7_WNAIcsrPYyifRoFaviGVSg-eU4VSjfi-9bXPsngq2vobLhcNyK2vNTmbwpv-X-_WcQ9qXXb4PsIwWewWe_xzVlm1B-OU4GB3k-yFgk8kVsLKDPOOTBWdwyK5xE68_sRI/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawSl5n1F1n7_WNAIcsrPYyifRoFaviGVSg-eU4VSjfi-9bXPsngq2vobLhcNyK2vNTmbwpv-X-_WcQ9qXXb4PsIwWewWe_xzVlm1B-OU4GB3k-yFgk8kVsLKDPOOTBWdwyK5xE68_sRI/s1600/IMG_3862.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL7o5SCz2G-HR4gD-EYOoK13IGxBr23_hEbA-_R0PiF_fP4jBaOw6GH1bHGMWMGmJZxXjVeEtKLP_1uGRYoZ3u6Uwj5TRPHCnATWBIHCm3tKkp_9pXEP6TZo5gHP3r7RfiakS6a_tdT8/s1600/IMG_3889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsL7o5SCz2G-HR4gD-EYOoK13IGxBr23_hEbA-_R0PiF_fP4jBaOw6GH1bHGMWMGmJZxXjVeEtKLP_1uGRYoZ3u6Uwj5TRPHCnATWBIHCm3tKkp_9pXEP6TZo5gHP3r7RfiakS6a_tdT8/s1600/IMG_3889.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae7B3ec_TjNj0XiFucjAmoFNoxxo1ppqhLZOidTcFvqiLotPfXtJDyo43PnoxgX66LlwZGKD_bU7-NgrGxPidA2b7USlMNkOP5ZRljSiQz1skBp6TaNWk7c8mIksBcDZaCPtm7Os-qtM/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae7B3ec_TjNj0XiFucjAmoFNoxxo1ppqhLZOidTcFvqiLotPfXtJDyo43PnoxgX66LlwZGKD_bU7-NgrGxPidA2b7USlMNkOP5ZRljSiQz1skBp6TaNWk7c8mIksBcDZaCPtm7Os-qtM/s1600/IMG_1709.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkHIdjf3aAUbCkB33kkZLzYGo8CumYrlh0FvPt3OUmL5HsV2VK3XV2a6e96HI9a_1WRsioYKFK-m4vcrOP_RnCxy510Yzt5Vv3tokHfFF4adm74kycPV1lCgKUpT9jHmH1zxaHJZPPgY/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpkHIdjf3aAUbCkB33kkZLzYGo8CumYrlh0FvPt3OUmL5HsV2VK3XV2a6e96HI9a_1WRsioYKFK-m4vcrOP_RnCxy510Yzt5Vv3tokHfFF4adm74kycPV1lCgKUpT9jHmH1zxaHJZPPgY/s1600/IMG_1725.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84x5TWWbBqL_ruOp2b82qr6E7yvCDl-Zt2ZTx-e4ayi_dSD_rWMVTlHyGGtJilIOUveREMFf2pu4bji-HTzWNVKRnELp_gwXoaeBTrmL9hU3a03OkZITcRNkXlcrro799DoTY4zax4ac/s1600/100_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi84x5TWWbBqL_ruOp2b82qr6E7yvCDl-Zt2ZTx-e4ayi_dSD_rWMVTlHyGGtJilIOUveREMFf2pu4bji-HTzWNVKRnELp_gwXoaeBTrmL9hU3a03OkZITcRNkXlcrro799DoTY4zax4ac/s1600/100_0444.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEv-hUD8cfIKWEfrk1-KI76EcxHQ84FoVyQjAfhk4q-yvkXNdPWsCw-Jch-YLxgf586BNHn6zpFqctCm87bAxpyjjezpUYe0CkDU1giOHJwwmXn8o2Aq5nHhr65tc4-7O4q7EWIyafK4/s1600/100_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEv-hUD8cfIKWEfrk1-KI76EcxHQ84FoVyQjAfhk4q-yvkXNdPWsCw-Jch-YLxgf586BNHn6zpFqctCm87bAxpyjjezpUYe0CkDU1giOHJwwmXn8o2Aq5nHhr65tc4-7O4q7EWIyafK4/s1600/100_0513.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSQ7S05LuPj0UxMfg_jEiKQPwFFC-4mbdWGe9craLUt7doX-aE2W3VLX4iYy6NPXV64ndiY9wuy2jTd72WMySMyRXpxXYpiElNeTtNRhaJwRSN-IVmAlGgiFji98zD_Oi1IS0EwHDEyQ/s1600/IMG_3780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSQ7S05LuPj0UxMfg_jEiKQPwFFC-4mbdWGe9craLUt7doX-aE2W3VLX4iYy6NPXV64ndiY9wuy2jTd72WMySMyRXpxXYpiElNeTtNRhaJwRSN-IVmAlGgiFji98zD_Oi1IS0EwHDEyQ/s1600/IMG_3780.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, I think that's enough for now! I'm getting used to the new laptop, and I'm motivated even more now to share our travels with you. Please check back soon for more updates, and don't forget to leave me a comment!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Paula :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-47449158816060721502013-06-25T20:12:00.001-04:002013-06-25T20:12:25.237-04:00Weekend Getaway: St. Lucie Inlet Preserve and Seabranch Preserve State Parks<strong>State Parks visited: 66</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbzaRoJwx3Q/UcoYC4x7mwI/AAAAAAAADIw/-0MQxJBp56w/s1600/DSCF0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbzaRoJwx3Q/UcoYC4x7mwI/AAAAAAAADIw/-0MQxJBp56w/s320/DSCF0235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We recently had a weekend off together and wanted to go somewhere. Typical, I know. After our horrendous experience in Tallahassee...midnight (all night, actually) fire alarms, rude staff, etc., we had enough hotel reward points to stay somewhere free. We just had to decide where! The answer was south, so we got up early one Saturday morning, loaded up the kayaks, and headed for <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/stlucieinlet/default.cfm" target="_blank">St. Lucie Inlet Preserve State Park.</a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4YjoeA9Zs27vIkkn8c8zQvAp4dJPb7cFEwIo3iFcPK0NzG5T9tfkHU5NikCwu-QoJWfCBHA0joehrTvoOTYcmKJhkyKfz611LtTZBWtfWaoM9e3dGPUGzmNdiUMi3vt0x9T18dybrkA/s1600/DSCF0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4YjoeA9Zs27vIkkn8c8zQvAp4dJPb7cFEwIo3iFcPK0NzG5T9tfkHU5NikCwu-QoJWfCBHA0joehrTvoOTYcmKJhkyKfz611LtTZBWtfWaoM9e3dGPUGzmNdiUMi3vt0x9T18dybrkA/s320/DSCF0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The sky was overcast as we launched, and the tide was going out as well. Paddlers on their way back in assured us we were in for a tough paddle, and they recommended we follow the island south. We knew there were paddling trails in either direction, but being new to the area we took their advice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC3jB3BvoFlm4KmHoKiEqMwKFJGaUoXVFbLIDftQ5AakxHDOxhZFFh4Abb8dc5iJhQojj5q4wj3_Wmcy7ohCcv7NmZl216gb4vpvLksJqwoiUaouDnNbrKWjJ2m9KNx4_LstNyqvThyo/s1600/DSCF0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC3jB3BvoFlm4KmHoKiEqMwKFJGaUoXVFbLIDftQ5AakxHDOxhZFFh4Abb8dc5iJhQojj5q4wj3_Wmcy7ohCcv7NmZl216gb4vpvLksJqwoiUaouDnNbrKWjJ2m9KNx4_LstNyqvThyo/s320/DSCF0131.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once we turned into the mangrove channel, the wind died down and we relaxed. The sun peaked out for a few minutes, too. I looked around and realized we were surrounded by mangrove crabs:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B0Pabfa-3TZwVIPTTOCvW0fPQdgbzw74JgfOJdnShml6HFbqBm1a5sR9BEWhhhCe6KefIlFGiTnF83-6fvT3eNZaiZbpr-OAzUpXXHJ2Ce1rc2iekN_HByxHqkI-UyZcPeH2mIYWlN0/s1600/DSCF0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1B0Pabfa-3TZwVIPTTOCvW0fPQdgbzw74JgfOJdnShml6HFbqBm1a5sR9BEWhhhCe6KefIlFGiTnF83-6fvT3eNZaiZbpr-OAzUpXXHJ2Ce1rc2iekN_HByxHqkI-UyZcPeH2mIYWlN0/s320/DSCF0137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I knew there was supposed to be a small passage to the beach side of the island, but I wasn't quite sure what I was looking for. We rounded a bend and, honestly, I would have missed the beach entrance if it weren't for a boat sitting there:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-VA4POnEI9BPduYqHhweg8ME8uukAto1EkcKShM-IBjLvvxSub556MV1aHPL6rwPnWqmYN6_tK46Frg2gg9MEpuxEhPFaXFFVPEpsYF-L3aNXDlzIGxrli58too6fsRSuSsy2k736-k/s1600/DSCF0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-VA4POnEI9BPduYqHhweg8ME8uukAto1EkcKShM-IBjLvvxSub556MV1aHPL6rwPnWqmYN6_tK46Frg2gg9MEpuxEhPFaXFFVPEpsYF-L3aNXDlzIGxrli58too6fsRSuSsy2k736-k/s320/DSCF0139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got about 10 feet from shore when the mud had us stuck. Oh yeah, low tide! So, I took one for the team and got out to pull the boats in. Here was my reward:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQPtSwiSpJfUvR3IYjP__Z7jItvokqx3GyR49nbq6yDL4XbDFf3ycd-UC6AdB0dINDLIUmvX2VZ-0ckeqfQaMfVgoJCRutFMDJrdmwLfDrfUiLDrfQ47XpJc2gdihbB7CbexFsrEmkxs/s1600/DSCF0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQPtSwiSpJfUvR3IYjP__Z7jItvokqx3GyR49nbq6yDL4XbDFf3ycd-UC6AdB0dINDLIUmvX2VZ-0ckeqfQaMfVgoJCRutFMDJrdmwLfDrfUiLDrfQ47XpJc2gdihbB7CbexFsrEmkxs/s320/DSCF0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh yes, that was some stinky, shoe-sucking mud! Well, we beached the boats and grabbed our beach gear. The passage to the beach was cut through the sea grapes, and no-see-ums had begun to attack us fiercely. Around this time the ladies with the other boat showed up and left, so we were pretty sure we had the island to ourselves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6Gy7mKwZXQWAiAX8DzMpbEjv0Upmw8T4O6FdEBx7FA6Npp5IdCTdtWbUGR1h-Y0lj3AAElifas2YCBf-GJy_JVQ9155mLKIYnoOEVr1WL5-Jw0cpcREvlKflIjV4SQ_a8aK6w-L4Jo0/s1600/DSCF0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6Gy7mKwZXQWAiAX8DzMpbEjv0Upmw8T4O6FdEBx7FA6Npp5IdCTdtWbUGR1h-Y0lj3AAElifas2YCBf-GJy_JVQ9155mLKIYnoOEVr1WL5-Jw0cpcREvlKflIjV4SQ_a8aK6w-L4Jo0/s320/DSCF0143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbgkOCtCZ8Xe19qpV1Nz3s0_Oe3tXAWJVebLANYUxx4ieCKqb34_L4Q6VJl5FOmPztK0xLsPfzNdK16F4zeA9YAF3DOvLQ_-wPDa-Y7cOBB3N4QxZls8lbWbK4kwd_DskhjZPGdSMf0I/s1600/DSCF0147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbgkOCtCZ8Xe19qpV1Nz3s0_Oe3tXAWJVebLANYUxx4ieCKqb34_L4Q6VJl5FOmPztK0xLsPfzNdK16F4zeA9YAF3DOvLQ_-wPDa-Y7cOBB3N4QxZls8lbWbK4kwd_DskhjZPGdSMf0I/s320/DSCF0147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F-83eyyDC8nwGfQvXNxf3aSn7iD799mWoxOfG-4I7mE3rzAwvnmTDLr5jBuZAYT4QSWP5VpTPi28uf2oYY1PXO2RjC32cR7f8gSAx_ymRI_CtsxQ7VJ1-mBucWaFhtGITj9dlLHgvF4/s1600/DSCF0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0F-83eyyDC8nwGfQvXNxf3aSn7iD799mWoxOfG-4I7mE3rzAwvnmTDLr5jBuZAYT4QSWP5VpTPi28uf2oYY1PXO2RjC32cR7f8gSAx_ymRI_CtsxQ7VJ1-mBucWaFhtGITj9dlLHgvF4/s320/DSCF0151.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sure, we had the island to ourselves. I think most normal people had read the weather forecast and seen the storms threatening the area. But we aren't normal people, so we sat there and played at the beach. The wind was so fierce...honestly, I've never experienced wind like this...and we sat there feeling like our skin was being taken off with the finest sand paper. It was beautiful and painful at the same time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX73pTIzNS1iSULydtzoLAybIapaUixqIEmySptuFVZ8NVDwN0aIsG_XqP-T6JT078Ot-W03vuH0QLGdMRk8cGVEFcmp-WjiZH9ki8zlvktdtm7SbziKb_G1FEyOoVX60Bc03zsu0VQS0/s1600/DSCF0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX73pTIzNS1iSULydtzoLAybIapaUixqIEmySptuFVZ8NVDwN0aIsG_XqP-T6JT078Ot-W03vuH0QLGdMRk8cGVEFcmp-WjiZH9ki8zlvktdtm7SbziKb_G1FEyOoVX60Bc03zsu0VQS0/s320/DSCF0164.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy3fq6s48e08vAlUOWOxcCxC8oxWCKmXEkhM5KsWcxMUV3O54HcwVzMHcvN_OC06iHqNbjWDbwLhv1AdjlNDpMKGxh1yJiiWXrmfr2KBxDUOjQIYM2xnEsDd8UbuTL8uL8EACS93UFjk/s1600/DSCF0157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihy3fq6s48e08vAlUOWOxcCxC8oxWCKmXEkhM5KsWcxMUV3O54HcwVzMHcvN_OC06iHqNbjWDbwLhv1AdjlNDpMKGxh1yJiiWXrmfr2KBxDUOjQIYM2xnEsDd8UbuTL8uL8EACS93UFjk/s320/DSCF0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MmuPyRQK78n2GaUJ-5Vk4yCLKxBuDsTfBfxx6HOxrmTMnKK1WqVhLcD36qcSHP0T23OMyTiqpIpq5mcIgkaU7qnqMIV6BKa7YR3pkRSxSU9lnWsdM7M2dlcWLPS0btSpMLgo3lv0RdE/s1600/DSCF0176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MmuPyRQK78n2GaUJ-5Vk4yCLKxBuDsTfBfxx6HOxrmTMnKK1WqVhLcD36qcSHP0T23OMyTiqpIpq5mcIgkaU7qnqMIV6BKa7YR3pkRSxSU9lnWsdM7M2dlcWLPS0btSpMLgo3lv0RdE/s320/DSCF0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZFkslu5adD0Elebxd3imMVHEnJ0MqcfSBfo6h0j2y22iEBtVSflfLf2FIYNMRNEbxng5D_jJiOqGrgPtO6CHDqEZKsgZNqzNQE67d3c6ldkgw5XzljDBBh9R7hhPF98bD5mrYhdlh3U/s1600/DSCF0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZFkslu5adD0Elebxd3imMVHEnJ0MqcfSBfo6h0j2y22iEBtVSflfLf2FIYNMRNEbxng5D_jJiOqGrgPtO6CHDqEZKsgZNqzNQE67d3c6ldkgw5XzljDBBh9R7hhPF98bD5mrYhdlh3U/s320/DSCF0179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We toughed it out as long as we could, but I think we were all pretty miserable. The wind was just too much:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStuwBD16N7trnvVU98HWneS3700eI0kTxNZiUXUahwTqVunmUDEmPMVf_0Cy1AUXnRuAdI8ERUEvH50iObC4t66oT0Sj-z7h_dpE9YXt0YZE6mNtQEcMB1UI5RXIOIYoWF0166ucosT4/s1600/DSCF0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStuwBD16N7trnvVU98HWneS3700eI0kTxNZiUXUahwTqVunmUDEmPMVf_0Cy1AUXnRuAdI8ERUEvH50iObC4t66oT0Sj-z7h_dpE9YXt0YZE6mNtQEcMB1UI5RXIOIYoWF0166ucosT4/s320/DSCF0177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soon enough, it was back to the boats and a quick lunch. From here, our plan was to paddle further up the paddling trail so we could see the boardwalk that traverses the island. We tried. We really, really did. Unfortunately the wind here was again too strong, and I freaked out because I was afraid of getting lost. Still, what we got to see was pretty!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDk5UjsXPFXKhlKZ5njqTLFMtd2D3OtguIeG1h9xEPOCHud-kNZkEqW9hrw0x8XpR6SMcrj0WyV-MwDX1wpU2vIJnM9vd7JZz4JPpSOXgTaJdVcCRRa_zOTMguon1lFDGSgwuzluhu20/s1600/DSCF0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDk5UjsXPFXKhlKZ5njqTLFMtd2D3OtguIeG1h9xEPOCHud-kNZkEqW9hrw0x8XpR6SMcrj0WyV-MwDX1wpU2vIJnM9vd7JZz4JPpSOXgTaJdVcCRRa_zOTMguon1lFDGSgwuzluhu20/s320/DSCF0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eventually we paddled back out the main mangrove channel and up the side of the island, hoping to check out the dock and buildings. The wind here was strong, but we managed!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwL1a4J9sKrKYsnrliw1hxIQWl_QNFjz6OUoujM4OBXY3rH8tHw3cjPUsxdEZZpkAwYhwrPiUb3cqsGSRB-fh6hCdipWsNKPr8kMIXoLvrigwpTel3C9JVGDwleykKoOwgiIje6Be1yU/s1600/DSCF0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwL1a4J9sKrKYsnrliw1hxIQWl_QNFjz6OUoujM4OBXY3rH8tHw3cjPUsxdEZZpkAwYhwrPiUb3cqsGSRB-fh6hCdipWsNKPr8kMIXoLvrigwpTel3C9JVGDwleykKoOwgiIje6Be1yU/s320/DSCF0236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifslEkZEMnyJ6SBWqDwEV727ad44PYPh7pR8vsfkTZI6yD4iTBfmV_OLotf7GyB1Uatp5auY3uQqNdlbZocy4AhyphenhyphenejyrK3SIho_FE5wvxdiSiy2Gvj1Kp6kD5fPOTb2iIMJXm0aqw2VBc/s1600/DSCF0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifslEkZEMnyJ6SBWqDwEV727ad44PYPh7pR8vsfkTZI6yD4iTBfmV_OLotf7GyB1Uatp5auY3uQqNdlbZocy4AhyphenhyphenejyrK3SIho_FE5wvxdiSiy2Gvj1Kp6kD5fPOTb2iIMJXm0aqw2VBc/s320/DSCF0241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhJe_hFTIT2AHm4DhnE30mSgPJZaSac8LL-mQE7V92O1yzAzWkF-t28Le-fhfAjN7KWQxAZkfsz1X9rq9lhiVFSa7ANizfzBuCzCXWHuNfw0pH6tK-NE6xrNn27NU0RN79TWx3mExTPY/s1600/DSCF0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhJe_hFTIT2AHm4DhnE30mSgPJZaSac8LL-mQE7V92O1yzAzWkF-t28Le-fhfAjN7KWQxAZkfsz1X9rq9lhiVFSa7ANizfzBuCzCXWHuNfw0pH6tK-NE6xrNn27NU0RN79TWx3mExTPY/s320/DSCF0244.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzV_bua9oHt9WQnTVLAX6ef-zHtQleoTYTxwm9K7epPoEgqFeW5riyhyNMhLEk03ACBVjqn8mmOfPOBiyAnXsVPACxJXvgPKNCwq8oUxBgBBvt4j_xBmUmDtxUMptaz0fag3DzJh-AOoc/s1600/DSCF0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzV_bua9oHt9WQnTVLAX6ef-zHtQleoTYTxwm9K7epPoEgqFeW5riyhyNMhLEk03ACBVjqn8mmOfPOBiyAnXsVPACxJXvgPKNCwq8oUxBgBBvt4j_xBmUmDtxUMptaz0fag3DzJh-AOoc/s320/DSCF0267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWg8iaY7reZy9cWrLWUWkqjj1uCmj9b9UV0IuizNxJFZ3fdtijKnV0l5DzKFq61fXQeazUYR42KrBDvSejWbLVm3PbpsWsDvYeWO80FJaYQRs5od7C30vcNxzHoYu8ucpjKWamw3U6gs/s1600/DSCF0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSWg8iaY7reZy9cWrLWUWkqjj1uCmj9b9UV0IuizNxJFZ3fdtijKnV0l5DzKFq61fXQeazUYR42KrBDvSejWbLVm3PbpsWsDvYeWO80FJaYQRs5od7C30vcNxzHoYu8ucpjKWamw3U6gs/s320/DSCF0271.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were so many birds on the island! We saw limpkins, roseate spoonbills, little green herons, and this guy. He's a black-throated blue warbler:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNqbORzO3LNQDXEyWK3frjKSKJLkvaeyMmSVj-nwRZ0rC_p9pmXRCEmeOsvBmI8ro_n9TJZ_kv0M9v2htIxNTH_vCbXJIwmt7_wK-w3hufnzq_1QfcklXNjC_B1GcaSNynrtTETWhVX4/s1600/DSCF0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNqbORzO3LNQDXEyWK3frjKSKJLkvaeyMmSVj-nwRZ0rC_p9pmXRCEmeOsvBmI8ro_n9TJZ_kv0M9v2htIxNTH_vCbXJIwmt7_wK-w3hufnzq_1QfcklXNjC_B1GcaSNynrtTETWhVX4/s320/DSCF0249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally it was time to leave the island. We made the short paddle back to shore, loaded up the kayaks, and grabbed some takeout before heading back to our hotel. We were all exhausted and still had a full day planned for Sunday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVmjustVFbkN7Y1NNir1bJucHc6xM_RsD2gpA0Vaf_hCyoA06JmBGH8f2uGXO9kFWTLdQmz4JebTk5RyL1AFRHfPc_0t1yPdkIj-6wDYOmI8u-kgeHcwrSsfnt4bALclPd5KIotaY8iE/s1600/DSCF0297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVmjustVFbkN7Y1NNir1bJucHc6xM_RsD2gpA0Vaf_hCyoA06JmBGH8f2uGXO9kFWTLdQmz4JebTk5RyL1AFRHfPc_0t1yPdkIj-6wDYOmI8u-kgeHcwrSsfnt4bALclPd5KIotaY8iE/s320/DSCF0297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a good night's sleep and a decent hotel breakfast, we made our way to <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/seabranch/default.cfm" target="_blank">Seabranch Preserve State Park.</a> It's right down the street from St. Lucie Inlet, but the parks are completely different. Our goal here was to hike and geocache. First, though, we were treated to a rare sight: the elusive Florida bobcat! See it, right there in the last picture?!? Okay, okay, I'm kidding. They're apparently making some improvements to the park, and I'm referring to the piece of equipment by the sign. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ECebxNrNC2RZNilo9Ofc-ulWng3B67LK17__qtjcxoJlQpRjO_0FDRXIKfDeTHyjMxZipfMQswUyifpfGeD9PQDOnC4Yq8V1I3CocJThKK7puBPmGelQ2ztmfswkw1D-CRAcJe3K_IQ/s1600/DSCF0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ECebxNrNC2RZNilo9Ofc-ulWng3B67LK17__qtjcxoJlQpRjO_0FDRXIKfDeTHyjMxZipfMQswUyifpfGeD9PQDOnC4Yq8V1I3CocJThKK7puBPmGelQ2ztmfswkw1D-CRAcJe3K_IQ/s320/DSCF0299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5OgZbLwJZANJ1Uy_viMBfaDkC7VA0a-oRDhUIVrO1Tu2l0plGiK90xFkP6o76Gr8OZt8yUiSCcB1vOsXCce7vcFezSDUO-rc1QUi4Q0J9D4QmUL6pjmuSgW-zsGVRAAwoCBmWo4Ex-0/s1600/DSCF0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt5OgZbLwJZANJ1Uy_viMBfaDkC7VA0a-oRDhUIVrO1Tu2l0plGiK90xFkP6o76Gr8OZt8yUiSCcB1vOsXCce7vcFezSDUO-rc1QUi4Q0J9D4QmUL6pjmuSgW-zsGVRAAwoCBmWo4Ex-0/s320/DSCF0304.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgYzLh_j06k9kr6LIJTjksgB3IwH4wnX41bLD-tGc-rmSfs_QShtJmzI-1no9AREGynhdJlQtDntrtJfJ8wzzjYonHF7vg0OrkwzQQpWINnBJbVMYEZxeMulCv4ciinRprY4n7PulyPU/s1600/DSCF0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgYzLh_j06k9kr6LIJTjksgB3IwH4wnX41bLD-tGc-rmSfs_QShtJmzI-1no9AREGynhdJlQtDntrtJfJ8wzzjYonHF7vg0OrkwzQQpWINnBJbVMYEZxeMulCv4ciinRprY4n7PulyPU/s320/DSCF0303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was extremely bright, sunny and hot as we set out, a marked difference from the day before. There were some clouds in the distance, but we didn't let them deter us!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYEDNNhJ5skDaOZXwvO96AqpGmCKMzCRKxUYTl9dbrIYwaDzasSoUtMgyDwJKHCFMAJI8VsxodomPWgeIPk_TYpc-FeyxHekYm9619uoQ5TuYWC8uG0-uNl6szHPPuy1ZIUDJsBGdTmo/s1600/DSCF0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYEDNNhJ5skDaOZXwvO96AqpGmCKMzCRKxUYTl9dbrIYwaDzasSoUtMgyDwJKHCFMAJI8VsxodomPWgeIPk_TYpc-FeyxHekYm9619uoQ5TuYWC8uG0-uNl6szHPPuy1ZIUDJsBGdTmo/s320/DSCF0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyXon-9GNtWqR9dGOzGKhcwQ6U6RaozN7Kfr28f6K5Vqve_diMxSdumXqkQm4BkSDj0UzQUbhDiIBsG7hO-FVndqiHcKFPdG-cCuFNIvrLdaK7w5UQsHBrHflpKM8B_uhSAfe88PsVgY/s1600/DSCF0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyXon-9GNtWqR9dGOzGKhcwQ6U6RaozN7Kfr28f6K5Vqve_diMxSdumXqkQm4BkSDj0UzQUbhDiIBsG7hO-FVndqiHcKFPdG-cCuFNIvrLdaK7w5UQsHBrHflpKM8B_uhSAfe88PsVgY/s320/DSCF0316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimspuhNajn-M-IIoiQwOUAVsawKJTHOQiqNwfsk2oSK-NT6hWt2dGKuOZ-l5Y8Qxz4r0ghqESD__13d2Ls9LeYuhA8qjGFFjGpF9zORUPxksxo9CBdfS_KHUxH8Iznp-xNdeH_QOFQSdo/s1600/DSCF0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimspuhNajn-M-IIoiQwOUAVsawKJTHOQiqNwfsk2oSK-NT6hWt2dGKuOZ-l5Y8Qxz4r0ghqESD__13d2Ls9LeYuhA8qjGFFjGpF9zORUPxksxo9CBdfS_KHUxH8Iznp-xNdeH_QOFQSdo/s320/DSCF0323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPVmTczkKk5nciGeMYFuunndXwHV0Ar0wDUoFQAP1Z7kBOK_wTNpMkKaz1ua1IrLE03nitVSlJXzOrJw7d9NQNXldMkBR2E_5Z1s4fLy7dW1vYdDURxfnKlHyKWihuq4955hUMQrw4fI/s1600/DSCF0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPVmTczkKk5nciGeMYFuunndXwHV0Ar0wDUoFQAP1Z7kBOK_wTNpMkKaz1ua1IrLE03nitVSlJXzOrJw7d9NQNXldMkBR2E_5Z1s4fLy7dW1vYdDURxfnKlHyKWihuq4955hUMQrw4fI/s320/DSCF0324.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbB4pKnqSZx8lsp0zJa0J7lfMR-17WgvCKfKOSDxUnRAX8wZj11DuIPOAPAlZC5Ju58LB84LaVorzGexVF9QAI1II2SDzFhW1aL3eML7muMxxZ_liWAdlk_Wc-wb6B0zGdqPSPn_lMdU/s1600/DSCF0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAbB4pKnqSZx8lsp0zJa0J7lfMR-17WgvCKfKOSDxUnRAX8wZj11DuIPOAPAlZC5Ju58LB84LaVorzGexVF9QAI1II2SDzFhW1aL3eML7muMxxZ_liWAdlk_Wc-wb6B0zGdqPSPn_lMdU/s320/DSCF0327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Florida Rosemary, pictured above, was everywhere. Olivia got quite fond of pinching a few leaves and rubbing them between her fingers. It smelled so good!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKCNFBPUxA936bqJCb-MDbDSuuvScWJODsdH9N7trmEf0_PZUqk3bDs3YFURHa54E22V9_rb6wBF_5CO8Z7P7f4f4EJG4DqL359meAZG8XpyLWibGOodjqDtfyZ2H75Y77Ki7gCJwP7M/s1600/DSCF0335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKCNFBPUxA936bqJCb-MDbDSuuvScWJODsdH9N7trmEf0_PZUqk3bDs3YFURHa54E22V9_rb6wBF_5CO8Z7P7f4f4EJG4DqL359meAZG8XpyLWibGOodjqDtfyZ2H75Y77Ki7gCJwP7M/s320/DSCF0335.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FV8-Op7xTzX-yIK5iym0BdJ1BidMPi72M3pE2DcNdrLU5KrBHQgPQzxX_yF2upiGvDR_-0P1X9kjrHP6r0PcAaDSyLaZy4W5UiP91Qw9knnm76d9DyA-_mq1x7fSFcBZe-mNmSU0-84/s1600/DSCF0345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FV8-Op7xTzX-yIK5iym0BdJ1BidMPi72M3pE2DcNdrLU5KrBHQgPQzxX_yF2upiGvDR_-0P1X9kjrHP6r0PcAaDSyLaZy4W5UiP91Qw9knnm76d9DyA-_mq1x7fSFcBZe-mNmSU0-84/s320/DSCF0345.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUKU3CdyHUIHODgvi_XJuu5JcmgGufkaVSGWOH0viAOcu-h49weaL2Q4GJ7tTIbUB5NbZBVvYcNByOZThdhL6ZCjebZENtJN5Furq03ISSoTl6RGsVH6B_RmaxNDKFW7aLMnlmKStn3Q/s1600/DSCF0351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUKU3CdyHUIHODgvi_XJuu5JcmgGufkaVSGWOH0viAOcu-h49weaL2Q4GJ7tTIbUB5NbZBVvYcNByOZThdhL6ZCjebZENtJN5Furq03ISSoTl6RGsVH6B_RmaxNDKFW7aLMnlmKStn3Q/s320/DSCF0351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NSJVe17ftIYoyhuYJJvbyJ5LPf9vqREYLKGiR0NTOJ6qd2SoBCd_rjvsiV4UeBP81o273lYzs-em1u8HQIHG6TKeCzWoARHdarikYOuzmzMH0vnKDo_dGO4lqc0dwPlS3JrxXp16TqU/s1600/DSCF0358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NSJVe17ftIYoyhuYJJvbyJ5LPf9vqREYLKGiR0NTOJ6qd2SoBCd_rjvsiV4UeBP81o273lYzs-em1u8HQIHG6TKeCzWoARHdarikYOuzmzMH0vnKDo_dGO4lqc0dwPlS3JrxXp16TqU/s320/DSCF0358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Onward, we marched, finding geocaches and enjoying our surroundings. The rain did eventually fall, but we were so hot and it felt so enjoyable! I've got to hand it to Olivia...she was a real trouper despite it being the longest hike she's ever been on (4 miles, give or take).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMASFMGNzy-dGYWhVzTwAynZqJS9BHhAYv-j9o2lJDW4cX6McHMaidVotkm2f4nisTSYZ-QyPefvvOZ9IiyaJ88vBWACTHyBKcanAyElN25lfBR-t21FQDlxZfVQzh2dNNaSYCY65XsU/s1600/DSCF0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMASFMGNzy-dGYWhVzTwAynZqJS9BHhAYv-j9o2lJDW4cX6McHMaidVotkm2f4nisTSYZ-QyPefvvOZ9IiyaJ88vBWACTHyBKcanAyElN25lfBR-t21FQDlxZfVQzh2dNNaSYCY65XsU/s320/DSCF0391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu0ZmH8MnagOEEr9MH7HalIUxIQdO1SSiEbPsYkcHL0_mECe0uisVUzIXtn6s45uxdFKG8TnP4pxpGKOARIPd4lkI0OBPTsssp2OMn2fnV_kKGbOChVLfYfUxpIVTN2H2jsUq_TOubNQ/s1600/DSCF0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu0ZmH8MnagOEEr9MH7HalIUxIQdO1SSiEbPsYkcHL0_mECe0uisVUzIXtn6s45uxdFKG8TnP4pxpGKOARIPd4lkI0OBPTsssp2OMn2fnV_kKGbOChVLfYfUxpIVTN2H2jsUq_TOubNQ/s320/DSCF0408.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboHqXAEj97NOIxqwGXSCfxtVRjmuwm6VnHYfWfhSEHKzi_cc7wed_dAkezmUdwNvIw2ugvPHLXxaYR4VQW6Wv2Q0hGxNb4Aa6OhlqDEl-44NGtZYRP-6RfcWg7MFIhy3iB8ZbuDnK23E/s1600/DSCF0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboHqXAEj97NOIxqwGXSCfxtVRjmuwm6VnHYfWfhSEHKzi_cc7wed_dAkezmUdwNvIw2ugvPHLXxaYR4VQW6Wv2Q0hGxNb4Aa6OhlqDEl-44NGtZYRP-6RfcWg7MFIhy3iB8ZbuDnK23E/s320/DSCF0421.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdlUwLzPPOlsUfQU8nRiENYwl9Rem1rSh3SIU3dnA2O8ARUFNSFQbAkiAlUBviSNCqwV7i50K1E1-3CS98zx9gq2qDw2ZvvBmVPcFBWld6Y5hmEqNS43k9X0fNx_ai59cK6QxXrjXUis/s1600/DSCF0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdlUwLzPPOlsUfQU8nRiENYwl9Rem1rSh3SIU3dnA2O8ARUFNSFQbAkiAlUBviSNCqwV7i50K1E1-3CS98zx9gq2qDw2ZvvBmVPcFBWld6Y5hmEqNS43k9X0fNx_ai59cK6QxXrjXUis/s320/DSCF0424.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not too much further, and we were back at the trailhead and parking lot. We ate lunch and changed our shoes...nothing feels better than putting on flip flops after finishing a long, hot hike. Then, the trip home. Two days at two distinct and very different state parks, each a stone's throw from the other. We had a phenomenal time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrPOPgubGD5SQfawbX7rxcq-b_shYNXpExbMtnrbKnvY7EQYH0576MullddUvLyJg02v0YYw1f7x_M3v0EGaSrxplWn3u67I99l9GIk-b17CfNTj2Uz0voQEYX1KhIlj1j-EQM9I9KPo/s1600/DSCF0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrPOPgubGD5SQfawbX7rxcq-b_shYNXpExbMtnrbKnvY7EQYH0576MullddUvLyJg02v0YYw1f7x_M3v0EGaSrxplWn3u67I99l9GIk-b17CfNTj2Uz0voQEYX1KhIlj1j-EQM9I9KPo/s320/DSCF0410.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The end!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt6hPXqvLEuX_FCzR6t1hD5n5VX8MTMbhd6Rpz7pgtvs25J1-qSoaG6xDpN1Jj-kOLafC54TP20jD5DMoOG_3KvYcbQrjqbqXNW_8Ac6HbYSePgLIQYoORymhZ7X2Rz1vA2AglkcRg6Q/s1600/DSCF0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRt6hPXqvLEuX_FCzR6t1hD5n5VX8MTMbhd6Rpz7pgtvs25J1-qSoaG6xDpN1Jj-kOLafC54TP20jD5DMoOG_3KvYcbQrjqbqXNW_8Ac6HbYSePgLIQYoORymhZ7X2Rz1vA2AglkcRg6Q/s320/DSCF0458.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyuH4PSrP_7q3TOF5ReYAAqmPxLDFPrxWcieaQ8bz6Jm0HlASj_AMAKozOZPGqq4OQaILikT7od64c_oYpa0fWke8cgBjhEph32fqV5QTQAokAsC6QDCl-qaT3oy_uaP3moRAkpRx9nY/s1600/DSCF0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyuH4PSrP_7q3TOF5ReYAAqmPxLDFPrxWcieaQ8bz6Jm0HlASj_AMAKozOZPGqq4OQaILikT7od64c_oYpa0fWke8cgBjhEph32fqV5QTQAokAsC6QDCl-qaT3oy_uaP3moRAkpRx9nY/s320/DSCF0464.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-49009463789122226852013-06-16T13:06:00.001-04:002013-06-16T13:06:58.794-04:00Easter Weekend: Lake Kissimmee State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 64</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9wBiy177cBqEqo0NBBFjCtg1ifz_E8-qAqtf9aRDtqrKb0Oqe-FBWz2PD2BXhLhthRCYQQVc7K5xSyILZORUUkP2onBDH4qU3mMGXRp3dekOwX-SPLHF1X2g28AVtlMeCPSy1TuWldk/s1600/DSCF9947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9wBiy177cBqEqo0NBBFjCtg1ifz_E8-qAqtf9aRDtqrKb0Oqe-FBWz2PD2BXhLhthRCYQQVc7K5xSyILZORUUkP2onBDH4qU3mMGXRp3dekOwX-SPLHF1X2g28AVtlMeCPSy1TuWldk/s320/DSCF9947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We decided to spend our Easter weekend camping, and <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakekissimmee/default.cfm" target="_blank">Lake Kissimmee State Park</a> fit the bill nicely. They had a program going on for kids, plus their weekend cow camp was open as well. I was so excited!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a long, traffic-filled trip after work on Friday, we arrived at our campsite in the dark. The campsites seemed large and somewhat private, but there was some sort of party going on at the site next to ours. There was a fest tent, Chinese lanterns, flowers on the tables, and someone playing guitar. Everyone was singing along, including me. At first we were a little skeptical...who wanted partiers for camp neighbors?...but we eventually realized we were witnessing a special event of some sort. More on that later!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4YZCCytzqIpA3e6WPr83gLRCvzsAOla4vl0swKhOPvaOL39WyJsnusBPMTE5W5YXpQ_cLgkmH0lmoXVfzPLggLaVx4eC7IdTnUcugVBy8XcJ2T8ik3yPe5-PDdlytq4X4iOeIdg2zcQ/s1600/DSCF9857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4YZCCytzqIpA3e6WPr83gLRCvzsAOla4vl0swKhOPvaOL39WyJsnusBPMTE5W5YXpQ_cLgkmH0lmoXVfzPLggLaVx4eC7IdTnUcugVBy8XcJ2T8ik3yPe5-PDdlytq4X4iOeIdg2zcQ/s320/DSCF9857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We woke up Saturday morning and headed down to the boat launch/concession area. Since it was Easter weekend, the park was hosting an egg hunt and various activities for the kids, and Olivia was really looking forward to it! There were crafts also, and Olivia made this cute egg, which is now on her bedroom door. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDavTZJDP-iKSpeQ01NYDwamyoL0iGciMoQwGsP_wqucyVOrOtAg_ScbKdSwQAgwB2ZlnLvLuJtDhIRUkRt-vhNs4d_WfBw79fw2XhYBQSvanjcl5StzlC03mN5yQI-7Sv4RpX4aULXWU/s1600/DSCF9834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDavTZJDP-iKSpeQ01NYDwamyoL0iGciMoQwGsP_wqucyVOrOtAg_ScbKdSwQAgwB2ZlnLvLuJtDhIRUkRt-vhNs4d_WfBw79fw2XhYBQSvanjcl5StzlC03mN5yQI-7Sv4RpX4aULXWU/s320/DSCF9834.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And she's off!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish you could have seen the thousands of brightly colored Easter eggs spread out on the ground, in the trees, on the picnic tables, etc! There were tons of kids running around searching, grabbing, laughing, and having a great time, too! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZij5kKM2KTdQneHMloQUq9cc4r5TGhib2EsF_uatPdneK_cHZdcTNKNDqZM6hEjuX6jgYOgGjYGR6UdJxMFwczJoJwXFUpB4fZMbeJJDW_dBbLn25BA4J5fkSEOZjbIKuYNQ8Q3S7j0U/s1600/DSCF9843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZij5kKM2KTdQneHMloQUq9cc4r5TGhib2EsF_uatPdneK_cHZdcTNKNDqZM6hEjuX6jgYOgGjYGR6UdJxMFwczJoJwXFUpB4fZMbeJJDW_dBbLn25BA4J5fkSEOZjbIKuYNQ8Q3S7j0U/s320/DSCF9843.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At this point I feel the need to share that this trip was our trip of forgetfulness, starting off with Olivia forgetting her Easter basket. A quick look through the car found a reusable Walmart shopping bag for her to gather eggs with. I also forgot my hiking shoes, which meant I only had flip flops to wear all weekend. And, I forgot my glasses. Yay for challenges!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjmsrkrW3w6MuJjV3VosWnryqYFF_iMuUFZKKrV_w2lBCCWGieCKVOmxLPoc4Pzp0p5tVYSi9lVolxXyHsx2qRh-vRjGGnvJJQLRA78MO2dcCIyVG_xNXh2kxBEMcntLdiIP1ui8UjrU/s1600/DSCF9853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXjmsrkrW3w6MuJjV3VosWnryqYFF_iMuUFZKKrV_w2lBCCWGieCKVOmxLPoc4Pzp0p5tVYSi9lVolxXyHsx2qRh-vRjGGnvJJQLRA78MO2dcCIyVG_xNXh2kxBEMcntLdiIP1ui8UjrU/s320/DSCF9853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The park also offers Segway tours, which they were setting up for here. Seems like fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After all the eggs were found and counted and prizes were awarded, and crafts were made and games were played, we wandered around the concession area and boat launch:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguobQQaUbqV4KrgoShw6C-qze_7kxzGQnQ4rgpGiAzWQVIrWlRLD3UIQ3GMA9x0XwLg9QoHDfft0Oy1wChHNhqw88fTWaXN6-v5lpL-E5vVnRqOUXXs4hwMRcE7gDjiW1cmxUOkte4UT4/s1600/DSCF9850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguobQQaUbqV4KrgoShw6C-qze_7kxzGQnQ4rgpGiAzWQVIrWlRLD3UIQ3GMA9x0XwLg9QoHDfft0Oy1wChHNhqw88fTWaXN6-v5lpL-E5vVnRqOUXXs4hwMRcE7gDjiW1cmxUOkte4UT4/s320/DSCF9850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92mKfp5Ce7-I9xn4YwnJ3ik8HMmSEozd9O6SXCe5d26UWj0bYAVg29rFIyScYzPFeUIisjh376doNKlFw33KmfGWPp0HoG-CtAwFfp3oPgFrkV7_gSkhyKFMjWCMyTWJIbXYwyffqJvo/s1600/DSCF9860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92mKfp5Ce7-I9xn4YwnJ3ik8HMmSEozd9O6SXCe5d26UWj0bYAVg29rFIyScYzPFeUIisjh376doNKlFw33KmfGWPp0HoG-CtAwFfp3oPgFrkV7_gSkhyKFMjWCMyTWJIbXYwyffqJvo/s320/DSCF9860.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY17NOCyBSIjwC-txyDIoP-_XUK761CGDgqFf5RdIeE1f3Q5jNQpMD_V4LStqekgY_xOstxthVY_1KDLXtEqImsSS6Fj-biUKeyPOz1lnAwR_MxN0jnc-q0X2H6xIE9F7u0zxxNgqzCKM/s1600/DSCF9869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY17NOCyBSIjwC-txyDIoP-_XUK761CGDgqFf5RdIeE1f3Q5jNQpMD_V4LStqekgY_xOstxthVY_1KDLXtEqImsSS6Fj-biUKeyPOz1lnAwR_MxN0jnc-q0X2H6xIE9F7u0zxxNgqzCKM/s320/DSCF9869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJs5xJRORFIE2575cmn_fLF-ESQtov2vXXWsvcA96jpxrgw6QIrxI5evj_JYHxLDPHPIUyQiVIr4mBrl1H9K17AlFLkmd44mTAxNAqsDR-FaD1sEJLaYKdjcoBjU4vS8us9yHjqGrZzI/s1600/DSCF9863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJs5xJRORFIE2575cmn_fLF-ESQtov2vXXWsvcA96jpxrgw6QIrxI5evj_JYHxLDPHPIUyQiVIr4mBrl1H9K17AlFLkmd44mTAxNAqsDR-FaD1sEJLaYKdjcoBjU4vS8us9yHjqGrZzI/s320/DSCF9863.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JoEilGWg72VSgwkDeGEHmLI6qJ0PFTXMcaPc5Nx-ADVITi1B_JDSH9xh_SQLQLZdyGoJAdqsjcgPacuQ9W7ZfKLUG_xR7RyviK7iiG00D6giUpROewAB7G_PMSEjFGonXxw0rLX1XxE/s1600/DSCF9867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9JoEilGWg72VSgwkDeGEHmLI6qJ0PFTXMcaPc5Nx-ADVITi1B_JDSH9xh_SQLQLZdyGoJAdqsjcgPacuQ9W7ZfKLUG_xR7RyviK7iiG00D6giUpROewAB7G_PMSEjFGonXxw0rLX1XxE/s320/DSCF9867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a huge picnic area and several trailheads that are in this area. There's even an observation tower:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuy8lbXg8-1sbpsA3794Qta0g-hCg07NAZSz0udlfEVpxQ3bOKaBdqTUXq5hyKBvBRqpy8QXj6pq4Prvb0bCg5a8z_LXjxzGo2nbf3QuqP4Y8w6j48eS_2GpN9H50OeHnlLiZMrdDEu0/s1600/DSCF9886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuy8lbXg8-1sbpsA3794Qta0g-hCg07NAZSz0udlfEVpxQ3bOKaBdqTUXq5hyKBvBRqpy8QXj6pq4Prvb0bCg5a8z_LXjxzGo2nbf3QuqP4Y8w6j48eS_2GpN9H50OeHnlLiZMrdDEu0/s320/DSCF9886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUJ8pGXaiX6W9mCotrKgBGBLPtWustcLGWqsBdO2rTtrjgqcX1SKkNs5CA7hui8UAiU12BeNwnIZ8W5P_lvkHZNM8lrbsoPSIt6Bfdb7tLYn65UwPtFAzWkO5AYEqAKnUQVUWpMsZmjo/s1600/DSCF9892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUJ8pGXaiX6W9mCotrKgBGBLPtWustcLGWqsBdO2rTtrjgqcX1SKkNs5CA7hui8UAiU12BeNwnIZ8W5P_lvkHZNM8lrbsoPSIt6Bfdb7tLYn65UwPtFAzWkO5AYEqAKnUQVUWpMsZmjo/s320/DSCF9892.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our goal for the day was to actually get out of the park. The Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is nearby, and there are two short trails that are on the Trailwalker list. So, we decided to go for a hike!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl7LK8A1Rty5mJv2qyI80gPbRYi4x9zkmMBNoHT7LeJ5G5Lxe94ndRm4_CB0B2u6Ob6RNTCT0QEQ8sQZ4bB8566xDUSwkBisknvzZR2O9mB0AUjeAeVZAV7bhehcn2rvioF_F56U8sDg/s1600/DSCF9902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl7LK8A1Rty5mJv2qyI80gPbRYi4x9zkmMBNoHT7LeJ5G5Lxe94ndRm4_CB0B2u6Ob6RNTCT0QEQ8sQZ4bB8566xDUSwkBisknvzZR2O9mB0AUjeAeVZAV7bhehcn2rvioF_F56U8sDg/s320/DSCF9902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4QDgiJgm3hwnjXdA2NoFfyxTd2ki2AyTkOYieOBUSmZED_Brr1lOha5T_lMgL7F6hsMOzPMnP3BOFZa_umcKV4VdTKOZ25AWusuWHg0bdVHXHBH0CvrkzCzslSWPWTWdfgWu27Emo2o/s1600/DSCF9914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim4QDgiJgm3hwnjXdA2NoFfyxTd2ki2AyTkOYieOBUSmZED_Brr1lOha5T_lMgL7F6hsMOzPMnP3BOFZa_umcKV4VdTKOZ25AWusuWHg0bdVHXHBH0CvrkzCzslSWPWTWdfgWu27Emo2o/s320/DSCF9914.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhyw6DRudybzuY58cI63vEOvGROtKWbtO94xoMclNWdj0isej6Tkgvn3Mrpj8cs2gCyAkSdfAwBgA0pLIROgMqLjzFIfjVOtpcwhipZCKEiFzPuS0d2WQgUqwlaUjeCw-baz-4LAjAJA/s1600/DSCF9925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhyw6DRudybzuY58cI63vEOvGROtKWbtO94xoMclNWdj0isej6Tkgvn3Mrpj8cs2gCyAkSdfAwBgA0pLIROgMqLjzFIfjVOtpcwhipZCKEiFzPuS0d2WQgUqwlaUjeCw-baz-4LAjAJA/s320/DSCF9925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was a hot day, and the trail was somewhat hard to follow. The trail markers were faded by the sun and blended into the surrounding scrub. Still, we persevered (including me in FLIP FLOPS!) and made it to the end. We were rewarded with a laugh on the way back to camp by a homeowner with a sense of humor. If you see the markers on either side of this driveway, these are strollers in the shape of dolphins. They used to have them at both the mall and Sea World when we were growing up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzMRxL0fw1QDl8mhg0VQ88pNi_GWqrTgKUmxq9sY8p5oiJLFQHa0w4m2awR1YHJoNBtdshJ-D0Y7Ij4bv-ai0jOd5wKlXzGQMPwqt7a0RoIZlkh0s9PCGNfv5KvvIDMsmb677ayHTcIQ/s1600/DSCF9941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzMRxL0fw1QDl8mhg0VQ88pNi_GWqrTgKUmxq9sY8p5oiJLFQHa0w4m2awR1YHJoNBtdshJ-D0Y7Ij4bv-ai0jOd5wKlXzGQMPwqt7a0RoIZlkh0s9PCGNfv5KvvIDMsmb677ayHTcIQ/s320/DSCF9941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKs2QdYZ2_DviiHXo6NzX6_wWc2Oe0YWzLN8Y1kxZQpvXBzNzcq1gdYEN43CAYkolE9UJSXe9xgHyAP6D3ZJp5HXBYb3fqZ-ovkxuRpi4KcOQogQTQ_v0kix9EGLC73833BxZEOXpIK4/s1600/DSCF9942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqKs2QdYZ2_DviiHXo6NzX6_wWc2Oe0YWzLN8Y1kxZQpvXBzNzcq1gdYEN43CAYkolE9UJSXe9xgHyAP6D3ZJp5HXBYb3fqZ-ovkxuRpi4KcOQogQTQ_v0kix9EGLC73833BxZEOXpIK4/s320/DSCF9942.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We headed back to camp to relax a bit before dinner. A closer look at the Chinese lanterns hanging in the next site revealed 'K+T' on them, and we speculated on what names they stood for. Yep, it appeared someone had gotten married! We all made suggestions, from Kate and Tyler to Kyle and Tamara. Robert won with his suggestion of Kake and Taters, so that's what their names were to us. When the wedding party walked through the site, we asked who the bride and groom were, and wished them a happy future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOeteDXiF4OjVCW_SAVktAipJfp_KepiWIuTNxVc7V8JK21gz2vY-Tjjho6n3T2Q0LcxedAnx31c0WjxqXN5KcLH-5n09nWs84hFpFwlhYXLd-m6Q1qy95reLdw11Milc0_y0HrDbBo0/s1600/DSCF9956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOeteDXiF4OjVCW_SAVktAipJfp_KepiWIuTNxVc7V8JK21gz2vY-Tjjho6n3T2Q0LcxedAnx31c0WjxqXN5KcLH-5n09nWs84hFpFwlhYXLd-m6Q1qy95reLdw11Milc0_y0HrDbBo0/s320/DSCF9956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who's that little guy? Easter morning dawned bright and beautiful, and we found this little bunny fearlessly spreading cheer to everyone who walked by. Olivia was worried the Easter Bunny would pass by our camp since she had forgotten her Easter basket. A quick exploration of our camp revealed that the Easter Bunny knows how to improvise!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIKpivoVVYU5aFcymoUIs9cIMGEAWSghE8M3F-NfIc_2HfrNkXxdYnugQ2GTLgdjYuNJop1ROVauUDgjhmK-Tf7jKZxqObyNkDEQS2CUDT_g2GK_fsXAmYJPSWQI-iStSvwtNvlOchhI/s1600/DSCF9958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIKpivoVVYU5aFcymoUIs9cIMGEAWSghE8M3F-NfIc_2HfrNkXxdYnugQ2GTLgdjYuNJop1ROVauUDgjhmK-Tf7jKZxqObyNkDEQS2CUDT_g2GK_fsXAmYJPSWQI-iStSvwtNvlOchhI/s320/DSCF9958.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had gotten a new lantern, and that clever bunny used the lantern box as a makeshift basket. Clever, clever, clever. And then, breakfast! Around this time, Kake and Taters stopped by and introduced themselves. Turns out, their real names are Kim and Tim. They had gotten married Friday in the cow camp because it was a special place to them. What we witnessed Friday night was the afterparty for their wedding reception. It was very special! And, they brought us some of their reception desserts, homemade baklava and camera-shaped cookies since Tim was a photographer. It was such a nice gesture!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhVVq0_GdqVXC_m1wrDH6U4JZQD9xjuPZRKBueqUrUODCYRSly73w0b9jZRBDXGR77x0JTVUrBpd_Rj7aZ4zTzK63AVL7JvDoSQNTPLDzKRo3T9fVxlVIkoU5wSusNHU83jbSz1p48Lg/s1600/DSCF9963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhVVq0_GdqVXC_m1wrDH6U4JZQD9xjuPZRKBueqUrUODCYRSly73w0b9jZRBDXGR77x0JTVUrBpd_Rj7aZ4zTzK63AVL7JvDoSQNTPLDzKRo3T9fVxlVIkoU5wSusNHU83jbSz1p48Lg/s320/DSCF9963.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty soon it was time to pack up camp. We had lots left to do! First thing was stopping to take a few pictures of our amazing park:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2C1XIaHyRGHU4tOQEM5AaDF76FzusiW1xbHTMPobo0frJW0JQBFUuEaLMP1yZVuDwzaIeNVFrUS0N99Um5eJ1HlXJz45bov5b6QMyMMEEYi-RbqSQ_zd42XaZ6jFNep6m-Hn7546vK8/s1600/DSCF9965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2C1XIaHyRGHU4tOQEM5AaDF76FzusiW1xbHTMPobo0frJW0JQBFUuEaLMP1yZVuDwzaIeNVFrUS0N99Um5eJ1HlXJz45bov5b6QMyMMEEYi-RbqSQ_zd42XaZ6jFNep6m-Hn7546vK8/s320/DSCF9965.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIj62apmRxQ9wGW-nqQzuoP4hlpgHkkhWYyrBaGFvKNFTkeiEDVBs8HII2njUo-7oLrC6cQEgnoQhC8mPRqVSFc0odZWPIFpLVEO7ICXKImpYw-KhH5TR4fYTZbug7wy_MEqNsaD1-zs/s1600/DSCF9968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIj62apmRxQ9wGW-nqQzuoP4hlpgHkkhWYyrBaGFvKNFTkeiEDVBs8HII2njUo-7oLrC6cQEgnoQhC8mPRqVSFc0odZWPIFpLVEO7ICXKImpYw-KhH5TR4fYTZbug7wy_MEqNsaD1-zs/s320/DSCF9968.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9Cuzv7qOcfA5VURV7H0K23r2anOBkmvAvLPBLJqBAdRS7VYn3l15XALwtznUs13thgfVxMwX_o0K8UIBxq66jaaLy2NrrHVBDjUqstgPcN6_ubiBsxX4uz8YpnLqJRvNBId1psgAu7c/s1600/DSCF9970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU9Cuzv7qOcfA5VURV7H0K23r2anOBkmvAvLPBLJqBAdRS7VYn3l15XALwtznUs13thgfVxMwX_o0K8UIBxq66jaaLy2NrrHVBDjUqstgPcN6_ubiBsxX4uz8YpnLqJRvNBId1psgAu7c/s320/DSCF9970.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva6TpjEMn5cRamAi8-qO1Nxd7Cg3Bgiv0NHHoJ_S0vH3s-yTnM2TqaApJ_6JuZhzCIKM5wwvbpO9HqP49NbRLVdWK4iryfd-NkE00m3-ITeRYIVQue71L2m-wqpN0tBaR58u0Rzl3Wt0/s1600/DSCF0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhva6TpjEMn5cRamAi8-qO1Nxd7Cg3Bgiv0NHHoJ_S0vH3s-yTnM2TqaApJ_6JuZhzCIKM5wwvbpO9HqP49NbRLVdWK4iryfd-NkE00m3-ITeRYIVQue71L2m-wqpN0tBaR58u0Rzl3Wt0/s320/DSCF0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then it was time to check out the cow camp. The cow camp is as authentic as it was in 1876, when cow men (don't call 'em cowboys!) would herd Florida Cracker Cattle (and please...'cracker' is not a derogatory word here) through the state to sell at market. Nobody owned the camp. It was there for whoever needed it, and there were several like it throughout the state. Herds were run by 2-3 cow men, and they'd rest a night and then clean the place up for the next group passing through. It was extremely fascinating!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtaV2gXuJ8Pgof4yXmWWHhs2QMREF_6ziD-hjWwgpbZ873kLcrpqSJLqUZuelTTtrv-WsUNSj_SD3jEyaJwCxftC_TeBGstGZGGXA5x9RbUu8I2fRYEjSVGRU18UvmfCw2ex3AK6VI2Q/s1600/DSCF9976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtaV2gXuJ8Pgof4yXmWWHhs2QMREF_6ziD-hjWwgpbZ873kLcrpqSJLqUZuelTTtrv-WsUNSj_SD3jEyaJwCxftC_TeBGstGZGGXA5x9RbUu8I2fRYEjSVGRU18UvmfCw2ex3AK6VI2Q/s320/DSCF9976.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77ueqx4Vk_MUjnq980rNALrfFNz4RCNETop1mYI3bl3TiCoy-uoBZ2tilu3e_lMGiiedVH2FRCFCtkBQ4vxzdFtTYLMC3cc-t0Jx718iiswh_2OJoovnGH0mpm7zA3bJz5FlVfxZ6STY/s1600/DSCF9983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh77ueqx4Vk_MUjnq980rNALrfFNz4RCNETop1mYI3bl3TiCoy-uoBZ2tilu3e_lMGiiedVH2FRCFCtkBQ4vxzdFtTYLMC3cc-t0Jx718iiswh_2OJoovnGH0mpm7zA3bJz5FlVfxZ6STY/s320/DSCF9983.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F0aIuN98W_I8qKWXd9aCyMl5I7aIXuYwwhHOCSVvlQVOjYDwR4fFpTcWQRLgC1Vc7T2KMRt0QqHVfQWnY3tu4u9F9Qbp1wfqE5x-eKlG1ErDYMVbmZtY02t1JBxbyx_3WGG4-LcXSyk/s1600/DSCF9985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F0aIuN98W_I8qKWXd9aCyMl5I7aIXuYwwhHOCSVvlQVOjYDwR4fFpTcWQRLgC1Vc7T2KMRt0QqHVfQWnY3tu4u9F9Qbp1wfqE5x-eKlG1ErDYMVbmZtY02t1JBxbyx_3WGG4-LcXSyk/s320/DSCF9985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk-WmoCS_SpVDx_HUVQKtXJ-N7RFrtkkf6PerrFe3QEAcrbjguxPMVyhctLn1imZ6kqCEsEr3xXBqHNtqDa-oyOOWumsBPRBP7wSh0Dc-kXiMlZzn4LD6y5RcID31pA5IEXSjqKIDyDI/s1600/DSCF9987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKk-WmoCS_SpVDx_HUVQKtXJ-N7RFrtkkf6PerrFe3QEAcrbjguxPMVyhctLn1imZ6kqCEsEr3xXBqHNtqDa-oyOOWumsBPRBP7wSh0Dc-kXiMlZzn4LD6y5RcID31pA5IEXSjqKIDyDI/s320/DSCF9987.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkGgrT2YV2LSy8J1WGOFJBwKQzDw04ikczGkPb4UkLW1NGbv3Mu9m7wwc5aRLcHleTG_aFFa01K2YPlRIuGmFHWQMUmxZI7u4hI8hhxMi9fsiHKWG74LAlNE1S9GRIdVPBmPZ1inCUTo/s1600/DSCF9996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkGgrT2YV2LSy8J1WGOFJBwKQzDw04ikczGkPb4UkLW1NGbv3Mu9m7wwc5aRLcHleTG_aFFa01K2YPlRIuGmFHWQMUmxZI7u4hI8hhxMi9fsiHKWG74LAlNE1S9GRIdVPBmPZ1inCUTo/s320/DSCF9996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKtWtRZ3IrMRk749QXepg92101NZUPl-TFisCXEu7T13xbsPpBj2WpJT-pKMpvnK6wdAm9LauYoSsp6P_XOOkg8cxnlLat2sscTupLC9lI9jyuFyAnKaXOfTnQ9jVF5wKlKukYohMxus/s1600/DSCF9999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKtWtRZ3IrMRk749QXepg92101NZUPl-TFisCXEu7T13xbsPpBj2WpJT-pKMpvnK6wdAm9LauYoSsp6P_XOOkg8cxnlLat2sscTupLC9lI9jyuFyAnKaXOfTnQ9jVF5wKlKukYohMxus/s320/DSCF9999.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This cow man is demonstrating his drag technique. This is not a whip. They referred to them as 'drags' because they'd sit the handle on their shoulder, dragging it behind them, keeping it at the ready should harm come their way. He was very clear that the drags were not used on the cattle. It would flay the skin wide open and lessen the value of the cattle, if not causing them serious injury. And the term 'cracker?' It comes from the cracking sound he was demonstrating in that last picture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSnJnlcMhzqKdG1pZR36f7p0osTKxeeRJbCGIIIJe_Lsx0nd0gJj-AjtjboUIN_KXwcV1cWPZU2sl3AznAOTl_su54QIS6uxD2mNrqNnoY_hiJLBBqtIi3OgH2zQmAdfXhnKVuZXY3qg/s1600/DSCF0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSnJnlcMhzqKdG1pZR36f7p0osTKxeeRJbCGIIIJe_Lsx0nd0gJj-AjtjboUIN_KXwcV1cWPZU2sl3AznAOTl_su54QIS6uxD2mNrqNnoY_hiJLBBqtIi3OgH2zQmAdfXhnKVuZXY3qg/s320/DSCF0013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzTUsEds4EpkbssvEyqq6JefPkvBWM-cNkGeae0-41ATHwXGtXlGkY1Y3S1De2daAHZuGEFvS_ISiWa_WHZdoa-VFUTfpY8EqqROn29lNthDDtO3996w9_VpunuRZaJZ7xnUQst8dAqA/s1600/DSCF0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzTUsEds4EpkbssvEyqq6JefPkvBWM-cNkGeae0-41ATHwXGtXlGkY1Y3S1De2daAHZuGEFvS_ISiWa_WHZdoa-VFUTfpY8EqqROn29lNthDDtO3996w9_VpunuRZaJZ7xnUQst8dAqA/s320/DSCF0019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6Kk8vK1L21iBmTp74vUUGfPKq9rvsblni4-xVohES2iGKAfii5BC1TV70a3KqxwPPMdnPQuZNFKOLuKM_Dfqp-dzdB44CXqtDXrG7ZZ_InOzfBdw9bCLBxVGix-mmqG3Sz1bnaD8Bhs/s1600/DSCF0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6Kk8vK1L21iBmTp74vUUGfPKq9rvsblni4-xVohES2iGKAfii5BC1TV70a3KqxwPPMdnPQuZNFKOLuKM_Dfqp-dzdB44CXqtDXrG7ZZ_InOzfBdw9bCLBxVGix-mmqG3Sz1bnaD8Bhs/s320/DSCF0016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu4IL7wlLKsjlNzaauAdP95UTsmTGSwCKjXrwLi-JBM4_TX3SBgQ3nnNX8uT48qf0ADNaNv51MmYfRfdtExzOcjisXAxPxsKGW4mdNptNRkcW_exQm_shHUxFuJymyvHF7vqqBgDDCk4/s1600/DSCF0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKu4IL7wlLKsjlNzaauAdP95UTsmTGSwCKjXrwLi-JBM4_TX3SBgQ3nnNX8uT48qf0ADNaNv51MmYfRfdtExzOcjisXAxPxsKGW4mdNptNRkcW_exQm_shHUxFuJymyvHF7vqqBgDDCk4/s320/DSCF0025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDyZ0ZT9L5a5fK0x5gg_LrYO9ALeMf1UurYxmKxkrIgpRtugZrX2gviP3iLTAuBWP19OqdTasANfEOWZDYDOx4bIePuR_ffsj5k4VtaJKp5Y7_heKPxSEP6EBdNCw0GVToV3pm74wBU4/s1600/DSCF0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDyZ0ZT9L5a5fK0x5gg_LrYO9ALeMf1UurYxmKxkrIgpRtugZrX2gviP3iLTAuBWP19OqdTasANfEOWZDYDOx4bIePuR_ffsj5k4VtaJKp5Y7_heKPxSEP6EBdNCw0GVToV3pm74wBU4/s320/DSCF0028.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmdBDcc9zTnaELpUIdeBcr4Ovb_JvdkiwQjIBGLuArBf8DvNyxWtXM_59L824jKNsNXYrAEs3W1dmf5rVYtvmWf7KQBYefm_qztsvo3UBbAheBprl7ueGN8bxYnKPnX81O1PQrAiCoko/s1600/DSCF0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmdBDcc9zTnaELpUIdeBcr4Ovb_JvdkiwQjIBGLuArBf8DvNyxWtXM_59L824jKNsNXYrAEs3W1dmf5rVYtvmWf7KQBYefm_qztsvo3UBbAheBprl7ueGN8bxYnKPnX81O1PQrAiCoko/s320/DSCF0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, time to leave. We didn't head straight home, though! We had one last Trailwalker trail to hike (yep...flip flops again) before we could begin the journey home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXPUkz1kdeIsdmHycCA9WUVBvYms4n-88bRh1g7AKJdC-ITI6Sv_uSPsBn14XHqMaeA9dfpsQg1eK5E6whjNJLMa80QoePGbAj-Fdpdoc5NbYPWDCTenYJVlXk3Mz3rUTLMV-JgW_TLo/s1600/DSCF0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXPUkz1kdeIsdmHycCA9WUVBvYms4n-88bRh1g7AKJdC-ITI6Sv_uSPsBn14XHqMaeA9dfpsQg1eK5E6whjNJLMa80QoePGbAj-Fdpdoc5NbYPWDCTenYJVlXk3Mz3rUTLMV-JgW_TLo/s320/DSCF0059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZh5In3ai_yeYmGUBcUUPMgpnBG2LxqHGD15NyaYoBO77irZCUjLgH2Ag1UuPMm2L-zIeXxRidEamGxTYo-fCmNzBVsnvu06jfp-3Nd0C1YxbsGRbxonuT4uMRLZIjNnrE_rDcEvxXBI/s1600/DSCF0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZh5In3ai_yeYmGUBcUUPMgpnBG2LxqHGD15NyaYoBO77irZCUjLgH2Ag1UuPMm2L-zIeXxRidEamGxTYo-fCmNzBVsnvu06jfp-3Nd0C1YxbsGRbxonuT4uMRLZIjNnrE_rDcEvxXBI/s320/DSCF0077.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5bX8qBmasPbg2gn1girRVzzVC6SjcZe6gm0oAcEhI9ievVuSef6e6EbazgzE1DhkYSwJ-mi67PlZ7izLM8zvR-6_Nc7djv5hhh1HLxXVA-kLlXONXVaLFwvArRb0vCRvXW6EicxGinA/s1600/DSCF0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5bX8qBmasPbg2gn1girRVzzVC6SjcZe6gm0oAcEhI9ievVuSef6e6EbazgzE1DhkYSwJ-mi67PlZ7izLM8zvR-6_Nc7djv5hhh1HLxXVA-kLlXONXVaLFwvArRb0vCRvXW6EicxGinA/s320/DSCF0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When the wind blows...always...stop to enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our hike went awry when the trail split and there were no trailmarkers to guide our way. There are several multi-use trails in this area, so we really didn't want to take a wrong turn and get lost. So, we made our way back to the car the way we had come in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally, home.....The End!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfKzi79VIOOIk7K1VKFXRv0EnmCE_Ty2mI2Vy79RIaCIJBEnLXOyi3KUFFNjymOZhuO8kKRaWMQuVqPAIQIWTzSAtK4hftRbEsTKDYur7AvYAWhziUDRsfL7UB4RRoH6Jmhq_gbNwk6k/s1600/DSCF9879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfKzi79VIOOIk7K1VKFXRv0EnmCE_Ty2mI2Vy79RIaCIJBEnLXOyi3KUFFNjymOZhuO8kKRaWMQuVqPAIQIWTzSAtK4hftRbEsTKDYur7AvYAWhziUDRsfL7UB4RRoH6Jmhq_gbNwk6k/s320/DSCF9879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaZzppdyf30Pv0_90iiNqldkPDZeetacRTqr4wcgG1W-PsPFQwyEnzkHl9TpWht4M2bHV0lFaohPac2XdwjLfvuDbIBmZK4qkNQ0PCgUpWzTPZxTvN4nJWI6pI8g-tGHR-qZq_e3X7vs/s1600/DSCF0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkaZzppdyf30Pv0_90iiNqldkPDZeetacRTqr4wcgG1W-PsPFQwyEnzkHl9TpWht4M2bHV0lFaohPac2XdwjLfvuDbIBmZK4qkNQ0PCgUpWzTPZxTvN4nJWI6pI8g-tGHR-qZq_e3X7vs/s320/DSCF0102.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-15522175241992373922013-04-28T13:10:00.000-04:002013-04-28T13:10:14.458-04:00Pre-Christmas camping: O'Leno State Park and River Rise Preserve<strong>State Parks visited: 63</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWU02B-d1cMrUzdFitpPy-atKR2I4JyJLaj80fcnO02-LSxrYK-6IF4rYBKGrnuKN8Qsz7-NVoLXhtcnLnmTYRbrIr1j5xjna46MrL9CGU0nbAO3IZ_YGY9_YGp12ScOWtZSmSPyoZhCw/s1600/DSCF9570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWU02B-d1cMrUzdFitpPy-atKR2I4JyJLaj80fcnO02-LSxrYK-6IF4rYBKGrnuKN8Qsz7-NVoLXhtcnLnmTYRbrIr1j5xjna46MrL9CGU0nbAO3IZ_YGY9_YGp12ScOWtZSmSPyoZhCw/s320/DSCF9570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last year, Olivia was out of town with my parents for the week before Christmas. We took our own little trip, with Chris, and camped at Ft. Clinch State Park. It was fun, and we definitely wanted a repeat experience this year. This time we opted to camp at <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/oleno/default.cfm" target="_blank">O'Leno State Park,</a> in High Springs. It was on my radar for a long time, and I couldn't wait to visit!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-N3oh6bfokGRg_KRvYloQ8d7YudZCYy0KiDtR6qu0z0ekUyg-N_On2-24T53vAv9hVNhMv5UNPNnzcZeUNNiXdmzduEa8CYmM2jtR0LzbFyNaR5Lc1aEPVfSBa7SndU-KGplG9RfGM4/s1600/DSCF9359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-N3oh6bfokGRg_KRvYloQ8d7YudZCYy0KiDtR6qu0z0ekUyg-N_On2-24T53vAv9hVNhMv5UNPNnzcZeUNNiXdmzduEa8CYmM2jtR0LzbFyNaR5Lc1aEPVfSBa7SndU-KGplG9RfGM4/s320/DSCF9359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We drove up Saturday morning and found, of all things, a nearly empty campground. The odd part is that our reserved site...had a tent in it. It's in the background of the picture above with Chris and Olivia tossing a football. There was a large group gathered at another site, and it seemed the individuals had spread out their tents at whatever spots they wanted. Ultimately, it was no big deal. We found an empty site we were happy with, notified the ranger of our switch, and set up camp. The funny thing is, the owner of the tent, and a bunch of their friends, came down and moved their belongings to a different site. And by 'moved', I mean, they picked up the fully assembled tent and carried it down the trail.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkBYvfzyuOQ_B9R3j1AR1hG01_ZxKk2MGafRom5_dLEB20xoTHYYD7UdCvMIb-wHOoNpBzlBTTG9OEBq9IL9HkSATpemRFzrKcqEyHi7etOTNOz1c40iwmgwACBWDgFw7I9L85V188xw/s1600/DSCF9363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkBYvfzyuOQ_B9R3j1AR1hG01_ZxKk2MGafRom5_dLEB20xoTHYYD7UdCvMIb-wHOoNpBzlBTTG9OEBq9IL9HkSATpemRFzrKcqEyHi7etOTNOz1c40iwmgwACBWDgFw7I9L85V188xw/s320/DSCF9363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lovely shot, eh? If you look closely, my hair is sticking out because of static electricity. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1yH_GErk1V0y3xpgVu0d0amU3zSulRLEelyI0-ibrKJSgM98FX3UaIbeekjbQmHgpgBNNtinSRJjbVmzWRcNudRoWpDTTnwTmB1d4f80hsqZ01pLRAZ8lAEwUxWNKujivoz1AlHLNfk/s1600/DSCF9369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1yH_GErk1V0y3xpgVu0d0amU3zSulRLEelyI0-ibrKJSgM98FX3UaIbeekjbQmHgpgBNNtinSRJjbVmzWRcNudRoWpDTTnwTmB1d4f80hsqZ01pLRAZ8lAEwUxWNKujivoz1AlHLNfk/s320/DSCF9369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent our first afternoon setting up camp, hanging Christmas lights, and getting ready for a cold night. I had checked, double-checked, and triple-checked the weather, and the scary truth remained: It was going to get down to 28 degrees our first night camping. Holy cow!! We had packed every sleeping bag and blanket in our home to combat the cold. But first, dinner:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSjyokSpCVsC58so6xBkns9esBxQeaInaLTLqIR0jDH2lTq5BbAGrVGGTMaHJ7KEw3sy8TvolYSkUwmdqhmxYWooNaUtQ_HPABzgdOn4w1p4qWvOGRVMBUzp3RMa1MEAyPtfnYW-9EGE/s1600/DSCF9367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSjyokSpCVsC58so6xBkns9esBxQeaInaLTLqIR0jDH2lTq5BbAGrVGGTMaHJ7KEw3sy8TvolYSkUwmdqhmxYWooNaUtQ_HPABzgdOn4w1p4qWvOGRVMBUzp3RMa1MEAyPtfnYW-9EGE/s320/DSCF9367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mmm, dutch oven pizza!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Somehow, someway, we survived the coldest night ever. Sunday dawned bright and pleasant, and after breakfast we took off to explore. Our first stop was the playground across from our site!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANeDQ8QiOdH1ZHlH0TXfY05BoK04gI_PCmBDPyZWpJgfqK_VtvgFFd5Nlq8KTj4CtueKcKaQjHJDUQ3WEYM1IFAI7bXXnTab0ocZ5EZN0eZg9UBbwl9Of2bvw_tVxsYMxvkK5sNn_HtQ/s1600/DSCF9376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANeDQ8QiOdH1ZHlH0TXfY05BoK04gI_PCmBDPyZWpJgfqK_VtvgFFd5Nlq8KTj4CtueKcKaQjHJDUQ3WEYM1IFAI7bXXnTab0ocZ5EZN0eZg9UBbwl9Of2bvw_tVxsYMxvkK5sNn_HtQ/s320/DSCF9376.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLoNuwgBk52v9yqF6eAiBPtyjI29FWij67klokuXrL-sAsGlnDMtkrVXjxZvZdglX19oofxA34ace2lXmOUxKLcoLb8mxVnxZZIWGijEASQ_6IfRjnN7Khk4U8dXoobTzwmqDxkQTJZQ/s1600/DSCF9377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWLoNuwgBk52v9yqF6eAiBPtyjI29FWij67klokuXrL-sAsGlnDMtkrVXjxZvZdglX19oofxA34ace2lXmOUxKLcoLb8mxVnxZZIWGijEASQ_6IfRjnN7Khk4U8dXoobTzwmqDxkQTJZQ/s320/DSCF9377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6YL9NGiBai1yx719Y3kD0tgfMTis9rWD7U213TGzCQViSOiQTGGfqL6RVo_JgdM1B5np_mWmARqLThi0XmChVsuLYciWTxHWWVT0WXHIZT1cFJuxLXe_FAZELJNTvnX4fZ1ez5jYbjQ/s1600/DSCF9382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6YL9NGiBai1yx719Y3kD0tgfMTis9rWD7U213TGzCQViSOiQTGGfqL6RVo_JgdM1B5np_mWmARqLThi0XmChVsuLYciWTxHWWVT0WXHIZT1cFJuxLXe_FAZELJNTvnX4fZ1ez5jYbjQ/s320/DSCF9382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This last picture is blurry, but I love how you can see Chris smiling!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K48yegTmxlC7pAyY9CvPH-4yy1MV3W9erGz7NYYL5hV-tlUNJjlH44xd-HrD35byqHlTmheUgTejjOEos4BQssJQUB3DjsJZl13Bl9vOX28zIn-E5V71vgFhubkX2ob5sOP33oRYCGk/s1600/DSCF9386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K48yegTmxlC7pAyY9CvPH-4yy1MV3W9erGz7NYYL5hV-tlUNJjlH44xd-HrD35byqHlTmheUgTejjOEos4BQssJQUB3DjsJZl13Bl9vOX28zIn-E5V71vgFhubkX2ob5sOP33oRYCGk/s320/DSCF9386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our next stop was over at <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/riverrise/default.cfm" target="_blank">River Rise Preserve.</a> The Santa Fe River flows through O'Leno and goes underground at the river sink there. Three miles away it reemerges at, appropriately enough, River Rise Preserve State Park. I didn't know what to expect when we opened the gate and drove down the trail. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5MciV7PmF6FihC1LTLcevXzKJI5m3-ojNBtMVwYHJRY3OA_eI8Hnyunlyn2epTicJIojuTAgRa0t0IuJW7OwM-7NuvX9yI4sAOA9AEhVdhMMj2D6nQV55JMKu-FwLtfbSkLJa2qXSXI/s1600/DSCF9404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz5MciV7PmF6FihC1LTLcevXzKJI5m3-ojNBtMVwYHJRY3OA_eI8Hnyunlyn2epTicJIojuTAgRa0t0IuJW7OwM-7NuvX9yI4sAOA9AEhVdhMMj2D6nQV55JMKu-FwLtfbSkLJa2qXSXI/s320/DSCF9404.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCfYE3NSSEPUIXBf4FvoogI46t2xi6kOKGxxsuxZ3MdJplDvLTQ3dHrrQprgBY1c6sURO6sTYVuDbiNzcwgw-a9cqCYETF22ssTvo6h2n437IvA7rxWqlY89ycEp6TWB9NbY1kkpHErg/s1600/DSCF9409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCfYE3NSSEPUIXBf4FvoogI46t2xi6kOKGxxsuxZ3MdJplDvLTQ3dHrrQprgBY1c6sURO6sTYVuDbiNzcwgw-a9cqCYETF22ssTvo6h2n437IvA7rxWqlY89ycEp6TWB9NbY1kkpHErg/s320/DSCF9409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are many hiking trails and equestrian trails within the park. We explored awhile, enjoying the day and taking in the beauty.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWGi451rVr10InSF6crJznU67Iu59YmJj8chu3MQmvS5kP-qKIFbc7oUU04uBEq27B8QwRBGw7THHxzySwpDBFdkgPZT9pe5kqF-me-bj9EkGLqo2Pv5asx8baSSSpzziD_Ywexv_ZeE/s1600/DSCF9415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWGi451rVr10InSF6crJznU67Iu59YmJj8chu3MQmvS5kP-qKIFbc7oUU04uBEq27B8QwRBGw7THHxzySwpDBFdkgPZT9pe5kqF-me-bj9EkGLqo2Pv5asx8baSSSpzziD_Ywexv_ZeE/s320/DSCF9415.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpTTUJCWcCwspYW5Cmuk4fL-Z5q5am1S9c8lMZ1Lavk7tdnOEXOqwcy4XZMMfNd9umQjuub8ajqN74iavESuBd5voIwrquYwpEBB3jJRLGZk5xHDmFBH1TDup9g1pzdOy2YWZlnEdV1c/s1600/DSCF9418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpTTUJCWcCwspYW5Cmuk4fL-Z5q5am1S9c8lMZ1Lavk7tdnOEXOqwcy4XZMMfNd9umQjuub8ajqN74iavESuBd5voIwrquYwpEBB3jJRLGZk5xHDmFBH1TDup9g1pzdOy2YWZlnEdV1c/s320/DSCF9418.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBh8Rf14ywRsUwF0lqogytCPBPyMxZz4dqFUUYB5qSyOen6NuWME0JA0SazsmMI2OjwsaT9jrx90rJbqPDbZ076LZJurvkUCBHmUD6VMKbMetvN0RWoBlfQare3W0sZQLuIiLSIJYuk8/s1600/DSCF9422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUBh8Rf14ywRsUwF0lqogytCPBPyMxZz4dqFUUYB5qSyOen6NuWME0JA0SazsmMI2OjwsaT9jrx90rJbqPDbZ076LZJurvkUCBHmUD6VMKbMetvN0RWoBlfQare3W0sZQLuIiLSIJYuk8/s320/DSCF9422.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90kW5pNnkCNHHLBYFyMOlp4H2-UJJ-fkpKWwprEpPFif5G9voriJ_Eiu0dg66oirxPxgBGVu1MwKMEZJXgq3nVCHKIWmyPAgQ7RQZqwdMsvV1HID-qAmE4SQ1virXN5nUMOoshyeZLcQ/s1600/DSCF9424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90kW5pNnkCNHHLBYFyMOlp4H2-UJJ-fkpKWwprEpPFif5G9voriJ_Eiu0dg66oirxPxgBGVu1MwKMEZJXgq3nVCHKIWmyPAgQ7RQZqwdMsvV1HID-qAmE4SQ1virXN5nUMOoshyeZLcQ/s320/DSCF9424.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXTmThlYI0BM1Ld0gLxdZWkDmBPV5PpjS65_Jdb5fO_Rsel0GdklvfF4KxodtWWJR5vV8xabr8HSJ8rKt84elhz2vN70K0pmkEgFYu5hMuEOcATG-HYnREUuf97jSjiYf5rdq7EcS6Ro/s1600/DSCF9432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXTmThlYI0BM1Ld0gLxdZWkDmBPV5PpjS65_Jdb5fO_Rsel0GdklvfF4KxodtWWJR5vV8xabr8HSJ8rKt84elhz2vN70K0pmkEgFYu5hMuEOcATG-HYnREUuf97jSjiYf5rdq7EcS6Ro/s320/DSCF9432.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtlhVkA1pzzU6c6Ub1wOd9y1fA1WHAGWqLtaBMZjfVKgunNPIU85k7M7EBVphq-kYFQLeh5_NYKYNd3LbprQnaVaYj8kydMwOPI_9g9aN2yuXPQSYDZfPk7st7u1HCDtdNGWhnjehT0E/s1600/DSCF9435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtlhVkA1pzzU6c6Ub1wOd9y1fA1WHAGWqLtaBMZjfVKgunNPIU85k7M7EBVphq-kYFQLeh5_NYKYNd3LbprQnaVaYj8kydMwOPI_9g9aN2yuXPQSYDZfPk7st7u1HCDtdNGWhnjehT0E/s320/DSCF9435.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhFa1ab79iX6dKi_RZNy2IRR4751viXAfpiPIk4yRkQccC_y1b8drwWDTPW6xG626HQUS6YJFHXQqeMtvSb8GO62rUHiuxxplUF7hh2xf2aczcMm8_g3rIlSWocIZrj_4I7_YGwcpmoQ/s1600/DSCF9436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhFa1ab79iX6dKi_RZNy2IRR4751viXAfpiPIk4yRkQccC_y1b8drwWDTPW6xG626HQUS6YJFHXQqeMtvSb8GO62rUHiuxxplUF7hh2xf2aczcMm8_g3rIlSWocIZrj_4I7_YGwcpmoQ/s320/DSCF9436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5Hk2hBNxWGOFmlwfF6JwhvNd7LVW7Ssp49ZLhJCI3OH72_wIMFQxit6pCIHgabQVjEhcYWKbgsZQxxLvKL5WA2k1-toOOACZOTpCZ-9mLcZ4WS3pqbT9ghb21O3NbyRHi_yyVvTor7E/s1600/DSCF9440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5Hk2hBNxWGOFmlwfF6JwhvNd7LVW7Ssp49ZLhJCI3OH72_wIMFQxit6pCIHgabQVjEhcYWKbgsZQxxLvKL5WA2k1-toOOACZOTpCZ-9mLcZ4WS3pqbT9ghb21O3NbyRHi_yyVvTor7E/s320/DSCF9440.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These winter days lose sunlight too early, in my opinion, and it was time to head back to camp. We still had our own park to explore!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutn13K4rmxZk0CYqkSx9AKHWzTygUhSxTqCFZra93RJGFohwujleyFhnnj2_NYoUQkGuYQVShWcYhmYiWylcDaADnIqzfVsStiG-Ho8DBRXQKzuujLTl8Yy4phx0d8sBK1ipuI5iKuGs/s1600/DSCF9443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutn13K4rmxZk0CYqkSx9AKHWzTygUhSxTqCFZra93RJGFohwujleyFhnnj2_NYoUQkGuYQVShWcYhmYiWylcDaADnIqzfVsStiG-Ho8DBRXQKzuujLTl8Yy4phx0d8sBK1ipuI5iKuGs/s320/DSCF9443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirAf8mRVZc6KfoAC6pMVA4ne2P71PKPZppQrWdIQEcDjHZXfU_tPt2DetOiQmvwsAhUiPkJl5vX1hDxNKdyxTbDFBwjXBw-LsczmNIWCz7IfRn2aH3V8XVduFiQ7D9VANygJMYEOvCQY/s1600/DSCF9445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirAf8mRVZc6KfoAC6pMVA4ne2P71PKPZppQrWdIQEcDjHZXfU_tPt2DetOiQmvwsAhUiPkJl5vX1hDxNKdyxTbDFBwjXBw-LsczmNIWCz7IfRn2aH3V8XVduFiQ7D9VANygJMYEOvCQY/s320/DSCF9445.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qnAUp5CoWZaUBOVsGwAp2-MYKWl3TB_uNmkG1npl_bTZc6wXhdHZGREhQZQdfdbu6oLECRd1kzIT8z1RMf3CUw4PtrcUwbOOi13_AZXHEv1aNOBGT-ntZ12egb9VcNo_W3FArH_nax4/s1600/DSCF9458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qnAUp5CoWZaUBOVsGwAp2-MYKWl3TB_uNmkG1npl_bTZc6wXhdHZGREhQZQdfdbu6oLECRd1kzIT8z1RMf3CUw4PtrcUwbOOi13_AZXHEv1aNOBGT-ntZ12egb9VcNo_W3FArH_nax4/s320/DSCF9458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgwwOXnGPzphPYPIt_2ZZS3ji_bF9pqR9u2VegpWmB8YKomATX7nYd4tbiSxpPd9jZI9e7hyphenhyphensupkWFJJCPLvJZTshr5iKHuGn9AEmD6Et9NIYWaQ-7Tktt2D91jh8v6HVAJrhtgWcoIE/s1600/DSCF9461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAgwwOXnGPzphPYPIt_2ZZS3ji_bF9pqR9u2VegpWmB8YKomATX7nYd4tbiSxpPd9jZI9e7hyphenhyphensupkWFJJCPLvJZTshr5iKHuGn9AEmD6Et9NIYWaQ-7Tktt2D91jh8v6HVAJrhtgWcoIE/s320/DSCF9461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We looked around the nature center for a little while, talking with the docent. Then we headed out to see more of the park. O'Leno State Park is one of the first Florida State Parks, created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. It sits on the site of the city of Keno, which was also the name of a gambling game. Because of this, the name was denied by the postmaster general. The city was renamed Leno. It was a very prosperous place, but once the railroad diverted traffic from the area, the once-industrious city died off. The CCC encampment was called Old Leno, but that was eventually changed to O'Leno.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bOKAahzr25pL9oG4ti-23x_anSTDlWrNFJntww9QkVXKBFllEjxqVOpBw9K04mfpiFTIiOdVarmcp1_mHLc7pZcf03SmiqzMs2CqhG1BtCm1UndWn53AKFdZ5SksSQp7EaE57F_TRtk/s1600/DSCF9463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bOKAahzr25pL9oG4ti-23x_anSTDlWrNFJntww9QkVXKBFllEjxqVOpBw9K04mfpiFTIiOdVarmcp1_mHLc7pZcf03SmiqzMs2CqhG1BtCm1UndWn53AKFdZ5SksSQp7EaE57F_TRtk/s320/DSCF9463.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBlLv_-B0di9BEaVwOrUP6HYTG8kfCjesqiBndUVEYrmzDVYjG3VaaiR9BWlD86fWFkhyk5RiY8UXRUHVCJPuFsVDdWKhk8avhqniFFUF454vxry0pVGN0IIZr6z5oNYTzuXjFHhxc9A/s1600/DSCF9464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtBlLv_-B0di9BEaVwOrUP6HYTG8kfCjesqiBndUVEYrmzDVYjG3VaaiR9BWlD86fWFkhyk5RiY8UXRUHVCJPuFsVDdWKhk8avhqniFFUF454vxry0pVGN0IIZr6z5oNYTzuXjFHhxc9A/s320/DSCF9464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCFHMw0CPHEdxihvh2xu5ZsSuHam6H-mhG4Y9hAKd4_d6DOt41iGsq7UaLS5TtIh8ynHbSBdarvioCZzMmbF7MY_3qxqLOYIn4xzWgq4iRvpk-W-y94gzFUPEpFtrXrtSoXHYLTrt6Kc/s1600/DSCF9467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLCFHMw0CPHEdxihvh2xu5ZsSuHam6H-mhG4Y9hAKd4_d6DOt41iGsq7UaLS5TtIh8ynHbSBdarvioCZzMmbF7MY_3qxqLOYIn4xzWgq4iRvpk-W-y94gzFUPEpFtrXrtSoXHYLTrt6Kc/s320/DSCF9467.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6223KlqYlE5CfM4OsAl3mgqlpQFXJMupD_Mck9cbAE6DRgtokddj2kUQWNzFkRoSRYOc-HCiNfszMhpj01YQoGLsNbjlPd5rumo4ogbjjBZ7OjLn78wvF8o9SmmMRc_bBMkYh5Jjw28A/s1600/DSCF9472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6223KlqYlE5CfM4OsAl3mgqlpQFXJMupD_Mck9cbAE6DRgtokddj2kUQWNzFkRoSRYOc-HCiNfszMhpj01YQoGLsNbjlPd5rumo4ogbjjBZ7OjLn78wvF8o9SmmMRc_bBMkYh5Jjw28A/s320/DSCF9472.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfZ2hFkr8z08_i8Xlu7_YhrMBuJsI7CBJbWN0kMmb8Kg5pc_mS-zsIVOYP9JKvo5dR5OV-flP_2EW1eaVOwYRhhcCr5aR4E4p7RMwnABnbL-Dyj3E24HPKqprrHUbVCpTv0JuzmC-yFw/s1600/DSCF9474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfZ2hFkr8z08_i8Xlu7_YhrMBuJsI7CBJbWN0kMmb8Kg5pc_mS-zsIVOYP9JKvo5dR5OV-flP_2EW1eaVOwYRhhcCr5aR4E4p7RMwnABnbL-Dyj3E24HPKqprrHUbVCpTv0JuzmC-yFw/s320/DSCF9474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtJGrJZe28f44LZIr2zB3fO2kaEzpp4FhPJ4kC-tbHGIdlUY84XDqeb7yanHEkZQm3BQFod8PbzbUKSIcARhFKnoXkrBPVxHfUPzVAARfBotR8XgyuNhE8mU6YiataUZ5l79KY2KdPi4/s1600/DSCF9475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtJGrJZe28f44LZIr2zB3fO2kaEzpp4FhPJ4kC-tbHGIdlUY84XDqeb7yanHEkZQm3BQFod8PbzbUKSIcARhFKnoXkrBPVxHfUPzVAARfBotR8XgyuNhE8mU6YiataUZ5l79KY2KdPi4/s320/DSCF9475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The park has the CCC's signature suspension bridge, which we crossed to explore the trails on the other side:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAOkaaB5TM61rgZ4GFeK-23k-IzOP573_sKaX9_82L6QLCNS30WdLINaN-_VK8XQoSlu3QSoF5ZnQAZTvxNJROZ5N0YfTfGuwrxYm2-rmIt6Lm2snxbAnnsdPkoxuM5lB9VfTbzDyUgI/s1600/DSCF9479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAOkaaB5TM61rgZ4GFeK-23k-IzOP573_sKaX9_82L6QLCNS30WdLINaN-_VK8XQoSlu3QSoF5ZnQAZTvxNJROZ5N0YfTfGuwrxYm2-rmIt6Lm2snxbAnnsdPkoxuM5lB9VfTbzDyUgI/s320/DSCF9479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DJH92A4fRtyd0FzpbIc-xr_UD4exQDWbBB3EC5pkQIia9P8G9d9OSagJRRc4G1hslXBJhXYWmgsJ4GYlHZb5jeR6bNFE8qrdIL43hs7hB9WMOvRN_Z2P6Xfcg3la0Db8d16JL6fg8Mc/s1600/DSCF9490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DJH92A4fRtyd0FzpbIc-xr_UD4exQDWbBB3EC5pkQIia9P8G9d9OSagJRRc4G1hslXBJhXYWmgsJ4GYlHZb5jeR6bNFE8qrdIL43hs7hB9WMOvRN_Z2P6Xfcg3la0Db8d16JL6fg8Mc/s320/DSCF9490.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkWUcR6uhaN4laYUDtNde8rZSdq34KSEfaynygEl4lIR4JQrABBPJRKhPgeWVPdQmsP6Gopvqi-piO7Pmz-Q-ta_FnjbR7N_21UBeXx3DrTbijTxP9yWmM-DdRgFA1r0SjdOGjXoFqL0/s1600/DSCF9493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizkWUcR6uhaN4laYUDtNde8rZSdq34KSEfaynygEl4lIR4JQrABBPJRKhPgeWVPdQmsP6Gopvqi-piO7Pmz-Q-ta_FnjbR7N_21UBeXx3DrTbijTxP9yWmM-DdRgFA1r0SjdOGjXoFqL0/s320/DSCF9493.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7mG9dCIL4cAiajle_ayiP8bifF6K-Fxesg8WVz_fHU08Jrcbgnya4WNXlWKnqvZN5pB4uqQdn4dajD0_N_BP2psqpGt5oDJbVjCpCg6XGFHPfNp_wVwaaYj4h16H_pGpV-SA-6zJSPU/s1600/DSCF9494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7mG9dCIL4cAiajle_ayiP8bifF6K-Fxesg8WVz_fHU08Jrcbgnya4WNXlWKnqvZN5pB4uqQdn4dajD0_N_BP2psqpGt5oDJbVjCpCg6XGFHPfNp_wVwaaYj4h16H_pGpV-SA-6zJSPU/s320/DSCF9494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw0Gcd40C9NlaUBASGKzHZ5FLzyBBn7uipF0Z-Os-QwLSUk4MOVJ3Z87MS2Vx6xXEt9Y93D9fPhbAhMAad0fMqtDWQQ0UKW219GJsokUAzCVLn4MKzksR6WLRFHmQt4W_SfYTOXWcPr0/s1600/DSCF9501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw0Gcd40C9NlaUBASGKzHZ5FLzyBBn7uipF0Z-Os-QwLSUk4MOVJ3Z87MS2Vx6xXEt9Y93D9fPhbAhMAad0fMqtDWQQ0UKW219GJsokUAzCVLn4MKzksR6WLRFHmQt4W_SfYTOXWcPr0/s320/DSCF9501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyTfSxS6-aYuFwGqwVzEAveJVmjv-UjihJM_OYFuflSjwx5D7hIqPaTyQFCnbsyoLEp_UZGhl4GH-hnmlIpQsyDDP6c29EFrYmHP1eVVmCaVmyy5TynRKAQbvC-cnCCSnzqplJFmrsds/s1600/DSCF9502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCyTfSxS6-aYuFwGqwVzEAveJVmjv-UjihJM_OYFuflSjwx5D7hIqPaTyQFCnbsyoLEp_UZGhl4GH-hnmlIpQsyDDP6c29EFrYmHP1eVVmCaVmyy5TynRKAQbvC-cnCCSnzqplJFmrsds/s320/DSCF9502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PEeSessZymSQtKzs8PZu5kJDB3XUGwnyce9o7Q54bY6oGHXvdnoAGYru-rSmRIuR5j9lF4D2lMiOHEY0XcKacEyPToQOWQo5-8vKBGubRKTkzhcs1BDF1IyFXHAh9RKdu53-VprI7Vo/s1600/DSCF9510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PEeSessZymSQtKzs8PZu5kJDB3XUGwnyce9o7Q54bY6oGHXvdnoAGYru-rSmRIuR5j9lF4D2lMiOHEY0XcKacEyPToQOWQo5-8vKBGubRKTkzhcs1BDF1IyFXHAh9RKdu53-VprI7Vo/s320/DSCF9510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We crossed back over to the main side of the park and walked the trail to the river sink. Again, I had no idea what to expect!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKHdJgvMzciP1ZSlFwLQf30DlDUf_eaNUEQy5JOzxDq8e_QCflsMFkPWNbMukcFnurIg0kP-V6TUm8vBbSeGeNV1Cnm7_AuE3uLvPxHjrANsxmelaKcXTqq4ct0JOf6g2McdDm1w_OSE/s1600/DSCF9531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKHdJgvMzciP1ZSlFwLQf30DlDUf_eaNUEQy5JOzxDq8e_QCflsMFkPWNbMukcFnurIg0kP-V6TUm8vBbSeGeNV1Cnm7_AuE3uLvPxHjrANsxmelaKcXTqq4ct0JOf6g2McdDm1w_OSE/s320/DSCF9531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtJEu4mfREDcWbaGNG4oFyZmT1FgT86I-8cLVGoI8hM5b5gLHPrcJFLtTEcq-EiiXtDQtZez5klwiUyAQX_KkpJDmJMo2aS838LFk_7PWtfY7KLctuxrlhCFqZ9K5HtZvPhi0_ZV5RA4/s1600/DSCF9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtJEu4mfREDcWbaGNG4oFyZmT1FgT86I-8cLVGoI8hM5b5gLHPrcJFLtTEcq-EiiXtDQtZez5klwiUyAQX_KkpJDmJMo2aS838LFk_7PWtfY7KLctuxrlhCFqZ9K5HtZvPhi0_ZV5RA4/s320/DSCF9534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While we were standing there, a family came from further down the trail saying they had just spotted a couple of deer. Sure enough, they came out to get some water:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nTQsg2FM8LcmerqUtDtPMr-zEerobpbF0SwMsOnM6goXvDxGCU1VgH6dKB4mpO2y85_vegnEyt1roKaCggZo_bXEZNfwN5GuXayewC_IlJo2aTqVr0iY2aUESw3SdM5A9ijgoQx-lf4/s1600/DSCF9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nTQsg2FM8LcmerqUtDtPMr-zEerobpbF0SwMsOnM6goXvDxGCU1VgH6dKB4mpO2y85_vegnEyt1roKaCggZo_bXEZNfwN5GuXayewC_IlJo2aTqVr0iY2aUESw3SdM5A9ijgoQx-lf4/s320/DSCF9538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eventually it was time to head back up the trail, but Olivia stopped to watch the Santa Fe River for a few minutes. I love this one:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsgeyxAst4s1S2KQex1UOoyZqwf6WAi3aPoUJp43DlkEfd-GXnz_OGSXCBdlO2c6jHXLyM8VvcWdQxey-3I1l6EHJilV_dtxsyMzcPqblEF2jkDMj3G9mBNOmCPsPlxvvYmbaHTAXMnc/s1600/DSCF9543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsgeyxAst4s1S2KQex1UOoyZqwf6WAi3aPoUJp43DlkEfd-GXnz_OGSXCBdlO2c6jHXLyM8VvcWdQxey-3I1l6EHJilV_dtxsyMzcPqblEF2jkDMj3G9mBNOmCPsPlxvvYmbaHTAXMnc/s320/DSCF9543.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, back to camp and dinner. Chris made dutch oven chicken tortilla soup:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg-1gx3RB2m7m6qxIvbdWPAtKvE34qURogsd3gQCImV94NrrMl3epyI8TcMhr8meyPelQHNVHfqd4Z7xZSfWRxrzX_1FxQlobrzPG5dK8K9-jxxxv_mUAaFirW-3lFmX6ev4QnfCAVHc/s1600/DSCF9550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKg-1gx3RB2m7m6qxIvbdWPAtKvE34qURogsd3gQCImV94NrrMl3epyI8TcMhr8meyPelQHNVHfqd4Z7xZSfWRxrzX_1FxQlobrzPG5dK8K9-jxxxv_mUAaFirW-3lFmX6ev4QnfCAVHc/s320/DSCF9550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It ended up being a very full day. And thankfully, the second night was much warmer than the first, with lows in the 40s instead of 20s. Aside from a middle-of-the-night visit from a raccoon, we all slept well and woke up to a sunny Christmas Eve. After breakfast, we started to pack up. But not before a very special visit from two deer. They wandered around the woods right behind our camp, and we sat watching for some time. Olivia even took the time to point them out to the little boys camping next to us:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoj9_LiXhoEX7HPsZHH_dG9igytEo4sFWgUo7AGkfoie78AkrWNW4D_ulQMTP_gxK5-Fe4nmNZt47ur0cs6wyqT5Fq-Dwz-iqK3TtauatchrwTXCF0S75lEir-pMCdBcE3FR8RPfIXPs/s1600/DSCF9565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoj9_LiXhoEX7HPsZHH_dG9igytEo4sFWgUo7AGkfoie78AkrWNW4D_ulQMTP_gxK5-Fe4nmNZt47ur0cs6wyqT5Fq-Dwz-iqK3TtauatchrwTXCF0S75lEir-pMCdBcE3FR8RPfIXPs/s320/DSCF9565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdMTZ8qVGlZK1L1LuSOm0lg7Cujx6rJkA1JVj8uKOeV6rHAdGWHOUdUEnSTR2Uo23nskqCZj-LAMmeMq1GUsTKxT033soNtV6wuRMP3558k2MAPZzIFDcNs4UlrVj1JYoSKC_DgpSBag/s1600/DSCF9568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdMTZ8qVGlZK1L1LuSOm0lg7Cujx6rJkA1JVj8uKOeV6rHAdGWHOUdUEnSTR2Uo23nskqCZj-LAMmeMq1GUsTKxT033soNtV6wuRMP3558k2MAPZzIFDcNs4UlrVj1JYoSKC_DgpSBag/s320/DSCF9568.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Do you see a deer?)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And just like that, it was time to leave. We packed up camp and headed home, because I don't think Santa was brave enough to visit us at camp. It was another fulfilling pre-Christmas trip, and I'm so grateful for it!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The End.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvsjnMDXUzJmaiK2ksqRom2e3YUhn86gv03kda-eW0lggwD-wFXsT0MBpwFQCXd_KPlsHZuTkMCDELQqzibfYPd7l88tVrUAiD2jXAZ_XL7xh7y2OVGymEKMM6sYm92jzIVVcH9HbrjQ/s1600/DSCF9477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvsjnMDXUzJmaiK2ksqRom2e3YUhn86gv03kda-eW0lggwD-wFXsT0MBpwFQCXd_KPlsHZuTkMCDELQqzibfYPd7l88tVrUAiD2jXAZ_XL7xh7y2OVGymEKMM6sYm92jzIVVcH9HbrjQ/s320/DSCF9477.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXxrMvL4-JgXd_n-iIQ_KISUxaT_-SdmUaGoOq3axqFQ1x7FtrFAwKGkrhjJxrtj9ICoC-NPQs4XqL8spD_zIxDntbUWqqU0HNDGKaT_xG475ZWayYNRf_QjvkfbxNcowqttVvtyKkwY/s1600/DSCF9572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXxrMvL4-JgXd_n-iIQ_KISUxaT_-SdmUaGoOq3axqFQ1x7FtrFAwKGkrhjJxrtj9ICoC-NPQs4XqL8spD_zIxDntbUWqqU0HNDGKaT_xG475ZWayYNRf_QjvkfbxNcowqttVvtyKkwY/s320/DSCF9572.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4IltniJny57lJJwo9hQcLqIf-ajZWdvHm9n5kwbzcSrffGCz8LHfH4JzVHhEYQa6dRlnphvWtuhyVfPf9p8M5RiQqBgnj5gLizmUetJb_749AUu6RAoKG8QkTfhzB7-ptpUp51OW9No/s1600/DSCF9573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4IltniJny57lJJwo9hQcLqIf-ajZWdvHm9n5kwbzcSrffGCz8LHfH4JzVHhEYQa6dRlnphvWtuhyVfPf9p8M5RiQqBgnj5gLizmUetJb_749AUu6RAoKG8QkTfhzB7-ptpUp51OW9No/s320/DSCF9573.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-71006667536065650332013-03-11T19:51:00.001-04:002013-03-11T19:58:03.719-04:00Tallahassee, Day 3: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 61</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AxDfUeeqEK9PVx2hq2q39kJKKT8XHrFczXz6lVzBrMfP35qtZArwcgFqaN_1quP0DEY5FNI9ID7iHbrhxuWrHATqBcuxzIyO1aQxThfmDzInzGt7z-fHNG3_VMBIPpUQWdfzVi4bstg/s1600/DSCF9310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AxDfUeeqEK9PVx2hq2q39kJKKT8XHrFczXz6lVzBrMfP35qtZArwcgFqaN_1quP0DEY5FNI9ID7iHbrhxuWrHATqBcuxzIyO1aQxThfmDzInzGt7z-fHNG3_VMBIPpUQWdfzVi4bstg/s320/DSCF9310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our final day in Tallahassee started out in a very rough way. The fire alarm at our hotel began sounding around 1:30 in the morning, and we did the responsible thing: waited in the parking lot for the all clear. It never came. The alarm went on for some time before we finally decided it was a cruel joke, and we headed back in to bed. A half hour later...another alarm. And a half hour after that? Oh yes. The alarm...pulled as a joke, but pulled so hard the wires within it broke and continuously shorted out...was ongoing when we sat in the lobby and had our breakfast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was not a good experience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We packed up our belongings as quickly as we could and then traveled a few miles down the road to <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/maclaygardens/default.cfm" target="_blank">Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park</a>. It was our last stop before heading back home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaa8TBesBi5BeaAKkVjRa6ZLmycjJ9ozkArBYXX1psj-O1J-PyYo97bGVUjQdGEnwPLHGFxbdmSx2AWooYpN7Q8mtpTfYIaGN7qaBC-sGXj7BD0peCX0q9troNarpG62bdKIsq-QhTZM/s1600/DSCF9235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaa8TBesBi5BeaAKkVjRa6ZLmycjJ9ozkArBYXX1psj-O1J-PyYo97bGVUjQdGEnwPLHGFxbdmSx2AWooYpN7Q8mtpTfYIaGN7qaBC-sGXj7BD0peCX0q9troNarpG62bdKIsq-QhTZM/s320/DSCF9235.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The weather was gorgeous, albeit a little warm, as we strolled down the cobblestone pathways. And while it wasn't the grand blooming season Maclay Gardens is known for, we were still treated to some gorgeous sights:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWx6jRGF0Rnb3D9h7vZsBnlkKVDu0xrgywCVByUayWJHKk6oHIdAM-ZWdNK5FacoQBuND1C7lr5r8b-KJXtchQnBtpDHTqFz148MD1iaehlgk9Xn6UrjHcstdqU9sEok1lbVFO8Am_BnU/s1600/DSCF9126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWx6jRGF0Rnb3D9h7vZsBnlkKVDu0xrgywCVByUayWJHKk6oHIdAM-ZWdNK5FacoQBuND1C7lr5r8b-KJXtchQnBtpDHTqFz148MD1iaehlgk9Xn6UrjHcstdqU9sEok1lbVFO8Am_BnU/s320/DSCF9126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagj0tb8VP_U3AhVtN7bpE8VQWXWLjh3l-tZGwF3nJvwGsatjcWg6Xxc1vNMyVc9JCZ53kxDuX6H7_Alr7NDMa9IbPiHAy93EZuz8WUGbJbbFaF5yfpFmVAo35GEgP-kh6cnyKAB1W4dQ/s1600/DSCF9136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagj0tb8VP_U3AhVtN7bpE8VQWXWLjh3l-tZGwF3nJvwGsatjcWg6Xxc1vNMyVc9JCZ53kxDuX6H7_Alr7NDMa9IbPiHAy93EZuz8WUGbJbbFaF5yfpFmVAo35GEgP-kh6cnyKAB1W4dQ/s320/DSCF9136.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSf1iXiaHvzvs5QJzX_KMLgh8RHV82rK5p2VA2PkB2GLI-bQgnXMJOeUsQIXxHZIsRExMjky6W6ckPruD1gTMyfL-xkDZ29oTkHsSg3vpngFAyGV0oJl66ErR7lHMcHIP4zIOAnz39XoQ/s1600/DSCF9137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSf1iXiaHvzvs5QJzX_KMLgh8RHV82rK5p2VA2PkB2GLI-bQgnXMJOeUsQIXxHZIsRExMjky6W6ckPruD1gTMyfL-xkDZ29oTkHsSg3vpngFAyGV0oJl66ErR7lHMcHIP4zIOAnz39XoQ/s320/DSCF9137.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-bxPloOkeyRwk-YICjDQt8iAB_8wBBaXpECkq8oiUIwaAqADW5m7C55IgzlgE76jPofU5JZ4fMqam2hYOkqkwbDOQeYN2gdCTGD4uER3XIYI7OlGcIzXR21dMtEnlOviovudVWbK7hE/s1600/DSCF9144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-bxPloOkeyRwk-YICjDQt8iAB_8wBBaXpECkq8oiUIwaAqADW5m7C55IgzlgE76jPofU5JZ4fMqam2hYOkqkwbDOQeYN2gdCTGD4uER3XIYI7OlGcIzXR21dMtEnlOviovudVWbK7hE/s320/DSCF9144.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The gardens are situated next to Lake Hall, and we stopped in a small pavilion to relax and enjoy the view:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXa2Vlw2VJPO2D0jNw0OjrikpiQWAZmFAkeFp9eyvZZwogoYn3iZ1eHO7GicZO2IGUWhDVkdWck0HsRyXH8ho0ukjiIbcQNsqUE3z08oGDvDgAfdNUivzYFBBtNs3_Jhw1DbX_DkPWhpc/s1600/DSCF9149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXa2Vlw2VJPO2D0jNw0OjrikpiQWAZmFAkeFp9eyvZZwogoYn3iZ1eHO7GicZO2IGUWhDVkdWck0HsRyXH8ho0ukjiIbcQNsqUE3z08oGDvDgAfdNUivzYFBBtNs3_Jhw1DbX_DkPWhpc/s320/DSCF9149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnwo2r_4IDQiSTa7ofBDxVyXLHnQoLqJPAIfgBPgsC18_85vaWmOxxmUlSL2aXmZtbYUtVIpvFBOVGUc_aezmxEQwHJqPrcgjx0PcBBvwbb37QdxjyfBCb2IClvCbMiSl3iXE2hiJx4M/s1600/DSCF9150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnwo2r_4IDQiSTa7ofBDxVyXLHnQoLqJPAIfgBPgsC18_85vaWmOxxmUlSL2aXmZtbYUtVIpvFBOVGUc_aezmxEQwHJqPrcgjx0PcBBvwbb37QdxjyfBCb2IClvCbMiSl3iXE2hiJx4M/s320/DSCF9150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before long, a butterfly felt bold enough to land right in front of us. Can you guess what type of butterfly it is?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq9CxyoFBX92y5Pv32ZcrQzKe4Ud8v-Io3nooc4pqiS7FBziwEjk2b0Xw5YxDK7NAHcQsBssyoEiHNPrh3LRrhK8QJdtT4eM1HdNbyx5jY7XPbji8K9sUI8E3ycV5qW3p6DpT-KS2Vc0/s1600/DSCF9155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpq9CxyoFBX92y5Pv32ZcrQzKe4Ud8v-Io3nooc4pqiS7FBziwEjk2b0Xw5YxDK7NAHcQsBssyoEiHNPrh3LRrhK8QJdtT4eM1HdNbyx5jY7XPbji8K9sUI8E3ycV5qW3p6DpT-KS2Vc0/s320/DSCF9155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIJcH_pnwhbVUYw2-NF0tHRoFBqqfzvPxm43l2P-NbcNj_PfYDkX8dcYjHblOTQvHF_KHP-dblfYBe6ydRU_7sLwTYF0yUMmcK3WIYuPwv4Wu_gVh_E0kyZaGv01iyTPtcD3gM626a00/s1600/DSCF9154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIJcH_pnwhbVUYw2-NF0tHRoFBqqfzvPxm43l2P-NbcNj_PfYDkX8dcYjHblOTQvHF_KHP-dblfYBe6ydRU_7sLwTYF0yUMmcK3WIYuPwv4Wu_gVh_E0kyZaGv01iyTPtcD3gM626a00/s320/DSCF9154.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a Red-Spotted Purple. Interesting name, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Onward.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4tRIGIl9EihFmPmuxP6IVes3_LFdkSjEG2rlEMntNvxOWm3W0gTr4KovS4BuEmNqmAVwQu1aaI_mPdXCvQmKrA69WKDQGDi25bigcwU4e29l1xWpFhQj2adP78QE5nGY0HUA_Z0HIPw/s1600/DSCF9165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4tRIGIl9EihFmPmuxP6IVes3_LFdkSjEG2rlEMntNvxOWm3W0gTr4KovS4BuEmNqmAVwQu1aaI_mPdXCvQmKrA69WKDQGDi25bigcwU4e29l1xWpFhQj2adP78QE5nGY0HUA_Z0HIPw/s320/DSCF9165.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMM-yGsdFz0sfhRxJF219DK7Xv6PDxaHLyYPoHVztdB_vVNO9nLXgHnp1WGOsu_2vKnnp4GMgabW3nVv_S46EjvgXpO83uSLwqrvbzStFqViMEq40HWLt56tm72YAYaukjpQmT0t2J5o/s1600/DSCF9173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMM-yGsdFz0sfhRxJF219DK7Xv6PDxaHLyYPoHVztdB_vVNO9nLXgHnp1WGOsu_2vKnnp4GMgabW3nVv_S46EjvgXpO83uSLwqrvbzStFqViMEq40HWLt56tm72YAYaukjpQmT0t2J5o/s320/DSCF9173.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the Maclay House. It wasn't open for tours during our visit, but we took a look around outside:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwxi2Ag3B1G_NzJeXq1Di9rAfEvvZ0ghUGCMQJKBZqOF5ify8a0Kf2qGoRTdhgmCtVs1cVzbljXqcO6H2VdnZgAcEN0F3etRFxYfsJFC6zMvQwCoPcQtFfaH90kWj4X7FSHqvlvSF-8c/s1600/DSCF9176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwxi2Ag3B1G_NzJeXq1Di9rAfEvvZ0ghUGCMQJKBZqOF5ify8a0Kf2qGoRTdhgmCtVs1cVzbljXqcO6H2VdnZgAcEN0F3etRFxYfsJFC6zMvQwCoPcQtFfaH90kWj4X7FSHqvlvSF-8c/s320/DSCF9176.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngGEbjBDJxFM-yD7ZL8ckY7QRBOgcq8TFYQ_nBGTtlUYxEtMBiAG3LTdB0gxgwkH6yHPxHgTN35ezXKPvyctUyCF45DtnF8O08XK430SMajBys6sX9W1cV2ZgCS-Wf1S23U9AwhcdWhI/s1600/DSCF9178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjngGEbjBDJxFM-yD7ZL8ckY7QRBOgcq8TFYQ_nBGTtlUYxEtMBiAG3LTdB0gxgwkH6yHPxHgTN35ezXKPvyctUyCF45DtnF8O08XK430SMajBys6sX9W1cV2ZgCS-Wf1S23U9AwhcdWhI/s320/DSCF9178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has a beautiful view of Lake Hall, and the occasional visiting fowl:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-f6CGl4tAWi4y0HsNgVbJJomJOXdZFlousoaf_PMTGV2xwJv0H1zCMqiChVR9-qPcjmF-5MEbiYm9jhzt4oKNbb9G9J40ILWSnqrkFWZL0QP3oB5AYWygqz_N-Vne15DehPa9WTCeCM/s1600/DSCF9197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-f6CGl4tAWi4y0HsNgVbJJomJOXdZFlousoaf_PMTGV2xwJv0H1zCMqiChVR9-qPcjmF-5MEbiYm9jhzt4oKNbb9G9J40ILWSnqrkFWZL0QP3oB5AYWygqz_N-Vne15DehPa9WTCeCM/s320/DSCF9197.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Somewhere within the property is a hidden gem, a little secret garden. We were lucky enough to find it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HiVMMWdyKRKrMp-anFet8b6HHosc9ms4_eR7mmc88aI7fZOJFGHD3EvGuv4gTldPRK6vKWgNoPglX_xJdXs6bTHwrEk9hjGWoazwuG-39G1IhqqXsy73xMBr97PQpe_EnD1mU3i6LxY/s1600/DSCF9214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HiVMMWdyKRKrMp-anFet8b6HHosc9ms4_eR7mmc88aI7fZOJFGHD3EvGuv4gTldPRK6vKWgNoPglX_xJdXs6bTHwrEk9hjGWoazwuG-39G1IhqqXsy73xMBr97PQpe_EnD1mU3i6LxY/s320/DSCF9214.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1SiO4Zf-Bq9OiF1iSea0v7LRvQSNTCG9Tp8_VPEb37r18VChLvJoZkZbjeAYDNbrJ7N_OtGK5WFBVe6fprieMOoGQ1b6E3d5UG4qqbgwIVsRM9bjDAv2cCL2PXKDSgl0kg8eaX6elwA/s1600/DSCF9216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1SiO4Zf-Bq9OiF1iSea0v7LRvQSNTCG9Tp8_VPEb37r18VChLvJoZkZbjeAYDNbrJ7N_OtGK5WFBVe6fprieMOoGQ1b6E3d5UG4qqbgwIVsRM9bjDAv2cCL2PXKDSgl0kg8eaX6elwA/s320/DSCF9216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7WvaX0Pi-fDhrJtWLHK5kDlmUJ2QnCElxjDA0Fi7IrrtBp6-4fA_W39MKKjPoSZ-L9w7A6B8l1QG5_VVBG6WHTeYlN-Ui1cltzZ6YR8iddiaKwvNMf69OA_EL1kCLOxV7cmt2A9B0jA/s1600/DSCF9220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7WvaX0Pi-fDhrJtWLHK5kDlmUJ2QnCElxjDA0Fi7IrrtBp6-4fA_W39MKKjPoSZ-L9w7A6B8l1QG5_VVBG6WHTeYlN-Ui1cltzZ6YR8iddiaKwvNMf69OA_EL1kCLOxV7cmt2A9B0jA/s320/DSCF9220.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE9fEpm0MctuOJu-WCvxKdwxNNx1K3NTCJEvkoKBC214g2OC7FPStFS3MOMynLmli9l7Ue2GcjrC3dfIMZedA9Z4pMQ9kOfiPowP3RmgoXLjJ0k6jnPfFNqKzCkssuRzRF0SK3cACsdQ/s1600/DSCF9223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXE9fEpm0MctuOJu-WCvxKdwxNNx1K3NTCJEvkoKBC214g2OC7FPStFS3MOMynLmli9l7Ue2GcjrC3dfIMZedA9Z4pMQ9kOfiPowP3RmgoXLjJ0k6jnPfFNqKzCkssuRzRF0SK3cACsdQ/s320/DSCF9223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3zNqkxQ7WqvB9Z8ohTpHvtH5bAdut3iK4Lkth7jqUZUwQDE54XFBHGQLepdUwQ1YfpsKJhd4sHcrc2fXBGW-ocHsi7jh4zTkscTULjdS4AaOu7PXwokFH-DHmSJHiZEKYQCHM9b52SI/s1600/DSCF9225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3zNqkxQ7WqvB9Z8ohTpHvtH5bAdut3iK4Lkth7jqUZUwQDE54XFBHGQLepdUwQ1YfpsKJhd4sHcrc2fXBGW-ocHsi7jh4zTkscTULjdS4AaOu7PXwokFH-DHmSJHiZEKYQCHM9b52SI/s320/DSCF9225.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde0jFW_yeH3zNrZxr_jaJjHE96O3z0hZQ6paQUJbajYCTRH16YvX-cfKbBSRF_e-LvDhFHC1F99R65qpgay0p8Ev_c6hpwi5gBX904JLj-I0Mph7bgaycHHGY2BDu_WVuk4Uyg_PI3pk/s1600/DSCF9229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde0jFW_yeH3zNrZxr_jaJjHE96O3z0hZQ6paQUJbajYCTRH16YvX-cfKbBSRF_e-LvDhFHC1F99R65qpgay0p8Ev_c6hpwi5gBX904JLj-I0Mph7bgaycHHGY2BDu_WVuk4Uyg_PI3pk/s320/DSCF9229.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After exploring the secret garden, we took off to explore the area around the pond. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_O3AX1HaN6RkP6_ke809z321XT1RP3cnGzUHIx2PualxfXKEI0nLjE-bOW2RZF2UyGGmuTkP0HUxQ_8toYhnc1td20NnycAas7R82S2t29ZMMmkhQwdWvsfQH2XM7oo8hGdhszI4GiT8/s1600/DSCF9251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_O3AX1HaN6RkP6_ke809z321XT1RP3cnGzUHIx2PualxfXKEI0nLjE-bOW2RZF2UyGGmuTkP0HUxQ_8toYhnc1td20NnycAas7R82S2t29ZMMmkhQwdWvsfQH2XM7oo8hGdhszI4GiT8/s320/DSCF9251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDd_cFxXnZ9Vz9SdNnJbYjYawiLxUIhqBMuKK7vIjHhCFNiqQw_2oljXz5ij2-L9-D10G-EIQTAdzhBUh2H54Vo0QlBoDRCKySYD7Xu9qGTY6xjlvlLtqQJwjW5aqgXVciSydVtJ_My34/s1600/DSCF9253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDd_cFxXnZ9Vz9SdNnJbYjYawiLxUIhqBMuKK7vIjHhCFNiqQw_2oljXz5ij2-L9-D10G-EIQTAdzhBUh2H54Vo0QlBoDRCKySYD7Xu9qGTY6xjlvlLtqQJwjW5aqgXVciSydVtJ_My34/s320/DSCF9253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These things looked like baked potatoes, resting in the bushes. As best as we can tell, they were grafting plants and using the foil for protection. If you know otherwise, please tell us!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcrTWTWKbAjkzJkPgvQAKFMkXaHCoLgtYcaeGQoHYZGQ_g5o8OvcWBzIAkCuciBK2B8r8Wxnt2RAvmu3wbHvflBomxiOnw3GeBwkwfG9vLDHDSlL9QnUmYw_h6N_n1hPk6cW79-dsR3Q/s1600/DSCF9256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcrTWTWKbAjkzJkPgvQAKFMkXaHCoLgtYcaeGQoHYZGQ_g5o8OvcWBzIAkCuciBK2B8r8Wxnt2RAvmu3wbHvflBomxiOnw3GeBwkwfG9vLDHDSlL9QnUmYw_h6N_n1hPk6cW79-dsR3Q/s320/DSCF9256.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99rV1OktHQsyx1M-fWCK9E7hR3z44USy_lCbn9MDlvAGaWlf6TxzFQ_GuZiE-NnNz0aog4UK-ClG87Q_SZg32UWyiMdAHU7FwrQmRHYiczsRDoF3RjIE_1YgYKjDXi3dDA39vMoWGfQY/s1600/DSCF9257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99rV1OktHQsyx1M-fWCK9E7hR3z44USy_lCbn9MDlvAGaWlf6TxzFQ_GuZiE-NnNz0aog4UK-ClG87Q_SZg32UWyiMdAHU7FwrQmRHYiczsRDoF3RjIE_1YgYKjDXi3dDA39vMoWGfQY/s320/DSCF9257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We came across a little creature that looked like either a really large worm or a very small snake. It was, unfortunately, deceased, having either been stepped on or run over. I later learned we had found a ring-necked snake!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwkR2uPqYzQhAq_LpV309JDHQVWSqcDoJf5VP7qe9HrPfmUqqeJ2EFtExPB8bdvGtCMfnXU7xnWr55NW1dQvhYIIJlPu6Gs2qa_OkJbg-Jx7uBjxNyZCnvqwNDW0To-CMy32z50fpEXs/s1600/DSCF9259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwkR2uPqYzQhAq_LpV309JDHQVWSqcDoJf5VP7qe9HrPfmUqqeJ2EFtExPB8bdvGtCMfnXU7xnWr55NW1dQvhYIIJlPu6Gs2qa_OkJbg-Jx7uBjxNyZCnvqwNDW0To-CMy32z50fpEXs/s320/DSCF9259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpNO3Ec1G6u06hHwCZ9qlA4JgfPXvTvcXqji4b67scFLsGlM19zyLkNZiTNqssj5vAJ7df-ZbryeVDkS01LEg6RkkvyGUnvAG8E33t4w6W2EuN5OHV26xNEQOqCh_3oZDIFbLfrjX3Uw/s1600/DSCF9270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpNO3Ec1G6u06hHwCZ9qlA4JgfPXvTvcXqji4b67scFLsGlM19zyLkNZiTNqssj5vAJ7df-ZbryeVDkS01LEg6RkkvyGUnvAG8E33t4w6W2EuN5OHV26xNEQOqCh_3oZDIFbLfrjX3Uw/s320/DSCF9270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After making our way around the pond, we didn't stay much longer. It was a long drive home and we needed to begin the journey. There was enough time to head to the nature trail and look (unsuccessfully) for a geocache, and I got covered in seed ticks in the process. It was a horrible way to end the day, but the beauty surrounding us more than made up for it! It was gorgeous when we were there in the fall. I can't imagine how beautiful it is in the spring!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The End!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb4Eta2lyqcMteon0MxboFu1m7afDR29nCCwp8CCf6gMIO6aiA4Ur7QycqOZtsbHgvJszGCoOvgEfDOzInR2S0knVj5z3wnQwUqfF0314AGk94-7IjQheDMxI4zGOFMeERBDOY6GmYp4/s1600/DSCF9120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFb4Eta2lyqcMteon0MxboFu1m7afDR29nCCwp8CCf6gMIO6aiA4Ur7QycqOZtsbHgvJszGCoOvgEfDOzInR2S0knVj5z3wnQwUqfF0314AGk94-7IjQheDMxI4zGOFMeERBDOY6GmYp4/s320/DSCF9120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ROhqBvYX0D_GtzO7Ph_KLQVjJdfC3Bzfd6SLtycHZYQIZF-ZFpNuYmC-1ohF9OY5TG_DoXjW6VzgY2o9jqt90CeSkdFl0KmRUoY-ql3nMq2SJ8O-EpT8sIwiqjuXVrR616t5f8iRg9U/s1600/DSCF9318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ROhqBvYX0D_GtzO7Ph_KLQVjJdfC3Bzfd6SLtycHZYQIZF-ZFpNuYmC-1ohF9OY5TG_DoXjW6VzgY2o9jqt90CeSkdFl0KmRUoY-ql3nMq2SJ8O-EpT8sIwiqjuXVrR616t5f8iRg9U/s320/DSCF9318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-90667868699968079412013-03-07T17:50:00.001-05:002013-03-07T17:50:23.868-05:00Back from the edge of the EarthI'm here. I promise. I've been remiss about posting, unfortunately, and there are many reasons. Last fall, my blog started getting a bit of attention from some folks I admire. There's nothing like attention to turn off the faucet of creativity. Then we lost my father-in-law...suddenly, and very sadly..., and our holidays were a bit more somber than they ever have been. It's been tough, getting back into the swing of things.<br />
<br />
But, I'm here. I promise. And I'll be back posting...soon, I hope. We did spend one last day in Tallahassee, and then there was our pre-Christmas getaway to O'Leno State Park and River Rise Preserve. They were good trips, and you deserve to read about them.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-41950071281569161372012-12-10T21:26:00.002-05:002012-12-10T21:26:15.948-05:00Tallahassee, Day 2: Orman House, John Gorrie Museum, and St. George Island State Parks<strong>State Parks visited: 60</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyanlEITgLmWl7ikZmWPBqUMX0f1x_qab_XSGy28mEqX0Kw2iNrPR0hxMzBVuvfTBVvNQWFTEDJImKxXBwDyzyFnMrxCuN-MbMQ0QjQ3TfoVOB-Ci1thUSYTq554SDtxa-NXPStEIfUg/s1600/DSCN6849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyanlEITgLmWl7ikZmWPBqUMX0f1x_qab_XSGy28mEqX0Kw2iNrPR0hxMzBVuvfTBVvNQWFTEDJImKxXBwDyzyFnMrxCuN-MbMQ0QjQ3TfoVOB-Ci1thUSYTq554SDtxa-NXPStEIfUg/s320/DSCN6849.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our second day in Tallahassee was a busy one! We opted to drive south and visit a few parks in the Apalachicola area. The first stop was <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/ormanhouse/default.cfm" target="_blank">The Orman House.</a> This home was built in 1838 by a businessman, Thomas Orman. He led the area in cotton exports, among other ventures, and Apalachicola became the busiest port in the region because of him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2MiK-HTomGziVxRlW65u65hejQyhue0ZNYdzWF3PMdgpuSdQUMkY9sIN2mu0XsRCKrWePHuVp-O0u8FZxDcxSkoxWl7Dzd-UfekowKCKcbB7OCnIdBJuMxfDBsG0umSnuszMkemZXXk/s1600/DSCN6921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2MiK-HTomGziVxRlW65u65hejQyhue0ZNYdzWF3PMdgpuSdQUMkY9sIN2mu0XsRCKrWePHuVp-O0u8FZxDcxSkoxWl7Dzd-UfekowKCKcbB7OCnIdBJuMxfDBsG0umSnuszMkemZXXk/s320/DSCN6921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once we walked in, Ranger Beth came out to say hello. She offered to show us around the house and answer questions, so of course we said yes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6-MQl7P3JIlPLg4PtAF5SsTqLIVf_mG9FAM_ZBl5yeVufyuj4rxzyOeCO5PsZ_SYoQ9pL6-bG5zASLk_wAQX_cStkQXTVsuUl8ApOSaQo5Bl7a2w2MNqNW6loZ1IFBX-ZLe7CgXy1LY/s1600/DSCN6860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6-MQl7P3JIlPLg4PtAF5SsTqLIVf_mG9FAM_ZBl5yeVufyuj4rxzyOeCO5PsZ_SYoQ9pL6-bG5zASLk_wAQX_cStkQXTVsuUl8ApOSaQo5Bl7a2w2MNqNW6loZ1IFBX-ZLe7CgXy1LY/s320/DSCN6860.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG1kMwg3hlF6TfqviQSaxFlzHrNIisxFqzbuagXz2n4rpc0a6T-49zHJz97u4gBiAW_AhS05VLV2-TJwmdMz43oa1h6FfZT9Z_jpz6pWPrOL-dggcZw9j13SfVdx6fXZkKQ9Cl1hehBs/s1600/DSCN6862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG1kMwg3hlF6TfqviQSaxFlzHrNIisxFqzbuagXz2n4rpc0a6T-49zHJz97u4gBiAW_AhS05VLV2-TJwmdMz43oa1h6FfZT9Z_jpz6pWPrOL-dggcZw9j13SfVdx6fXZkKQ9Cl1hehBs/s320/DSCN6862.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtlRn4ggr2GFc2wG1gGj7ji6SjHVvabbbyMNNG0wow5cLWGlHp4bvgwPCmQxVVJpid0MtEeq4Xh27pCdO8zwmC0kdcU7pwMqayXa3vMLi4x7FxU9M7bEFkMski4WZyZhsjvNAKmHv5k4/s1600/DSCN6872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtlRn4ggr2GFc2wG1gGj7ji6SjHVvabbbyMNNG0wow5cLWGlHp4bvgwPCmQxVVJpid0MtEeq4Xh27pCdO8zwmC0kdcU7pwMqayXa3vMLi4x7FxU9M7bEFkMski4WZyZhsjvNAKmHv5k4/s320/DSCN6872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYB3oO1Ji3CjF7as0LVhvnREgDMV8qL7qb3JHeZ4A9pIOZtFqz8nAyzMKe39wEPrwm0kWkD2QRqG1cGqwCoH6UUxwHGMtrGsMMQ1nhzYvyUqkfRVzTFfUXRdu8HhvOIEEZnu2GQTu3tc/s1600/DSCN6877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYB3oO1Ji3CjF7as0LVhvnREgDMV8qL7qb3JHeZ4A9pIOZtFqz8nAyzMKe39wEPrwm0kWkD2QRqG1cGqwCoH6UUxwHGMtrGsMMQ1nhzYvyUqkfRVzTFfUXRdu8HhvOIEEZnu2GQTu3tc/s320/DSCN6877.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0tQTVFnNhxoD_bc4d1BGSYjWwr5qJ5zIYR87ZKMAcy67sITRp0LxeIEWB5xPd849c3OOTlxzAYA7ExWPjkIUdFz37E4FYk8mYAvY7s7HjTWW_s3cJlMseYXaKB2f1JoFOe1ijeM0eF4/s1600/DSCN6879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0tQTVFnNhxoD_bc4d1BGSYjWwr5qJ5zIYR87ZKMAcy67sITRp0LxeIEWB5xPd849c3OOTlxzAYA7ExWPjkIUdFz37E4FYk8mYAvY7s7HjTWW_s3cJlMseYXaKB2f1JoFOe1ijeM0eF4/s320/DSCN6879.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really enjoyed our tour of the Orman House. It was especially interesting learning about the family that owned it, how the house had been passed through several generations, and then how it fell into disrepair. In fact, there used to be a horse that lived in the yard, and the last owners ran it as a bed and breakfast. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8WwvGW6F6U3hyphenhyphenkgK29nHWQ1LezaRc0meS0OtpOBSl_6F72Qr2Yjuu3t3vNYRIIsFsZFfZLFWLx9oFV-r1ESvMLP0nbTW457vxhHt3rrSz98vnj-NRGL9KCdU8746MLqfXB_HjPh76dA/s1600/DSCN6929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8WwvGW6F6U3hyphenhyphenkgK29nHWQ1LezaRc0meS0OtpOBSl_6F72Qr2Yjuu3t3vNYRIIsFsZFfZLFWLx9oFV-r1ESvMLP0nbTW457vxhHt3rrSz98vnj-NRGL9KCdU8746MLqfXB_HjPh76dA/s320/DSCN6929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the property outside the house is a replica of the Three Soldiers Detail, dedicated to veterans of the Vietnam War. If you visit the Orman House, please, take the time to visit the statue as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbH9URst7Bw8q3bFdUufjZxpNUKWAYzK86s8UGp16Cb_l4WdwjoM76wuoYNf9tgOTT_2zrs4hpSpw4QScnQ6veDnLCjJl7uEwLbQ5gcLusj_pzVTQj2K8fph19DMsQ_Vo3VtTUkhlgQ0/s1600/DSCN6928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbH9URst7Bw8q3bFdUufjZxpNUKWAYzK86s8UGp16Cb_l4WdwjoM76wuoYNf9tgOTT_2zrs4hpSpw4QScnQ6veDnLCjJl7uEwLbQ5gcLusj_pzVTQj2K8fph19DMsQ_Vo3VtTUkhlgQ0/s320/DSCN6928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once we left the Orman House, we drove a few blocks away to see the <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/johngorriemuseum/default.cfm" target="_blank">John Gorrie Museum.</a> I managed to take exactly 4 pictures of the outside before I dropped and broke our camera...which makes it the third or fourth time I've done that. Ahem. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pg4W5AiMri3rZbjTslzk9PSz5PnzWd5bhLqROWZmzrFvpmL4ttgMuclsjwFzDCq18OeJ4N0rCLeh-UbfDHCFM-Sm5UkK_fXFkeNR52cxO2zeTllj6iC1DDVvnzhtKXRzFUwhRvwXUbY/s1600/DSCN6934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pg4W5AiMri3rZbjTslzk9PSz5PnzWd5bhLqROWZmzrFvpmL4ttgMuclsjwFzDCq18OeJ4N0rCLeh-UbfDHCFM-Sm5UkK_fXFkeNR52cxO2zeTllj6iC1DDVvnzhtKXRzFUwhRvwXUbY/s320/DSCN6934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now, why should there be a museum dedicated to John Gorrie? Well, let me ask you this: Where are you from? I am a Floridian, and our summers are hot and sticky. Imagine working outside in the heat of summer, and then coming inside to an air conditioned room and drinking an ice cold beverage. Totally refreshing, right? You have John Gorrie to thank for that. He was the father of modern refrigeration, and I personally think he should have a museum, national holiday, and maybe even a planet named after him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuNw_A4aBQYXEEWQgWQ8KZq8RbscrOYaYnUh0bR_NSGNrXhTHBZZvEUcIdkFZpD1Oc2r7NmH1fZoJW5mQPiQXqsCyH-55XZrzOxWMjUZIR5vgTNswzbU4rzm86XDDIpSSm2gXcEFwT10/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuNw_A4aBQYXEEWQgWQ8KZq8RbscrOYaYnUh0bR_NSGNrXhTHBZZvEUcIdkFZpD1Oc2r7NmH1fZoJW5mQPiQXqsCyH-55XZrzOxWMjUZIR5vgTNswzbU4rzm86XDDIpSSm2gXcEFwT10/s320/IMG_0833.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My iPhone came to the rescue, and I was able to take pictures on our walk through the museum. It's a really small building, and it's actually only partly dedicated to Dr. Gorrie. The rest of it shows the history of Apalachicola, from cotton plantations to oystering. The center of it all is a recreation of the first ice machine. Dr. Gorrie worked on this machine as a way of cooling down patients afflicted with malaria and yellow fever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNfbpyzGotRSzVYgc7-SpKwzs1Xw4R64cG58v-kk1jq_LzJW5ZZFMqTqumGhzBWc5RD4oi3WvxO91YcgYOraCyotKGerLFEJS61ilojlDBb9y9MMWdrijCsyjPjLjgTjh5d4HiUvO9Hc/s1600/IMG_0839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNfbpyzGotRSzVYgc7-SpKwzs1Xw4R64cG58v-kk1jq_LzJW5ZZFMqTqumGhzBWc5RD4oi3WvxO91YcgYOraCyotKGerLFEJS61ilojlDBb9y9MMWdrijCsyjPjLjgTjh5d4HiUvO9Hc/s320/IMG_0839.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia loved playing with this ship's wheel, because the picture moved along with the wheel's movements. Some other photos (please pardon the quality):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx2kRZVmN0-JGal2ndWJIKP1frOKOH9OGSuAcr7K8C4xEOwUkoehWx0P8MZh_7l_J8D9WtPLUmNOZ7miJub4FBrxcm0bZGvcbzHpapO7LJYoeWSe9a7pd02V-td7RaOiS0sO6WpbcfWE/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfx2kRZVmN0-JGal2ndWJIKP1frOKOH9OGSuAcr7K8C4xEOwUkoehWx0P8MZh_7l_J8D9WtPLUmNOZ7miJub4FBrxcm0bZGvcbzHpapO7LJYoeWSe9a7pd02V-td7RaOiS0sO6WpbcfWE/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4Uqw06Do4fr1EajsuLl-1pWL5-2Qf7oeUu4bqerInOWXqP1A9Ichorvs7nMpw1GIi-XngSiE39NBrpfqDu0zqrnHfjGFYkDlVE9ZrEQAhNwLFChTCbn_igmfTssqGGX9Z8ZWZs_7LY8/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4Uqw06Do4fr1EajsuLl-1pWL5-2Qf7oeUu4bqerInOWXqP1A9Ichorvs7nMpw1GIi-XngSiE39NBrpfqDu0zqrnHfjGFYkDlVE9ZrEQAhNwLFChTCbn_igmfTssqGGX9Z8ZWZs_7LY8/s320/IMG_0852.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFQn5GAd0BXoStl3q2j2Fe1y7dCFm6BPwSZFf3hd_b8iv9VUV0Z_WZ178plAZFtzTAs7hdNf21c3c0Fw_c-HbOjt3mEGUwRetmPYm7-FA6_Z1FP09_B4cvOUtmxwFxkHBoRxGVBPFRoQ/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQFQn5GAd0BXoStl3q2j2Fe1y7dCFm6BPwSZFf3hd_b8iv9VUV0Z_WZ178plAZFtzTAs7hdNf21c3c0Fw_c-HbOjt3mEGUwRetmPYm7-FA6_Z1FP09_B4cvOUtmxwFxkHBoRxGVBPFRoQ/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafiXZfTZXfSqH-MJkyvAn3yni1bI6Ci-uWGDQ4YkTegef-y5jBBgwHILsFUbD522lN59wyhgQjP6GvoB6K4-YrSiD1otjLVUgVRGiNPU1zw5bllFXQh8J2n8hD7qzJd36DyCSkKtnEhs/s1600/IMG_0856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafiXZfTZXfSqH-MJkyvAn3yni1bI6Ci-uWGDQ4YkTegef-y5jBBgwHILsFUbD522lN59wyhgQjP6GvoB6K4-YrSiD1otjLVUgVRGiNPU1zw5bllFXQh8J2n8hD7qzJd36DyCSkKtnEhs/s320/IMG_0856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You might think those two parks were quite enough activity for one day, but we weren't ready to end the fun right then. Nope, we actually drove over to St. George Island and paid a visit to the <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/stgeorgeisland/default.cfm" target="_blank">Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park</a>. Got all that?! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWb5LsarpmaNDApj2Xa-_9kcMvv_c44tWNANfTKqXFlrepTXSj6-Cr5U1P3AELhlhMhYI2rp83ep9tdeOPBOPBZTh7y9z6H-mXYV98EhGDdfevsnAFBQ4MIeF3hFhSpQZ9itvRfPcnwQ/s1600/DSCF9035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvWb5LsarpmaNDApj2Xa-_9kcMvv_c44tWNANfTKqXFlrepTXSj6-Cr5U1P3AELhlhMhYI2rp83ep9tdeOPBOPBZTh7y9z6H-mXYV98EhGDdfevsnAFBQ4MIeF3hFhSpQZ9itvRfPcnwQ/s320/DSCF9035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm going to go ahead and apologize here because I lost some pictures in the shuffle between camera and iPhone. So, I don't have the usual photos I usually post of the park entry sign! Enjoy this picnic pavilion instead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In fact, we enjoyed the picnic pavilion ourselves when we got there. It wasn't crowded, and it provided a great place for our lunch. Afterward we headed down to the water for a little relaxation. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our trip to this particular beach was only a few days after Tropical Storm Debby moved through North Florida. It was quickly evident that the area was still feeling the effects of the storm. See it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3115oHTgeVsGuKh44cD7jXyMfTNTuPWKhliuW_xQU5umgTYRLD0ZtY_xco7nwnPIe79t_VX4asFG_oLDRxs0tfQqrIEQ__qJUJz8izj2QsMYjRc9iaIoKpOfuFXI09I9ZDr9V-5nSmM/s1600/DSCF9041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3115oHTgeVsGuKh44cD7jXyMfTNTuPWKhliuW_xQU5umgTYRLD0ZtY_xco7nwnPIe79t_VX4asFG_oLDRxs0tfQqrIEQ__qJUJz8izj2QsMYjRc9iaIoKpOfuFXI09I9ZDr9V-5nSmM/s320/DSCF9041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was a sign at the ranger station saying there was a lot of seaweed because of the storm, but...wow! This line of seaweed, called a wrack line or beach wrack, had gotten a lot of complaints from some park guests, if you can believe it. I mean, come on! It's a natural thing, deal with it. These park rangers have enough to deal with.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_xrtTAurlfpdmCdQev6SL6DH1FK11js3TTGvSJtsvngdK5-BOcLaZCm6uRsWokoLOJhnNJqa2UwbPw9xf6e_wAqfrZgVeh23aWjt_8iPLNDm9vItBcGbVcV-IfTkpnwZ5v3EaSbD63E/s1600/DSCF9042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs_xrtTAurlfpdmCdQev6SL6DH1FK11js3TTGvSJtsvngdK5-BOcLaZCm6uRsWokoLOJhnNJqa2UwbPw9xf6e_wAqfrZgVeh23aWjt_8iPLNDm9vItBcGbVcV-IfTkpnwZ5v3EaSbD63E/s320/DSCF9042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course, that being said, I was not a fan of the large dark masses moving through the water. It creeped me out, and Olivia too, so we decided to spend our beach time doing other things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shelling:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QYDN75yIqM4-ByJmlNBl9hPXrsJEsVM9SeHTMNkrsd5ysPRU1NtIUKDSUD9fMB9WO5qEobB2Q11989NHGxQGqc-d3yJT2Ub2vQlJX_AL_IreAraHo7rHCWsP7Vpw0FTdEBBbfT5ESH8/s1600/DSCF9045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-QYDN75yIqM4-ByJmlNBl9hPXrsJEsVM9SeHTMNkrsd5ysPRU1NtIUKDSUD9fMB9WO5qEobB2Q11989NHGxQGqc-d3yJT2Ub2vQlJX_AL_IreAraHo7rHCWsP7Vpw0FTdEBBbfT5ESH8/s320/DSCF9045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hunting for wildlife:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EZ_33wjFr5aWATa_cbK4JEP15DwoD8QqOdYIVSCXVvyX-iWHoy9BYgnoyzXvP8mlrB-Z6AgZTUpyLNH5E4DdafgNKv1AK9LBZi6Ww2no_ryW5zw-6w31vF9-RQDTmbWX1HrtCvN6otw/s1600/DSCF9075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3EZ_33wjFr5aWATa_cbK4JEP15DwoD8QqOdYIVSCXVvyX-iWHoy9BYgnoyzXvP8mlrB-Z6AgZTUpyLNH5E4DdafgNKv1AK9LBZi6Ww2no_ryW5zw-6w31vF9-RQDTmbWX1HrtCvN6otw/s320/DSCF9075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And building 'mommy and me' sand turtles:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEgmyzuSbnT0sIi4dATYtEP5iRscTFxLlJ6XhM19syr_EdW-OLK6S4XGrfljtz2Jh3TEgQ6-C_o85BwPkvwFTdhaHuGxR3D-mDAHQuRVPHYWLGgT3VK3g_DLaHrD9aZW4_RvzXECFkpA/s1600/DSCF9093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEgmyzuSbnT0sIi4dATYtEP5iRscTFxLlJ6XhM19syr_EdW-OLK6S4XGrfljtz2Jh3TEgQ6-C_o85BwPkvwFTdhaHuGxR3D-mDAHQuRVPHYWLGgT3VK3g_DLaHrD9aZW4_RvzXECFkpA/s320/DSCF9093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UPpRAnfqTGSPiRbDs_PkFQHerrbW8WAvnpmOjTt6CephWgZx08dm1PxqmLrqNfVjIg_vJBe4CyQB9zjLBA6bCANmEr8sCilzDMTAGQEXUuMysNW2AQe5bIOEqkEkEfkn-6tOVcYdKxM/s1600/DSCF9096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UPpRAnfqTGSPiRbDs_PkFQHerrbW8WAvnpmOjTt6CephWgZx08dm1PxqmLrqNfVjIg_vJBe4CyQB9zjLBA6bCANmEr8sCilzDMTAGQEXUuMysNW2AQe5bIOEqkEkEfkn-6tOVcYdKxM/s320/DSCF9096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The little bit of sightseeing we did showed us the highest dunes I think I've ever seen, and a walkway to nowhere:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfIm8sf8Mr4xRvq3jEOGAJg5LxbezWhMK09woXHSN7iay-LzN3GrFyXXz8fY6kGjOXmWm_5ClXqcdNp5xC8ixI8CWe31LY-8D-6vKODS9BvUxgE6N-SJZALZT1SrPHeBGsvCiF25Oxgw/s1600/DSCF9116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfIm8sf8Mr4xRvq3jEOGAJg5LxbezWhMK09woXHSN7iay-LzN3GrFyXXz8fY6kGjOXmWm_5ClXqcdNp5xC8ixI8CWe31LY-8D-6vKODS9BvUxgE6N-SJZALZT1SrPHeBGsvCiF25Oxgw/s320/DSCF9116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our visit to St. George Island was brief. On the way out we drove through the campground, and then stopped by the ranger station to buy a patch. It was a quiet end to a busy day, just what we needed before packing up and leaving for home the next day...after one more park, of course.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt3hwJKdHbWADpXwjV1zYP1tp9_UUA_IbUq1hSw58ByD1hf6kdMAZZlu2G7ZjY1Aih_Q2sF8D2Z3oVirttAYRFOJo6Dk6kA9PsWnUlTc2P92BDHN7qZLhsQlPOQWXp9V4c2IjsFQHWsI/s1600/DSCF9316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxt3hwJKdHbWADpXwjV1zYP1tp9_UUA_IbUq1hSw58ByD1hf6kdMAZZlu2G7ZjY1Aih_Q2sF8D2Z3oVirttAYRFOJo6Dk6kA9PsWnUlTc2P92BDHN7qZLhsQlPOQWXp9V4c2IjsFQHWsI/s320/DSCF9316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYY9uwtwv4iu60zvr4RhXkpUb7bEAZ1206vrTuLVle_7Gl7gNjX9_XKXmvITMFSVaqbome7-cgDl4yA8-ME7J3uCfAfCztmpcShnbAdbl2MbJYUYcBMIfl8Hhs_k4uQWo3MkDwbo7YiA/s1600/DSCF9317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYY9uwtwv4iu60zvr4RhXkpUb7bEAZ1206vrTuLVle_7Gl7gNjX9_XKXmvITMFSVaqbome7-cgDl4yA8-ME7J3uCfAfCztmpcShnbAdbl2MbJYUYcBMIfl8Hhs_k4uQWo3MkDwbo7YiA/s320/DSCF9317.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-78309317001206453122012-10-09T18:37:00.001-04:002012-10-09T18:37:41.900-04:00Please join us for an awesome event!!<strong> Hike & Seek in Highlands Hammock State Park!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfvi9YGhacfb23FbPCFXRAgk_NyL7ZQLpEfGtnT3RoNwdsJDrtYO9djgW9aSDe4SRxW-AHzqrN8aAP-k166pfmawHrE73T7DHBWbG-_n3McqtSOaAOf3hgzFlpJyH2VnzSB0zu-iEbF4/s1600/DSCN3144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnfvi9YGhacfb23FbPCFXRAgk_NyL7ZQLpEfGtnT3RoNwdsJDrtYO9djgW9aSDe4SRxW-AHzqrN8aAP-k166pfmawHrE73T7DHBWbG-_n3McqtSOaAOf3hgzFlpJyH2VnzSB0zu-iEbF4/s320/DSCN3144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hi Friends! I wanted to share an upcoming geocaching event with you. If y'all remember, last year we attended the inaugural Hike & Seek in Highlands Hammock State Park. It was our first trip to Highlands Hammock, and we've been back a few times since. This event was amazing! The organizer, Sarah (geocaching handle: rabid_duck), put out around 100 geocaches of all types and skill levels. The scenery was gorgeous and we had a super weekend. You can find my blog entry on the event <a href="http://ouryearoutdoors.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00:00:00-08:00&max-results=28" target="_blank">HERE.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09aNmBDiZIul7oLu1Au9zxNai1sS3pnNYK6xsqOd7ZskC4uux8kwQvveuWI47oLgAnDcJNNrS_9pZ5IiA0eBSONjRb873heRpezvyxF58SCaeg4bQw1GU-nCTSIyhI6SZr3m8hdVq5e8/s1600/DSCN3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09aNmBDiZIul7oLu1Au9zxNai1sS3pnNYK6xsqOd7ZskC4uux8kwQvveuWI47oLgAnDcJNNrS_9pZ5IiA0eBSONjRb873heRpezvyxF58SCaeg4bQw1GU-nCTSIyhI6SZr3m8hdVq5e8/s320/DSCN3164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Hike & Seek event coincides with the annual Civilian Conservation Corps Festival. The CCC workers created our first state parks, including Highlands Hammock, and the museum dedicated to them is a humbling experience to look through. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0s-3nNvwxwRO0tPI6KtjDJYv564UmV6WJB97wD0tn49xwNcFBlLXpAbYqCF9qi8gWZ-lQdsfFXwdVu0VhrSekWnI9sR_xtQ1N-5CFVC_AfbmtO8wyrRso8FfguGGjGNcpgIEPn1NWT4/s1600/DSCN3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0s-3nNvwxwRO0tPI6KtjDJYv564UmV6WJB97wD0tn49xwNcFBlLXpAbYqCF9qi8gWZ-lQdsfFXwdVu0VhrSekWnI9sR_xtQ1N-5CFVC_AfbmtO8wyrRso8FfguGGjGNcpgIEPn1NWT4/s320/DSCN3440.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, here's the skinny: You can find the official Geocaching event publication <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?guid=47bed28a-6513-47e8-a392-a986b26f5d15" target="_blank">HERE.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can find the Highlands Hammock State Park webpage <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock/default.cfm" target="_blank">HERE.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can reserve a campsite...the BEST!!... way to experience this event (my opinion, of course, but it's true!)....<a href="http://floridastateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/Highlands_Hammock_Sp/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=FL&parkId=281036&topTabIndex=CampingSpot" target="_blank">HERE.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXc-hU6liTd_y_A8MwIqACazSPrrySx5UnwP-r-mAIojfsA6PxqVIyP8T0aTrxliF0RS6HJk_OCznCbtN7GN2C9c8SI9N_2TE-C1IydCfkVPlaHUmwaY_GWhYXoYw4x3ePn5T3oqF3Gg/s1600/DSCN3264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXc-hU6liTd_y_A8MwIqACazSPrrySx5UnwP-r-mAIojfsA6PxqVIyP8T0aTrxliF0RS6HJk_OCznCbtN7GN2C9c8SI9N_2TE-C1IydCfkVPlaHUmwaY_GWhYXoYw4x3ePn5T3oqF3Gg/s320/DSCN3264.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, that's it. Highlands Hammock State Park, November 3rd. 9am at the Rec Hall. If you have any questions about geocaching, have been curious to try it out, or want to meet new friends, COME. Feel free to leave me a comment and ask any questions, too. Or, you can contact Sarah, too: <a href="mailto:DTISarah@gmail.com" target="_blank">DTISarah@gmail.com</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, one last thing. We met and made many new friends at this event last year. I can't say enough how much I loved attending! But to make it even sweeter, we got to know Sarah. She worked her ass off putting this event together, and I really love her for it. You can tell she's dedicated to this park, and I'm so glad we've gotten to know her better. She is a true friend, and I know she...and I...and Rob...would love it if you'd attend with us this year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, that's the end, for real.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTurr9JBYjIHOiz389M3EYg8AcTZezlCP-vLuKh0GaFXCoczebdywLQMgDZ25XuEZKNDJMIMo8yTFMiqxc7SGtZPN0NNW0SFvzZHqfLFHUbyDK0WLkKhkhL6y59q7puEiXn854ZglKcL8/s1600/DSCN3493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTurr9JBYjIHOiz389M3EYg8AcTZezlCP-vLuKh0GaFXCoczebdywLQMgDZ25XuEZKNDJMIMo8yTFMiqxc7SGtZPN0NNW0SFvzZHqfLFHUbyDK0WLkKhkhL6y59q7puEiXn854ZglKcL8/s320/DSCN3493.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-52652199506661860562012-10-07T14:57:00.000-04:002012-10-07T14:57:01.648-04:00Tallahassee Day 1: Letchworth-Love Mounds, Lake Jackson Mounds, and Lake Talquin State Forest<strong>State Parks visited: 57</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLkR6hocFwoPqqhs-5BuyC7Y54rM-mEvw8-CrBKBywJ9o2bmGzpAyXR_7Ry_o3NfngwOk4753BBcEl1S_wliUQgZtHQf-vXyT9YfDTg5skDPRPp1Vs8E6Rm9e3S8YiMcQQS_TCc-Futs/s1600/DSCN6592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLkR6hocFwoPqqhs-5BuyC7Y54rM-mEvw8-CrBKBywJ9o2bmGzpAyXR_7Ry_o3NfngwOk4753BBcEl1S_wliUQgZtHQf-vXyT9YfDTg5skDPRPp1Vs8E6Rm9e3S8YiMcQQS_TCc-Futs/s320/DSCN6592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since Olivia and Rob were out of school and work for Labor Day, I decided to take the day off as well. With 3 whole days off together, of course we took a road trip! Tallahassee was our destination, since there are so many park possibilities in the surrounding areas. We packed up as much as we could Friday night and hit the road bright and early Saturday morning. The drive is only about 4 hours, and we took our time. First destination? The <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/letchworth/default.cfm" target="_blank">Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park</a>. A name that gives us the giggles, sure, but an important place nonetheless.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou9t7VBUB4-sFtsB4JgraV3e-AYetfJkvS6RSfTPN6Cp1HDIA-oggoUQ-OGI3Fc51qPLZjCr94d0h5L6B93n4Sg4EqllZ_vwy4Ip5ObiAu0g-ZNYVqlA8WKgn5v0SIo9ozukmfd2tvSg/s1600/DSCN6596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou9t7VBUB4-sFtsB4JgraV3e-AYetfJkvS6RSfTPN6Cp1HDIA-oggoUQ-OGI3Fc51qPLZjCr94d0h5L6B93n4Sg4EqllZ_vwy4Ip5ObiAu0g-ZNYVqlA8WKgn5v0SIo9ozukmfd2tvSg/s320/DSCN6596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We drove through a quiet residential area in our search for the park. Eventually we found the right driveway and parked the car. The pathway led to a small educational pavilion, and we spent a few minutes looking around at the exhibits.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEwiHptdEkyAx5zVGGnhQHfqdBdIkMvm586Xg4o0n1y55akyOYj6bG1uR_SvirshrkxmQx03nHLA38GM366uThjoURhhArDA9MOffegVOT5-YIxHiB97jQK-8-2wz5RlBT7MzuJt9xWY/s1600/DSCN6597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEwiHptdEkyAx5zVGGnhQHfqdBdIkMvm586Xg4o0n1y55akyOYj6bG1uR_SvirshrkxmQx03nHLA38GM366uThjoURhhArDA9MOffegVOT5-YIxHiB97jQK-8-2wz5RlBT7MzuJt9xWY/s320/DSCN6597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhE8XTu6-x6xcUS9wmrQigL-FnPjV5mJ4mTz08Z-OtwopZQdqITj0hOxQuspoefWKSBzUeOXEprDJzkQH8nCs4wdVbtFUyzLCwoNAt6L12zBPYPrpXlscszT-tuU7E7VUkaibsUrE44Q/s1600/DSCN6606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhE8XTu6-x6xcUS9wmrQigL-FnPjV5mJ4mTz08Z-OtwopZQdqITj0hOxQuspoefWKSBzUeOXEprDJzkQH8nCs4wdVbtFUyzLCwoNAt6L12zBPYPrpXlscszT-tuU7E7VUkaibsUrE44Q/s320/DSCN6606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TwICjL3lzcAxiydeJ0YrbbKFBOkhNuJRxCTOGVg2JBtalXuf0LYVLJln-ZUyHCxlxfH7qMzGtfr0CGE2ySFyo039vW7ovfovPezpgXBFqyF7qZssZt7-5n6XHO1dUl4wmhGb9FwF5OI/s1600/DSCN6610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TwICjL3lzcAxiydeJ0YrbbKFBOkhNuJRxCTOGVg2JBtalXuf0LYVLJln-ZUyHCxlxfH7qMzGtfr0CGE2ySFyo039vW7ovfovPezpgXBFqyF7qZssZt7-5n6XHO1dUl4wmhGb9FwF5OI/s320/DSCN6610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHpCE3iUKi93KrggCwTKNB1aUw8DYt7qEaTGwLg7rLERdAny4hBPT9vylCvdvAUnzFY3sAKLZNbjrMH5EkuqtCYyVUCf2FtVFNa2X7yy0_eTSJcFKcvzSBdd2Z6fzVVplMFsjzYSsx5M/s1600/DSCN6611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHpCE3iUKi93KrggCwTKNB1aUw8DYt7qEaTGwLg7rLERdAny4hBPT9vylCvdvAUnzFY3sAKLZNbjrMH5EkuqtCYyVUCf2FtVFNa2X7yy0_eTSJcFKcvzSBdd2Z6fzVVplMFsjzYSsx5M/s320/DSCN6611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not sure whether to be proud or hang my head in shame. ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eventually we made our way down the path and up the ramp to an observation area. Along the way we disturbed a black racer (snake), but it lived up to its name and I couldn't get a picture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLcfINjoxno8F0Kbf8XcGdAUz7MjPwmioWu3YYUShlANNKGMKl8sI7QVXxC3Vp9nXbQ0OasveQ63XkTqZY7T2Fd-PbpDijGWAfb0C587RFGFq1dBwvMhmKEH7NV03EwwHOlWoV8sPZQU/s1600/DSCN6619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLcfINjoxno8F0Kbf8XcGdAUz7MjPwmioWu3YYUShlANNKGMKl8sI7QVXxC3Vp9nXbQ0OasveQ63XkTqZY7T2Fd-PbpDijGWAfb0C587RFGFq1dBwvMhmKEH7NV03EwwHOlWoV8sPZQU/s320/DSCN6619.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a picture of the main ceremonial mound from the side:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl9k8T_bC1daVK4lWGBmaGGEl-xX2IhN1uf97Jsm7CzL3UstVKoNl53HL3JaPHAxFwP2bw1Uziz0zHi24oTRC80qdZ5j0WrIrDAE43wqhCdajnaz9l_SKdulo1sUS6Fc03jyIqrT6iWs/s1600/DSCN6624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkl9k8T_bC1daVK4lWGBmaGGEl-xX2IhN1uf97Jsm7CzL3UstVKoNl53HL3JaPHAxFwP2bw1Uziz0zHi24oTRC80qdZ5j0WrIrDAE43wqhCdajnaz9l_SKdulo1sUS6Fc03jyIqrT6iWs/s320/DSCN6624.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you were just hiking along through the woods and came across the site, you wouldn't think much of it, right? Except that maybe Florida terrain usually doesn't lend itself to hill-like structures like this. The significant thing, though, is that this is the largest temple mound in the state, standing 46 feet tall. And, it's somewhere between 1100-1800 years old. I am awestruck that it has withstood the test of time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ3UQFCGqgfeqoUiRY72vjeuvdTGuL5UF86RVTk-M9LuJFKMUgxTKzSWOsnk7R5PSMsZrcBisNuCCszZ84hFKY9FcvzWKdmsb9_ZDfDnxqdRL9gCdS_Aor2oBxhu1aJETPISxb6JPZGI/s1600/DSCN6626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQ3UQFCGqgfeqoUiRY72vjeuvdTGuL5UF86RVTk-M9LuJFKMUgxTKzSWOsnk7R5PSMsZrcBisNuCCszZ84hFKY9FcvzWKdmsb9_ZDfDnxqdRL9gCdS_Aor2oBxhu1aJETPISxb6JPZGI/s320/DSCN6626.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thankfully, the people who created this park included this sign. It's extremely helpful when figuring out what you're looking at!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4NseSbg9x2G_mPsSThzh5se5xEDuXatCHM1t6INMzUCy8sFVknKt1tQKQww8VNiC9iSYbsSlUMdhyGq5-Mci4QyIx7pG61mzDVHyO9GdlystMSJQxXSwmlwsUUqBwvBtUIJYIDBbwqU/s1600/DSCN6625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4NseSbg9x2G_mPsSThzh5se5xEDuXatCHM1t6INMzUCy8sFVknKt1tQKQww8VNiC9iSYbsSlUMdhyGq5-Mci4QyIx7pG61mzDVHyO9GdlystMSJQxXSwmlwsUUqBwvBtUIJYIDBbwqU/s320/DSCN6625.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a short interpretive trail near the mound, but we decided to skip it. Mosquitoes were pretty fierce, and we had other things to see. So, we headed back to the car. Along the way, some interesting mushrooms caught our attention. Rob was very sure he had located the 'mounds' in the park name....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzmNMIOS15Ije1Gwdf_nJvbRWnrwtdaul3_PznzYVumFglmz8i6TvaVXY-F_gs37QxmLFgMsM5CghPx8AzDHEOTe17G4jFNclj-1qGsj_1CoZOOkxt0eJ458nl76UIcwIfoyQ27n3Wms/s1600/DSCN6639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvzmNMIOS15Ije1Gwdf_nJvbRWnrwtdaul3_PznzYVumFglmz8i6TvaVXY-F_gs37QxmLFgMsM5CghPx8AzDHEOTe17G4jFNclj-1qGsj_1CoZOOkxt0eJ458nl76UIcwIfoyQ27n3Wms/s320/DSCN6639.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yep, they even made it onto Instagram:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hvlU2xs50GY4DOFeaSqQuJ7WSc7iLVD60mrzMtXDn8s8AvGTkVhkVlj50eR4aPc0FWSFcx6wHztSlMzWtjBa1i0TCkHU8jW3DfhY8YiWkVxQA2Z1_2lnpPwxV6B75gHBzJvFmVrWjWY/s1600/DSCN6642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hvlU2xs50GY4DOFeaSqQuJ7WSc7iLVD60mrzMtXDn8s8AvGTkVhkVlj50eR4aPc0FWSFcx6wHztSlMzWtjBa1i0TCkHU8jW3DfhY8YiWkVxQA2Z1_2lnpPwxV6B75gHBzJvFmVrWjWY/s320/DSCN6642.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I wonder where Olivia gets it. ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4u7308AyZz1LUjKFpN2pCgDOwRQ4C7mwWWWYOBYGOVdtvxTI7uUdZ-nYg-Z9_cEljfVzylq9-B9V8iPeKt62y-iBl2SGcdCDn5vYUqmwC9F-ggD9BhnUO2tZqd42SRaQJM23WXz_8tEY/s1600/DSCN6648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4u7308AyZz1LUjKFpN2pCgDOwRQ4C7mwWWWYOBYGOVdtvxTI7uUdZ-nYg-Z9_cEljfVzylq9-B9V8iPeKt62y-iBl2SGcdCDn5vYUqmwC9F-ggD9BhnUO2tZqd42SRaQJM23WXz_8tEY/s320/DSCN6648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We drove a little while longer and came to our second park of the day, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakejackson/default.cfm" target="_blank">Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park.</a> This one is another set of ceremonial mounds, the largest a little shorter than the last one (36 feet tall), and not quite as old (only about 800 years old). Before looking around at the park, though, we decided to eat lunch:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlKzoSblekTrl7nVzB2yKsrMJxMVJM1tu7jD0JS4qyUYq2StkI4QifFEa7Kk4krgB7-kDL58PZ3QUOmOPSue02PAO8MkBjd84ZiYiQR_VHaKj9brB_dk2ioFx6K6-61tEIVhN3V7wvNY/s1600/DSCN6653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlKzoSblekTrl7nVzB2yKsrMJxMVJM1tu7jD0JS4qyUYq2StkI4QifFEa7Kk4krgB7-kDL58PZ3QUOmOPSue02PAO8MkBjd84ZiYiQR_VHaKj9brB_dk2ioFx6K6-61tEIVhN3V7wvNY/s320/DSCN6653.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once that was taken care of, we made our way over to one of the two ceremonial mounds open for the public.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FHn8Qbv65nmfq8HyzObFs250-nZvU8TjVPTKCvRXEoH5zMVb5iN3PLXQKsOCzYO_p934IZAA2uGaX4EuVTYDKaqurDHl_0xviAzG89aWsieR2AGATFK0TJdhea4hDSpfO6W9FstgrB8/s1600/DSCN6656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8FHn8Qbv65nmfq8HyzObFs250-nZvU8TjVPTKCvRXEoH5zMVb5iN3PLXQKsOCzYO_p934IZAA2uGaX4EuVTYDKaqurDHl_0xviAzG89aWsieR2AGATFK0TJdhea4hDSpfO6W9FstgrB8/s320/DSCN6656.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, since the interpretive trail is nearby, we went for a short hike (and did some geocaching as well):</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ARGh7UconQf8uiSyvhL-0ID3V-91ey68ckWbWeeiPmJl6-_zzRuMzdJfa2Ja83hzHued35iwHIKsJ6q0TO7qNFHQKDKyXQX6SKCsEP7zO3Uzz9Kz5TgI_lzjQ7gl80zxdBYOl-EcXLE/s1600/DSCN6662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ARGh7UconQf8uiSyvhL-0ID3V-91ey68ckWbWeeiPmJl6-_zzRuMzdJfa2Ja83hzHued35iwHIKsJ6q0TO7qNFHQKDKyXQX6SKCsEP7zO3Uzz9Kz5TgI_lzjQ7gl80zxdBYOl-EcXLE/s320/DSCN6662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOubNzG3nESAsNDYcZlyBELd0TYBTuH89xOyQq07Gj4VlGkk7573iLdVJkwdiePzAFrYb9MRAKZBs3_caDfj6ObrztyiX8zVshxSYQY1PWSKfzU8LluF18RS-bA0eNhygxD40zV3JY6Sk/s1600/DSCN6677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOubNzG3nESAsNDYcZlyBELd0TYBTuH89xOyQq07Gj4VlGkk7573iLdVJkwdiePzAFrYb9MRAKZBs3_caDfj6ObrztyiX8zVshxSYQY1PWSKfzU8LluF18RS-bA0eNhygxD40zV3JY6Sk/s320/DSCN6677.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPQ6mFXUSDQK_VCj1PN2YbncgABbplgWt9WlwfQuyrq-nlzURjBjou4V9GrXJbZry2UTpbgbPR7csN94WBku6K80yJiC8X7RofIF-zvi79FZXqai6pBs0cYhVhX_1bxElNcTIrkiiACg/s1600/DSCN6682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPQ6mFXUSDQK_VCj1PN2YbncgABbplgWt9WlwfQuyrq-nlzURjBjou4V9GrXJbZry2UTpbgbPR7csN94WBku6K80yJiC8X7RofIF-zvi79FZXqai6pBs0cYhVhX_1bxElNcTIrkiiACg/s320/DSCN6682.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8q7vEnQSXmMr-EowTlbEITO9npv2z3kQPJrRoNx6j2eKpFAEpbfCgLGV7k4LNkvyEr75M7eqzBDukN4xfspNzO5eT5Vvumo3qQm31o2HvYl8P76mppoKgos6BmD7Po8XnqguSyl_ETE/s1600/DSCN6691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8q7vEnQSXmMr-EowTlbEITO9npv2z3kQPJrRoNx6j2eKpFAEpbfCgLGV7k4LNkvyEr75M7eqzBDukN4xfspNzO5eT5Vvumo3qQm31o2HvYl8P76mppoKgos6BmD7Po8XnqguSyl_ETE/s320/DSCN6691.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We eventually found the geocache we were looking for and made our way back to the main ceremonial mound. And here began the long climb to the top:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNrX23A6qJAx3VphhqCasO6fw2GPs9PFyPxbA7IBYGeArXP85Gvmr-mEmgFc47Tv1bNODDJyo_oGtIMeTp19HIQj__ktYxyjBs7g9m1BcXhcMzWSFbZK804T0hLJtBBwhv5TNO3Em0-Q/s1600/DSCN6696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNrX23A6qJAx3VphhqCasO6fw2GPs9PFyPxbA7IBYGeArXP85Gvmr-mEmgFc47Tv1bNODDJyo_oGtIMeTp19HIQj__ktYxyjBs7g9m1BcXhcMzWSFbZK804T0hLJtBBwhv5TNO3Em0-Q/s320/DSCN6696.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmSc6qZZerEGKKsKU5f2YwfStG47PCS1lUc8k53bieLvMgKFmGNn4-XsheqLL36d12EqIXx1h2g5h4zb0vXPpdhsolmkrH40_lZrwNLJrrw5S3-dsRVcBSJQ8hUjsEIcGn81VTq7ShWo/s1600/DSCN6699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmSc6qZZerEGKKsKU5f2YwfStG47PCS1lUc8k53bieLvMgKFmGNn4-XsheqLL36d12EqIXx1h2g5h4zb0vXPpdhsolmkrH40_lZrwNLJrrw5S3-dsRVcBSJQ8hUjsEIcGn81VTq7ShWo/s320/DSCN6699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNXaPaDpOkUZeAfW9jEvtRew6ezDKKIqwGGo2tP4PjqyTFILY35PKd3TMGIVCU-t-AswhZalJWAAVlhmGWRditneftHx7MgY5W34cdZ-hUbtJ8UzVPha9Nn7F1iO7On-Z6JkIDiwCqyU/s1600/DSCN6700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNXaPaDpOkUZeAfW9jEvtRew6ezDKKIqwGGo2tP4PjqyTFILY35PKd3TMGIVCU-t-AswhZalJWAAVlhmGWRditneftHx7MgY5W34cdZ-hUbtJ8UzVPha9Nn7F1iO7On-Z6JkIDiwCqyU/s320/DSCN6700.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIbkhnhnOHfFDUltEbLsylyTMkjsLxWyL7xSeumI1eZ-c97xa7Ow4gsAJ0E0rctf3Vyq4KZ7IjO5h6pJ5KBVbDduc4w7xbgbXFZJMjCvyW6c6lbUHT0ewgfcrTtwiq4Eo2KadaaR4P9c/s1600/DSCN6703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIbkhnhnOHfFDUltEbLsylyTMkjsLxWyL7xSeumI1eZ-c97xa7Ow4gsAJ0E0rctf3Vyq4KZ7IjO5h6pJ5KBVbDduc4w7xbgbXFZJMjCvyW6c6lbUHT0ewgfcrTtwiq4Eo2KadaaR4P9c/s320/DSCN6703.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love how they love to spend time together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, so, two state parks down, and one stop left! Thanks for hanging in this long! We left Lake Jackson and drove a little further still, ending up at the Lake Talquin State Forest:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC2KYCtfEEa_qySrBBkF8jOQEWxILLYFA07IDcFM3S5g8E9jpGEH6TPCKnWiXlSPA6PJb8jlriyzuRU3w3P8Hcz8z3xgkYdJz0zeelpvNyYCreOivfrUGWRj-Vn5rDO59i3e_Vu7yiSc/s1600/DSCN6845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwC2KYCtfEEa_qySrBBkF8jOQEWxILLYFA07IDcFM3S5g8E9jpGEH6TPCKnWiXlSPA6PJb8jlriyzuRU3w3P8Hcz8z3xgkYdJz0zeelpvNyYCreOivfrUGWRj-Vn5rDO59i3e_Vu7yiSc/s320/DSCN6845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was the nearest state forest that had a trail we could hike that qualified for our Trailwalker log. And, let me tell you, they completely embrace the Trailwalker program in this part of the state! I'm not sure if it's the proximity to the capitol or if we just have so-so land management where we live, but we found ourselves in the middle of a well-marked trail with excellent facilities nearby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS74AZbITIRrw-T8QrHYMcLdAc9J8kNJ4b1iCMgBf-NOlf-ohKjS1HkMoQEmFomjGBbRQnm-uuC3U6NN7sITnFQe5s89PLcq3Z0ysaMLJ0i0s1ie93hWrv0NzSgm2q2CAE1er2HvdBQM/s1600/DSCN6708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQS74AZbITIRrw-T8QrHYMcLdAc9J8kNJ4b1iCMgBf-NOlf-ohKjS1HkMoQEmFomjGBbRQnm-uuC3U6NN7sITnFQe5s89PLcq3Z0ysaMLJ0i0s1ie93hWrv0NzSgm2q2CAE1er2HvdBQM/s320/DSCN6708.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQxouOFyEJP9ZCkFUPvcnS2z3mYZS6KVYMkUklix1CpjNVJ0cLR8aXhRHgAlyBmzjCGo71pHy8H8kt4tbE36Lj3u3SRgRZtLdDm-7zRvHUReLzACEVafVRGuLkSzgWB0mVId0zxDe4Qg/s1600/DSCN6727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtQxouOFyEJP9ZCkFUPvcnS2z3mYZS6KVYMkUklix1CpjNVJ0cLR8aXhRHgAlyBmzjCGo71pHy8H8kt4tbE36Lj3u3SRgRZtLdDm-7zRvHUReLzACEVafVRGuLkSzgWB0mVId0zxDe4Qg/s320/DSCN6727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One thing we thought was kind of cool were the squawk boxes positioned along a portion of the trail:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOpkhOmfLn4eF2AlPOfpgXYdEDAJj4mk5GjVkQJQAMUtxzmnNoMrt1mt6e2VxHE3aYELh3IAZlccGFCCNf7kNr7QdO47aCpuriTwIa_BtKsW4NekqRjKZAegU1F72Ctpnq1mAONhe5AA/s1600/DSCN6736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidOpkhOmfLn4eF2AlPOfpgXYdEDAJj4mk5GjVkQJQAMUtxzmnNoMrt1mt6e2VxHE3aYELh3IAZlccGFCCNf7kNr7QdO47aCpuriTwIa_BtKsW4NekqRjKZAegU1F72Ctpnq1mAONhe5AA/s320/DSCN6736.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You'd press the button and hear someone tell the history of the area and other significant facts. The problem we found was that they were in poor shape, most of them playing at half speed. It sounded like the speakers were all drunk! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are a few pictures from our hike:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lWLOiIzQrQ4EBzFpdrUrjmTdeuGqDoaS6A04vnO87X0I6NNoho8w2Z0Q6aRaFWHmi_yEr28mRU-VxdNJYKzlDPMMXJbxjxhWrWOCb9skF3E-ozbH-sLWtjmmyv8uMbcRhg0msEp7GyQ/s1600/DSCN6741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lWLOiIzQrQ4EBzFpdrUrjmTdeuGqDoaS6A04vnO87X0I6NNoho8w2Z0Q6aRaFWHmi_yEr28mRU-VxdNJYKzlDPMMXJbxjxhWrWOCb9skF3E-ozbH-sLWtjmmyv8uMbcRhg0msEp7GyQ/s320/DSCN6741.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqxwYHHEYC4ui5VvxmVjOxYSs4zRKbArI29w0-OvAkn4O8HvZ3jYH7xb5gn5a1fDh2DWA_nshCc3FtTj_zUu9lyennqsmQ9zeeLvbfWWht15yK_MBD-httMGpzyi15WK4vTC13n0459g/s1600/DSCN6744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqxwYHHEYC4ui5VvxmVjOxYSs4zRKbArI29w0-OvAkn4O8HvZ3jYH7xb5gn5a1fDh2DWA_nshCc3FtTj_zUu9lyennqsmQ9zeeLvbfWWht15yK_MBD-httMGpzyi15WK4vTC13n0459g/s320/DSCN6744.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If I could be any berry in the world...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iJH-LbamPwN1SNpewdPw-ekdVEua35kTrqMh1251GabOi8-jkCu6TxlBKGbSY1AA4-8U-yGvevnrrwAcH77Gt8IC3S-dlJwY76r2GwPfO1CSXh7UJg1JPBcxLL_IZWbMPmch9ojBFog/s1600/DSCN6756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iJH-LbamPwN1SNpewdPw-ekdVEua35kTrqMh1251GabOi8-jkCu6TxlBKGbSY1AA4-8U-yGvevnrrwAcH77Gt8IC3S-dlJwY76r2GwPfO1CSXh7UJg1JPBcxLL_IZWbMPmch9ojBFog/s320/DSCN6756.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrWvqwu9s3-rT2ljb65yS3m-Z2gZVbeaFFTuVV-1raK8z-tn_d9JG2bWuJoOtxPcp1gv3pFuQJ2o06pqPmkVM_dJt0g6tyNPVOCHpoPq1TInQRhyUICp4XtDoSBew_3YeJ0unJ9SpiJ8/s1600/DSCN6762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrWvqwu9s3-rT2ljb65yS3m-Z2gZVbeaFFTuVV-1raK8z-tn_d9JG2bWuJoOtxPcp1gv3pFuQJ2o06pqPmkVM_dJt0g6tyNPVOCHpoPq1TInQRhyUICp4XtDoSBew_3YeJ0unJ9SpiJ8/s320/DSCN6762.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SyF9vvof6_vhgnFmr8snDcBrzgz3aDOyOPCO1CrK5RpKTcGjVP5zJSJ_WYsIUTSQ1Lp6els3lYWj8yxgKF8VlKpE3BShcLoi0QrdsolKPYHMXn5MJfYIJGe4WYgiIZbFTUXE9iStlrU/s1600/DSCN6810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5SyF9vvof6_vhgnFmr8snDcBrzgz3aDOyOPCO1CrK5RpKTcGjVP5zJSJ_WYsIUTSQ1Lp6els3lYWj8yxgKF8VlKpE3BShcLoi0QrdsolKPYHMXn5MJfYIJGe4WYgiIZbFTUXE9iStlrU/s320/DSCN6810.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSgkVumex4F2pmpGfwABXlbiJ6kZmOGQwFoECtWJDyvMZy0wYWGPt0tjirund-7sdx0umcsyS3QZUisYIa5FN4ew5HaHhvBJIUtlLQvobSnJlD6GaFxpzlBWgbyil92HZUSt9IlG4UIE/s1600/DSCN6822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBSgkVumex4F2pmpGfwABXlbiJ6kZmOGQwFoECtWJDyvMZy0wYWGPt0tjirund-7sdx0umcsyS3QZUisYIa5FN4ew5HaHhvBJIUtlLQvobSnJlD6GaFxpzlBWgbyil92HZUSt9IlG4UIE/s320/DSCN6822.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaeBUgEEWOIJookgNuUokJYitVJMdrqIg2WXvF5DTJUrPyiDbvWUcjjXI4Rh8f_Pj8877zZbjv_sSXS8QTK-gl_0GTBwOMogckYmcM1dbahgKLzh-EpSXR7WQZncGRYT_1_kmAPMzk8A/s1600/DSCN6830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUaeBUgEEWOIJookgNuUokJYitVJMdrqIg2WXvF5DTJUrPyiDbvWUcjjXI4Rh8f_Pj8877zZbjv_sSXS8QTK-gl_0GTBwOMogckYmcM1dbahgKLzh-EpSXR7WQZncGRYT_1_kmAPMzk8A/s320/DSCN6830.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_q2mDbgtzdHtW4GncMbDI7WB5fIyYUvb4gUQimKUK8og-NgnovRiSFW1y_raYIJRrntfUMX-3z7dq9mfZYSCNyQPlBwpzZqlepS8b80kZt95nnEvQvRRzMsI3xY7rHR60xkU0fKxTAo/s1600/DSCN6832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_q2mDbgtzdHtW4GncMbDI7WB5fIyYUvb4gUQimKUK8og-NgnovRiSFW1y_raYIJRrntfUMX-3z7dq9mfZYSCNyQPlBwpzZqlepS8b80kZt95nnEvQvRRzMsI3xY7rHR60xkU0fKxTAo/s320/DSCN6832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was such a lovely walk in the woods. It felt like the perfect end to our first day in Tallahassee, and we all left there feeling complete. Day One down, two to go!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzITPpIk8iujzAoiOXxtHCpVQekJI6g4k0ygKm_oV9UGe9pcW0x2CC9JD-lwhpE9hpfx7FeXRkJPBROOkW_2vZOGvNO8dYrq5z87ZoJsQ-2gj3cfqb0rS70Cyl0BVpSOizhddLpKA2pQ/s1600/DSCF9314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUzITPpIk8iujzAoiOXxtHCpVQekJI6g4k0ygKm_oV9UGe9pcW0x2CC9JD-lwhpE9hpfx7FeXRkJPBROOkW_2vZOGvNO8dYrq5z87ZoJsQ-2gj3cfqb0rS70Cyl0BVpSOizhddLpKA2pQ/s320/DSCF9314.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdOPQ-_PK4B6A_h-306MY-1DNmxxXhY_NsztkzZbLl4WHOKzYk1gv0ZE-UxVC4Il5tFunUyOw20PnBP4sSRZEsFKIo9VXMZHhWmFY2bTgRYWDsDkwArIcfVq7hPP86HV0UzXUPGkaHOo/s1600/DSCF9315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfdOPQ-_PK4B6A_h-306MY-1DNmxxXhY_NsztkzZbLl4WHOKzYk1gv0ZE-UxVC4Il5tFunUyOw20PnBP4sSRZEsFKIo9VXMZHhWmFY2bTgRYWDsDkwArIcfVq7hPP86HV0UzXUPGkaHOo/s320/DSCF9315.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-69563524945041275862012-10-01T21:48:00.000-04:002012-10-01T21:48:11.136-04:00Meanwhile this summer....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe66Uo2dQfujTt_72u9b74bOhtfDS4J5kz9ntXTqb9xHG2MT4SZOmIdWLxXjwJkJi7H-Othri4trIj2SFPN69BKN2F-Y2Jh9NIRlmK1nUL-NA3fNsGVqJA-4zBPrOeFZ1Rvi9U-JJGR78/s1600/DSCN5981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe66Uo2dQfujTt_72u9b74bOhtfDS4J5kz9ntXTqb9xHG2MT4SZOmIdWLxXjwJkJi7H-Othri4trIj2SFPN69BKN2F-Y2Jh9NIRlmK1nUL-NA3fNsGVqJA-4zBPrOeFZ1Rvi9U-JJGR78/s320/DSCN5981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wanted to catch everyone up on a few small activities we've taken part in this summer, and I couldn't help but start off with the Great American Pie Festival! We did things a little differently this year. Before the festival began on Sunday, we met up with some new friends, Ray and Melissa, for a little geocaching. I don't remember how many caches we found...less than 10...but we had a great time walking around the beautiful city of Celebration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A0BKSnj_uggkF2cu8FqvdmBHJ1Jugwm-U6PVFoPutydw2V6-FCuLc9RtK8OrqoU5IeBGa_0Ml0QvuoiDz7ttbdfjO-HSU8RUMzDNkn8jm4uq9Ca4_Zu0k2PwE5RAv1B3jmaSIyM7QJQ/s1600/DSCN5904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A0BKSnj_uggkF2cu8FqvdmBHJ1Jugwm-U6PVFoPutydw2V6-FCuLc9RtK8OrqoU5IeBGa_0Ml0QvuoiDz7ttbdfjO-HSU8RUMzDNkn8jm4uq9Ca4_Zu0k2PwE5RAv1B3jmaSIyM7QJQ/s320/DSCN5904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As is my luck, I won tickets to the Never Ending Pie Buffet again! The nice folks at <a href="http://amplifiedculture.com/" target="_blank">AMPlified Culture</a> hooked me up with the tickets in a contest on their website, even though I...like a complete dummy...missed the deadline to respond as the winner. Please, go check out their website and see what's going on in Central Florida's arts, entertainment, and foodie scenes! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLCdJRazeBG7RElCYxaWCSFp1cjYxAKttG6Q8OXBTnvsUAzLzqn6wq1DhzVqgT46lr9K1q1zORSRWootxyHXlcEnPi87vS5lxtviooaYpiKnqRmCo0VdvXlPVmFyAOKxKD9JQ2RdxLAM/s1600/DSCN5926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmLCdJRazeBG7RElCYxaWCSFp1cjYxAKttG6Q8OXBTnvsUAzLzqn6wq1DhzVqgT46lr9K1q1zORSRWootxyHXlcEnPi87vS5lxtviooaYpiKnqRmCo0VdvXlPVmFyAOKxKD9JQ2RdxLAM/s320/DSCN5926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've watched the little Pie Girls grow up, it seems!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now...the bad news. If you've known me long enough, you know how much I look forward to going to the Pie Fest every year. I start a countdown as soon as we're driving home, and I take part in every contest possible to win buffet tickets. This year, though...well, it feels like it may have been our last. I've come to realize that the fest really is the same thing, year after year. It's so stinking hot, the crowd is like nothing you've ever seen (unless you've been on the Champs-Élysées in Paris for New Year with 250,000 of your closest friends), and the food and entertainment doesn't change. The heat really played a big part in how we all felt, along with the fact that I was fighting a severe sinus infection. But...we left knowing we probably wouldn't be going back. And you know what? That's okay. The Great American Pie Festival is an amazing celebration that has added much joy to our lives the past few years, and I will always...*always*...look upon it with happy memories.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZLFM8LtWPeHf1hLUpuToyQLwyqF1GK5xaPUwE7VgRJGlvmw1bZ5NNPXJcQGi4lUzLM0__z-X29FLp6HGAL_Iow4MIBirWogFwTM7w7cWUgBLU-11M2meGFALmlGUU0BwGZxE7FCAUz0/s1600/DSCN5985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZLFM8LtWPeHf1hLUpuToyQLwyqF1GK5xaPUwE7VgRJGlvmw1bZ5NNPXJcQGi4lUzLM0__z-X29FLp6HGAL_Iow4MIBirWogFwTM7w7cWUgBLU-11M2meGFALmlGUU0BwGZxE7FCAUz0/s320/DSCN5985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
******</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdXrFThN8Lhdzo59_yE1LlZdFBy_NWgp99O7M3yZd5ynG8mXn2nBGreo2S48GzM7x0z0Y6Rz9x0tXLgKR66cN3WAPMuBq2iFYRprsTOfNfnezHTKAm0WtQKT50rAv2vmNZV3N78TEZuI/s1600/DSCF8928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdXrFThN8Lhdzo59_yE1LlZdFBy_NWgp99O7M3yZd5ynG8mXn2nBGreo2S48GzM7x0z0Y6Rz9x0tXLgKR66cN3WAPMuBq2iFYRprsTOfNfnezHTKAm0WtQKT50rAv2vmNZV3N78TEZuI/s320/DSCF8928.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
National Pauladay was celebrated this year with a return to a favorite spot, <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/default.cfm" target="_blank">Ichetucknee Springs State Park.</a> We hadn't been tubing in awhile, and I decided that's what I really wanted to do on my birthday. Thankfully we had taken vacation from work and could hit the park during the middle of the week. It gets too busy on weekends. Chris joined us, and we had also 'borrowed' one of Olivia's daycare friends, Drake, so she had a playmate.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjNd8XZ6wICYTchKvaTPAaRal8g7zml0BbDibdDkUK1S7J8cYXA2tct1JSNO5JIAD7WEapQbcb3PYCyYbP7hDgBY0nc2lzwgFlvNraehdafvAy-tri3rmYmOKXCdl8a06BMwBAwMokB8/s1600/DSCF8909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjNd8XZ6wICYTchKvaTPAaRal8g7zml0BbDibdDkUK1S7J8cYXA2tct1JSNO5JIAD7WEapQbcb3PYCyYbP7hDgBY0nc2lzwgFlvNraehdafvAy-tri3rmYmOKXCdl8a06BMwBAwMokB8/s320/DSCF8909.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drake gave me a walking stick and a keychain for my birthday. He spends quality time with his Papa, making things like this, and it was a very sweet gesture. And honestly...I had been wanting a walking stick! I was very blessed and honored.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDWG-c5MqJqiv25Q_1kXL30QVJ-oEtlU2ebBzorOHujnJpogbYXIlzvTAN-t3YiVH2M5dAC_B-5vH08__IRnCFD_PJqNW7Pg4JTGM38EzaXdJWFiCuiUB9Mi8KXBXF1Sc2vt0e4AsOZs/s1600/DSCF8877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDWG-c5MqJqiv25Q_1kXL30QVJ-oEtlU2ebBzorOHujnJpogbYXIlzvTAN-t3YiVH2M5dAC_B-5vH08__IRnCFD_PJqNW7Pg4JTGM38EzaXdJWFiCuiUB9Mi8KXBXF1Sc2vt0e4AsOZs/s320/DSCF8877.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As we pushed off from the launch, it seemed like we were chasing mist down the river. It felt like we were in some magical place on the Amazon, or in an Indiana Jones movie. But no, we were in another beautiful Florida State Park...how did we get so lucky?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiAqzcqXOdkTEijL3smMgHhGmEbM6AHcobBnIrhyzMmkWbVte-pYunv5B2-3YOQ7ynBuwV2D5DPZrVD2BwIh8YK2JU4yk543fUNoVI1_ihkhH_bcqAs8Yj1qB1a1tMhKsi-vDkC8rH58/s1600/DSCF8891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiAqzcqXOdkTEijL3smMgHhGmEbM6AHcobBnIrhyzMmkWbVte-pYunv5B2-3YOQ7ynBuwV2D5DPZrVD2BwIh8YK2JU4yk543fUNoVI1_ihkhH_bcqAs8Yj1qB1a1tMhKsi-vDkC8rH58/s320/DSCF8891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia tried floating along on her own, but she ended up terrified. Once we got hold of her tube, things calmed down. Chris taught us a valuable lesson, and one of the day's highlights: Just trust the river. He never paddled himself out of debris or back into the current. He just trusted the river and floated along peacefully. Once, though, he and Olivia got hooked together. We had all been repeating the trust-the-river mantra when they bumped into a fallen tree and got separated. Olivia yelled for him, but Chris came back with, "Olivia, the river wants us to be apart! Just trust the river!" It was hilarious, and yet it was really quite true.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3ukt0yAUF4btYmzIfZeTdR4IEKySezMdnN423NrIrP9xxaNVsongiVSBnfozLUFewXIWSb9vQ_ZbuawHN7_pdF982TTxmJfbdYX3xSKUzi1rrhX1YJcA24g_O0MEB7Q5wvZlbVkAc8Q/s1600/DSCF8902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3ukt0yAUF4btYmzIfZeTdR4IEKySezMdnN423NrIrP9xxaNVsongiVSBnfozLUFewXIWSb9vQ_ZbuawHN7_pdF982TTxmJfbdYX3xSKUzi1rrhX1YJcA24g_O0MEB7Q5wvZlbVkAc8Q/s320/DSCF8902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBEA2V_M_YT0Awu2Ibc-aryNiiubUaeVilz-9ZWWv53wxUy-FxYFHwfAObtal_PMVcf9AS-S_sqLT7apcE4jOz0ezoM6qNXMtRWcEUIUyCcarUWtOtwXLp651EVytvb2ZMcAfrcZwTw8/s1600/DSCF8922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBEA2V_M_YT0Awu2Ibc-aryNiiubUaeVilz-9ZWWv53wxUy-FxYFHwfAObtal_PMVcf9AS-S_sqLT7apcE4jOz0ezoM6qNXMtRWcEUIUyCcarUWtOtwXLp651EVytvb2ZMcAfrcZwTw8/s320/DSCF8922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_S7NL2tXekjjdTOfELaL6yj4UmQx67HYJdZKX61rJJpvOF-WwR9ktQX5kp0n7O4Zv4ZP5iY2mPGZ3PzSLt9vaHsE2808aAvGGtLBzpJpj_pzIXmTUiUwVpee2kiXweK_DeGLDKzGsQQ/s1600/DSCF8931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_S7NL2tXekjjdTOfELaL6yj4UmQx67HYJdZKX61rJJpvOF-WwR9ktQX5kp0n7O4Zv4ZP5iY2mPGZ3PzSLt9vaHsE2808aAvGGtLBzpJpj_pzIXmTUiUwVpee2kiXweK_DeGLDKzGsQQ/s320/DSCF8931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eventually we finished our float and left the river behind. A brief tram ride led us to our picnic lunch, and a little while later we decided to go swimming in the headspring. I'm not always very comfortable in swimming places like this, but something about this beautiful area set my mind at ease.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuM0GuXUpmAJS0fv7YR6wRoNZNng_mm_YjmHtgAceG0Hlogg9MkRn6jFSs3iUK83cZ78A-utsxPjq4osnU0Sg62vOzcx9bpbwNLJhsBxnFxVOATrndnLRVK-3Wa5kSRUzZ2rBt_L66co/s1600/DSCF8992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjuM0GuXUpmAJS0fv7YR6wRoNZNng_mm_YjmHtgAceG0Hlogg9MkRn6jFSs3iUK83cZ78A-utsxPjq4osnU0Sg62vOzcx9bpbwNLJhsBxnFxVOATrndnLRVK-3Wa5kSRUzZ2rBt_L66co/s320/DSCF8992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
******</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e9Dp6ph6crnEbfYao9BSMPw5_Jb_tF3VbYK2ntjhsC5CCSQl0Hr5xFoES_vQzOlClFmcvxeMck_c2kapLJBL8oRHeP9UvBfmiQ7mTqN_vxFdV6PIo4449I_FuWl_s781o3Q4qi8D5RU/s1600/IMG_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3e9Dp6ph6crnEbfYao9BSMPw5_Jb_tF3VbYK2ntjhsC5CCSQl0Hr5xFoES_vQzOlClFmcvxeMck_c2kapLJBL8oRHeP9UvBfmiQ7mTqN_vxFdV6PIo4449I_FuWl_s781o3Q4qi8D5RU/s320/IMG_0578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you know what happens a week after National Pauladay? Why, Robby's Tag, of course! Robby had a milestone birthday this year...$39.95+tax...and wanted to celebrate in style. He picked Sanibel Island as our destination, and we went all out...by our standards, at least! We stayed at the <a href="http://www.islandinnsanibel.com/" target="_blank">Island Inn Sanibel</a>, sharing a cottage with Chris and Xandra. The only thing between our rooms and the ocean was the pool!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV64jOSIKuqTy6YC9MOg3_2fXZEtntOlAmLOedv2G1dlIM5VB7zQxg16RlHe8LzD5TF0jtNMLLXIATqaqV6ayJIQW7DiLulEbEmRdIg1gXVjsutiaA7xsz4hkniBWPVaCk4Wl5diz4eiw/s1600/IMG_0591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV64jOSIKuqTy6YC9MOg3_2fXZEtntOlAmLOedv2G1dlIM5VB7zQxg16RlHe8LzD5TF0jtNMLLXIATqaqV6ayJIQW7DiLulEbEmRdIg1gXVjsutiaA7xsz4hkniBWPVaCk4Wl5diz4eiw/s320/IMG_0591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent our time on the island doing the things we do best...eating, swimming, drinking, playing, geocaching, having fun, and spending time with our favorite people. Oh, the eating. I honestly thing we all gained weight on this trip, and I learned that next time we'll pack food. Our cottage had a kitchenette and every possible dish and kitchen tool you could possibly need.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiDmzLSMWHI-lBUmp7M0HFMQn2AuMgnG7biviGgA6oGVpBZf4yBNVUbLhaAFAypb7QjAtTVIKIeb-pgpi8Vf4j7QcndUE9PKjLBT9Z5Vk1A8nHIzANbWE6CLHatdLdrifl4QBD5BfKWk/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiDmzLSMWHI-lBUmp7M0HFMQn2AuMgnG7biviGgA6oGVpBZf4yBNVUbLhaAFAypb7QjAtTVIKIeb-pgpi8Vf4j7QcndUE9PKjLBT9Z5Vk1A8nHIzANbWE6CLHatdLdrifl4QBD5BfKWk/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One great thing about being on Florida's West Coast is the sunset. There's something about the setting of the sun that calls people out in droves, and on Sanibel Island it's no different than, say, Key West. The sunset means something different to everyone, and for me it's about being thankful for another day with my family in this beautiful state I refuse to take for granted. Enjoy...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivStdYzoJef8-3taWhaWVVFSWwsV3910pV8QnQbB5WlovGk8NG-Su-isW7hVDbkhe4CbY70it8zTb0tXZFiCX5DEJUWP3bp4zsdS1pEFkh1YlMXd_CO4lOXP_EIQAVu3ThyoP9M1VDiUI/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivStdYzoJef8-3taWhaWVVFSWwsV3910pV8QnQbB5WlovGk8NG-Su-isW7hVDbkhe4CbY70it8zTb0tXZFiCX5DEJUWP3bp4zsdS1pEFkh1YlMXd_CO4lOXP_EIQAVu3ThyoP9M1VDiUI/s320/IMG_0628.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LRx3fQZzbKHyd_gm8THBPazoL41doGXoiYmZnEkqbnBN8ni8kbLCVvvsiOZ9ojEC0u97hDBU2RkmNoL6NuF2rXk6bAEX2h76RjeB1BvcBcaNR2qeB-FP3DWhUofdNBxmdcUyvFWupm8/s1600/IMG_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7LRx3fQZzbKHyd_gm8THBPazoL41doGXoiYmZnEkqbnBN8ni8kbLCVvvsiOZ9ojEC0u97hDBU2RkmNoL6NuF2rXk6bAEX2h76RjeB1BvcBcaNR2qeB-FP3DWhUofdNBxmdcUyvFWupm8/s320/IMG_0629.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd1uNyhBVlMP2_iEpfzbWujxMhStNHdQbkuMLlGgAaCWDT5ltL6TJww83Wu56eeFi6zzc_8zAGzcIakQkqc5v7izQVWEt9QFUpYuQCWO-SpoRbO_rzmr_a3DkcWC3nTMdsY-bmKuE5dc/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVd1uNyhBVlMP2_iEpfzbWujxMhStNHdQbkuMLlGgAaCWDT5ltL6TJww83Wu56eeFi6zzc_8zAGzcIakQkqc5v7izQVWEt9QFUpYuQCWO-SpoRbO_rzmr_a3DkcWC3nTMdsY-bmKuE5dc/s320/IMG_0630.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_FSgTTUv6HIyZpae85XMu4vB18l155OwYu9GNpjoU6AMmrNkdvPXbe2XSa-q8xRA6nfXPbCMHfM_jwOdkfpIhMPNqo-Vx4pwX7-EAMZPaJDddVn9ubu7z5ePS3PpzztK7J-1R1xtRk0/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_FSgTTUv6HIyZpae85XMu4vB18l155OwYu9GNpjoU6AMmrNkdvPXbe2XSa-q8xRA6nfXPbCMHfM_jwOdkfpIhMPNqo-Vx4pwX7-EAMZPaJDddVn9ubu7z5ePS3PpzztK7J-1R1xtRk0/s320/IMG_0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KGscC7GQeWHSVvozhM_oV1tO_NeSBhL0_oBCiuR2ybrn3vSjEdlPtCHqQzmG6S9qhKy-UjeOwxl_iR6m9Ft-Nah0XLfBse3PYUqdOuHlIkYB8jnIWT7MCtW0lB1EAC-PIaXx9fXodLI/s1600/IMG_0632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KGscC7GQeWHSVvozhM_oV1tO_NeSBhL0_oBCiuR2ybrn3vSjEdlPtCHqQzmG6S9qhKy-UjeOwxl_iR6m9Ft-Nah0XLfBse3PYUqdOuHlIkYB8jnIWT7MCtW0lB1EAC-PIaXx9fXodLI/s320/IMG_0632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMitiXKXLMnjEyJY1esqRM7-AKzM9BTcf2-vwUDTge21_cs6XCAKwhtRmbCc2tbfuIXu60cueI0uugV-LfNZOcmaCjT_esqbMXYxbgqfe7yFr_KEZHTHRmQdqf_-98otB2FBFnojtOOOQ/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMitiXKXLMnjEyJY1esqRM7-AKzM9BTcf2-vwUDTge21_cs6XCAKwhtRmbCc2tbfuIXu60cueI0uugV-LfNZOcmaCjT_esqbMXYxbgqfe7yFr_KEZHTHRmQdqf_-98otB2FBFnojtOOOQ/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All good things must indeed come to an end, both our Sanibel trip and our summer in general. Olivia began third grade, and Girl Scouts started up for another year. Our travel time has become that much more precious since we have other priorities for the time being. We are making the most of it, however, and I'll be updating soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So tell me...what did you do this summer?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-22962040498767593742012-09-14T19:36:00.004-04:002012-09-14T19:36:52.468-04:00Trip 62: Don Pedro Island and Stump Pass Beach State Parks<strong>State Parks visited: 55</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0Jscpvsh8OKyq7u9LVRD_R-4E0N2gSKIQMsw6gob4TExcZ0NMax-1hQmIrX8raKUICcihVzATIxVb7aTpxTZAbYrHEZcRkl0PggMs33pJaYZ5ESM1i9VR2Pkl52dmt9GXoOJmeIF5aM/s1600/DSCF8852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0Jscpvsh8OKyq7u9LVRD_R-4E0N2gSKIQMsw6gob4TExcZ0NMax-1hQmIrX8raKUICcihVzATIxVb7aTpxTZAbYrHEZcRkl0PggMs33pJaYZ5ESM1i9VR2Pkl52dmt9GXoOJmeIF5aM/s320/DSCF8852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When your daughter tells you she wants to spend her birthday at a state park, well, you really need to make that happen. Such was the case of Olivia's 8th birthday in July. We had a party planned for her the weekend after the big day, but we really wanted to make her actual birthday something special.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5mmgl7zjgtd0q1XtJvtiwt4OdOTCGZeLApky6Og_pSPLie1jlbpo9DzBxW53zkgnSgIjiOdhO3EixnlY3HWY9p9hPwY-NF-Kveet2-HuikjIuhn-I536E91moL7b_7tnLnXMo04h6E4/s1600/DSCF8710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5mmgl7zjgtd0q1XtJvtiwt4OdOTCGZeLApky6Og_pSPLie1jlbpo9DzBxW53zkgnSgIjiOdhO3EixnlY3HWY9p9hPwY-NF-Kveet2-HuikjIuhn-I536E91moL7b_7tnLnXMo04h6E4/s320/DSCF8710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I gave Olivia the state park passport to browse through, and she picked out Stump Pass Beach State Park. It's across the state, so we decided to make a whole weekend out of it and hit another nearby park too, Don Pedro Island. I booked a hotel, and we loaded up our kayaks and drove to Port Charlotte on Friday night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpl25EgMMGxw8vbHXAiiCmULctZT92X62WmxqfUrciykhS_mqgLFBasUhGinprokbMEMk5Ow6lZCXH844_jxK51W8R-CA9HTIqvQHBmuFQNRbGwfji3gQHHu1OmHycNChxgBjYoYondrs/s1600/IMG_0446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpl25EgMMGxw8vbHXAiiCmULctZT92X62WmxqfUrciykhS_mqgLFBasUhGinprokbMEMk5Ow6lZCXH844_jxK51W8R-CA9HTIqvQHBmuFQNRbGwfji3gQHHu1OmHycNChxgBjYoYondrs/s320/IMG_0446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don Pedro Island was our first park on that Saturday, which was Olivia's actual birthday. Research had shown us the island was accessible only by private boat or car ferry...there are homes on the north end of the island...but the distance from the land base was not that far. But before lugging our boats down the trail and launching, we decided to explore a bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg7YfDGHO010ZUsAq-8teByNHanbP6lDnNqicyaNdfJnxgh680rzxMZ7JQAgpxC-X3eU3TTD49X0vwU4OWYH96NmS7yEj2Oi7AsqDQ3slB76ghoiIvJq_EZgZIbSR5NA8k0UNO3TTaE0/s1600/DSCF8708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyg7YfDGHO010ZUsAq-8teByNHanbP6lDnNqicyaNdfJnxgh680rzxMZ7JQAgpxC-X3eU3TTD49X0vwU4OWYH96NmS7yEj2Oi7AsqDQ3slB76ghoiIvJq_EZgZIbSR5NA8k0UNO3TTaE0/s320/DSCF8708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The walk down to the water was a bit of a distance, and we suddenly fell in love Don Pedro Island. See, the people that operate the park know how far it is, and they provide a little something for kayakers like us:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wheelies!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqpRCvMspwASwGbjyqEfZup5OZ3h3SuJL7aK70FA6TQCV120nJBeV0l7XYXpMuSDBIIn5eG-4HRaohznsbOZdZXaIYu3U6q65P6lYHqkkEvPn-Uh_-YGxiFltw8we8ewD-922olmQ8Hc/s1600/DSCF8846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqpRCvMspwASwGbjyqEfZup5OZ3h3SuJL7aK70FA6TQCV120nJBeV0l7XYXpMuSDBIIn5eG-4HRaohznsbOZdZXaIYu3U6q65P6lYHqkkEvPn-Uh_-YGxiFltw8we8ewD-922olmQ8Hc/s320/DSCF8846.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks to these little guys, we were able to roll the kayaks down to the launch, run them back for anyone else who may need them, and then...we were off!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdItJyDoEHSEKJbS8orjXrqkKKChe3O70ILtJa7sRBJXscKK4afcexGDVGQWkxQA3yb1RIG0dsL3EHK0y4lj2QVUrox6c_rNLcy3t7UxdVkcGU3F3gxG6ly3H9W09YeewRvgJEeSY6NE/s1600/DSCF8723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdItJyDoEHSEKJbS8orjXrqkKKChe3O70ILtJa7sRBJXscKK4afcexGDVGQWkxQA3yb1RIG0dsL3EHK0y4lj2QVUrox6c_rNLcy3t7UxdVkcGU3F3gxG6ly3H9W09YeewRvgJEeSY6NE/s320/DSCF8723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We recently got Olivia her very own paddle, and this was the first chance she'd had to use it. Thankfully, she was very enthusiastic, comprehending, and...a natural!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSB9RnkybPZ8pW3fImTQ-Q_Oc9lzJiuKTWydcq9x0edi64lVLN0rsh9jziKCuL4i-GAmBSz2QOqXTFFcMIoIc4xZ2NVvGX6gBPBhF2GSTF_iR7dSWoe_WmlfoDeqXH25PYoyDFISMdNlw/s1600/DSCF8735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSB9RnkybPZ8pW3fImTQ-Q_Oc9lzJiuKTWydcq9x0edi64lVLN0rsh9jziKCuL4i-GAmBSz2QOqXTFFcMIoIc4xZ2NVvGX6gBPBhF2GSTF_iR7dSWoe_WmlfoDeqXH25PYoyDFISMdNlw/s320/DSCF8735.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty soon we were across the small channel and came to the mangroves that run down the side of the island. After a total paddle of maybe 20 minutes, we crossed under a bridge and found the dock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCfNtt_teDq5XnNjMOxSq7JIotArV-PvkdZw8KfxNQLGWxsjSj4wZkHaqBq8FZ67yyqwYOO_7sEY9wsHix-tED1DXNEIJEPAv-eRFpM3rXJhi3BObwdzaosocM7Q3K9EJH7A8Az9vpxI/s1600/DSCF8739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYCfNtt_teDq5XnNjMOxSq7JIotArV-PvkdZw8KfxNQLGWxsjSj4wZkHaqBq8FZ67yyqwYOO_7sEY9wsHix-tED1DXNEIJEPAv-eRFpM3rXJhi3BObwdzaosocM7Q3K9EJH7A8Az9vpxI/s320/DSCF8739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNntnotq_7gxCPAnpxYdzby0FVC6K2S9UHEyiVhf1Js8w9Qd1jlV09_OuMGQ06ZSC8EVpyHB23q3pNvG5ibvQ6lJgdnPJ2KBKvFmInDvNXUBaDLSpXpKeawW4ZX3LfMJEey3IaWvdrVQ8/s1600/DSCF8741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNntnotq_7gxCPAnpxYdzby0FVC6K2S9UHEyiVhf1Js8w9Qd1jlV09_OuMGQ06ZSC8EVpyHB23q3pNvG5ibvQ6lJgdnPJ2KBKvFmInDvNXUBaDLSpXpKeawW4ZX3LfMJEey3IaWvdrVQ8/s320/DSCF8741.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXLBifpPSkEr93z3dDVCucBqWXXGwDG3IIpuJ08piGOizqwBLwmaxoL8kZd4Pi4fUG1vC6oXxnsnaeWHum2234PvCDMU9J1mmc2Qll6Ih1RutefrBtNijB6HNWBkgWM6kI5c2I9kenIk/s1600/DSCF8841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnXLBifpPSkEr93z3dDVCucBqWXXGwDG3IIpuJ08piGOizqwBLwmaxoL8kZd4Pi4fUG1vC6oXxnsnaeWHum2234PvCDMU9J1mmc2Qll6Ih1RutefrBtNijB6HNWBkgWM6kI5c2I9kenIk/s320/DSCF8841.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After parking the boats in their designated spot...and leaving the admission tag hanging on the S.S. Shagatsea...we grabbed our towels and picnic supplies and headed up the trail for fun. This is what greeted us from the other side of the picnic pavilion:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGFsRYwAlD6QfHK0JpcoyUVoaWzctfiUh4b94jpoeQgajENFBVmRE0uhRPcwKJLSDxjXiG_gNi2a4bZvGJIqY3I7Is4-A5yFpvtdIIrpBv3zHZSmF-ZwgdibFJdPRaAKkLRFjXOsLFtQ/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGFsRYwAlD6QfHK0JpcoyUVoaWzctfiUh4b94jpoeQgajENFBVmRE0uhRPcwKJLSDxjXiG_gNi2a4bZvGJIqY3I7Is4-A5yFpvtdIIrpBv3zHZSmF-ZwgdibFJdPRaAKkLRFjXOsLFtQ/s320/IMG_0447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Holy cow. Really? We claimed a picnic table, grabbed a couple of beach toys and our dive mask, and then headed to the water. I have seen some pretty beautiful beaches in my life, but this one has to be at the top of the list!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB0I5rsLKMm_XhbHKelhhFt0XyrktW7H44YtMMx7aD76Tr0KEgf4dP-9GQB_GtS2HiDxzQfnOYEKC6SLEfR99YRkZEyFp8EwmAu0DaCVyTGvljKMbTRZaxp4ONuMNAWl-9aZ0LngUj-4/s1600/DSCF8759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB0I5rsLKMm_XhbHKelhhFt0XyrktW7H44YtMMx7aD76Tr0KEgf4dP-9GQB_GtS2HiDxzQfnOYEKC6SLEfR99YRkZEyFp8EwmAu0DaCVyTGvljKMbTRZaxp4ONuMNAWl-9aZ0LngUj-4/s320/DSCF8759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdocUsvK919Upw469cJbWwZtYVHCO64mD6NtFfcoc4XuNkRXd1dMKnT9ebRdVpCOFnWKqwhY7z_rkuAke5eeZTv1XMPdFAXH_BDf6jt2NDZeuOnRndv32muHHxsn50ajl7aEv7k6cOFg/s1600/DSCF8765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdocUsvK919Upw469cJbWwZtYVHCO64mD6NtFfcoc4XuNkRXd1dMKnT9ebRdVpCOFnWKqwhY7z_rkuAke5eeZTv1XMPdFAXH_BDf6jt2NDZeuOnRndv32muHHxsn50ajl7aEv7k6cOFg/s320/DSCF8765.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you see what I see? Or rather, what I don't see? Crowds of people. I realized that, because of accessibility, it actually takes work to get to Don Pedro Island. And because it takes work, it doesn't get the huge number of visitors like other beaches do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, we relaxed in some of the calmest water I've ever had the pleasure of swimming in. It was the perfect temperature, it was calm and clear. It was...yep...perfect! Olivia had definitely picked the right spot for her birthday! And, there were shark teeth. After our visit to Fort Clinch in December, we love looking for shark teeth at the beach. Apparently this is a prime location for them, because they were *everywhere.*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How many do you see here, including partial teeth?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3xm4etfgFCHa5Nx8NdqFRrnaIkeOGtbLr3oK02A7NVTkWMk3gOWzxqwYNF0E1l8BES4y-CxLRA76weLffeSFMIDA3NyBy8jNSbFWfBOcY1B9cMTZK-qhvdzz66wPNYtr33fgIElxVug/s1600/DSCF8772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3xm4etfgFCHa5Nx8NdqFRrnaIkeOGtbLr3oK02A7NVTkWMk3gOWzxqwYNF0E1l8BES4y-CxLRA76weLffeSFMIDA3NyBy8jNSbFWfBOcY1B9cMTZK-qhvdzz66wPNYtr33fgIElxVug/s320/DSCF8772.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Check this out:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2QbXf4bWuUKkv8ZBu5_CSt8R9ivCzpPqRC0nRIOk00FUquhfbSH9nB3Tu6O2LLexZF7ZL27d1p0GPQJJEbLWt210xFv1pRxuxJVUtH2Lg7QTWSazCOPYw_QuTnOcRfT9AEuSEqXlHmo/s1600/DSCF8772teeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2QbXf4bWuUKkv8ZBu5_CSt8R9ivCzpPqRC0nRIOk00FUquhfbSH9nB3Tu6O2LLexZF7ZL27d1p0GPQJJEbLWt210xFv1pRxuxJVUtH2Lg7QTWSazCOPYw_QuTnOcRfT9AEuSEqXlHmo/s320/DSCF8772teeth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's very faint, but I circled 7...yep, 7...teeth in this handful. Some were reallllllllllyyy tiny:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo5JdtqwI6-3v8hKlaTO7KtBksVUkLNhjzeEDCxsBdZJZU8UUhyrFXwDCW-vjW0Errs2AUDDtMNjSIsJXjiHlEbPeoqwE4c6IVIzJ1HRWbT7A1JSUxDitQQ8tWorUiZGMgpIcAX5PZ_I/s1600/DSCF8776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGo5JdtqwI6-3v8hKlaTO7KtBksVUkLNhjzeEDCxsBdZJZU8UUhyrFXwDCW-vjW0Errs2AUDDtMNjSIsJXjiHlEbPeoqwE4c6IVIzJ1HRWbT7A1JSUxDitQQ8tWorUiZGMgpIcAX5PZ_I/s320/DSCF8776.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It went on like this for quite some time. We swam, we used the mask and looked for teeth on the ocean floor, and we worked up an appetite. Pretty soon we were in the picnic pavilion, feasting. Here's the birthday girl in one of my favorite pictures:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKBGW1nnUIrMjyDsSmnwGQvR86RoAQ6rxlZNMu8Ld3xbPOFqu4oAcxpDYyVsjf6H7wOdKVGnPUElPjCjZ78O0xLxGyQCikpnaJAtBLZ-PF8c7QDHTJlsPJhC-TRwSzmb0Kxp7uDx6gaI/s1600/IMG_0448rotate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKBGW1nnUIrMjyDsSmnwGQvR86RoAQ6rxlZNMu8Ld3xbPOFqu4oAcxpDYyVsjf6H7wOdKVGnPUElPjCjZ78O0xLxGyQCikpnaJAtBLZ-PF8c7QDHTJlsPJhC-TRwSzmb0Kxp7uDx6gaI/s320/IMG_0448rotate.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We took a quick trip down the nature trail for some geocaching, but then it began to get cloudy. Rain was coming.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp11uW8tYwhBY9B6VrD-L3qD79TLjwrUzXxsG2ZYQEsQUpR-7FzVDgu-2dQqd_9k3IzwQZEv_v8UYVwsJ5btKvxyw631ygaGAu7Aio3yta5naZ2z0m_pg9c8MOKNTQEAfBuOnZpHb9gV8/s1600/DSCF8837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp11uW8tYwhBY9B6VrD-L3qD79TLjwrUzXxsG2ZYQEsQUpR-7FzVDgu-2dQqd_9k3IzwQZEv_v8UYVwsJ5btKvxyw631ygaGAu7Aio3yta5naZ2z0m_pg9c8MOKNTQEAfBuOnZpHb9gV8/s320/DSCF8837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac4yxCPQGh93KWDF2RSXjpWZqNdc7-14IMwceFZ9l511BBZsNxESsSUA7_JsSiSjyOwT36EQjk1Rf931GkbNM1RyRasGAdo8oyUH981TbRpaQm8vcAr9zU7Ps7IqoUBA4PKAkV4yi6R0/s1600/DSCF8839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjac4yxCPQGh93KWDF2RSXjpWZqNdc7-14IMwceFZ9l511BBZsNxESsSUA7_JsSiSjyOwT36EQjk1Rf931GkbNM1RyRasGAdo8oyUH981TbRpaQm8vcAr9zU7Ps7IqoUBA4PKAkV4yi6R0/s320/DSCF8839.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ7dN5m2_GHckz5-jnsNCt-1W48oJhZ1MLvi19O-7eTUUwikkyd_hAkWfEQQkInw-xdx-kSeabvm7aGINwdCMcm5G0yVMBGke-DUA_pe1HaicN0acZqGbp0pLGZ6-Udj1jDPOfrbqFwg/s1600/DSCF8843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQ7dN5m2_GHckz5-jnsNCt-1W48oJhZ1MLvi19O-7eTUUwikkyd_hAkWfEQQkInw-xdx-kSeabvm7aGINwdCMcm5G0yVMBGke-DUA_pe1HaicN0acZqGbp0pLGZ6-Udj1jDPOfrbqFwg/s320/DSCF8843.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We played in the water during a brief shower, and once it let up it was time for us to go. The sun came back out and our trip back to the land base was peaceful. When we pulled up to the launch, I felt so happy and fulfilled! Don Pedro Island is one of those amazing hidden gems I've always heard about, and I am so grateful for our experience there! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once we got back to the hotel and showered and rested, we had a celebratory birthday dinner at Chili's. It was Olivia's choice, and the servers brought her dessert and a song at the end of our meal:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqQYU5_6kJMEk80v0pvpLqBtJ0xt9E_NCSodyh9RsCTata__Fe8LOUTLQwlXBYtyKyXZlvGU89UQJunoUF5KMhvYpqDG47XIuD5GSleNonQ8-G3vr2yYPEH2GYBOgKGLDzXyoggIjO2Q/s1600/IMG_0456rotate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqQYU5_6kJMEk80v0pvpLqBtJ0xt9E_NCSodyh9RsCTata__Fe8LOUTLQwlXBYtyKyXZlvGU89UQJunoUF5KMhvYpqDG47XIuD5GSleNonQ8-G3vr2yYPEH2GYBOgKGLDzXyoggIjO2Q/s320/IMG_0456rotate.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunday morning we packed up and checked out of the hotel. As was our plan, we headed straight to Stump Pass Beach State Park:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-BXwe3-GhL1sAHvG-mTy9GBMu-NH1MOr8r_9rAWNsYG3-NKlfViV7qmjDiyUiujYO1xuuFv_W0L8Xjqw0fyhASorh9PKrxEV_JFi3RNXsSRaMnf0rwN0zPcam5snmuHqfJEP0bLGJWA/s1600/DSCF8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-BXwe3-GhL1sAHvG-mTy9GBMu-NH1MOr8r_9rAWNsYG3-NKlfViV7qmjDiyUiujYO1xuuFv_W0L8Xjqw0fyhASorh9PKrxEV_JFi3RNXsSRaMnf0rwN0zPcam5snmuHqfJEP0bLGJWA/s320/DSCF8858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Unlike Don Pedro Island, Stump Pass is accessible by car and has a small parking lot. When we got there, the lot was already full. There didn't seem to be many cars in line ahead of us, and a park ranger was directing what traffic he could. Pretty soon enough spots opened and we were able to park. And as soon as she could, Olivia took her favorite beach toy and headed for the water:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv26M0PivANiqSgdtL9PmKeUiR6XME771uREDmGaqCPK2P31Fi9JtE9G43fc3FCQHnglyaxOWfnRnEgzCMCEvqHwZSsj_xZNLFKqYNPZBv-NSnfiQglkANG8gAL0a0S5WMg0A5z2zIq7I/s1600/DSCF8859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv26M0PivANiqSgdtL9PmKeUiR6XME771uREDmGaqCPK2P31Fi9JtE9G43fc3FCQHnglyaxOWfnRnEgzCMCEvqHwZSsj_xZNLFKqYNPZBv-NSnfiQglkANG8gAL0a0S5WMg0A5z2zIq7I/s320/DSCF8859.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was definitely a different vibe at this beach than the day before. For starters, it was a lot busier:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMP14Jet9MIg8cbYrKtu7yjOwRV-AWU5KelW9oaxjcj6n7TeeEa2L-foW2NsAqOCzvY5ZY514MR-0cexLHkcerKfLsj8BVaW37_fATFTpn1V1NOtRI8H0dFlGfkfBgQSA1eFCdv4TqYfE/s1600/DSCF8866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMP14Jet9MIg8cbYrKtu7yjOwRV-AWU5KelW9oaxjcj6n7TeeEa2L-foW2NsAqOCzvY5ZY514MR-0cexLHkcerKfLsj8BVaW37_fATFTpn1V1NOtRI8H0dFlGfkfBgQSA1eFCdv4TqYfE/s320/DSCF8866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not exactly crowded beyond comfort, but still crowded. Also, the waves were a little rougher. But, the shark teeth were...if this is even possible...even more prevalent. I had a good time collecting them, too!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKkMLSFd7sLdq07oDhlJkJCJ2Y_JLvYtg_xGktYqVA74efDVDk8zjvOHVXDZCTx0H1Gz4JjTV7JySGSQr0RJfAadj7rTN6fEHbNJ9fLDM6oguYUr993c8BI6pCVt4Vru_VxXsXdr2k40/s1600/DSCN6468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKkMLSFd7sLdq07oDhlJkJCJ2Y_JLvYtg_xGktYqVA74efDVDk8zjvOHVXDZCTx0H1Gz4JjTV7JySGSQr0RJfAadj7rTN6fEHbNJ9fLDM6oguYUr993c8BI6pCVt4Vru_VxXsXdr2k40/s320/DSCN6468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKPX7g6v8UrOClrKFkhIfK_8nnihxtwAT2ZSWtLEhacSzl3mrjIGqgeWxPenuDJyqrU8bRKBPoIi4vKhrQ4HkAZ3HhQzOzNN_umT7utfnE1QL30ZSnqb_pgnsKrEaX4VsoG38rE9sJZM/s1600/DSCF8862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUKPX7g6v8UrOClrKFkhIfK_8nnihxtwAT2ZSWtLEhacSzl3mrjIGqgeWxPenuDJyqrU8bRKBPoIi4vKhrQ4HkAZ3HhQzOzNN_umT7utfnE1QL30ZSnqb_pgnsKrEaX4VsoG38rE9sJZM/s320/DSCF8862.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSCjlmK5jkVYUM3Ld_ZpcjXz_MP2jExzIi_sixlv6iRzH2vfjnoP1crUxH-LgZzTeTOMMiAZ1J1lnTwrt7dW2UXd3UZ884dOQiurFOIOvoJEzMOgE9wI3GTRJk2SUU1Ru6zWzv2yi_2w/s1600/DSCF8865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSCjlmK5jkVYUM3Ld_ZpcjXz_MP2jExzIi_sixlv6iRzH2vfjnoP1crUxH-LgZzTeTOMMiAZ1J1lnTwrt7dW2UXd3UZ884dOQiurFOIOvoJEzMOgE9wI3GTRJk2SUU1Ru6zWzv2yi_2w/s320/DSCF8865.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While I looked for shark teeth, Rob and Olivia ventured out to the sand bar for awhile. Once they came back in, we packed up and explored the rest of the park:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NF0YOg6kUwtkEkg9-WDand8nyeZZZwMeCvvXe3BrMaj59CqaiCSKSA3FcE6ly3MdidT82C_bTPxF6cAaBfWAfJw8LJxmtM-KRh9wfdZGfT2owSTkMBbYE4H20Qjmh6XuhKt-hQQJWLU/s1600/DSCN6480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3NF0YOg6kUwtkEkg9-WDand8nyeZZZwMeCvvXe3BrMaj59CqaiCSKSA3FcE6ly3MdidT82C_bTPxF6cAaBfWAfJw8LJxmtM-KRh9wfdZGfT2owSTkMBbYE4H20Qjmh6XuhKt-hQQJWLU/s320/DSCN6480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLiO4aly27faCaeaFrQZzASykdUq89b6XFJ8-SDvKO6NU6otDtlv9fdqie76S5Li6iHIU6F6LuhPjbao-501qydlM086A1NgMGuPB7zrdQH00VD1QRH9V3UZC8lAYN3YSfdNlgpHqGmw/s1600/DSCN6482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRLiO4aly27faCaeaFrQZzASykdUq89b6XFJ8-SDvKO6NU6otDtlv9fdqie76S5Li6iHIU6F6LuhPjbao-501qydlM086A1NgMGuPB7zrdQH00VD1QRH9V3UZC8lAYN3YSfdNlgpHqGmw/s320/DSCN6482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly1tr0jNAIpupXO-tWT_j8moMmmpj3JmLMF-VQcykjO7u9n1NuGbLV52VZdKbDKTMXt-Fqtj8Ezf_6Xd7dEipJ6TemQKb43KqS_mKKXEb6GQ-NnVeG_zOQNhkuu7sk0ffSQ43K6y1ZRk/s1600/DSCN6484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly1tr0jNAIpupXO-tWT_j8moMmmpj3JmLMF-VQcykjO7u9n1NuGbLV52VZdKbDKTMXt-Fqtj8Ezf_6Xd7dEipJ6TemQKb43KqS_mKKXEb6GQ-NnVeG_zOQNhkuu7sk0ffSQ43K6y1ZRk/s320/DSCN6484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihh6ZL8YxtJ83LQtVsUhnf25KngEiLDUZ5w07WdBjZ0-a-EC05NBFJIrvtV0wRE6YcwWtDnD9ymKU9jrSDPeGoKk3wVsHtsOmISh2TFf35OQ4QkfpWA42-aBld-tLxzAUNfpzh961jzSI/s1600/DSCN6492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihh6ZL8YxtJ83LQtVsUhnf25KngEiLDUZ5w07WdBjZ0-a-EC05NBFJIrvtV0wRE6YcwWtDnD9ymKU9jrSDPeGoKk3wVsHtsOmISh2TFf35OQ4QkfpWA42-aBld-tLxzAUNfpzh961jzSI/s320/DSCN6492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygON07Bnkmzsv3OmPj8wM5p-QcO7EmqNM0kC5kVDeHB8ULI2zgvdS1epmykCYOWm0l7ISNhsqNGbRA8PeV-obOX-pEOEJkWR0DTzq4WsC6uYHhj-AZEoTRtnDEdNxP3Wom77lbF8-HOk/s1600/DSCN6499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygON07Bnkmzsv3OmPj8wM5p-QcO7EmqNM0kC5kVDeHB8ULI2zgvdS1epmykCYOWm0l7ISNhsqNGbRA8PeV-obOX-pEOEJkWR0DTzq4WsC6uYHhj-AZEoTRtnDEdNxP3Wom77lbF8-HOk/s320/DSCN6499.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-tuAnOR_aokTuSwabbxG4DGbCWU9TTFa5OY9zLrlFTK8FK3iKVBrxh_4GmAdM03yIvNZ_WgsX-cmQeyjAYkpY6KFG-Nf9fnCMzqDR8B9_g2IZCPVi5XtEKmxbFFpl26iokf9AIv5vLg/s1600/DSCN6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-tuAnOR_aokTuSwabbxG4DGbCWU9TTFa5OY9zLrlFTK8FK3iKVBrxh_4GmAdM03yIvNZ_WgsX-cmQeyjAYkpY6KFG-Nf9fnCMzqDR8B9_g2IZCPVi5XtEKmxbFFpl26iokf9AIv5vLg/s320/DSCN6508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before long it was time to pack up and head home. Stump Pass Beach was another beautiful park, but it didn't quite have the same magic we experienced the day before at Don Pedro Island. Still, we enjoyed ourselves and are richer for the time we spent. It has to be one of the more satisfying weekends, and best birthdays, we've ever had as a family. And honestly, I love having the opportunity to do this with them. Our state parks have so much to offer, and they're right there. You just need to go out and experience them for yourself!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaDGS7xeNy-GY1GT1sl34HiU8D34l9v6QcqBIDgszAUrM49wEeJFfBEaSwALzJ-_hogyACkPx_gkYIr3-KqXI9hH4e5TG5PhdMD9edzfsdQAz4y-vwImtrighHnbtp1hL95Pr7_ywh5Y/s1600/DSCN6523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaDGS7xeNy-GY1GT1sl34HiU8D34l9v6QcqBIDgszAUrM49wEeJFfBEaSwALzJ-_hogyACkPx_gkYIr3-KqXI9hH4e5TG5PhdMD9edzfsdQAz4y-vwImtrighHnbtp1hL95Pr7_ywh5Y/s320/DSCN6523.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG5zsIzcghmG_jd8P-Y5T6w7vnpqXLNuH7AgvNCAQEgxL6feyIkM26jL1ZRSnDJsCTzgs6lGpTknvJSfO3xqbKF2_WHSgpaWPm-eLlBnvOV6wBmGinOaOkULDmdcq7z1mG_k-ROOIVQw/s1600/DSCN6524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieG5zsIzcghmG_jd8P-Y5T6w7vnpqXLNuH7AgvNCAQEgxL6feyIkM26jL1ZRSnDJsCTzgs6lGpTknvJSfO3xqbKF2_WHSgpaWPm-eLlBnvOV6wBmGinOaOkULDmdcq7z1mG_k-ROOIVQw/s320/DSCN6524.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-66559584522533169962012-08-12T11:29:00.001-04:002012-08-12T11:29:19.245-04:00Trip 61: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach<strong>State Parks visited: 53</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHQTKa7rAnuOl4Hl_3d9O0270UFKGdFIaYcFf5gVXBxnPD5i6KH30IQkWAy4qH1nq67vqmukeYeFQHqNzWLhogCj1No2Wf-3Q18ribQcAKDIqMu2Y3YaDCq53_TZyi_NSS332cCXSUZQ/s1600/DSCN6355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHQTKa7rAnuOl4Hl_3d9O0270UFKGdFIaYcFf5gVXBxnPD5i6KH30IQkWAy4qH1nq67vqmukeYeFQHqNzWLhogCj1No2Wf-3Q18ribQcAKDIqMu2Y3YaDCq53_TZyi_NSS332cCXSUZQ/s320/DSCN6355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What is that saying about the best laid plans? We were fortunate recently to find a campsite open for the weekend at Gamble Rogers State Park in Flagler. It's not very far from home and we were dying for a weekend away, so it fit the bill nicely! It's a very busy park, so we took the availability as a good sign...right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhk1UBsfUBYtSIznLXZSWV_2rI-fp5gSuHelnA9vWzDURU4sjU-IOpNGZ1MgG0BkOMCghRd8J9Hv3ZhBhYXTj-eaS0Ug6CajiMld-WuIoROQ6MqBEveSkTIGSzSm80IAvLmqkZFhyphenhyphenlHk/s1600/DSCN6156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhk1UBsfUBYtSIznLXZSWV_2rI-fp5gSuHelnA9vWzDURU4sjU-IOpNGZ1MgG0BkOMCghRd8J9Hv3ZhBhYXTj-eaS0Ug6CajiMld-WuIoROQ6MqBEveSkTIGSzSm80IAvLmqkZFhyphenhyphenlHk/s320/DSCN6156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rob and I are both well-versed in Florida weather, so we didn't let the possibility of rain dampen our excitement at finally seeing this awesome park. That is, until we tried to set up our tent. See, we were right across the dunes from the ocean, and the wind was fierce! So much so that one of our tent poles splintered as we were putting it into place. Olivia kept herself entertained while we struggled:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZLOhTbQ2M3t8QIQ515vk_mZOKpVo99NaLruCq6TLNd29gUGD0k6CWD8Ih9UjS9sfCXCZWBxVdqm9rsvPCqf_eiFHERdeDrQyD1rppyo4FxWYuQAodvIGmtr4KttU4Jp1qpclY7EKjiE/s1600/DSCN6157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZLOhTbQ2M3t8QIQ515vk_mZOKpVo99NaLruCq6TLNd29gUGD0k6CWD8Ih9UjS9sfCXCZWBxVdqm9rsvPCqf_eiFHERdeDrQyD1rppyo4FxWYuQAodvIGmtr4KttU4Jp1qpclY7EKjiE/s320/DSCN6157.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At this point I'll let you in a little something: We had the only tent in the campground. The other spots were all taken by RVs. Watching us put our tent up in the wind and oncoming rain was like a spectator sport for the RVers, and honestly, it got kind of old. Then the campground hosts came by to check on us, making sure we knew what we were in for in the weather. That was nice of them, really, but we were ready to be done.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKV81TSRTHJjDm9G2fn70JbO6aYDkv1aiWdiH7PTC5_LA_NN0C0MpBYACOYIgwZoplwipywxZFyRS1K2gXCYCceZpmlPdq7UOJJgIzp9W2SHh86Tdx_FuD65kKaBVARZiPf1nYxLTptw/s1600/DSCN6161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKV81TSRTHJjDm9G2fn70JbO6aYDkv1aiWdiH7PTC5_LA_NN0C0MpBYACOYIgwZoplwipywxZFyRS1K2gXCYCceZpmlPdq7UOJJgIzp9W2SHh86Tdx_FuD65kKaBVARZiPf1nYxLTptw/s320/DSCN6161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Turkey burgers were on the menu for dinner, so there was an air of urgency as the storm approached. Rob worked on that while I took care of some other details, and pretty soon dinner was cooking. Our timing was pretty good as I took the last burger off the grill as the rain started. Now, we never allow food in the tent...ever...but this time we had to make an exception. And so, into the tent went ourselves and our dinner, and we kept the cooler at the door as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvItqS2fWbYJbwAynQ5wJsHjTLO7ae4emmv9LoS_TKfX6Fhh61m1vkpa5cHArE12ROvCgKrXqK_Ig9JmakRAMezKdVmxcJDSuIAHQa_SOFDJmh_DP7jT8PJi-iWRVWL5smjebujC8P2VA/s1600/DSCN6177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvItqS2fWbYJbwAynQ5wJsHjTLO7ae4emmv9LoS_TKfX6Fhh61m1vkpa5cHArE12ROvCgKrXqK_Ig9JmakRAMezKdVmxcJDSuIAHQa_SOFDJmh_DP7jT8PJi-iWRVWL5smjebujC8P2VA/s320/DSCN6177.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dinner was great, and eventually the rain dissipated. It was clear enough for us to clean up from dinner and take our trash down to the dumpster, so we went out for a walk. Here's our set-up:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzuZd9q8pZ1NdkSsYQ_ozrovl08lE_t5vOiJqOKPUbSVjZwDJhzHa4LYzotzb9YD6XmONXpOYHbuYqVuNtAc9yPkdzpGxRvOJCPATwnXlvtQojK6SIljZKC69CSGrUF9LNb4GmosiIrE/s1600/DSCN6180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzuZd9q8pZ1NdkSsYQ_ozrovl08lE_t5vOiJqOKPUbSVjZwDJhzHa4LYzotzb9YD6XmONXpOYHbuYqVuNtAc9yPkdzpGxRvOJCPATwnXlvtQojK6SIljZKC69CSGrUF9LNb4GmosiIrE/s320/DSCN6180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the rest of the campground:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo7kbLuJFdtqrrfmpHcMoj1CDaSzUuvQf3UPicQriyy6mEulgJgxOABIaGjCtrClVILaZICfoVXkBaRpiD3wIlnoJWj7FS4i_XF3I_s219IuI6cD3CGqvXvxsSUzs32grIdbUSyekXyM/s1600/DSCN6181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZo7kbLuJFdtqrrfmpHcMoj1CDaSzUuvQf3UPicQriyy6mEulgJgxOABIaGjCtrClVILaZICfoVXkBaRpiD3wIlnoJWj7FS4i_XF3I_s219IuI6cD3CGqvXvxsSUzs32grIdbUSyekXyM/s320/DSCN6181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stopped off at the picnic pavilion during a brief shower, and Olivia educated us on the history of the the area:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00EJzyFai_gIEsadmNZYsIFKrpdUhEmBg4oTMMuBHfPXANjQwHMv2jTzDAzJ01_dBgYInn9xIK_V1c7wGY3kt9eJUaotyqk0FZM5os6tXosypJHWgIQKsXfmp3VtFCvDtIOCBWvEoL9k/s1600/DSCN6188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00EJzyFai_gIEsadmNZYsIFKrpdUhEmBg4oTMMuBHfPXANjQwHMv2jTzDAzJ01_dBgYInn9xIK_V1c7wGY3kt9eJUaotyqk0FZM5os6tXosypJHWgIQKsXfmp3VtFCvDtIOCBWvEoL9k/s320/DSCN6188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once the rain ended (again) we headed down to the beach. The unique orange color of the sand is part of what makes this such a beautiful spot, and we had it to ourselves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOg2rwdkqxZYYEVW44VTC9siWY8oziWiQtJsI5QCZcLm7FJCD2vHPlm1d1Siu0IMD4xky2Wt73Cd4vNZB_QmKtUiLZ2_mxrxJmuPbr9kAtv4482xGpoXVjhthYh2v28wBj_SIQMiqXrE/s1600/DSCN6204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOg2rwdkqxZYYEVW44VTC9siWY8oziWiQtJsI5QCZcLm7FJCD2vHPlm1d1Siu0IMD4xky2Wt73Cd4vNZB_QmKtUiLZ2_mxrxJmuPbr9kAtv4482xGpoXVjhthYh2v28wBj_SIQMiqXrE/s320/DSCN6204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gOfM9XxGZbtCEtXEg7Dq7VvBKRsQpTnys9oLeCQCECOBvcAg6gPzYGzvM4tnmybsNOo2fqd_h4Mt620u3A5jItvldeD1e4CKS4JEggLIDkPPtiS0cY3xrEzilVDyZg4K_1y-I4USZdc/s1600/DSCN6208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gOfM9XxGZbtCEtXEg7Dq7VvBKRsQpTnys9oLeCQCECOBvcAg6gPzYGzvM4tnmybsNOo2fqd_h4Mt620u3A5jItvldeD1e4CKS4JEggLIDkPPtiS0cY3xrEzilVDyZg4K_1y-I4USZdc/s320/DSCN6208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia had fun running from the waves. It was great to get out and expend some energy between rain showers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJziT3xroN66P03uVwGFXzXDXEIcOwVUWi6GcjESXlI4pqNX02OizovVhAKXd9Kh6T1J7tkE0yFKjxO9nSEdF20tueTwRYDj-vJ1Bm8puqeXrYEf5l4_aZxydyIh5skDNr7t3_3AFBy5c/s1600/DSCN6218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJziT3xroN66P03uVwGFXzXDXEIcOwVUWi6GcjESXlI4pqNX02OizovVhAKXd9Kh6T1J7tkE0yFKjxO9nSEdF20tueTwRYDj-vJ1Bm8puqeXrYEf5l4_aZxydyIh5skDNr7t3_3AFBy5c/s320/DSCN6218.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPH_PGvjtYiiWevVhYKRv9o8P8Ld7cu2DPpFj5egWtsovtkTDtH2nH3ehrl9ZS8r92VP645uGOK2OnjcfsahmfX-GhHB9ysb8KCjMLEFcZfG9NESZvp-zwCixUTvisKffdnuBZkZFht8/s1600/DSCN6227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxPH_PGvjtYiiWevVhYKRv9o8P8Ld7cu2DPpFj5egWtsovtkTDtH2nH3ehrl9ZS8r92VP645uGOK2OnjcfsahmfX-GhHB9ysb8KCjMLEFcZfG9NESZvp-zwCixUTvisKffdnuBZkZFht8/s320/DSCN6227.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our breather lasted about an hour, an all-too-brief reprieve from the rain. As soon as we made it back into the tent, the sky once again opened up, and we decided to call it a night. Going to bed early was a good thing, because we were well rested for our next endeavor: Watching the sunrise. Even though I grew up in Florida, I have never...ever...made it to the beach early enough to see the day begin. We were determined, though, and got out of the tent and made it to the beach in time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tcpCma6FrMUALOh52VT6XM1ei4SqKBWNctUjrK2RLj4E5YG4XZQmdhrR87Fvn-VJKnfVXv_33wuvN1R19sz8Srr-WDlJhasyYQMJAa5euTqVRR8OcWxkC4Syc2J2QN3mjpavnXR-2wg/s1600/DSCN6232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5tcpCma6FrMUALOh52VT6XM1ei4SqKBWNctUjrK2RLj4E5YG4XZQmdhrR87Fvn-VJKnfVXv_33wuvN1R19sz8Srr-WDlJhasyYQMJAa5euTqVRR8OcWxkC4Syc2J2QN3mjpavnXR-2wg/s320/DSCN6232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh962VHmCUUfpBRVmPJdYlwqRwZFSrBwyQJMvaLf9wtcsXL9ZbDupf1FbrIld3b1xSrA27975Mb_Lfe1BnSQ2Eq7VBbBSQ9kEHFy3TKzaWb0AJInSfR1ppSNpznJjCZvG7H1YQa8Uh92rU/s1600/DSCN6233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh962VHmCUUfpBRVmPJdYlwqRwZFSrBwyQJMvaLf9wtcsXL9ZbDupf1FbrIld3b1xSrA27975Mb_Lfe1BnSQ2Eq7VBbBSQ9kEHFy3TKzaWb0AJInSfR1ppSNpznJjCZvG7H1YQa8Uh92rU/s320/DSCN6233.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCdjNbWJnRvcZCDt3ALN6zcSUPW22v2unIDfOcNFIib0FdTx0WBkYhR8_QavhSKAFWYsirx2ZbMc6ISxr7uCzWOquaamswMtC4ZZDcuXRZX7V9fe0yO2iK1En-2sFkY1f40U5V60uCM0/s1600/DSCN6234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCdjNbWJnRvcZCDt3ALN6zcSUPW22v2unIDfOcNFIib0FdTx0WBkYhR8_QavhSKAFWYsirx2ZbMc6ISxr7uCzWOquaamswMtC4ZZDcuXRZX7V9fe0yO2iK1En-2sFkY1f40U5V60uCM0/s320/DSCN6234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqR-foXK3twAm0QdslGrGpfTCpviTBb7MEA1tdgjNev-w7sGz-G8SpPj4YELMZf7dCu0E7oxA83p-J8S_0Tt5pGs5-hJAhLKiKqwomDE2V25wJsv4trXHP31cyGuE9DTMPuQ57GK2L5c/s1600/DSCN6235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqR-foXK3twAm0QdslGrGpfTCpviTBb7MEA1tdgjNev-w7sGz-G8SpPj4YELMZf7dCu0E7oxA83p-J8S_0Tt5pGs5-hJAhLKiKqwomDE2V25wJsv4trXHP31cyGuE9DTMPuQ57GK2L5c/s320/DSCN6235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycnWi11JBRbXd78BXQGHOIJ9KkgOoDPAdoerF9PPCICDiDsu1C8DnhSWGNcPu4NIhcuyd7dBcIM4M15i-ECQeOpCy6NkCT_dYfQ-iPwHprZusXze5RAgoIjWDFfGKqF7nPKR04tbk0nU/s1600/DSCN6241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycnWi11JBRbXd78BXQGHOIJ9KkgOoDPAdoerF9PPCICDiDsu1C8DnhSWGNcPu4NIhcuyd7dBcIM4M15i-ECQeOpCy6NkCT_dYfQ-iPwHprZusXze5RAgoIjWDFfGKqF7nPKR04tbk0nU/s320/DSCN6241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjLEUXG0EBSUs9Ubs-BlPRMC8eChg8ws_oKLDuJPMhagyelAi7w1ucltb_O16MpYpMy1x1qjZ39Dvosiq5gVPXATr1SWny3m2I6pZuXZDvq-MgiNwwE3h_rUoPYOoHAqpWu6Hk6fQO-g/s1600/DSCN6246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjLEUXG0EBSUs9Ubs-BlPRMC8eChg8ws_oKLDuJPMhagyelAi7w1ucltb_O16MpYpMy1x1qjZ39Dvosiq5gVPXATr1SWny3m2I6pZuXZDvq-MgiNwwE3h_rUoPYOoHAqpWu6Hk6fQO-g/s320/DSCN6246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3FyacpeHbelgcz4RByNp6oGgcwRgn0_KU8FjhZWvPIFAtfSw6j25evU0aVSzgKlufoYNCRPowI9jfxEepIsbecR6T7iCHfP2Dkt-fVbQEeRplBvxKtnQi6paTZU07c88Pmr4d0N87aw/s1600/DSCN6250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3FyacpeHbelgcz4RByNp6oGgcwRgn0_KU8FjhZWvPIFAtfSw6j25evU0aVSzgKlufoYNCRPowI9jfxEepIsbecR6T7iCHfP2Dkt-fVbQEeRplBvxKtnQi6paTZU07c88Pmr4d0N87aw/s320/DSCN6250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lf2vFNa4KJWS4YFWAcPduG0ni-31bNPWrENaYTlrsthk4BMhz1iwsJ8UunD9e9l3Zl09GpeuFcKygn_ceBAkDzWZAuyblkIEgTF1oxUW0DkD7ngIym7DxCFKGdT_tXvorzobHMfabSE/s1600/DSCN6252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lf2vFNa4KJWS4YFWAcPduG0ni-31bNPWrENaYTlrsthk4BMhz1iwsJ8UunD9e9l3Zl09GpeuFcKygn_ceBAkDzWZAuyblkIEgTF1oxUW0DkD7ngIym7DxCFKGdT_tXvorzobHMfabSE/s320/DSCN6252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was probably one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, and a wonderful way to start our day. Back at camp, the campground hosts stopped by to check on us and made sure we made it through the night. It was a very sweet gesture! While I was making breakfast (breakfast burritos, yummy!), movement by the fence behind us caught my attention. It was mouse!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0UDq4Y6lzLm_SJcM7snhiMQfR9CaQvCxk91BptBJpn9t8bvnJaIXAs8XrxWumyzntcanOYWQt56R55BL6z3nFDTYmoegaHPz9OP6cFkNqlGa4V0Q2LC8uVE8m7NnQngyaSy0rY_7qyQ/s1600/DSCN6269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0UDq4Y6lzLm_SJcM7snhiMQfR9CaQvCxk91BptBJpn9t8bvnJaIXAs8XrxWumyzntcanOYWQt56R55BL6z3nFDTYmoegaHPz9OP6cFkNqlGa4V0Q2LC8uVE8m7NnQngyaSy0rY_7qyQ/s320/DSCN6269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rodents don't bother us, and thankfully this little guy wasn't interested in our food. We watched him for quite awhile, eating the stinging nettle plants that are common in the area. They must be particularly yummy, because as soon as the mouse would leave, a cardinal would take its place:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9Q_C8NLSsOZVH9wDRBNHn96zcXMMc1Ktvn29KBqVtwXeUWMRvlH10nlkFpbgAAh5Ov8Y31889k5Qd-Y0rF2t77cKgczk6mPYfEfRM7YQhMGGuEeDVgVeYn3ohonwfs9idrdv4iETmXc/s1600/DSCN6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9Q_C8NLSsOZVH9wDRBNHn96zcXMMc1Ktvn29KBqVtwXeUWMRvlH10nlkFpbgAAh5Ov8Y31889k5Qd-Y0rF2t77cKgczk6mPYfEfRM7YQhMGGuEeDVgVeYn3ohonwfs9idrdv4iETmXc/s320/DSCN6277.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretty soon it was time to break down camp. We found this guy in the process:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZRcmf60Lh9K6F7NNs6XSmxGUAIOdNjBEnQIM3m7g3q_kNGgsc9mFVNfn5n8ExOW2-mZcDwOj9Vl-v7rTpUEVsPSB67KtYzP2pgjgHKabX8YvSlAQ8iuStACHUJm2lIkJJgJ7arM3pw0/s1600/DSCN6299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZRcmf60Lh9K6F7NNs6XSmxGUAIOdNjBEnQIM3m7g3q_kNGgsc9mFVNfn5n8ExOW2-mZcDwOj9Vl-v7rTpUEVsPSB67KtYzP2pgjgHKabX8YvSlAQ8iuStACHUJm2lIkJJgJ7arM3pw0/s320/DSCN6299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PbJiU6gUjJEZkYYncslPA8yf1RRVBUp6WexVDXgej0j5eQpdCgKoZOo5eRDiXi4JYm2OGoFOK-ePiyz_hyphenhyphenWswmKQKpvWlojUJ3sO4VDawnXlcCzvst6yXxJqZ70LZvXlMppAhdaFtJg/s1600/DSCN6300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PbJiU6gUjJEZkYYncslPA8yf1RRVBUp6WexVDXgej0j5eQpdCgKoZOo5eRDiXi4JYm2OGoFOK-ePiyz_hyphenhyphenWswmKQKpvWlojUJ3sO4VDawnXlcCzvst6yXxJqZ70LZvXlMppAhdaFtJg/s320/DSCN6300.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before we hit the beach, we decided to head across the highway to the inland side of the park. It's situated on the Intracoastal Waterway and Smith Creek, and it has a boat ramp and hiking trail. We didn't bring the kayaks with us on this trip but might come back. It seemed like a peaceful place to paddle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuTedUoXJPynlFXBZs7tjmbg_nfGkgErhAnjrRBwgD8gkoUWceDDC8luPHsUOvR08Z-ryURnMHSBx_jxGlkfU3Z_WalBq5pn4BPL54DQ6vU0sOwwrSMBpB5fCFPr_4Wby3VwKHaa0Ytg/s1600/DSCN6319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuTedUoXJPynlFXBZs7tjmbg_nfGkgErhAnjrRBwgD8gkoUWceDDC8luPHsUOvR08Z-ryURnMHSBx_jxGlkfU3Z_WalBq5pn4BPL54DQ6vU0sOwwrSMBpB5fCFPr_4Wby3VwKHaa0Ytg/s320/DSCN6319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Something caught our attention around the boat ramp, and after some time we realized we were watching a manatee:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ1-bMNw4xm8OpuIqdx6qLHPNBtOz7qmib-s__dOBSCy1B20L-27qFFJKVG1zXCJZuzahptUBrt80IAs7ZRo4iNasJLKHX6jq05kmzcttte1oq2Tf614hiO9kwfK6N4R68ZKa2h0l3jQ/s1600/DSCN6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ1-bMNw4xm8OpuIqdx6qLHPNBtOz7qmib-s__dOBSCy1B20L-27qFFJKVG1zXCJZuzahptUBrt80IAs7ZRo4iNasJLKHX6jq05kmzcttte1oq2Tf614hiO9kwfK6N4R68ZKa2h0l3jQ/s320/DSCN6328.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It floated around lazily, and I really envy that approach to life! We sat there watching it for probably half an hour. Afterwards, we walked around a bit:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMB8xqmT87i5xTFYVDCO3zHq1DcTOJbdJDjnIMt5Y8Bxv_cvY6MvMsGOGviZcacptU0NoHU3_nCDwFNz2khEUOhLxC3wnhgtjeqpq8rbbH8cHlWh7vb96v38n1b5x3Dhbkiwy9urfdls/s1600/DSCN6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMB8xqmT87i5xTFYVDCO3zHq1DcTOJbdJDjnIMt5Y8Bxv_cvY6MvMsGOGviZcacptU0NoHU3_nCDwFNz2khEUOhLxC3wnhgtjeqpq8rbbH8cHlWh7vb96v38n1b5x3Dhbkiwy9urfdls/s320/DSCN6338.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We couldn't get any closer to this trail without mosquitoes attacking us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF-Kegz2RHTfK3zyM6WwvEbG_7s5moddXmmIXHSq3W-RjZWp8nvGeaLCSqWFqujMD84m9utZGEfAi4DEtNvN2uK25aE4F8uGARz7qHNuKBlHaJpOHbl2Ejc1TYoO5W7vO9QlgJrV1a0Y/s1600/DSCN6339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjF-Kegz2RHTfK3zyM6WwvEbG_7s5moddXmmIXHSq3W-RjZWp8nvGeaLCSqWFqujMD84m9utZGEfAi4DEtNvN2uK25aE4F8uGARz7qHNuKBlHaJpOHbl2Ejc1TYoO5W7vO9QlgJrV1a0Y/s320/DSCN6339.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I want to make so many rude jokes about this sign.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCerEpu4ERrXwK7-fqRccpJ5AQEmgPo5TcOELz80Lag1mIKbHWIozf2aLGMmb_mbKOUrwK6h5e224mQLUGcjxnkVMU5s_P3S24r19DhxJAmeUCuT_TWDQVw1Y-1ymo69Ob7sdu_GNnK4/s1600/DSCN6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCerEpu4ERrXwK7-fqRccpJ5AQEmgPo5TcOELz80Lag1mIKbHWIozf2aLGMmb_mbKOUrwK6h5e224mQLUGcjxnkVMU5s_P3S24r19DhxJAmeUCuT_TWDQVw1Y-1ymo69Ob7sdu_GNnK4/s320/DSCN6322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />So our ultimate reason for the camping trip was to visit the beach, and we finally made it for a swim! While we were picking out a spot to plant ourselves, we saw something amazing. Look at it and see if you can tell me what it is:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVLJ2xAIGHbwGpIu6mCMTKh7AtNT9h_dhr17dG1-KFF80FURQs631glpEZUP2Empaog9WST6FEOz2MIbt3Kf7eKPzIJHAl913UDf53uD8Er00juUXoHF-WNkNOnVaDiDr-McISVyz1gE/s1600/DSCF8700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVLJ2xAIGHbwGpIu6mCMTKh7AtNT9h_dhr17dG1-KFF80FURQs631glpEZUP2Empaog9WST6FEOz2MIbt3Kf7eKPzIJHAl913UDf53uD8Er00juUXoHF-WNkNOnVaDiDr-McISVyz1gE/s320/DSCF8700.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do you know? I'll fill you in: Those are sea turtle tracks. There were tracks leading to and from a brand new nest, and it was the first time I've seen that. You can identify the turtle by the tracks they leave, but we weren't able to find out this one. Still, it was extremely cool seeing something like this, knowing that while we were sleeping, a sea turtle was laying eggs nearby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So yeah...the best laid plans. The weather, initially, was pretty dismal. However, we were able to salvage our weekend away with a soul-renewing sunrise, and it really ended up being one of our best weekends yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPTwMJkRLvkCo2xbs_daKLFTI00-yCuFWSwpkvzTgdimKbSxwB1i2bFP-n6FcKU-PMji3mYmwCcwDvaHTXQtGjSH7FgjV4hkY22RJosxhlfY7BFN-RIoqWosu41BduCTz54nR5uY5iHs/s1600/DSCN6358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPTwMJkRLvkCo2xbs_daKLFTI00-yCuFWSwpkvzTgdimKbSxwB1i2bFP-n6FcKU-PMji3mYmwCcwDvaHTXQtGjSH7FgjV4hkY22RJosxhlfY7BFN-RIoqWosu41BduCTz54nR5uY5iHs/s320/DSCN6358.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-88565600183615926522012-07-22T13:33:00.001-04:002012-07-22T13:33:20.443-04:00Trip 60: North Peninsula State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 52</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SglzV30xAupzbRM35oARXvJPvidUFzbPwnb6sQ8r7tIn_Urg5ETaJDZBqOGR9GYgNgHlHeyO3bFu36VWdhuZLr1uf0nY_Oo6knUzxIc6qenCxnozxElDlarr2JvV71-H_EcRf26DisQ/s1600/DSCF8639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SglzV30xAupzbRM35oARXvJPvidUFzbPwnb6sQ8r7tIn_Urg5ETaJDZBqOGR9GYgNgHlHeyO3bFu36VWdhuZLr1uf0nY_Oo6knUzxIc6qenCxnozxElDlarr2JvV71-H_EcRf26DisQ/s320/DSCF8639.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our 17th anniversary rolled around on May 6, and we decided to celebrate in typical style. First plan of the day: Brunch! We met up with Chris, Xandra, Chris's brother Matt, and Matt's girlfriend Amanda for brunch at a local restaurant, Aunt Catfish's on the River. It's in Port Orange, about 40 minutes from home. I have never seen so much food in my life! We sat outside, enjoying the breeze off the water. Once we had our fill, we split up...Amanda had to get ready for work, so Matt took her home. Chris and Xandra went geocaching. Rob, Olivia, and I decided to hit the beach! North Peninsula State Park is a quiet beach north of Ormond, and we had yet to visit. No better day than our anniversary!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAGkXrTuhGU33MEi8eqqlfpSCQP0KKybzcqs3a3a9xO4MsaHUFVY592mENsNZOKoUkZyqQRSLpVlEAGlYADTY5tIrZhdNgAW8fxe5u8Qq7-XEAtl_WohcNyynXwjoThV3TTKnbvqAvC0/s1600/DSCF8624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGAGkXrTuhGU33MEi8eqqlfpSCQP0KKybzcqs3a3a9xO4MsaHUFVY592mENsNZOKoUkZyqQRSLpVlEAGlYADTY5tIrZhdNgAW8fxe5u8Qq7-XEAtl_WohcNyynXwjoThV3TTKnbvqAvC0/s320/DSCF8624.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before going to the beach itself, we explored a bit of the inland side of the park. They have a picnic area, restrooms, parking, the Coastal Strand Trail, and a boat launch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWz-dKSh_mGN0ZKfB0yKuBtXPccM5Ek9ToqFO-UKI1dtZMMHoiRgc3Ja6L0qaw6gKCzBfgtFUSr0Em58WtjUMoJ8NtxhlSBc02TLDtcnpLdTcfJ7vTRm3FqVn25c2rBH7eKDIXeIcsMU/s1600/DSCF8615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLWz-dKSh_mGN0ZKfB0yKuBtXPccM5Ek9ToqFO-UKI1dtZMMHoiRgc3Ja6L0qaw6gKCzBfgtFUSr0Em58WtjUMoJ8NtxhlSBc02TLDtcnpLdTcfJ7vTRm3FqVn25c2rBH7eKDIXeIcsMU/s320/DSCF8615.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SDhnsrR-ifndRSm-Bn0S0znCjGNFgfU8esnTT9yK2ZXqLtPL3yLPX8BrYj5Jt7vd-Nu5NOMhrKZmta1BAe3-d2tLItSX2253Dtks_xj61uaD6rhruo7PwNXIscCSgTzmOvWtCIEkxu8/s1600/DSCF8617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SDhnsrR-ifndRSm-Bn0S0znCjGNFgfU8esnTT9yK2ZXqLtPL3yLPX8BrYj5Jt7vd-Nu5NOMhrKZmta1BAe3-d2tLItSX2253Dtks_xj61uaD6rhruo7PwNXIscCSgTzmOvWtCIEkxu8/s320/DSCF8617.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgalAPpePxM5lbJ_pDaroddvyTTqajmPZKuzFR1yKzKSpFhOBjjZZAqQMHzgdbOmUj3jOeWapviuHPkcPDI3fbOrAK22JY_o_KqM9hIqcuThgm9-hSG4cd3dj_WwcdMLQH28Y6zcSJaQ/s1600/DSCF8630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihgalAPpePxM5lbJ_pDaroddvyTTqajmPZKuzFR1yKzKSpFhOBjjZZAqQMHzgdbOmUj3jOeWapviuHPkcPDI3fbOrAK22JY_o_KqM9hIqcuThgm9-hSG4cd3dj_WwcdMLQH28Y6zcSJaQ/s320/DSCF8630.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB65LLwpxz_ZcMGCpzjdkSlsf2TnAMQL9Xmk_XLWqteJ9xOQxevzvE1N4hSjbMSHrLDCcdYRUn1d45vFr6p7ycCMi9eGa23uwO_HzVhZSIZMcJv3HCZwRb-c5eDdXQNhvx5z8Zzq120I/s1600/DSCF8632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB65LLwpxz_ZcMGCpzjdkSlsf2TnAMQL9Xmk_XLWqteJ9xOQxevzvE1N4hSjbMSHrLDCcdYRUn1d45vFr6p7ycCMi9eGa23uwO_HzVhZSIZMcJv3HCZwRb-c5eDdXQNhvx5z8Zzq120I/s320/DSCF8632.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We opted not to hike the trail because of a few simple reasons: we really wanted to hit the beach, we weren't quite dressed properly, it was *hot*, and portions of the trail were sugar sand with standing, stagnant water on each side. Read that as, Misery with a side of mosquitoes! So, it was beach time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjwA_GYCng_1sVZ529dPn3j175HNfC7CNpM1xkFV9_BR0jfVLxacHr8l-xB3m6TlpZVneFW6raJ9gZx33nxXQ-oV20gmLZj3-TLNCbMrtWhnxBe06sENQRDdn2bKAR_yFbGiM6oyZA2s/s1600/DSCF8638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjwA_GYCng_1sVZ529dPn3j175HNfC7CNpM1xkFV9_BR0jfVLxacHr8l-xB3m6TlpZVneFW6raJ9gZx33nxXQ-oV20gmLZj3-TLNCbMrtWhnxBe06sENQRDdn2bKAR_yFbGiM6oyZA2s/s320/DSCF8638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrM0ax5dFdXZxg2691wtrhNXBb0n6Hw8tCoQAgX00Qfp34KOHBPcJCA-4qeD940esCUmvR3y_b-ce2L4jge-O6SgaqLA2ASlLBzLtDZ2GoNS5B-0ZgRnqJjC5LdQPZX0UAxaBCI-fZus/s1600/DSCF8643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrM0ax5dFdXZxg2691wtrhNXBb0n6Hw8tCoQAgX00Qfp34KOHBPcJCA-4qeD940esCUmvR3y_b-ce2L4jge-O6SgaqLA2ASlLBzLtDZ2GoNS5B-0ZgRnqJjC5LdQPZX0UAxaBCI-fZus/s320/DSCF8643.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia brought her absolute favorite beach toy...a boogie board!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0squql9QCF9S9_FbyJpUK6RiZh5h_jL_v_vWhP0mF4SdNc6IcL5-CAOTwETm1O-wkQ2JR5Dr0ZNwA0EK6QMMRr3Vwkc5vPdZopVmUQwR_Td7TmN2CswSGvM8-BRhUaswiz0cZ-d259I/s1600/DSCF8647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0squql9QCF9S9_FbyJpUK6RiZh5h_jL_v_vWhP0mF4SdNc6IcL5-CAOTwETm1O-wkQ2JR5Dr0ZNwA0EK6QMMRr3Vwkc5vPdZopVmUQwR_Td7TmN2CswSGvM8-BRhUaswiz0cZ-d259I/s320/DSCF8647.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIyw87Nl1uVCb6UyGDBTG_fPLiCC6djRdGx7GXdiwL5HgqxBuYdeSpTb1npX0wzEvJkR3WwBMW3bdolVpQCsDlaGPh_MSuWajzP1aBE3z-GVBvWz_OE5D1GVAUTRoKdRsOccedrTAsyk/s1600/DSCF8657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIyw87Nl1uVCb6UyGDBTG_fPLiCC6djRdGx7GXdiwL5HgqxBuYdeSpTb1npX0wzEvJkR3WwBMW3bdolVpQCsDlaGPh_MSuWajzP1aBE3z-GVBvWz_OE5D1GVAUTRoKdRsOccedrTAsyk/s320/DSCF8657.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We set up our chairs and hit the water for a swim:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqs1wRr-lTN8VMhnCr6cks5B3PHMZEFJgyPQGB9B4fC2YFY2CJo68Nr0-na1dqAeBMMLzAmfUdjkRtL_7F4vClc8wOQXBSyFmgWdwOPCDv2yZqMsRa57qb2BpEKioZAn4br9V12846gY/s1600/DSCF8652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqs1wRr-lTN8VMhnCr6cks5B3PHMZEFJgyPQGB9B4fC2YFY2CJo68Nr0-na1dqAeBMMLzAmfUdjkRtL_7F4vClc8wOQXBSyFmgWdwOPCDv2yZqMsRa57qb2BpEKioZAn4br9V12846gY/s320/DSCF8652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eventually I headed back to my towel to lay out, and that's when I started seeing fins in the water. Fins?!? Yep...dolphin fins!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTA8bx4xBbS0mq4lJaCrYEBFssMHLjSqbVygcOk-XngRAWSR1BEfCfq-moq6MFFKgxvym7GbTQCHEC93pNjORFHcCKAFxTYQw42d2Xxy1oxkYuqcvWSqfVeUzEQbo9QcgHjuj-cZg8R4/s1600/DSCF8675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTA8bx4xBbS0mq4lJaCrYEBFssMHLjSqbVygcOk-XngRAWSR1BEfCfq-moq6MFFKgxvym7GbTQCHEC93pNjORFHcCKAFxTYQw42d2Xxy1oxkYuqcvWSqfVeUzEQbo9QcgHjuj-cZg8R4/s320/DSCF8675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Growing up near the beach, I never saw any dolphins. Recently though, it seems like we've been seeing them on every beach outing! I love the opportunity, you know?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eventually Chris, Xandra, and Matt showed up to hang out with us, and we spent a little while longer in the water. Our anniversary was a simple celebration with the people we hold dearest, and we're grateful for a beautiful, simple day in a hidden gem. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD78iIIsgbDDcZDUgtf3jzGZC64OKNM40nv4Y_4oSRR7fNBURyvULZkHadG6pRY_XWenhyaSFlH_Nne4CnEKlBMZGyW0HV4i6cIKSnm_Rxeh2ASZyjTJgn-XtYYZi4UqtFu6Yan5lJzE/s1600/DSCF8694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD78iIIsgbDDcZDUgtf3jzGZC64OKNM40nv4Y_4oSRR7fNBURyvULZkHadG6pRY_XWenhyaSFlH_Nne4CnEKlBMZGyW0HV4i6cIKSnm_Rxeh2ASZyjTJgn-XtYYZi4UqtFu6Yan5lJzE/s320/DSCF8694.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-46859413049837615582012-06-21T18:33:00.000-04:002012-06-23T12:53:52.137-04:00Trip 59: Anastasia State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 51</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4Y4VNxoFxhIRIdikPc2fYj8EfpKgGDl7HNaaNRVPxeYj87KCEKNafkVPN0jALTyvQSvSpVXqKSulcI5FqHjtj_z-U_vGbnZdeKOzIQDZ8vVuoAyGffaZmi9nfLvt2ktubRWSF8ARN-I/s1600/DSCN5394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4Y4VNxoFxhIRIdikPc2fYj8EfpKgGDl7HNaaNRVPxeYj87KCEKNafkVPN0jALTyvQSvSpVXqKSulcI5FqHjtj_z-U_vGbnZdeKOzIQDZ8vVuoAyGffaZmi9nfLvt2ktubRWSF8ARN-I/s320/DSCN5394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Easter Weekend was slowly creeping up on us, and we weren't sure what plans we should make. Neither Rob nor I had to work, and to be honest, we're both really lax about following tradition when it comes to holidays. So, when a campsite became available at Anastasia State Park, we jumped at the chance to visit!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_HzDMED7y16-zRapm6HTLHgD5yPT7v_-vd3H9mdI7leOU30pFXpZLMRt9CUwQnt1_P6yehbd9hWJSXAYMlAhZopsrPN9hmH6uO287UfFLyG48f5m0YdJHJ36eM9nyiY_Lf4hEUpmjZI/s1600/DSCN5417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_HzDMED7y16-zRapm6HTLHgD5yPT7v_-vd3H9mdI7leOU30pFXpZLMRt9CUwQnt1_P6yehbd9hWJSXAYMlAhZopsrPN9hmH6uO287UfFLyG48f5m0YdJHJ36eM9nyiY_Lf4hEUpmjZI/s320/DSCN5417.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Immediately after work and school and packing, we hit the road for the drive up to St. Augustine. It isn't too far, thankfully, because we had some complications with our kayaks on our roof rack. The wind was pretty extreme...and only got worse on the highway...and one corner of the rack was pulled loose from the car. We pulled over as quickly as possible and managed to come up with a temporary fix that got us to camp. Still, we were pretty shaken at the possibility of losing our kayaks while driving!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1wJ0vmKmJYcq5p6g_wp9fH4MHnRwbqRkEOVIrbjP_d9EseO0hxxMxzDwrGb4st6j6OXv9aOQyyjbfHqeWZBvqWfNNcXxbxLbAILhUjur4OZaeZ6PLlZb10zDx8_bEB82thhAMnoERcc/s1600/DSCN5355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1wJ0vmKmJYcq5p6g_wp9fH4MHnRwbqRkEOVIrbjP_d9EseO0hxxMxzDwrGb4st6j6OXv9aOQyyjbfHqeWZBvqWfNNcXxbxLbAILhUjur4OZaeZ6PLlZb10zDx8_bEB82thhAMnoERcc/s320/DSCN5355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Saturday dawned bright and windy, and we knew there wouldn't be a chance for any kayaking that day. We ended up sightseeing and geocaching instead, but first check out some critters from around camp:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzgWVLqzQYA6S7tUnpZIfjCXAfxZYwzW3sYdGKi_p1X2thk0re8vlWqx2qRSEDOWeh5GESD2KbEG86cXKoDcfUmWWy5_QIAzshithFJ9qX6R0RkflyURHMIfJB4Ie3z_Vtku9EADeHpM/s1600/DSCN5365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzgWVLqzQYA6S7tUnpZIfjCXAfxZYwzW3sYdGKi_p1X2thk0re8vlWqx2qRSEDOWeh5GESD2KbEG86cXKoDcfUmWWy5_QIAzshithFJ9qX6R0RkflyURHMIfJB4Ie3z_Vtku9EADeHpM/s320/DSCN5365.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(inchworm)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZezD6E2p9sA4TEpTovth6pR5Un1CypjrrEcbKeObnz4uGrAydVLBsZIim6FJZo5t5PJ9PiQ3XzSWxPQDHNpq2lUce9K-oQ-SnqtzuW0T8Ce-IIU1bxriXgM4yVL2Slx8VmO3ClsSnsmQ/s1600/DSCN5372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZezD6E2p9sA4TEpTovth6pR5Un1CypjrrEcbKeObnz4uGrAydVLBsZIim6FJZo5t5PJ9PiQ3XzSWxPQDHNpq2lUce9K-oQ-SnqtzuW0T8Ce-IIU1bxriXgM4yVL2Slx8VmO3ClsSnsmQ/s320/DSCN5372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(squirrel)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuh5SGOJX9vJ6iLYkjHx8hCGRXVSVgIsUQS1OKRdvf2Gw4oQafEzUcfLNYO_8jFci1nQ2UQzo1p0wF887xZCdSxWXxIwjpNPrOlW78_JEin9r_XhALCSiXluZghhyO9zsZ23riaKRckg/s1600/DSCN5379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuh5SGOJX9vJ6iLYkjHx8hCGRXVSVgIsUQS1OKRdvf2Gw4oQafEzUcfLNYO_8jFci1nQ2UQzo1p0wF887xZCdSxWXxIwjpNPrOlW78_JEin9r_XhALCSiXluZghhyO9zsZ23riaKRckg/s320/DSCN5379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(monkey)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Actually, she was helping us a *lot* by hammering in our tent stakes!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Geocaching took us to the beach and then down the trails at the park. Here are some photos from the beach:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14aA6v3rm0187_W6cvtMTEeVoUyoktjizUzS3wku6zeqezdWXv6f9ozhEQwqZ7R6c674mbBTZs4YYlE1-fV6BYF6NwvV7ZQULY4aEuMQfDbXvJSDVdbXn98uOZoY-jZzc3nvFVraqMyM/s1600/DSCN5384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi14aA6v3rm0187_W6cvtMTEeVoUyoktjizUzS3wku6zeqezdWXv6f9ozhEQwqZ7R6c674mbBTZs4YYlE1-fV6BYF6NwvV7ZQULY4aEuMQfDbXvJSDVdbXn98uOZoY-jZzc3nvFVraqMyM/s320/DSCN5384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuPD7ua0j1TNGhtFlm2QYJ1U-qUrxLGMMNbou52uwQS7HzhZAraVWh_WVQD8EITB5q2NVi76Phr9JNn82KBNypRisyYz04-0ioUoRSd3EjEQDkSiBO0elpdWAWyfDaeVMDq7CQByjEFQ/s1600/DSCN5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuPD7ua0j1TNGhtFlm2QYJ1U-qUrxLGMMNbou52uwQS7HzhZAraVWh_WVQD8EITB5q2NVi76Phr9JNn82KBNypRisyYz04-0ioUoRSd3EjEQDkSiBO0elpdWAWyfDaeVMDq7CQByjEFQ/s320/DSCN5397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO49BCNAWO2smlMy7JuzJqYwaWuNIuF0Qy8v29d-ZCiB0xpeb4GgYVjrVDVjnBbY0BvGlJKmJFzjumpZ9f1RypvYej7s74LEHbdwwljUGB3utu3YespsocPiyD_Omvr5MOPpuYxfuz8w/s1600/DSCN5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO49BCNAWO2smlMy7JuzJqYwaWuNIuF0Qy8v29d-ZCiB0xpeb4GgYVjrVDVjnBbY0BvGlJKmJFzjumpZ9f1RypvYej7s74LEHbdwwljUGB3utu3YespsocPiyD_Omvr5MOPpuYxfuz8w/s320/DSCN5419.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKoCA8Vh8yVV7zs2TkWC22SS3twX8lWHvHgYV_55NJnOd5ryOZVkMBGPg8uLcolmuuNbOTX8pfXTpN3JjOK6gT7uhvDud8eddETvOQVZrDbrpCMYAvGs25Xqhw6aJPhYFfWyhffk7NKQ/s1600/DSCN5424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKoCA8Vh8yVV7zs2TkWC22SS3twX8lWHvHgYV_55NJnOd5ryOZVkMBGPg8uLcolmuuNbOTX8pfXTpN3JjOK6gT7uhvDud8eddETvOQVZrDbrpCMYAvGs25Xqhw6aJPhYFfWyhffk7NKQ/s320/DSCN5424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6xKs6uO8FcRqX3Q1_LmAUB2QGrjPXf0EKTJyPfRGuy59A5ysjy1_Rw_m3S9nBA9Pnw70W1vzTaYqcXVMWdmIgCmHsscKRne3sc9Dld_gJy2DllaCI2okDCuogdAXNIhaqbgPGGEpr48/s1600/DSCN5429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6xKs6uO8FcRqX3Q1_LmAUB2QGrjPXf0EKTJyPfRGuy59A5ysjy1_Rw_m3S9nBA9Pnw70W1vzTaYqcXVMWdmIgCmHsscKRne3sc9Dld_gJy2DllaCI2okDCuogdAXNIhaqbgPGGEpr48/s320/DSCN5429.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The park is right down the street from the St. Augustine Lighthouse, which is somewhere I've been wanting to visit. So, that was our next destination.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOTUHGgrtH9czY2aMoDJg4E3-8utK9tRTo31N0W42-A1fx_sky0E_r1ozZhbUued4GgyimCWhbUswxDKIbKSFdJuS6POIfHRxMrqfYS-EYrs4g0347xN7qntTy_G8lXlOSSh-JJS44YM/s1600/DSCN5460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyOTUHGgrtH9czY2aMoDJg4E3-8utK9tRTo31N0W42-A1fx_sky0E_r1ozZhbUued4GgyimCWhbUswxDKIbKSFdJuS6POIfHRxMrqfYS-EYrs4g0347xN7qntTy_G8lXlOSSh-JJS44YM/s320/DSCN5460.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RgGfsbObqwfVmqFPgYtmaHF7kuVvRIqxabalWX4mOX-vA9aNm9GyOWqKr4iWOPtt-nEszrO12ah8XaaHaOCoD9nFol9mfjRmJ2h5xCART3z4GErpln_SfWzqyRBfXW3Slv2Lf11r5Kg/s1600/DSCN5462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RgGfsbObqwfVmqFPgYtmaHF7kuVvRIqxabalWX4mOX-vA9aNm9GyOWqKr4iWOPtt-nEszrO12ah8XaaHaOCoD9nFol9mfjRmJ2h5xCART3z4GErpln_SfWzqyRBfXW3Slv2Lf11r5Kg/s320/DSCN5462.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love the trees in the parking lot!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4y3xZZR91uaiCdS92RWqczn3xQ-qVxel6IZaGRtSrV3m3vOZAj8e9nvZxiyI2yttqvkT4IMCWo9DbGR-nkOlzaY1wtWn7nF-5spmGNqlKnYZsYaIC1LZNyHXEX_Uaeoh14ehnbIYimY/s1600/DSCN5471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik4y3xZZR91uaiCdS92RWqczn3xQ-qVxel6IZaGRtSrV3m3vOZAj8e9nvZxiyI2yttqvkT4IMCWo9DbGR-nkOlzaY1wtWn7nF-5spmGNqlKnYZsYaIC1LZNyHXEX_Uaeoh14ehnbIYimY/s320/DSCN5471.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, we paid our admission and explored the grounds for a little while. Then it was time for us to make the climb up to the top of the lighthouse. We got inside the entryway....signed the guest log...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM-42pJKYkTZH0Ev1BoP0LOVb9vmKwUm_x8DDQfqBVcJ1eSms0i2dkghaDAlTiVknzcpZXAkPSsFG3YiPJw1y1Kp47i0f2CYNXtWvUY_0m84y2pYS-pcnOjFG6G8GGdORmUqtqBy-5e4/s1600/DSCN5479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM-42pJKYkTZH0Ev1BoP0LOVb9vmKwUm_x8DDQfqBVcJ1eSms0i2dkghaDAlTiVknzcpZXAkPSsFG3YiPJw1y1Kp47i0f2CYNXtWvUY_0m84y2pYS-pcnOjFG6G8GGdORmUqtqBy-5e4/s320/DSCN5479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....made it up one flight of stairs....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGgXevvh-xNsJxaKW_7lO6IMwITBmk4fGYXf0MEAIbkBakAgGQGjh7YPWYz7iQrPWzMBsWUquf4sT9oa9qCDj6tzhqNj0ZqIZEZyhliexAjYtmGgVClOQWZvI4tBYA4lm2L_obodIqEY/s1600/DSCN5494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGgXevvh-xNsJxaKW_7lO6IMwITBmk4fGYXf0MEAIbkBakAgGQGjh7YPWYz7iQrPWzMBsWUquf4sT9oa9qCDj6tzhqNj0ZqIZEZyhliexAjYtmGgVClOQWZvI4tBYA4lm2L_obodIqEY/s320/DSCN5494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...when a certain little girl declared, "This far, no further." There was no amount of bribery, cajoling, begging, or pleading that could sway that declaration. It wasn't so much a matter of fear, I think, as not wanting to get tired out from the climbing. We gave up the fight and ended up heading back to camp for lunch and then more geocaching.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv908XzRLsvwA6tn2bz4iKzOXskqgOIXJ-oQye29IDlxlFu_gDXWrZSzJvryKCk5F45hfpZyH8Qvms1wwuqDINLLEjK6OxfCxFC58xKfkT_JLpf1jDfVzF171XXlJzXjJThIkjXMB0iY/s1600/DSCN5512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv908XzRLsvwA6tn2bz4iKzOXskqgOIXJ-oQye29IDlxlFu_gDXWrZSzJvryKCk5F45hfpZyH8Qvms1wwuqDINLLEjK6OxfCxFC58xKfkT_JLpf1jDfVzF171XXlJzXjJThIkjXMB0iY/s320/DSCN5512.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmSq97nxS1c3qzvS1w4Ly0D6mHcMkPNcAIf4M3I6K5NQO72hyCSpvmqnQiFGqqUzLk_P1_XGiz8sjmXC1IMqZyF8n7Dnt0z7zdsdPhdiXe8MVuXVJ18sTXlYiGmUCy7wcorUChO0Rmi4/s1600/DSCN5523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmSq97nxS1c3qzvS1w4Ly0D6mHcMkPNcAIf4M3I6K5NQO72hyCSpvmqnQiFGqqUzLk_P1_XGiz8sjmXC1IMqZyF8n7Dnt0z7zdsdPhdiXe8MVuXVJ18sTXlYiGmUCy7wcorUChO0Rmi4/s320/DSCN5523.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our explorations took us to a neat little park with a pond. As soon as we stepped out onto the observation deck on the pond, we were greeted by some of my favorite critters:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpklS8XcT36HY56_CHQj6X2j_r7MI5cpU8McCo0i543boJ7p6SvnslmYSO1J3CfyWfRFYnC6QzYYq6TvT7Un4w_jvNWamSd2rLhFdVMwc_CK-6gzu8FfC-YXFI5wM8YCyCs4oyUa4rE/s1600/DSCN5559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbpklS8XcT36HY56_CHQj6X2j_r7MI5cpU8McCo0i543boJ7p6SvnslmYSO1J3CfyWfRFYnC6QzYYq6TvT7Un4w_jvNWamSd2rLhFdVMwc_CK-6gzu8FfC-YXFI5wM8YCyCs4oyUa4rE/s320/DSCN5559.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HjGyL4JKd7NhKM7A7Y5_qOOo9sXdlkfekS04AcGGQVxEDRW9PyYtjVFjkyVLlRjmntywW9dbzRXc07rCdXvgNLFssmZXu71LPsuSsVErokWeC2fpREu93WyFtL0nxr02mUwfmqZlISU/s1600/DSCN5561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HjGyL4JKd7NhKM7A7Y5_qOOo9sXdlkfekS04AcGGQVxEDRW9PyYtjVFjkyVLlRjmntywW9dbzRXc07rCdXvgNLFssmZXu71LPsuSsVErokWeC2fpREu93WyFtL0nxr02mUwfmqZlISU/s320/DSCN5561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were dozens of turtles, and I guess they're used to people feeding them. We did not, and just kept exploring. I also saw a Red Admiral butterfly:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg4P6jHBoNHWWAyAm3Kx89sDCMf6krKdvJE_vrUD9EMZQYWckofkKZXgQ1jVtMohzDJnqYyxy6pWToEG0oVZPRJaRRwM_HaY4ZrgxS5uINP86XlXUKAvJIeMAkVc5aaBHf6HhF6WwOy8/s1600/DSCN5571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg4P6jHBoNHWWAyAm3Kx89sDCMf6krKdvJE_vrUD9EMZQYWckofkKZXgQ1jVtMohzDJnqYyxy6pWToEG0oVZPRJaRRwM_HaY4ZrgxS5uINP86XlXUKAvJIeMAkVc5aaBHf6HhF6WwOy8/s320/DSCN5571.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After exploring the trails and geocaching a bit more, we headed back to camp and just relaxed. I made panini sandwiches for dinner...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDadkUMA8GUdqjLDk31HzpEoaFatPz4rcqAWa0S3yccT3h48S5Snf6Cl8wqNa0aqnQ_J0RgYsaUw6zWX3ceIMngyOl0YBRXhyphenhyphenhO0Vu0lqAz2em7T4ZGTQzpHrmNDnnlrgG_tD5aQEdBk/s1600/DSCN5635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDadkUMA8GUdqjLDk31HzpEoaFatPz4rcqAWa0S3yccT3h48S5Snf6Cl8wqNa0aqnQ_J0RgYsaUw6zWX3ceIMngyOl0YBRXhyphenhyphenhO0Vu0lqAz2em7T4ZGTQzpHrmNDnnlrgG_tD5aQEdBk/s320/DSCN5635.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....and apparently they smelled so good, a little raccoon tried to come join us. Twice. You can see him running away, under the kayaks, here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkV7vgwt6qKFk1rEiARfv7KVrmxRK-1o0_dAxGIVdyO2u8M8sx04NGAgziqolfVOdrvx4Yi6vx5SmtJCchbEveYYoPmRqJHnDBzcgYCtXo8zKJEc8RfpLWD3glGIrhPDd3ZKKIhQQ2GQ/s1600/DSCN5637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikkV7vgwt6qKFk1rEiARfv7KVrmxRK-1o0_dAxGIVdyO2u8M8sx04NGAgziqolfVOdrvx4Yi6vx5SmtJCchbEveYYoPmRqJHnDBzcgYCtXo8zKJEc8RfpLWD3glGIrhPDd3ZKKIhQQ2GQ/s320/DSCN5637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Easter Sunday. Olivia was concerned that the Easter Bunny wouldn't find us at camp. So, she got up and looked in all the possible places he could have hidden a basket of goodies, and what did she find in the car??</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgvkHZrEUUNBpMefTutd4D3IDmkOCQwCA_Fhd7KIevicvJqNujFDZWo9v3lDuwpwwEVGGmGDIKea_8Ip7pDVy65oMXMsjB14YikCGPIW1SGKNo6n3ER8pcwaXk71lOd90qvGPHdMFHCQ/s1600/DSCN5648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgvkHZrEUUNBpMefTutd4D3IDmkOCQwCA_Fhd7KIevicvJqNujFDZWo9v3lDuwpwwEVGGmGDIKea_8Ip7pDVy65oMXMsjB14YikCGPIW1SGKNo6n3ER8pcwaXk71lOd90qvGPHdMFHCQ/s320/DSCN5648.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisreLPBbEAL5-hqbfPNui9NWryfjvl4lnR8ka2YNXj968nOohyIcKE8QmwW2BIO7G0gRSyZv5pHda5kTUI-sQYHEDWuaGmEusLCMMzz-sKlzsFQpS66-YBIhyKAlUVT93VDYimB6FsFK0/s1600/DSCN5649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisreLPBbEAL5-hqbfPNui9NWryfjvl4lnR8ka2YNXj968nOohyIcKE8QmwW2BIO7G0gRSyZv5pHda5kTUI-sQYHEDWuaGmEusLCMMzz-sKlzsFQpS66-YBIhyKAlUVT93VDYimB6FsFK0/s320/DSCN5649.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Olivia explored her Easter basket while I cooked breakfast. We started packing up camp when Robert noticed a bird with a fascination for our car side mirror...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XqgVcCONRd3jqBgNtwWyoeXc3NjbUAkrDC3DDAm3qwuhknqDFtC32aBHlmxnvY67MF0iTh1lK_k8WpEjwz5FV3rGzsrhaelGD5hf0_ct9qu3zmv5iIvD-krcuHLz8mglpoKnlxb3R8w/s1600/DSCN5661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XqgVcCONRd3jqBgNtwWyoeXc3NjbUAkrDC3DDAm3qwuhknqDFtC32aBHlmxnvY67MF0iTh1lK_k8WpEjwz5FV3rGzsrhaelGD5hf0_ct9qu3zmv5iIvD-krcuHLz8mglpoKnlxb3R8w/s320/DSCN5661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOfXE6VD0PL_IrgYpaBCbfw6TvbfS8Gmi6AyI7GC9z4qHWR_eoWk-RDT2S3Cu3RmJbNTvm7HEJMKbDMANUVV0HzpaM0SMFSRUBGpHMP8Z_d4rYhLJrNNChttTyFSryVIRb6geSYpMiBU/s1600/DSCN5662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOfXE6VD0PL_IrgYpaBCbfw6TvbfS8Gmi6AyI7GC9z4qHWR_eoWk-RDT2S3Cu3RmJbNTvm7HEJMKbDMANUVV0HzpaM0SMFSRUBGpHMP8Z_d4rYhLJrNNChttTyFSryVIRb6geSYpMiBU/s320/DSCN5662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGKOCvuH4sqjxE6qb-cDGwc4QfUCdiZqob7J2fEL9-WL8m6u0AeK1FjSwq2V0s1vetIhTvSmatEUjwMe-NwGPH8aXixvkO1eY18jKx2iUx3ksaLexirxdfijQPFkn1e9frmwMcELtHxs/s1600/DSCN5663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGKOCvuH4sqjxE6qb-cDGwc4QfUCdiZqob7J2fEL9-WL8m6u0AeK1FjSwq2V0s1vetIhTvSmatEUjwMe-NwGPH8aXixvkO1eY18jKx2iUx3ksaLexirxdfijQPFkn1e9frmwMcELtHxs/s320/DSCN5663.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqGEV_dUMNw2DF5eJBMHXuPJaQEr0C81PXBBL0ndlFzpAZop23Q466Q-2q3ysTkDY2nGDEKD01_CQgw0JJ7ea-NYCXsmQPEY71i4BMq6uS8OwBszA4lqFauCAlth2lheXthJxmyZiTaQ/s1600/DSCN5664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqGEV_dUMNw2DF5eJBMHXuPJaQEr0C81PXBBL0ndlFzpAZop23Q466Q-2q3ysTkDY2nGDEKD01_CQgw0JJ7ea-NYCXsmQPEY71i4BMq6uS8OwBszA4lqFauCAlth2lheXthJxmyZiTaQ/s320/DSCN5664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMgd50ro5_tzXWltUo_3Dwn_JRv6SwrGyziQJUQqI4fakJRIBoZ9lOFt-mQtl_XuX0BdAgbyDUG3ZKLechFKOKgePn4Mf18ZvGovC7lvGnnB2m6L_uvHOgiSOFqcaSRR81NvGpNvFnM8/s1600/DSCN5665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMgd50ro5_tzXWltUo_3Dwn_JRv6SwrGyziQJUQqI4fakJRIBoZ9lOFt-mQtl_XuX0BdAgbyDUG3ZKLechFKOKgePn4Mf18ZvGovC7lvGnnB2m6L_uvHOgiSOFqcaSRR81NvGpNvFnM8/s320/DSCN5665.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyiC16Pqq8x_DOhvHAR5Fd4nX73HBmVe9xdNuLaLqX7aQfr_Jo2cAA0CM8WZtm7gmO6WGeDNmGMfP_gRSlS-xUb4k3_oYwwwBvTTe9WwMtlNzsUpRAU447OA0HReZrHSc5Ajlf_F-T7k/s1600/DSCN5666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyiC16Pqq8x_DOhvHAR5Fd4nX73HBmVe9xdNuLaLqX7aQfr_Jo2cAA0CM8WZtm7gmO6WGeDNmGMfP_gRSlS-xUb4k3_oYwwwBvTTe9WwMtlNzsUpRAU447OA0HReZrHSc5Ajlf_F-T7k/s320/DSCN5666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Eventually we loaded everything up and headed down to the Salt Run for some paddling. I didn't take many pictures, unfortunately, but a kind stranger offered to take a family shot for us:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhHXV4f83XuQCzgiOC-l2Wq6_8vn1aRLBKt9RUv9VfCrDn8PwxrYY7n8wBvNZUVWYfNX7l-u5AjqIxltuFMqTvQN7SjAl3SGSp38j0fKvQbZiSPQN1MoW0-6TMtu5_wbbhn9T8voXzS4/s1600/DSCF8601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhHXV4f83XuQCzgiOC-l2Wq6_8vn1aRLBKt9RUv9VfCrDn8PwxrYY7n8wBvNZUVWYfNX7l-u5AjqIxltuFMqTvQN7SjAl3SGSp38j0fKvQbZiSPQN1MoW0-6TMtu5_wbbhn9T8voXzS4/s320/DSCF8601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTsyxct5dR5aMu9Y1pl8nagR3X0GOhyphenhyphen_N2fwLFRihFA7BV-WdVC8eMLdDIpGvZfBu7gBDiYzPHdoklh2oBLW4zd7ss1zdwDDdwGSr4d208throbvpkfy3o9qW1dvtPfuxAv5ERS2GU4Q/s1600/DSCF8607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTsyxct5dR5aMu9Y1pl8nagR3X0GOhyphenhyphen_N2fwLFRihFA7BV-WdVC8eMLdDIpGvZfBu7gBDiYzPHdoklh2oBLW4zd7ss1zdwDDdwGSr4d208throbvpkfy3o9qW1dvtPfuxAv5ERS2GU4Q/s320/DSCF8607.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey look, it's the lighthouse we didn't climb.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We paddled for a little while, since Robert really wanted to see the Castillo de San Marcos from the river. It's the huge fort that is St. Augustine's main attraction, and well worth checking out. Unfortunately I was uncomfortable in the water, my fears getting the best of me, and I insisted on turning back before we could get to it. It was the only black mark on an otherwise-great weekend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vC6x0BQbAlRp4at_3b_SO_IPev2WTUQW4Oftbtr5SitME2mOMXFIcSSFhfEsgusaLEDkCH5XXy3cZqIbjpYpYR307CLUeCMzxnBZ2lwAd3tqBW_I3_jXr8hCTArWjtujddfrvkmgSN8/s1600/DSCN5675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vC6x0BQbAlRp4at_3b_SO_IPev2WTUQW4Oftbtr5SitME2mOMXFIcSSFhfEsgusaLEDkCH5XXy3cZqIbjpYpYR307CLUeCMzxnBZ2lwAd3tqBW_I3_jXr8hCTArWjtujddfrvkmgSN8/s320/DSCN5675.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Post Script:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In Olivia's search for her Easter basket, she discovered something very cool: a butterfly chrysalis attached to her camp chair:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEidb_sAVfT-TaarHGr7wYJRZCiPleCwQvSu8oYQ_70wb0cj_K2xfnXl0ySdOMjZgnVC1hWIfRFQIZtLHdVLMfm4uY6vQH5ktpSDATs8H5NnTvdUriu_6gMx6OI6PYF5JckLeimqNoWZY/s1600/DSCN5647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEidb_sAVfT-TaarHGr7wYJRZCiPleCwQvSu8oYQ_70wb0cj_K2xfnXl0ySdOMjZgnVC1hWIfRFQIZtLHdVLMfm4uY6vQH5ktpSDATs8H5NnTvdUriu_6gMx6OI6PYF5JckLeimqNoWZY/s320/DSCN5647.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The chrysalis made it home with us safely. One of my coworkers operates a butterfly farm, and she gave us a pyramid to put the chrysalis in so it could develop safely. And less than a week later? A beautiful Buckeye emerged!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBFWM5VzRcRuK8qAofML2m5sRH1mBjQ24ZG_jQUdwPwLWXXgjvPssEMmkJ7IBozKV3L4ZhsDiMhUd0f5PENeoDF7cn-jDbFWJ8VLNtBG_l2dy7VZX9Da5-_ZnNqJUb0BXne9py3nMpQc/s1600/DSCN5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBFWM5VzRcRuK8qAofML2m5sRH1mBjQ24ZG_jQUdwPwLWXXgjvPssEMmkJ7IBozKV3L4ZhsDiMhUd0f5PENeoDF7cn-jDbFWJ8VLNtBG_l2dy7VZX9Da5-_ZnNqJUb0BXne9py3nMpQc/s320/DSCN5683.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's got to be one of the neatest camp stories yet!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-52833500772925125912012-05-10T19:16:00.002-04:002012-05-10T20:10:10.630-04:00Trip 58: Silver River State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 50</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_boJRMgW9pAOkX2bHK6VWohrAfPPo3e2ANdBb7yEkxMsDK6cwSH3OJcM4HdoD-eab6h72xrvK1nmpDRFpEDtTgzE63jJqOtz82S6bB2gLCEQJnUdk7D0gNPfo76p4DYf7aZs2FqdzCnE/s1600/DSCN5339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_boJRMgW9pAOkX2bHK6VWohrAfPPo3e2ANdBb7yEkxMsDK6cwSH3OJcM4HdoD-eab6h72xrvK1nmpDRFpEDtTgzE63jJqOtz82S6bB2gLCEQJnUdk7D0gNPfo76p4DYf7aZs2FqdzCnE/s320/DSCN5339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Central Florida locals will tell you about the many times they've visited Silver Springs. It touts itself as nature's theme park, and for good reason! The beautiful clear waters of the Silver River, the important Native American history, the Rhesus monkeys living in the wild, cinematic history, and the world-famous glass bottom boats have been drawing people to Silver Springs for many, many, maaaaannnnnnyyyy years.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z-HzgNhi0QcuhZAUyjjWKFlTRE21wgD9UCWWQbu9czWbGjaLB9uF6DuEivznfc7y-8Gw-qYE81HN-wbjVIosobrn30MYE0lpH2MGal4ZB137TOwCAZFEhi6l4Wzm5AZPb_vNhFbzLFQ/s1600/DSCN5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z-HzgNhi0QcuhZAUyjjWKFlTRE21wgD9UCWWQbu9czWbGjaLB9uF6DuEivznfc7y-8Gw-qYE81HN-wbjVIosobrn30MYE0lpH2MGal4ZB137TOwCAZFEhi6l4Wzm5AZPb_vNhFbzLFQ/s320/DSCN5320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sure, I've been to Silver Springs several times. It's a fun place to hang out, enjoy the scenery, and take in a concert during the summer. One recent Sunday, however, we went to a place many people cruise right past on their way to the theme park...Silver River State Park. It's situated a little further down the river from Silver Springs, and the entrance is on the highway behind it. Behind it...and worlds apart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b0Z3YFaNK0P-L1yxxWwjxXVysShvAA85exIR5lu7Br_PnhAA9hsYnLigi0hhFOgGomm1Ks-QwHL8ciRoOL0xMrPoITcNgnn4Hww5OnHXv2x6UauapJe_3ys95_NPh62nUN7gh85R86g/s1600/DSCN5328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1b0Z3YFaNK0P-L1yxxWwjxXVysShvAA85exIR5lu7Br_PnhAA9hsYnLigi0hhFOgGomm1Ks-QwHL8ciRoOL0xMrPoITcNgnn4Hww5OnHXv2x6UauapJe_3ys95_NPh62nUN7gh85R86g/s320/DSCN5328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our original plan was to visit the park via kayak. We were going to launch from Ray Wayside Park on Highway 40 and paddle upstream to get to the park. If you remember waaaaaayy back to Campayakarama a couple of years ago, that was our original plan then, too. But then I freaked out, of course, and we aborted the upstream portion of our journey. I've come a long way since then! Then again, the best laid plans of kayaks and monkeys often go astray when the lure of sleeping in is too great.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_fJ21UkWruZt4R761GUiiEYHNHwQhkJYovXgZtntUbEUoAwKOkhwRNn87O-ekI38UzZQF9W4o7Ou7DqVUE_lvxGkltpmK4yCrKsk5ws1gAHm9jwvcGv7ifz_QCUx3LYLDuwhQeNvwgM/s1600/DSCN5164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_fJ21UkWruZt4R761GUiiEYHNHwQhkJYovXgZtntUbEUoAwKOkhwRNn87O-ekI38UzZQF9W4o7Ou7DqVUE_lvxGkltpmK4yCrKsk5ws1gAHm9jwvcGv7ifz_QCUx3LYLDuwhQeNvwgM/s320/DSCN5164.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, we ended up having a lazy morning, rolled out of bed, and made it to Silver River State Park in the early afternoon. The kayaks remained dry in the garage as we set out exploring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bseVM86LAp0h-tgUKLMJj1fj3LSPx8D8qHF7RKEZ66peZoXshOFtUhCLjPUpMLyy0-y1B5toXNbi3buZHYbwaXvMDQNqpYtgbSDAsdKVZfv6_oYTFD3MiKnmoJBK-wjTCaA7y0c-fwU/s1600/DSCN5171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bseVM86LAp0h-tgUKLMJj1fj3LSPx8D8qHF7RKEZ66peZoXshOFtUhCLjPUpMLyy0-y1B5toXNbi3buZHYbwaXvMDQNqpYtgbSDAsdKVZfv6_oYTFD3MiKnmoJBK-wjTCaA7y0c-fwU/s320/DSCN5171.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After a brief stop to do the 'Robby' pose, we made our way into the museum. This place is so cool, and for good reason! During the week it is used as an education center for local elementary school kids, complete with classrooms. We walked into the museum and the docent handed Olivia a paper with scavenger hunt items for her to find. This list, wow! It was very long and detailed. We looked for things like mastodon skulls, a wooden turtle, an alligator tooth, etc. It was fun for Olivia and for us as well! Here are some photos from inside the museum:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeehldZoRAI6aTn0tG_wV2En6WdJCwT0Hd3kIz7c1MLeGukjC_ACFYtIkGdvGORMYGqi_MwdiZ39yQUjH7ruhNb9TF6FBvqAsOWflSoTfe4Umjg9Aw36N66R-k4ZL7DDFYUQIO9zjl54/s1600/DSCN5181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeehldZoRAI6aTn0tG_wV2En6WdJCwT0Hd3kIz7c1MLeGukjC_ACFYtIkGdvGORMYGqi_MwdiZ39yQUjH7ruhNb9TF6FBvqAsOWflSoTfe4Umjg9Aw36N66R-k4ZL7DDFYUQIO9zjl54/s320/DSCN5181.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOwBlxSS36fR0nsK4e9h1zv_paX395QGkTb_7uIZblW2L_iZcQIXawlxeUc48aBORxsqfqbYz2FHprtGVCkQNSV6FPOOQalPz6VtkNSrj-HDi1-1h8S7BVAMvFpoZLzJTjK-_g8pSYTQ/s1600/DSCN5190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOwBlxSS36fR0nsK4e9h1zv_paX395QGkTb_7uIZblW2L_iZcQIXawlxeUc48aBORxsqfqbYz2FHprtGVCkQNSV6FPOOQalPz6VtkNSrj-HDi1-1h8S7BVAMvFpoZLzJTjK-_g8pSYTQ/s320/DSCN5190.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIhCp9vVjO-zBZdmAC4Pm2Pm5jx0vuBGjBzeXblmg39z2Yfa03D4IDjImRN6fsTu0zxBHeGSVqLXJdGsjP_VC32p-PpeSKvpUfu0KXR9SURk8Tzik2uaf2yG46ShV3W3xUwYtsagJQjc/s1600/DSCN5191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIhCp9vVjO-zBZdmAC4Pm2Pm5jx0vuBGjBzeXblmg39z2Yfa03D4IDjImRN6fsTu0zxBHeGSVqLXJdGsjP_VC32p-PpeSKvpUfu0KXR9SURk8Tzik2uaf2yG46ShV3W3xUwYtsagJQjc/s320/DSCN5191.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(I love this picture!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUogJobRrAwMzlnapExOJdzeQuJ5VN6QaEDlfsvULYwkNBCO7MW0M5fuiIbf9kTkhExN-5i__jFlSKr9oRUz_EH1F336wWwqGjzlxbMRRKgEuODL66JSC3BSmykzpxgZf0Q5ApD84_lQw/s1600/DSCN5213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUogJobRrAwMzlnapExOJdzeQuJ5VN6QaEDlfsvULYwkNBCO7MW0M5fuiIbf9kTkhExN-5i__jFlSKr9oRUz_EH1F336wWwqGjzlxbMRRKgEuODL66JSC3BSmykzpxgZf0Q5ApD84_lQw/s320/DSCN5213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukLyHdZhihe8JfHQpBPnd8bTl_N2MG6rONT0MfV8KHoGDkB8lziVqC9VGjI2WrSUxp7Vwnyc_4uS1qjaFPuB6fqXceiTllh1gqCB8Z1Fk30_GEvh2yF-5XCSNNTKxPvbFn8R_puk7jO8/s1600/DSCN5212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukLyHdZhihe8JfHQpBPnd8bTl_N2MG6rONT0MfV8KHoGDkB8lziVqC9VGjI2WrSUxp7Vwnyc_4uS1qjaFPuB6fqXceiTllh1gqCB8Z1Fk30_GEvh2yF-5XCSNNTKxPvbFn8R_puk7jO8/s320/DSCN5212.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UV06cRkTG5Q33MVVEDISfwr-jGtVlO7pGsFsA0hbRBlQWFmJeU4bkPUh-UcNhvETOv92SQFm3JTxRfMBOICsLF5-qfwzKJv2LBLENKGmuGT8Be2FOWC_BpqV5_MzVwOI3GCXlFDHauI/s1600/DSCN5218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UV06cRkTG5Q33MVVEDISfwr-jGtVlO7pGsFsA0hbRBlQWFmJeU4bkPUh-UcNhvETOv92SQFm3JTxRfMBOICsLF5-qfwzKJv2LBLENKGmuGT8Be2FOWC_BpqV5_MzVwOI3GCXlFDHauI/s320/DSCN5218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHccjeiZEcAJ4IevU-xV3G2Ei_KwFIhTi-ivWW03k2beTn7TQ7c0oNz6-xjWFA-jBCuk3kKCfB3hzbesSDS7gfv7yidPM0xnz2z49FpAn_DoWJ798_2S-o2fbDCoyj9mRhOXDQXxgu94A/s1600/DSCN5221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHccjeiZEcAJ4IevU-xV3G2Ei_KwFIhTi-ivWW03k2beTn7TQ7c0oNz6-xjWFA-jBCuk3kKCfB3hzbesSDS7gfv7yidPM0xnz2z49FpAn_DoWJ798_2S-o2fbDCoyj9mRhOXDQXxgu94A/s320/DSCN5221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(I have *no* idea what they were doing, but I love the looks on their faces!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1uA_eH3cSaGviDKNrJPWkr2cXDtJ3nU1u0T_fno9fsLMtAsm8B48bOE3hOFM4N_rBN1G4YQ6xCl3ra1v6hnezueKAwkCfgkze2H15k6kfg2A8lVBGml3cPIJBY-FSjbSu0wQaEsuN_s/s1600/DSCN5225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1uA_eH3cSaGviDKNrJPWkr2cXDtJ3nU1u0T_fno9fsLMtAsm8B48bOE3hOFM4N_rBN1G4YQ6xCl3ra1v6hnezueKAwkCfgkze2H15k6kfg2A8lVBGml3cPIJBY-FSjbSu0wQaEsuN_s/s320/DSCN5225.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR97YzJfCikzmhS_NOsm1rOp1qaFX-gWM2o55bOBJyw7ctdNWxvn_htaiQhgO5SzwIPZ6-b4eU1dseh397emetIEoFhsdepxDynfZbodbHNNp5kS3M1GaWwsDTWS93zhE1Rdd9N10jGLk/s1600/DSCN5232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR97YzJfCikzmhS_NOsm1rOp1qaFX-gWM2o55bOBJyw7ctdNWxvn_htaiQhgO5SzwIPZ6-b4eU1dseh397emetIEoFhsdepxDynfZbodbHNNp5kS3M1GaWwsDTWS93zhE1Rdd9N10jGLk/s320/DSCN5232.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowEOV5GRKdUu-CNeuW5PEuWHGsfd34ZpQZC6_kocv0c3U0ipX9uhALQXTU5vqilkeb2aVjwrmucbPJ2hW8YTM6OswlUhyADmaqQioJAgdh5y3rib60n0lzmrjxY_z7EBXePNkTTIgTKQ/s1600/DSCN5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowEOV5GRKdUu-CNeuW5PEuWHGsfd34ZpQZC6_kocv0c3U0ipX9uhALQXTU5vqilkeb2aVjwrmucbPJ2hW8YTM6OswlUhyADmaqQioJAgdh5y3rib60n0lzmrjxY_z7EBXePNkTTIgTKQ/s320/DSCN5241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After our very cool trip through the museum, we went outside to the Cracker homestead in the park. Cracker culture and heritage are so important in Florida history, and I loved seeing how a family would have lived in that era.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuK5maiB4OTFN6T6BTmru2DLAAEk-kmNPV1FMK8ELLr2M7llaBe41cAQQAOwTvoBuVmpSyxlUWxvBY0b3uyUPHQa4ab5CRwOWUeL27borLOzQ-46QpqAXAhBH4FDn_YJt1G7q8kcudOU/s1600/DSCN5260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuK5maiB4OTFN6T6BTmru2DLAAEk-kmNPV1FMK8ELLr2M7llaBe41cAQQAOwTvoBuVmpSyxlUWxvBY0b3uyUPHQa4ab5CRwOWUeL27borLOzQ-46QpqAXAhBH4FDn_YJt1G7q8kcudOU/s320/DSCN5260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6t1gBlxnTS-BNjRyguBHepke2F-ToWgKa8SJy2RwErn6-AwhlcQvWpFGmMIn9Ohc2mN7U_qVyWrdQYg6hRfYC7FX735lMZnh2gXphVb8MHhzn9UHNaRGC9YraPAW4o7pOWvGwg3eJmPs/s1600/DSCN5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6t1gBlxnTS-BNjRyguBHepke2F-ToWgKa8SJy2RwErn6-AwhlcQvWpFGmMIn9Ohc2mN7U_qVyWrdQYg6hRfYC7FX735lMZnh2gXphVb8MHhzn9UHNaRGC9YraPAW4o7pOWvGwg3eJmPs/s320/DSCN5273.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bd-yv3NuKgicms1GQJWWTnYuYqFZTTiv2vTn0sizpYlZQbLOH7dr_jU2ATQmB6I_VL4FHDQHbV7SXQmUafa7EfbNVeLpwmPcjnMn1RvafQ7aaHLucp8ouDf-_lz3Y_-mcaPRV9EmaY4/s1600/DSCN5282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bd-yv3NuKgicms1GQJWWTnYuYqFZTTiv2vTn0sizpYlZQbLOH7dr_jU2ATQmB6I_VL4FHDQHbV7SXQmUafa7EfbNVeLpwmPcjnMn1RvafQ7aaHLucp8ouDf-_lz3Y_-mcaPRV9EmaY4/s320/DSCN5282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSAnaKb7_33a6oeeR9z5oLL6ZxRiHyH22EFQ4oN8FnVA5qjzCMlqkEMsYpuOdCDQF0KggvnH8V7SpYexWqPqS2tSKb-j8EAnltBd1kAd7X7Et9NQkpRFmZboNZVllbpubZM2SYw1oo94/s1600/DSCN5287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSAnaKb7_33a6oeeR9z5oLL6ZxRiHyH22EFQ4oN8FnVA5qjzCMlqkEMsYpuOdCDQF0KggvnH8V7SpYexWqPqS2tSKb-j8EAnltBd1kAd7X7Et9NQkpRFmZboNZVllbpubZM2SYw1oo94/s320/DSCN5287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, remember our original plans to arrive at the park via kayak? We'd heard from Chris that there was quite a distance between the boat launch and the rest of the park. We wanted to see for ourselves in case we actually did make the journey upriver one day, and also if we ever camped at the park and needed to port our boats then. So we hit the trail to the river...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtfh_XbeOCdVgXC77tRJs-mlCNeZYxJWNU7KP305t5gPaMVY8s1ZnQVOlXS8OMidTiEdbYWP0F08xXO-xB5rwl0zkchlPSJ4vb9JjJLV2rxCA3LdoZp8SQV4Av9wRbIF9TOkuLBqEzAw/s1600/DSCN5291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtfh_XbeOCdVgXC77tRJs-mlCNeZYxJWNU7KP305t5gPaMVY8s1ZnQVOlXS8OMidTiEdbYWP0F08xXO-xB5rwl0zkchlPSJ4vb9JjJLV2rxCA3LdoZp8SQV4Av9wRbIF9TOkuLBqEzAw/s320/DSCN5291.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And we walked...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWirBXnAHllzgcisW8IXDcuGqdpLrYGoro5c6xyJ2NZo9klOgjIZ6ntAG65gY6eG158-uug0_1K-Q4oWe6QmreMwxcYdZzfFDed8fzgAdNasLOhux_yufYoRBr_HkCVX_VtccmMUKWQs/s1600/DSCN5295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWirBXnAHllzgcisW8IXDcuGqdpLrYGoro5c6xyJ2NZo9klOgjIZ6ntAG65gY6eG158-uug0_1K-Q4oWe6QmreMwxcYdZzfFDed8fzgAdNasLOhux_yufYoRBr_HkCVX_VtccmMUKWQs/s320/DSCN5295.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Yes, I know we weren't dressed for the occasion)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwYjZ90-osKE1vzpKFme69Kjlu4Yot50B26kGHt3B5lYB9ivzp-VqZFadsSpzEuJGugACqBuoVY8KxdKcOBNr2AV4XfyPhXfLIRqxgFbeqyjwZ27fTR4APX1sw1cZitX2TX7gxRqxI0c/s1600/DSCN5297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwwYjZ90-osKE1vzpKFme69Kjlu4Yot50B26kGHt3B5lYB9ivzp-VqZFadsSpzEuJGugACqBuoVY8KxdKcOBNr2AV4XfyPhXfLIRqxgFbeqyjwZ27fTR4APX1sw1cZitX2TX7gxRqxI0c/s320/DSCN5297.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kept going...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgaEP8GN4kjYH4iFyZAhDv2jsZsBBZIUhivQUGHvs0hsn09DjGHLBs_DxAVL_ykBPEp8KjKiuf9KuAe-rfIwuG8pVS6FS4pBF9UHzRWr52mF2kqurqO-kqMI8CNWvP2R-2Ley-u7oujE/s1600/DSCN5304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgaEP8GN4kjYH4iFyZAhDv2jsZsBBZIUhivQUGHvs0hsn09DjGHLBs_DxAVL_ykBPEp8KjKiuf9KuAe-rfIwuG8pVS6FS4pBF9UHzRWr52mF2kqurqO-kqMI8CNWvP2R-2Ley-u7oujE/s320/DSCN5304.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We walked some more...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gBmFSyi5EAKwlolBIXCoCarhOVA4iQ79rVYY6nLcP_y7vUQaoyvEEEmkhM5_rMtRFCa1omjeKZkA6MK2aFCRSvhGi7OrGYss95cyej0SlOmB_kCnbec9etzMCYoHeFN5VBFJuBFRyLo/s1600/DSCN5309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gBmFSyi5EAKwlolBIXCoCarhOVA4iQ79rVYY6nLcP_y7vUQaoyvEEEmkhM5_rMtRFCa1omjeKZkA6MK2aFCRSvhGi7OrGYss95cyej0SlOmB_kCnbec9etzMCYoHeFN5VBFJuBFRyLo/s320/DSCN5309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Can you imagine hauling kayaks?...)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2wRxrbKwqiWl76rIM6wY2CGBV0JfW09YIxlTgSBi7lLymlwlAQvybQgPDLP2ysrId1O7w-8s1ALXNpiePsiU0f7OX8GKQVT7VACCSh3uu9tBilwMKpb-fb8CPyzr-qeDn6t3OxGHAWU/s1600/DSCN5315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2wRxrbKwqiWl76rIM6wY2CGBV0JfW09YIxlTgSBi7lLymlwlAQvybQgPDLP2ysrId1O7w-8s1ALXNpiePsiU0f7OX8GKQVT7VACCSh3uu9tBilwMKpb-fb8CPyzr-qeDn6t3OxGHAWU/s320/DSCN5315.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stopped for a befitting 'Tarzan' break (it was filmed at Silver Springs)...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1ieG8U1xru46H0i4xQHZfLcHVB-Ujq710HL6Gj7nMMZ5xvnFclc6aP3y4ct-VQgZU7qxFtfuecxizLARpzMe6H_K3aAzCYmauYmwTRGQors-DdVIFQk7nyw_YMjU2824NrHFlyDiH4U/s1600/DSCN5316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1ieG8U1xru46H0i4xQHZfLcHVB-Ujq710HL6Gj7nMMZ5xvnFclc6aP3y4ct-VQgZU7qxFtfuecxizLARpzMe6H_K3aAzCYmauYmwTRGQors-DdVIFQk7nyw_YMjU2824NrHFlyDiH4U/s320/DSCN5316.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYvVNnmbzC43nyQFkFDyY9Ph8ivJ1CHbUUFIR9PQ80iXVjNzlVPRJsVwKSpn9psQUKGyaC3Ogipul6mB4_L48x5imxiZhyZcvsm7HAp0y956vsh63k6Hdh5WpJDVVXerJE2YaXO8GJww/s1600/DSCN5317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYvVNnmbzC43nyQFkFDyY9Ph8ivJ1CHbUUFIR9PQ80iXVjNzlVPRJsVwKSpn9psQUKGyaC3Ogipul6mB4_L48x5imxiZhyZcvsm7HAp0y956vsh63k6Hdh5WpJDVVXerJE2YaXO8GJww/s320/DSCN5317.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1LqzcNw1JAt9fg51BQThd8vk3NcD6JfxgzzV232avBGjtrUUZh5cVpNY6zF4AZ5qVaDjI-l-YC6rj0WanGyoGvyPnKDqx0PecZZOkm6T8198Avugmw5VUfiQ2PSSkgSGetKO6PNmnr8/s1600/DSCN5318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu1LqzcNw1JAt9fg51BQThd8vk3NcD6JfxgzzV232avBGjtrUUZh5cVpNY6zF4AZ5qVaDjI-l-YC6rj0WanGyoGvyPnKDqx0PecZZOkm6T8198Avugmw5VUfiQ2PSSkgSGetKO6PNmnr8/s320/DSCN5318.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzPb5R6h6G9Vje5RXJJJmDgrGG0uOg-xi5Y0T_cbI0fBQSnhrgsl3t6fCF8lXLsjnSQpJocqGRhPho9h5pgJw84wBufAFPFuuT3jT4mRqkMI0s5lkkmuP78txnJsBkJQ2KLYySfaqIXw/s1600/DSCN5319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzPb5R6h6G9Vje5RXJJJmDgrGG0uOg-xi5Y0T_cbI0fBQSnhrgsl3t6fCF8lXLsjnSQpJocqGRhPho9h5pgJw84wBufAFPFuuT3jT4mRqkMI0s5lkkmuP78txnJsBkJQ2KLYySfaqIXw/s320/DSCN5319.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And eventually, saw signs of water nearby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kgPUfDYcvRx3Wy5SzU1zPUJlJkV8CeuhQeDJUVQPvT7v-x5qIX5dtAjwWEhDxPPFvKER_G4nUDWa_zFruf32qHGC48jYP9HGqstmWpJ7g78t6tOBlwfALT67vz9UZK9LdkYfICynyus/s1600/DSCN5323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kgPUfDYcvRx3Wy5SzU1zPUJlJkV8CeuhQeDJUVQPvT7v-x5qIX5dtAjwWEhDxPPFvKER_G4nUDWa_zFruf32qHGC48jYP9HGqstmWpJ7g78t6tOBlwfALT67vz9UZK9LdkYfICynyus/s320/DSCN5323.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally. The river!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNSiF5kAbFjhbgANAJTYbBWt7cYjZksvNlLmEipsJqmuVOyNBRsW9Si3lEzrueBo-4ZC-Xlb_WxIVx_Z5DgiEsn4OkWZC8DZ8EScjoe8cfbuzPbA4ya016w16wY8R0Ktb9b7wvYrEKA4/s1600/DSCN5325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjNSiF5kAbFjhbgANAJTYbBWt7cYjZksvNlLmEipsJqmuVOyNBRsW9Si3lEzrueBo-4ZC-Xlb_WxIVx_Z5DgiEsn4OkWZC8DZ8EScjoe8cfbuzPbA4ya016w16wY8R0Ktb9b7wvYrEKA4/s320/DSCN5325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It took us a good 15 minutes to hike down to the river. I'm not sure how excited I would be to camp at the park and take my kayak for some paddling time!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaRb1RgV9QR-W6pxI31HsT272C_TvqnTNi3Ng7EC1qPww0L_0F3lPm41rwmj1OFUZVWxyduNE-dfxokZNGOvCYZKrx-Jzsj7QqoKsAIFt6F1INYx-t8IXijSJzOG78Zbhwcm_RTXxHRI/s1600/DSCN5331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaRb1RgV9QR-W6pxI31HsT272C_TvqnTNi3Ng7EC1qPww0L_0F3lPm41rwmj1OFUZVWxyduNE-dfxokZNGOvCYZKrx-Jzsj7QqoKsAIFt6F1INYx-t8IXijSJzOG78Zbhwcm_RTXxHRI/s320/DSCN5331.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We eventually made it back to the car, but we took a detour before heading home. Silver River not only offers tent camping, but they have cabins as well. We drove through the cabin sites and honestly, they looked pretty amazing! I can imagine hanging out there for a relaxing getaway. Maybe in the fall. As it was, we enjoyed a pretty relaxing day ourselves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO8S4Czl7zFUuSiYeirjnfGOmkIUwgCELGWxvNXVTTDZ3QZXjL6d6lVC3E_yRlDMVj4M_TDIruA8x3bf0VslHX7VIzIL9Pgra197Ltt8n8l7gaGSKnAfAebUef4kr_f2hRXvsqxlfuPk/s1600/DSCN5340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcO8S4Czl7zFUuSiYeirjnfGOmkIUwgCELGWxvNXVTTDZ3QZXjL6d6lVC3E_yRlDMVj4M_TDIruA8x3bf0VslHX7VIzIL9Pgra197Ltt8n8l7gaGSKnAfAebUef4kr_f2hRXvsqxlfuPk/s320/DSCN5340.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-53014515934382868172012-04-11T21:37:00.000-04:002012-04-11T21:37:36.868-04:00Trip 57: Paynes Creek Historic State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 49</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGEun5RrXwIQOo_U9a-DXENSZ9kpdxCHaXP0pWDVvdCDFS7RXrQneklItW8wlVcSWlpWKcqNQ8mJFiKzf5HFu_UT6br4H_hvVy1sTTwUv8QsgiO_soNtAhhgUfNItm-MLjwg7xxzR6vE/s1600/DSCN4602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGEun5RrXwIQOo_U9a-DXENSZ9kpdxCHaXP0pWDVvdCDFS7RXrQneklItW8wlVcSWlpWKcqNQ8mJFiKzf5HFu_UT6br4H_hvVy1sTTwUv8QsgiO_soNtAhhgUfNItm-MLjwg7xxzR6vE/s320/DSCN4602.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One Sunday before all the craziness of Speedweeks, we decided to get away for the day. We wanted an interesting destination, some geocaches (always geocaches!), and a place we could really enjoy to the fullest. Paynes Creek Historic State Park in Bowling Green fit the bill perfectly!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3lIYbvaaifIhVy-rwpWg5ONuMAWJ9p4iwImRxT9KzBcwnYMqnFYcbChgrzPEGpTPhYpE_t9wzM7c8VyoYY1iJpS_k6OItAheTvJ90AM28dN5bYdqCo8dEEEZZ9kC8eL6CPtQ7wYSZSI/s1600/DSCN4388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3lIYbvaaifIhVy-rwpWg5ONuMAWJ9p4iwImRxT9KzBcwnYMqnFYcbChgrzPEGpTPhYpE_t9wzM7c8VyoYY1iJpS_k6OItAheTvJ90AM28dN5bYdqCo8dEEEZZ9kC8eL6CPtQ7wYSZSI/s320/DSCN4388.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were late showing up, as usual, and so Xandra, Chris, and Chris's brother Matthew tossed a football around in the parking lot of the visitor center. Olivia joined in the fun as soon as she could get herself out of the car!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmub4C-jyxPEICUTFuCk2RsBj-QKx22gDuGv-zSvTgH8oH9vow7f70aEtYFUHYFesogUQYQN2DOqsAiG9MFlSyKgS5kOk5e-DosCMvNcx0QiWTLFBOe__SF35wz6XJJGjUasfvaD4kxFk/s1600/DSCN4395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmub4C-jyxPEICUTFuCk2RsBj-QKx22gDuGv-zSvTgH8oH9vow7f70aEtYFUHYFesogUQYQN2DOqsAiG9MFlSyKgS5kOk5e-DosCMvNcx0QiWTLFBOe__SF35wz6XJJGjUasfvaD4kxFk/s320/DSCN4395.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made our way down the Fort Chokonikla Trail, heading for a suspension bridge and monument in the south end of the park. The bridge spans Paynes Creek, and the monument is dedicated to two soldiers killed by Seminole Indians in 1849.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidemhJKhPFei9XcyRnRyjWX_POU6ddJ8uNf0JtT7GrlDLPRaWVD4gnsbm5NOeEIZ4mMEYyGA-qEdYYH81ZDgiaS_l31wY4rvpwTjsivNrOa_MEj8Wb588QWXMuCavZ0YhVMGHAzC9KQPg/s1600/DSCN4397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidemhJKhPFei9XcyRnRyjWX_POU6ddJ8uNf0JtT7GrlDLPRaWVD4gnsbm5NOeEIZ4mMEYyGA-qEdYYH81ZDgiaS_l31wY4rvpwTjsivNrOa_MEj8Wb588QWXMuCavZ0YhVMGHAzC9KQPg/s320/DSCN4397.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzxW5ruwzVSUc0DFf1dx9tWSVuQXZFFRMvuSTH8GihBjl13LcQNceTdIncDtV8g92Zl3x5V-4H1igo2x5qynq7405zOCecCCb-GtvgeGbfo6cdZGukwaHwDuQEEWhxtgkbkl7kz9XPKU/s1600/DSCN4400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzxW5ruwzVSUc0DFf1dx9tWSVuQXZFFRMvuSTH8GihBjl13LcQNceTdIncDtV8g92Zl3x5V-4H1igo2x5qynq7405zOCecCCb-GtvgeGbfo6cdZGukwaHwDuQEEWhxtgkbkl7kz9XPKU/s320/DSCN4400.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGbi0Eqvhgpyvbantl36wj5epNBFfGu9l-fj_IzeuZJ73mQBo-MPsHmK5Gx17QZOHeuaAqrG-lt9IGgSJ8we25yOmEDmOzRro5PoRJbtfDJfo36bWGpB8bURQzeFYJ5r9zpMexZBrfyk/s1600/DSCN4410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGbi0Eqvhgpyvbantl36wj5epNBFfGu9l-fj_IzeuZJ73mQBo-MPsHmK5Gx17QZOHeuaAqrG-lt9IGgSJ8we25yOmEDmOzRro5PoRJbtfDJfo36bWGpB8bURQzeFYJ5r9zpMexZBrfyk/s320/DSCN4410.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKynN04d54pV6JORvvfLz9cLtqRZtbsTsNdeVdP4iK-YagNGJ0NZIPY97tYgbSge6umvQym9K7E3Sg2LTgmddjB2uRzjeTWrZE9c_9iXzMTfdXOIPskl_JBzIZCo-YBASG_BFactCT-I/s1600/DSCN4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKynN04d54pV6JORvvfLz9cLtqRZtbsTsNdeVdP4iK-YagNGJ0NZIPY97tYgbSge6umvQym9K7E3Sg2LTgmddjB2uRzjeTWrZE9c_9iXzMTfdXOIPskl_JBzIZCo-YBASG_BFactCT-I/s320/DSCN4418.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we crossed the bridge, we tried searching for a geocache on the other end. It had been attempted by many other geocachers with no luck, so we didn't hold out much hope. True to our expectations, we didn't locate it. Rob did, however, locate an entire possum skeleton nearby:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7JWm14gqpVDUZL9EFtNOxqprIPsTWSuVuJ5BMritnq8jACMOV-eQ5CmZ1hFdq9Uaq99buS4fBZjzCKuVCWhfxOlwDdj_-Rv3a7ZoxmxP5KuvUsxsDnF4MoOgIdwkgZEDPAKbtkLDyQw/s1600/DSCN4426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7JWm14gqpVDUZL9EFtNOxqprIPsTWSuVuJ5BMritnq8jACMOV-eQ5CmZ1hFdq9Uaq99buS4fBZjzCKuVCWhfxOlwDdj_-Rv3a7ZoxmxP5KuvUsxsDnF4MoOgIdwkgZEDPAKbtkLDyQw/s320/DSCN4426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some other highlights:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPRxaEmAyRe_St34Xhvh45X1JVVxHH2oecbP0f0sJYNn35UgSAY0j55fgw6NnxoE3GVRi7g6wh-4CQPW4gZlMRl9XfYmxoee9IlANHlVc9HTfV97GNYvxMkdfrVHEgivRCxw28nWqk5M/s1600/DSCN4427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPRxaEmAyRe_St34Xhvh45X1JVVxHH2oecbP0f0sJYNn35UgSAY0j55fgw6NnxoE3GVRi7g6wh-4CQPW4gZlMRl9XfYmxoee9IlANHlVc9HTfV97GNYvxMkdfrVHEgivRCxw28nWqk5M/s320/DSCN4427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaMSmh2eSLnYnaWq21WOFvKV61ZMk2iCi2gTJQFdqKdVWI-mp5sIV4Xvpz8iiyF8InqXlLRH0qSM29TmeOFFNgBRp0libu_sbLjYP7rst0zT6Hw_KEeZPc4R_8N-6thVv0XzEikZ86ow/s1600/DSCN4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaMSmh2eSLnYnaWq21WOFvKV61ZMk2iCi2gTJQFdqKdVWI-mp5sIV4Xvpz8iiyF8InqXlLRH0qSM29TmeOFFNgBRp0libu_sbLjYP7rst0zT6Hw_KEeZPc4R_8N-6thVv0XzEikZ86ow/s320/DSCN4436.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tRwawu8Ai3K8YYk88gRVRqfoHkwGozpIxhWZsTzqI89ouz5lXQLPGocG6nxpVqpyPgssg4VkcpSBrmNJeAnsDaYDVdd5pYTg4epna7zJnEuxbd-2mmR4rRGuVL1MBNVj2frPCk7Ytt0/s1600/DSCN4414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tRwawu8Ai3K8YYk88gRVRqfoHkwGozpIxhWZsTzqI89ouz5lXQLPGocG6nxpVqpyPgssg4VkcpSBrmNJeAnsDaYDVdd5pYTg4epna7zJnEuxbd-2mmR4rRGuVL1MBNVj2frPCk7Ytt0/s320/DSCN4414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before we could make it to the nearby monument, we were surprised by what sounded like a horse galloping across the bridge. Our 'horse' turned out to be a dog, albeit a large one. And thanks to his collar, we learned his name was 'Bocephus.'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ioa52WMUX_q3dkJkIjEZ5lLQFPsM9BT9NWhkBBfjJAVes6jz7b1fQsTzhHGE7hF3g1njcipjE2t54n1U9Hk0hhk8ycEezdZT7QxAc-Ta6l-CJpmX69qeWbCbg3-LICW11lUjD05Q8VI/s1600/DSCN4437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ioa52WMUX_q3dkJkIjEZ5lLQFPsM9BT9NWhkBBfjJAVes6jz7b1fQsTzhHGE7hF3g1njcipjE2t54n1U9Hk0hhk8ycEezdZT7QxAc-Ta6l-CJpmX69qeWbCbg3-LICW11lUjD05Q8VI/s320/DSCN4437.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1av1Em27BEFFft4hJ2bWoQVetLlUA0NYPfFheukf7_-YJd1MqIQOkQAs-PGkT-gOmYnD_LcAXCV-XJljix9-sXy83AH3Aaj6PR9Kq5nyctUQGsev7j7ZY9FK_VNfSBZocRhJW5mUCQY/s1600/DSCN4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_1av1Em27BEFFft4hJ2bWoQVetLlUA0NYPfFheukf7_-YJd1MqIQOkQAs-PGkT-gOmYnD_LcAXCV-XJljix9-sXy83AH3Aaj6PR9Kq5nyctUQGsev7j7ZY9FK_VNfSBZocRhJW5mUCQY/s320/DSCN4448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqo8VQjSXlIMD8lQrsErisTbP8uLKfUI1dJsOgE60-iyvKK_t3mMp0Cgy825_aWZAxiDzoDDb2E7ovwz7bmKmqVEcarCPX-ufBOE1wIvkJ9sNPvXOgKT94i0T0YWVGceKRoM-dlm2GAM/s1600/DSCN4450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtqo8VQjSXlIMD8lQrsErisTbP8uLKfUI1dJsOgE60-iyvKK_t3mMp0Cgy825_aWZAxiDzoDDb2E7ovwz7bmKmqVEcarCPX-ufBOE1wIvkJ9sNPvXOgKT94i0T0YWVGceKRoM-dlm2GAM/s320/DSCN4450.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bocephus quickly proved himself to be verrrrrrrrryy friendly, and he didn't have any owners with him that we could see. We figured we'd keep an eye on him and call the number on his collar once we got back to the visitor center. But first, the monument:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42O9hIjcqzURyQ-O_5mq-n9_swMqEkLdqxheC-IjsbykQzp5_sF-UH2uv8JSiHWnzfyyH1zvqXUTYIGYUC1J45T-0dPEnnuuKtcwwbi_YRUokfnaEPRee6bBpK0K7XrpA4GO6ufaQB-Q/s1600/DSCN4453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi42O9hIjcqzURyQ-O_5mq-n9_swMqEkLdqxheC-IjsbykQzp5_sF-UH2uv8JSiHWnzfyyH1zvqXUTYIGYUC1J45T-0dPEnnuuKtcwwbi_YRUokfnaEPRee6bBpK0K7XrpA4GO6ufaQB-Q/s320/DSCN4453.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NH1PMfPLERKO3WoPKi-ejqBPn7w8IvW2nZREVMDSS2SLZSUZH2CU1E5j49oD5k92lEkqJAIcZJ5XYB2cmvami1jXZftpKciB_OP_0Mr6EL1ECKO0iKF3lbnxIlUGfSlF0GUnM_MAMo0/s1600/DSCN4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NH1PMfPLERKO3WoPKi-ejqBPn7w8IvW2nZREVMDSS2SLZSUZH2CU1E5j49oD5k92lEkqJAIcZJ5XYB2cmvami1jXZftpKciB_OP_0Mr6EL1ECKO0iKF3lbnxIlUGfSlF0GUnM_MAMo0/s320/DSCN4445.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9TrRNVXa9orqkcogIJvMjljbtOmQyJWA0MFuTD6zG8QSCcs4r84gAfVvJSZMppnipF0l0UkCy4AnBUOgAEsPS9zXO6LPrWzHd7EZ-UsSsvjNRPJkSCvE_C18JEZ95r8TBsCpaTZ3unI/s1600/DSCN4454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB9TrRNVXa9orqkcogIJvMjljbtOmQyJWA0MFuTD6zG8QSCcs4r84gAfVvJSZMppnipF0l0UkCy4AnBUOgAEsPS9zXO6LPrWzHd7EZ-UsSsvjNRPJkSCvE_C18JEZ95r8TBsCpaTZ3unI/s320/DSCN4454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More lovins' for Bo!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtagvwgau5nybb6E3bnbE6fWVcUZSWxy17UsTj6rG89Hy7QjYZyJ8ls-hKgWF2tussyxqhUxhZtmXLt5gTIpprc8Qf56PBp01uLbTfR6CeHEYIiPvdptn1AJnbeTHTxqcAMwXcksL5Csk/s1600/DSCN4456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtagvwgau5nybb6E3bnbE6fWVcUZSWxy17UsTj6rG89Hy7QjYZyJ8ls-hKgWF2tussyxqhUxhZtmXLt5gTIpprc8Qf56PBp01uLbTfR6CeHEYIiPvdptn1AJnbeTHTxqcAMwXcksL5Csk/s320/DSCN4456.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our journey through the park took us...and Bo...back across the bridge and past the remnants of the trading post that settlers established all those years ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudULnpSnqtCYLeG4OF03eMB83at1MTLljUoF3IOq_XH6WG1SUyEbnkpM-MGk8m-BucvmKd1bSlSkSPr6FQ0PHL3FHnrXJCpQ-2MK3yJsFdD3m1ruMcqKlhvqPaYsmXl_RzmBT1XsFmV0/s1600/DSCN4461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudULnpSnqtCYLeG4OF03eMB83at1MTLljUoF3IOq_XH6WG1SUyEbnkpM-MGk8m-BucvmKd1bSlSkSPr6FQ0PHL3FHnrXJCpQ-2MK3yJsFdD3m1ruMcqKlhvqPaYsmXl_RzmBT1XsFmV0/s320/DSCN4461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyse7jAnNKQPVhyWUjLclAKZWeZh8kyHHXQ_vf_A0hWUF6zl6n_lERQd8V0xnY3Wp0_5lOKL9-_aDidb2G0meBNG22DrsLbDApS5g-MgKilFEKz1NBmvASXxdSqDof-oh9sTXpHkqnxdg/s1600/DSCN4469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyse7jAnNKQPVhyWUjLclAKZWeZh8kyHHXQ_vf_A0hWUF6zl6n_lERQd8V0xnY3Wp0_5lOKL9-_aDidb2G0meBNG22DrsLbDApS5g-MgKilFEKz1NBmvASXxdSqDof-oh9sTXpHkqnxdg/s320/DSCN4469.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GTG6_lsf9b_XkjDqOazdtJRbz3hYjOZVdnRh02xBHfVXq28P387kBgYMxCiw4SgFujIFbNYV7iZcx1qpqTbOkvMYNi6WM1xhTjlsh6icd3UoEV3MkzUojXCYedCvPMwJr9aYdB8hB1c/s1600/DSCN4460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GTG6_lsf9b_XkjDqOazdtJRbz3hYjOZVdnRh02xBHfVXq28P387kBgYMxCiw4SgFujIFbNYV7iZcx1qpqTbOkvMYNi6WM1xhTjlsh6icd3UoEV3MkzUojXCYedCvPMwJr9aYdB8hB1c/s320/DSCN4460.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimMYGWQYQSGMDieaRQn-e0lZDKGX4lePMrVuJAo8TI1rT-I6LOFd5WbMwr7rq3_MFiyn4w8FL7wRo83n7SMSVsXhBbmIglvRSrXP2XT45yPXIC48-tEqN0HkcyVuJLYG6ZFKzMx7QIcA/s1600/DSCN4474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimMYGWQYQSGMDieaRQn-e0lZDKGX4lePMrVuJAo8TI1rT-I6LOFd5WbMwr7rq3_MFiyn4w8FL7wRo83n7SMSVsXhBbmIglvRSrXP2XT45yPXIC48-tEqN0HkcyVuJLYG6ZFKzMx7QIcA/s320/DSCN4474.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L8PX6-83TP5Q3FGpwM91jTCP-kouG7-s-KnRZGBen2uaoiN7ma1zJ2_tLYpkIu32u295BjO55WpM0t2OVDHQ4C1dC5gfIZovpsfrZYtcquUwP_Q0GnBsMXNsqCU57Y2SNRZRWT9xZI4/s1600/DSCN4476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3L8PX6-83TP5Q3FGpwM91jTCP-kouG7-s-KnRZGBen2uaoiN7ma1zJ2_tLYpkIu32u295BjO55WpM0t2OVDHQ4C1dC5gfIZovpsfrZYtcquUwP_Q0GnBsMXNsqCU57Y2SNRZRWT9xZI4/s320/DSCN4476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Can you see it over there? That's as close as you can get.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe5aqjbFGmLLaqVfC-lgUgu7QYbRo4i3jz_-pXE0MyUkWfU9yJShyceSCRdRhyphenhyphensnD9k6Zro0fi2QEvQ027Tes_ZjNWC9janNipdvsRfT2OCEb0X3Eg7Mvc1lLQ4n5vXe2_J8TQCGdNwo/s1600/DSCN4479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJe5aqjbFGmLLaqVfC-lgUgu7QYbRo4i3jz_-pXE0MyUkWfU9yJShyceSCRdRhyphenhyphensnD9k6Zro0fi2QEvQ027Tes_ZjNWC9janNipdvsRfT2OCEb0X3Eg7Mvc1lLQ4n5vXe2_J8TQCGdNwo/s320/DSCN4479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bo went for a dip in the river:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4Ys_teOW9_YQLZBrP1i6xJJV1fc0RUzOOGB_Mrb9Yqh3C02PAFiHDnqNW9k1zAwSmLb5JaWVJxPLP6jt62WF-Ox2JXZGQhWaYM360vw9cpr0_JlwASyRLZProQxatmES-UCbQGKLdrE/s1600/DSCN4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4Ys_teOW9_YQLZBrP1i6xJJV1fc0RUzOOGB_Mrb9Yqh3C02PAFiHDnqNW9k1zAwSmLb5JaWVJxPLP6jt62WF-Ox2JXZGQhWaYM360vw9cpr0_JlwASyRLZProQxatmES-UCbQGKLdrE/s320/DSCN4477.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few other hiking photos:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG_kD2_BYqAYoKCtDS1cqoKYOv2Y6dXEv_Y7RGGGyy2Yw3AjdeSKr5sbqNBN4AbHmC1r7utdPm2nDi3gwTK1_t42v9SiaomnfOH_87Bgvsg_q7RHSjCPYgT731TdguTpmlQ1FbWSxQt8/s1600/DSCN4506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwG_kD2_BYqAYoKCtDS1cqoKYOv2Y6dXEv_Y7RGGGyy2Yw3AjdeSKr5sbqNBN4AbHmC1r7utdPm2nDi3gwTK1_t42v9SiaomnfOH_87Bgvsg_q7RHSjCPYgT731TdguTpmlQ1FbWSxQt8/s320/DSCN4506.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjKBmxqL4re5CpfhjQM8Fb5cq6cUJ6h_XxGD-_xQhTI-3qBLPSoFvYJJplG_MlXr_WOrHW6nNZXcBIxDM0XIkv6WfQ3hdy3Cq3erEMuUJ9E7HKuPylvKf6BJZqGcYTNvnnI2fgxqcH6w/s1600/DSCN4510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjKBmxqL4re5CpfhjQM8Fb5cq6cUJ6h_XxGD-_xQhTI-3qBLPSoFvYJJplG_MlXr_WOrHW6nNZXcBIxDM0XIkv6WfQ3hdy3Cq3erEMuUJ9E7HKuPylvKf6BJZqGcYTNvnnI2fgxqcH6w/s320/DSCN4510.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNOe87lKe65JNNFRrXaqMYPQK_3seI48_E8unwwsKk68zk8LXJjhGJwXyzXFn4fYFB51jTtjr7nstuBBEg8k33ayY5JZU-G0dWh0iUUkTC-1XMe5Smy_HSZcOr5pIUGgAX4yeAuyHekY/s1600/DSCN4515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNOe87lKe65JNNFRrXaqMYPQK_3seI48_E8unwwsKk68zk8LXJjhGJwXyzXFn4fYFB51jTtjr7nstuBBEg8k33ayY5JZU-G0dWh0iUUkTC-1XMe5Smy_HSZcOr5pIUGgAX4yeAuyHekY/s320/DSCN4515.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQVTB0Au2zE9ztl6Kd0bXHqGYeObn3GwPhPAWgHqUFNihc2fVWWY1oETZoSSQgPno0lYuR0LtwuwlYwjtiRLb13Yr6kE6-JoG40CY-FzuKef6TZxov_w9NcYGq1Qv-wVSqeQQQ4begXE/s1600/DSCN4518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQVTB0Au2zE9ztl6Kd0bXHqGYeObn3GwPhPAWgHqUFNihc2fVWWY1oETZoSSQgPno0lYuR0LtwuwlYwjtiRLb13Yr6kE6-JoG40CY-FzuKef6TZxov_w9NcYGq1Qv-wVSqeQQQ4begXE/s320/DSCN4518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We eventually made it back to the visitor center, where Matthew and I got to know each other a little better. ;) We also called Bo's owner, who came to pick him up from their home nearby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEBmLQkGYrQlWP0nWZalW5YiKtuYOT1WHC87E000zG2Huv0NNDS-w8cGtkDm4uFWJmDhEtb0XOPo0ZDOshyphenhyphennSxZ8_AOCw15c85C5_lTXnrgwT84vRX78jwe7bQ10AxDAuu-l4C2qcQ3k/s1600/DSCN4522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEBmLQkGYrQlWP0nWZalW5YiKtuYOT1WHC87E000zG2Huv0NNDS-w8cGtkDm4uFWJmDhEtb0XOPo0ZDOshyphenhyphennSxZ8_AOCw15c85C5_lTXnrgwT84vRX78jwe7bQ10AxDAuu-l4C2qcQ3k/s320/DSCN4522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paynes Creek Historic State Park sits at the confluence of Paynes Creek and the Peace River. We've been hearing about the Peace River for years because you can actually find prehistoric fossils in its calm waters. I wanted badly to see this for myself, since I've seen photos of megalodon (prehistoric shark) teeth larger than my hand! And so, back to the trail we went, heading for the river.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKhKuJe-MAxId47GD0SdO2wxPtB2SdqAkGVaV300OUI8S4JMAvHdyYlPBM6ntepK3VsPy_PkzSqqGFa0biL16QUjWwq7E7CAG-s7eujywEzFgGKtC4M7vKdgS8Q39lhm7yuTXsvNJh4I/s1600/DSCN4537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKhKuJe-MAxId47GD0SdO2wxPtB2SdqAkGVaV300OUI8S4JMAvHdyYlPBM6ntepK3VsPy_PkzSqqGFa0biL16QUjWwq7E7CAG-s7eujywEzFgGKtC4M7vKdgS8Q39lhm7yuTXsvNJh4I/s320/DSCN4537.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszeigXhZoLMZxo46QDCHMd-fXOUkyBv0Ub3DVFcrUU_ysmhy8TxM9gXxX7Q3WjWjARyiFUuNUQ5tiyPxfmZSVCzIByfsdb9BdPPlhiQYuA4VkuT8fMvg4CJxbIIS3JCdfD8yY5yYwChc/s1600/DSCN4546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszeigXhZoLMZxo46QDCHMd-fXOUkyBv0Ub3DVFcrUU_ysmhy8TxM9gXxX7Q3WjWjARyiFUuNUQ5tiyPxfmZSVCzIByfsdb9BdPPlhiQYuA4VkuT8fMvg4CJxbIIS3JCdfD8yY5yYwChc/s320/DSCN4546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there it was...the Peace River, living up to its name.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzL-ooTXpDjePKz0Nu8sbQK-YH8y9bdCxkwSvWQnWrmaLiazrhzCVWhRzukzZjrDZldK-b9ZO_vRaopCetN5gBbPTURJI3hFcDt0VnTWDmI2XwYcIEwyoP-Jhyanhht1nQvIm073Pc5c/s1600/DSCN4556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzL-ooTXpDjePKz0Nu8sbQK-YH8y9bdCxkwSvWQnWrmaLiazrhzCVWhRzukzZjrDZldK-b9ZO_vRaopCetN5gBbPTURJI3hFcDt0VnTWDmI2XwYcIEwyoP-Jhyanhht1nQvIm073Pc5c/s320/DSCN4556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, so here's the part where we do a no-no. See, hunting for fossils is legal in the Peace River, a permit required if you're planning to keep anything other than shark teeth. However, doing so within the state park boundaries is off limits. And yet...there we were. And there was the river. And...and...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03KYvR7GuIVaS5aAjiJCK4hxUHBMiWMxbFRFMfNe6oFbk3yjJqtr1IcUStiVjQHh3qASp_hY_MctqgmpRtFxDwa89quBC2Wy0qiZQq0waTQ00Nv2tPHL4AXCqz5UYNeDd6QItC6v3Ri0/s1600/DSCN4559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03KYvR7GuIVaS5aAjiJCK4hxUHBMiWMxbFRFMfNe6oFbk3yjJqtr1IcUStiVjQHh3qASp_hY_MctqgmpRtFxDwa89quBC2Wy0qiZQq0waTQ00Nv2tPHL4AXCqz5UYNeDd6QItC6v3Ri0/s320/DSCN4559.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One scoop in the sand and Xandra found a shark tooth. Pretty soon we all had our hands in the dirt, and we all came up with something. Were we wrong? Yes, absolutely. I can't speak for the others, because I don't know, but everything I found was thrown back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJpnCU51oCI2t0k5SaVI_2b0klx_evzp7gC2YtPgQDr0OKM5dWq4ntfg9_X7l-9hP-imWbSWHsHJzGHsWezX0zH6vPjDAJpe3fRWXmyS_bq1rP2QBoPdOlnDtwyG_7aNY8weqFT8LaY8/s1600/DSCN4561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJpnCU51oCI2t0k5SaVI_2b0klx_evzp7gC2YtPgQDr0OKM5dWq4ntfg9_X7l-9hP-imWbSWHsHJzGHsWezX0zH6vPjDAJpe3fRWXmyS_bq1rP2QBoPdOlnDtwyG_7aNY8weqFT8LaY8/s320/DSCN4561.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please don't do what we did. Throwing back the fossils, of course, don't justify looking for them in the first place. I will say, our search only lasted a few minutes. Pretty soon we were interrupted by...karma!...a park ranger. Ranger JR was nice, never mentioned anything about us scrambling away from the river's edge (or Olivia announcing that we were looking for fossils). He was making his rounds and stopped to chat. I mentioned needing a stamp for the passport, so he gave me his business card and said to give him a call when we were back at the visitor center. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYSRwtvgOBXiRkCSh-dWdCG2Ik3yKOJltg6qFMZl9s-uSdC3RiweqXHhRI0hsH2SCbYBNh0_xAW-_tVogjn_SUO5v7TdcVGrxUUl4dbA_ijAVYUeGcgkXVsLwQgL3wyQ5Mv_ITs94KKE/s1600/DSCN4565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYSRwtvgOBXiRkCSh-dWdCG2Ik3yKOJltg6qFMZl9s-uSdC3RiweqXHhRI0hsH2SCbYBNh0_xAW-_tVogjn_SUO5v7TdcVGrxUUl4dbA_ijAVYUeGcgkXVsLwQgL3wyQ5Mv_ITs94KKE/s320/DSCN4565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we got back there, we made sandwiches from the picnic supplies we brought. JR showed up and disappeared into the visitor center with Rob and Olivia. After awhile I wondered where they were, only to find JR showing Olivia a red rat snake from their animal storage room. It was so nice, actually, having the one-on-one education from a guy who truly cared about the park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of one-on-one time, we mentioned to JR that we were in the park geocaching and couldn't find the cache at the suspension bridge. He lit up, saying he knew exactly where it was. He was so sure, in fact, that he offered to meet us back there and help search for the elusive container. Sure enough, he met us and made the find! It had gotten shoved too far into its hiding spot for us to see it the first time. JR was also interested in that possum skeleton Rob found, and he took the skull for an educational program in the park!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh3d05_InQ8-g5nliEXc-fdNcI0uctgHProbXRpuH9dMfxNg942WiysYNtE9rs9UmsHdN_8QaaGT4Z3_53tfWQcoBWzkxHLUaPYrxrZWq_mgk97VrJLO191gugqqjqQrMXr5aLS1pKpA/s1600/DSCN4578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh3d05_InQ8-g5nliEXc-fdNcI0uctgHProbXRpuH9dMfxNg942WiysYNtE9rs9UmsHdN_8QaaGT4Z3_53tfWQcoBWzkxHLUaPYrxrZWq_mgk97VrJLO191gugqqjqQrMXr5aLS1pKpA/s320/DSCN4578.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We decided to wrap up our trip to the park with a little more physical exertion. A trip to the playground was exactly what everyone needed!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ObFPVVxvIGi8rPHgQlQG9AL5Zi5u1KjCkO5ImXJw5qOJ9B0vGnhFOgilba6HdSgJ55NjGoZI9co8kkB8Wb76xlSyLS0fUpZtSzNpNICge5FRN-TxGmZayb7G6pwzw66yOTyRg1A7h_s/s1600/DSCN4581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ObFPVVxvIGi8rPHgQlQG9AL5Zi5u1KjCkO5ImXJw5qOJ9B0vGnhFOgilba6HdSgJ55NjGoZI9co8kkB8Wb76xlSyLS0fUpZtSzNpNICge5FRN-TxGmZayb7G6pwzw66yOTyRg1A7h_s/s320/DSCN4581.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEkMbTEJejBgzp1jp8pI9jDxnpwrVFAae9hkBXtvpzzXjNNXwgJP1Rx2g5Wq_07cCGPN7F0WnX6iyoMwJpv5uZP9dFkhC12osU3Qaq91aHZvD1flD4cHCOWo8mGTHIrJD5BR2ta_tp7g/s1600/DSCN4589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEkMbTEJejBgzp1jp8pI9jDxnpwrVFAae9hkBXtvpzzXjNNXwgJP1Rx2g5Wq_07cCGPN7F0WnX6iyoMwJpv5uZP9dFkhC12osU3Qaq91aHZvD1flD4cHCOWo8mGTHIrJD5BR2ta_tp7g/s320/DSCN4589.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUReez67FDQZbXZT2DPXtdWFuU9dx4Yq9FTyLLT9Bbq3QUEcbtiM6Z4Zs5wImEevEjCxGZSxDKWSC5-569qOerDP8pGbYuCgf76i2H1LUyB5xDWMw81GMUWQLG53WaVqM6KvVQYO-SBc/s1600/DSCN4596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUReez67FDQZbXZT2DPXtdWFuU9dx4Yq9FTyLLT9Bbq3QUEcbtiM6Z4Zs5wImEevEjCxGZSxDKWSC5-569qOerDP8pGbYuCgf76i2H1LUyB5xDWMw81GMUWQLG53WaVqM6KvVQYO-SBc/s320/DSCN4596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ddex39Wz_mjGJ5oRWWBdZQwo136fzt34EJY4-eCAdDS1wedzModbvr8vG44JgcH84564wiZGpvMqexTDE1nGqwI62KmXC6Jcm64lYrLho1FGgH8bcJpZtu1AYLFi7SH0uajp17M28j4/s1600/DSCN4597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ddex39Wz_mjGJ5oRWWBdZQwo136fzt34EJY4-eCAdDS1wedzModbvr8vG44JgcH84564wiZGpvMqexTDE1nGqwI62KmXC6Jcm64lYrLho1FGgH8bcJpZtu1AYLFi7SH0uajp17M28j4/s320/DSCN4597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfODD3Bh5zEGymI1Ilr1SM4GoACyyWdcKUM5d3KwOia9ExISZkm8k7XuIeZitzSO4_3tsmhdJP4f4g0eRifW7oly3ZDvKx_uVtsm-8zGaVKCzIXm9lu4xTGsf-QIAZSsva22JjXCgsyc/s1600/DSCN4601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfODD3Bh5zEGymI1Ilr1SM4GoACyyWdcKUM5d3KwOia9ExISZkm8k7XuIeZitzSO4_3tsmhdJP4f4g0eRifW7oly3ZDvKx_uVtsm-8zGaVKCzIXm9lu4xTGsf-QIAZSsva22JjXCgsyc/s320/DSCN4601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The End!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVJ_uF5DEDLPZnCbTAO2pFz81wiRrPvkWHa0sp1PadRuGpCinFcojePCPRKQhb3n5shaXFcx_1RfrFJ_Tz3pTz2Gpfau95uIxt_pn6VBrGwsnpneEuKC_HVL8BTALRFVbl6u0EK3rGtw/s1600/DSCN4606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVJ_uF5DEDLPZnCbTAO2pFz81wiRrPvkWHa0sp1PadRuGpCinFcojePCPRKQhb3n5shaXFcx_1RfrFJ_Tz3pTz2Gpfau95uIxt_pn6VBrGwsnpneEuKC_HVL8BTALRFVbl6u0EK3rGtw/s320/DSCN4606.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-71463358458590869702012-03-05T19:47:00.001-05:002012-03-05T19:51:38.164-05:00Trip 56: Faver-Dykes State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 48</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBm3Pt8kh__cZmgmBrpvJCqxNDhIHrCH687p8BQnNzAc9UbsjvJS3WP2AFsFVeM35yyOXHlN8tNL-NJGNM5FzTkBYLTKW89oyyrITDR1qVDCM4u_Q_ObNmlvNrKzobBT76TypV6Jj4WQ/s1600/DSCN4376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBm3Pt8kh__cZmgmBrpvJCqxNDhIHrCH687p8BQnNzAc9UbsjvJS3WP2AFsFVeM35yyOXHlN8tNL-NJGNM5FzTkBYLTKW89oyyrITDR1qVDCM4u_Q_ObNmlvNrKzobBT76TypV6Jj4WQ/s320/DSCN4376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I realized recently that 2011 was our first full calendar year spent working on our family mission. The first day of the year was spent at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, and there was no better way to end the year than...yep...in a state park. Chris picked the destination on New Year's Eve: Faver-Dykes State Park in St. Augustine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVue81Foh1tAlezV9K5mPNgyUwYp4fxuxB0pQpsH2uGzA07avsnSE-q5pFMDdqsyARRNYIEH0nHNqEm9CPIl2pVqDa7jU9nrmKZ_lfJRpaUF3a1ugxxNKzN8fYOJcFSsRe9yfXLziMzM0/s1600/DSCN4209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVue81Foh1tAlezV9K5mPNgyUwYp4fxuxB0pQpsH2uGzA07avsnSE-q5pFMDdqsyARRNYIEH0nHNqEm9CPIl2pVqDa7jU9nrmKZ_lfJRpaUF3a1ugxxNKzN8fYOJcFSsRe9yfXLziMzM0/s320/DSCN4209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had no idea what to expect. For so many years, Faver-Dykes was nothing more than a name to snicker at on the way down the interstate. I didn't read up on the park before our trip. We just packed a picnic, planned on finding some geocaches, and headed out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjqNLcvfvOUN6hyphenhyphenTD4sxZpp9Ie54nh16zbZMdwTHc0C0hZPWnuJ6UfvqIFZn10E0zopiDH1U2n-s7xv2aAf3n35lSBJEmv_cils01a-FBeYK4MH3WHYBRQ07ydZgEJ1jzl7H9Lf8tn2M/s1600/DSCN4205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjqNLcvfvOUN6hyphenhyphenTD4sxZpp9Ie54nh16zbZMdwTHc0C0hZPWnuJ6UfvqIFZn10E0zopiDH1U2n-s7xv2aAf3n35lSBJEmv_cils01a-FBeYK4MH3WHYBRQ07ydZgEJ1jzl7H9Lf8tn2M/s320/DSCN4205.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stopped to buy some citrus and then met up with Chris, Xandra, and their friend Sam(antha). Then we drove in, found a cache near the entrance, and then drove further into the park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj329LKTRM41ekHvvA9xMNKotn4qWnlcKo1xMpBqAR1wQbnqd2vW42hdJldgFygFL2x8bU9reGuB4Z_LOyzgUyoVH7FisbfmXEieskZrl6AcGITDLLSMoVsk9blxPPfj1cXdjWXzERfY/s1600/DSCN4218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqj329LKTRM41ekHvvA9xMNKotn4qWnlcKo1xMpBqAR1wQbnqd2vW42hdJldgFygFL2x8bU9reGuB4Z_LOyzgUyoVH7FisbfmXEieskZrl6AcGITDLLSMoVsk9blxPPfj1cXdjWXzERfY/s320/DSCN4218.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For being a holiday weekend, the park was pretty quiet. We parked near the picnic pavilions and bathrooms, and the dock wasn't too far away. Faver-Dykes is on the Pellicer Creek and is considered one of Florida's state canoe trails. I can't wait to return with the kayaks!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OE_E8HQxnneSnzG1ZhG44p8ktoYDNNgEi0m2BJ7Ss3y7ZEvvVoBrKn8ycIbCEGJmeIldGyIOBwao6tIXw8hL1z7Opx1QdMZ_TQ2F0AoUvy2Gpy2lPhFRSloUmJuq7PTWlMfqETkLUf8/s1600/DSCN4220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OE_E8HQxnneSnzG1ZhG44p8ktoYDNNgEi0m2BJ7Ss3y7ZEvvVoBrKn8ycIbCEGJmeIldGyIOBwao6tIXw8hL1z7Opx1QdMZ_TQ2F0AoUvy2Gpy2lPhFRSloUmJuq7PTWlMfqETkLUf8/s320/DSCN4220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkMvuXRtkSaJbsw0ncmrDnbWJs4TdlYYUzFhJIc1XvqkvojDM5f9Ti9ANJ9krJ1Z4f4a7e69WZjqN4kpqPfFeYoq1PLHxIYjU_dfjl7Dymp9zlLJwOjIBdflXVHIcU9GzO2w3lHtRdEE/s1600/DSCN4222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkMvuXRtkSaJbsw0ncmrDnbWJs4TdlYYUzFhJIc1XvqkvojDM5f9Ti9ANJ9krJ1Z4f4a7e69WZjqN4kpqPfFeYoq1PLHxIYjU_dfjl7Dymp9zlLJwOjIBdflXVHIcU9GzO2w3lHtRdEE/s320/DSCN4222.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx1eY_Rz0TS7e7v_NsQ_Ix6Ayv0CbbCohuyTFF-QNDz2SyiyHtiHiWtbWmIXDk8MbvpjEwpy5J4vBsE3SqbA7D1x4FkpacQb4Ez2s6PG57tPUEscVbgpP__a4OSu7ud-YYH7EN_56tLQ/s1600/DSCN4223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx1eY_Rz0TS7e7v_NsQ_Ix6Ayv0CbbCohuyTFF-QNDz2SyiyHtiHiWtbWmIXDk8MbvpjEwpy5J4vBsE3SqbA7D1x4FkpacQb4Ez2s6PG57tPUEscVbgpP__a4OSu7ud-YYH7EN_56tLQ/s320/DSCN4223.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hit the trails and started searching for some of the geocaches hidden in the park. A geocaching event had been held there recently and lots of caches were hidden for the occasion. But first, Chris had to climb a tree (as commanded by Olivia):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb38dBus9MOKjxXIMuGrKQQeMj-XiUtupt5rZri5W-AeBXvPYNxkxo3qQte0tulOns3-FNZKtPTVM1akh59K19PnA9xBbeI5iwdMRY_ZdxEVhNg8f7NNVJsV7uB_RbY-Mqr2s0V34G1fE/s1600/DSCN4230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb38dBus9MOKjxXIMuGrKQQeMj-XiUtupt5rZri5W-AeBXvPYNxkxo3qQte0tulOns3-FNZKtPTVM1akh59K19PnA9xBbeI5iwdMRY_ZdxEVhNg8f7NNVJsV7uB_RbY-Mqr2s0V34G1fE/s320/DSCN4230.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, and then he had to climb another tree:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zZegEVgI01-xaZVwA7sQaUnCBOaO7eC2M_Rw31IKrEZc8lfBZNAY9X4_Jc10T1cujpys9_0kspskl2jno6m63F2j-pZCNsBpcGcsrNmASlMbG_FQ_JkEF2kOBkR4y70Hr7zvnnQFHJA/s1600/DSCN4236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zZegEVgI01-xaZVwA7sQaUnCBOaO7eC2M_Rw31IKrEZc8lfBZNAY9X4_Jc10T1cujpys9_0kspskl2jno6m63F2j-pZCNsBpcGcsrNmASlMbG_FQ_JkEF2kOBkR4y70Hr7zvnnQFHJA/s320/DSCN4236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then we were finally able to start hiking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCurJfoG-MuPCrDVY0DZ6hZWXWad7t3Pp7-wErn4bNXFsVVkiG7hdC4jDTBsiVBwif2SskQFHBw0betvcJOqyrnJCggC5eKUxFVAduP1_NNXVsKvBVkUtZbVDvcXnWrc2Va_2GExirp1Y/s1600/DSCN4238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCurJfoG-MuPCrDVY0DZ6hZWXWad7t3Pp7-wErn4bNXFsVVkiG7hdC4jDTBsiVBwif2SskQFHBw0betvcJOqyrnJCggC5eKUxFVAduP1_NNXVsKvBVkUtZbVDvcXnWrc2Va_2GExirp1Y/s320/DSCN4238.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRan-GmiHKJDJbbihfm6dS6qX07N8fAc6TkcOt1OleYox81TC4zDkSpGOpthAVj6qtDFKj0-KJvC3gUszphW0qmwPLcxCtEFZB1cnUDC1zSZsOAVWJ8QqTrES7AWZkRPq_FMWzr2JBD8/s1600/DSCN4245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRan-GmiHKJDJbbihfm6dS6qX07N8fAc6TkcOt1OleYox81TC4zDkSpGOpthAVj6qtDFKj0-KJvC3gUszphW0qmwPLcxCtEFZB1cnUDC1zSZsOAVWJ8QqTrES7AWZkRPq_FMWzr2JBD8/s320/DSCN4245.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQZycqsdxoDeUWEiS2JjIHcxY6QzticBM3wyM2bmhf8FDjFpY5EnKeLJ63DIgmPr_jk-bo7-Zmax7BQIS4E2CQHRe7IvZ9hz8d7ghmGBLK_cAj8lh_4J3-ASXZeguaVTwKTjzmoBWiII/s1600/DSCN4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQZycqsdxoDeUWEiS2JjIHcxY6QzticBM3wyM2bmhf8FDjFpY5EnKeLJ63DIgmPr_jk-bo7-Zmax7BQIS4E2CQHRe7IvZ9hz8d7ghmGBLK_cAj8lh_4J3-ASXZeguaVTwKTjzmoBWiII/s320/DSCN4247.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M9wg7BIFvujCO-AgJq6sfkpXhhtTLMGkMLyGq74drT8hGbZRglYEXRJ3Mm55_ZbsmEYtyPIFum4ViFfn75IQRF7wkaP_BVbVXJ1pdIg6SsWZClgNJNpfMoHtPMCjd9bRsDmDbcwPVdw/s1600/DSCN4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-M9wg7BIFvujCO-AgJq6sfkpXhhtTLMGkMLyGq74drT8hGbZRglYEXRJ3Mm55_ZbsmEYtyPIFum4ViFfn75IQRF7wkaP_BVbVXJ1pdIg6SsWZClgNJNpfMoHtPMCjd9bRsDmDbcwPVdw/s320/DSCN4249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The area had gone through a prescribed burn recently, but it was neat seeing new growth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4xbB2ap22NyQxDlflixoyN4BmJloN13mmnxpEQ8ONj36Q3G_hnasfuXuKJxIoE7MCk0xkWFJKEnaa9tKm-MwFVMBH0wFIv9_XrOm6wULG0IgA5xJgduGcdAkmCCVyiMrJCzvjRl7nwY/s1600/DSCN4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4xbB2ap22NyQxDlflixoyN4BmJloN13mmnxpEQ8ONj36Q3G_hnasfuXuKJxIoE7MCk0xkWFJKEnaa9tKm-MwFVMBH0wFIv9_XrOm6wULG0IgA5xJgduGcdAkmCCVyiMrJCzvjRl7nwY/s320/DSCN4269.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made our way back to the parking area briefly and learned a bit more about the origins of the park, and then we made our way over to the boat ramp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSnZNafgUDJ_6vtIzKpCkYNlzpCihEKyePiMZim1IKbHySpLShlTHWos1NVK2MyrHXFttCMpajW8lm0fVi2gPB9vmYjx0obB-uPk7aqPyk-Cwk2qeaPRF9oHD4_cNSgetY3J6PUUnFAc/s1600/DSCN4274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSnZNafgUDJ_6vtIzKpCkYNlzpCihEKyePiMZim1IKbHySpLShlTHWos1NVK2MyrHXFttCMpajW8lm0fVi2gPB9vmYjx0obB-uPk7aqPyk-Cwk2qeaPRF9oHD4_cNSgetY3J6PUUnFAc/s320/DSCN4274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinndSsZ0H2OYQPvY5_v7OanUsr15KKNycaGonwTwPnJe6J5nEerTj9KBwevg2r-cUD2w0QQ3IB8LInvWmGC2nX2owHnL9nuEC_btmzgwiSyemNxfTW09qZkWKasdimRkC_wXNKkG4kD-A/s1600/DSCN4279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinndSsZ0H2OYQPvY5_v7OanUsr15KKNycaGonwTwPnJe6J5nEerTj9KBwevg2r-cUD2w0QQ3IB8LInvWmGC2nX2owHnL9nuEC_btmzgwiSyemNxfTW09qZkWKasdimRkC_wXNKkG4kD-A/s320/DSCN4279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Impromptu album cover shot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQia0dg5QqeVr4RyOs2qGpAHFrlaKRL1sQj1WNygm5PZxLVQr2nDi_kMExY7qDgPPsiNjPP-dhJK2Tp3KZ_TO6bFHAZ46OBkEu-TrnahQikg4D6vdXn-DvZ7bSYceeSPeBMtd2vIZfYg/s1600/DSCN4284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQia0dg5QqeVr4RyOs2qGpAHFrlaKRL1sQj1WNygm5PZxLVQr2nDi_kMExY7qDgPPsiNjPP-dhJK2Tp3KZ_TO6bFHAZ46OBkEu-TrnahQikg4D6vdXn-DvZ7bSYceeSPeBMtd2vIZfYg/s320/DSCN4284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From here we made our way to the other end of the park, which is where there are other trails and a small campground. I loved that you could walk up and find a campsite if you wanted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsRQsKqt50vSn2DtUKRwz3XI3ExPxnkvQpBXUFAlfN6YwHNUBxc8DDw-zjq6nzWTgnItgnqUnclowHmUX-fX3iPBrAYyWKdqhnH2zueqgfMSk-bOb1SR_65fQ0siYkUdgePlNWXMDijc/s1600/DSCN4286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAsRQsKqt50vSn2DtUKRwz3XI3ExPxnkvQpBXUFAlfN6YwHNUBxc8DDw-zjq6nzWTgnItgnqUnclowHmUX-fX3iPBrAYyWKdqhnH2zueqgfMSk-bOb1SR_65fQ0siYkUdgePlNWXMDijc/s320/DSCN4286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Wt1uOgRPhP978QQnEOxIKe_gyUiQgkDI4NINuDiosd5adIc-h5A8jWljflGHWGmNHtN-dJnBY9MKpnq0z_SQckcRiJspz8V9bjMKwUExpPhV0cIvbfCdu8d4v_SP__z3O-CPCbimZfg/s1600/DSCN4303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Wt1uOgRPhP978QQnEOxIKe_gyUiQgkDI4NINuDiosd5adIc-h5A8jWljflGHWGmNHtN-dJnBY9MKpnq0z_SQckcRiJspz8V9bjMKwUExpPhV0cIvbfCdu8d4v_SP__z3O-CPCbimZfg/s320/DSCN4303.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOj1B6eESgF_bitOdHoATeOaWkpW0u-UgFjSSbvNPclEowjTFvJFNlzNdkIZ8cIW0U4Uou_0NU3NCo8KQjcFvXYxCTSrnu3qGr1z8P8gkekrx0hdDgULrFTztRRAcnbmswfnjj-KYfnk/s1600/DSCN4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOj1B6eESgF_bitOdHoATeOaWkpW0u-UgFjSSbvNPclEowjTFvJFNlzNdkIZ8cIW0U4Uou_0NU3NCo8KQjcFvXYxCTSrnu3qGr1z8P8gkekrx0hdDgULrFTztRRAcnbmswfnjj-KYfnk/s320/DSCN4322.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3iNk8j9h_eyrOnq9-UNlCzMAjhoqDunGZw5_g0gzvc2U8V_wlwvI8XnLbcH6dKe6QY-clfveG2967IUFfh9fhR1dD12CkKd_WbWkHbXPYAX_FO10VvrHNdS18bTSBenJD43-9x94JhA/s1600/DSCN4328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3iNk8j9h_eyrOnq9-UNlCzMAjhoqDunGZw5_g0gzvc2U8V_wlwvI8XnLbcH6dKe6QY-clfveG2967IUFfh9fhR1dD12CkKd_WbWkHbXPYAX_FO10VvrHNdS18bTSBenJD43-9x94JhA/s320/DSCN4328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOkbI4b8HhJonixK69c74jVxuWX5E-AqdKFwh0AOWyHET21kjjxm-ME0tJWnLMpe7gicGne0mco8ciWYIivXShL4bBgCYHb7-f16csj9HnMhbkyJj6igWMLv_w3LybT6BEQ_CZG0n2ao/s1600/DSCN4348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOkbI4b8HhJonixK69c74jVxuWX5E-AqdKFwh0AOWyHET21kjjxm-ME0tJWnLMpe7gicGne0mco8ciWYIivXShL4bBgCYHb7-f16csj9HnMhbkyJj6igWMLv_w3LybT6BEQ_CZG0n2ao/s320/DSCN4348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The campground has a screen for movie night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally we made our way back to the picnic pavilions. Sam had to leave so she could get ready for work, so we said our goodbyes. Then the rest of us relaxed with our picnic lunch. It was such a nice way to spend the day...no hurrying around, just hitting some trails and geocaching in a really beautiful spot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6Y1xSIX8NyNV-JZwgnN7PcmmOLtQWpf-NlDu24qZkRGJH_iGDJku1HqvAThCciCQlga-RXNiDU2tg9_qn6IbpkUMOGYjhdrsMVFwW21fEqUmJt8dDDuSLWjH00QUfeTjps00Vm60uBQ/s1600/DSCN4355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6Y1xSIX8NyNV-JZwgnN7PcmmOLtQWpf-NlDu24qZkRGJH_iGDJku1HqvAThCciCQlga-RXNiDU2tg9_qn6IbpkUMOGYjhdrsMVFwW21fEqUmJt8dDDuSLWjH00QUfeTjps00Vm60uBQ/s320/DSCN4355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Something kind of cool happened right after lunch. I was watching a bunch of buzzards flying overhead when I realized one of them wasn't a buzzard, but a bald eagle instead!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ec4KgaLBRq4f2U6NN658_lAUwV1Vrojd2DslWzfIIhs-rkZMpJRbiCS2FwVrKY1PWYrCvGUSxyyQPD7vonYHgjHfBKsPqtyC6QLWH0aqLVplrEJ-Y7d3hb1_ue7qtOhzWTp9vjWSf2E/s1600/DSCN4358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Ec4KgaLBRq4f2U6NN658_lAUwV1Vrojd2DslWzfIIhs-rkZMpJRbiCS2FwVrKY1PWYrCvGUSxyyQPD7vonYHgjHfBKsPqtyC6QLWH0aqLVplrEJ-Y7d3hb1_ue7qtOhzWTp9vjWSf2E/s320/DSCN4358.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That was a nice surprise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before long, it was time for us to head home as well. We found a few last geocaches, went up the road to Gander Mountain, and then went home to say farewell to another amazing year. The last year has opened my eyes to even more of the beauty and possibilities around us. I am truly excited at what 2012 has to offer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV5RHXCH8HdWps6Zt8YjNnbo48mvHzzETjHf4Gk8_yNyMK-SddcGkj9LdNUshPWKDGILTYNTOMDZx_6LpMthNEeasGlMVCLz1NYxRnNVQZsrykhmWBM4s0qss5xMpP_mme4dlKI3jM0Q/s1600/DSCN4380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwV5RHXCH8HdWps6Zt8YjNnbo48mvHzzETjHf4Gk8_yNyMK-SddcGkj9LdNUshPWKDGILTYNTOMDZx_6LpMthNEeasGlMVCLz1NYxRnNVQZsrykhmWBM4s0qss5xMpP_mme4dlKI3jM0Q/s320/DSCN4380.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-53877677469239565332012-01-14T19:41:00.000-05:002012-01-14T19:48:32.959-05:00Trip 55: Fort Clinch State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 47</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrqAJDmkciFLdmmNYxfXmMUbBIf5CrLz8jLKCg_aoD0Q_MyjCGZU5fC5K7Y3m2wSRARHREmUL37E7vT5-pWkuwQvjNRsvXEHvVvRuSsAvdGzGqm-3sjx7Y_RaMV5S2aJJymLZh9y37IA/s1600/DSCN4183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfrqAJDmkciFLdmmNYxfXmMUbBIf5CrLz8jLKCg_aoD0Q_MyjCGZU5fC5K7Y3m2wSRARHREmUL37E7vT5-pWkuwQvjNRsvXEHvVvRuSsAvdGzGqm-3sjx7Y_RaMV5S2aJJymLZh9y37IA/s320/DSCN4183.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My parents went out of town for a week before Christmas, and we let them take Olivia with them. Once we realized we had a bunch of child-free time on our hands, we did what we do best: planned a camping trip. Fort Clinch was our destination, two hours north of home in Fernandina Beach. It looks across Cumberland Sound into Georgia, and I've been dying to go there! Chris joined us as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluOATXZwIZkB9sxCgHOnhz8y3KxACVnRooDZtKO9y5jYoY68l5YcKJQ-MH0kJfWXd7OV017fN83basAEkKRMMXJxuDsqjkb7rcnVaHonjmJTEnBl6SKou3tHOwlkZlkDEzUrM_9LCumg/s1600/DSCN3919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluOATXZwIZkB9sxCgHOnhz8y3KxACVnRooDZtKO9y5jYoY68l5YcKJQ-MH0kJfWXd7OV017fN83basAEkKRMMXJxuDsqjkb7rcnVaHonjmJTEnBl6SKou3tHOwlkZlkDEzUrM_9LCumg/s320/DSCN3919.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWcDnhmpz7BI-c4HMXYF2ARsIISGyImbljk8xlMeRhTRrTSf_ZJsFK7h3bdRaFFcdt8qEW6UfFfZvTaRfMlLAYaQzG12e6PB_lv9euW_tocMNm00FWIYzot92me1h6BrXmczxrB1ouB0/s1600/DSCN3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWcDnhmpz7BI-c4HMXYF2ARsIISGyImbljk8xlMeRhTRrTSf_ZJsFK7h3bdRaFFcdt8qEW6UfFfZvTaRfMlLAYaQzG12e6PB_lv9euW_tocMNm00FWIYzot92me1h6BrXmczxrB1ouB0/s320/DSCN3921.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our first order of business, besides setting up our brand new, extremely large tent, was decorating for Christmas! We took a live Norfolk Island pine tree (which I named Walter) and some lights, plus an angel ornament Olivia brought home from school, along with a string of snowman lights to Christmas-ify our site. Lots of sites had lights and decorations up, and it was nice joining in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzX-2LWbErhox3lYw58JVUuDqwO-4PutyWAf46_H-exZ9rJmZxWWCjEDyG-VvejEHBKJBDdPY2SUojz84LxlRSuWCQXzQiByF5mYL6aldk8hF2-x10VX1DJF8Gjq-sq6I_irKWR4v5O0/s1600/DSCN3929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzX-2LWbErhox3lYw58JVUuDqwO-4PutyWAf46_H-exZ9rJmZxWWCjEDyG-VvejEHBKJBDdPY2SUojz84LxlRSuWCQXzQiByF5mYL6aldk8hF2-x10VX1DJF8Gjq-sq6I_irKWR4v5O0/s320/DSCN3929.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were in walking distance from the beach, so before heading to bed we headed for the water. Not for swimming, of course, but for searching. The beaches in this area of Florida are great places for finding shark teeth, and we were on mission! As that last picture shows you, we were successful. We didn't have to look too hard, but it wasn't like the teeth were scattered all over the place. It took some searching. And while we were hunched down, using our flashlights and concentrating, there came noises. Dolphins. Yep, dolphins were swimming just off the beach, coming up for air. It was the neatest thing, knowing they were out there while we were enjoying some peaceful darkness on the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Qnunae31UhztvDVuVgmAB5DVVbif8OqzxxDzJH8AG934Yn-haRYHoC8Rm3IQU6bhNuDefJk0twNXR-Hdizmv9pfiZqNr4Gk_Jx2tgA8xELDXdEVF8OI11q89J0Zg3eisnsciU1l654E/s1600/DSCN3932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Qnunae31UhztvDVuVgmAB5DVVbif8OqzxxDzJH8AG934Yn-haRYHoC8Rm3IQU6bhNuDefJk0twNXR-Hdizmv9pfiZqNr4Gk_Jx2tgA8xELDXdEVF8OI11q89J0Zg3eisnsciU1l654E/s320/DSCN3932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Early the next morning we got up and made our way to the beach again. I had (mistakenly) read that low tide was at 7:20am and we figured we'd have better luck searching for shark teeth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUtr6Y0b_F09xGo0yYbkZbUIV3CFUiZWOLKsgoJ9v_332aR4Vw9lZvheLfkp_fkZMN0N30PxQCsMdizpuQdyfg5iflgQQjQ0aOvrDuwlrgYlXNf-h8zGHcCRCK1SR-52XUwk6BCdVWwo/s1600/DSCN3937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUtr6Y0b_F09xGo0yYbkZbUIV3CFUiZWOLKsgoJ9v_332aR4Vw9lZvheLfkp_fkZMN0N30PxQCsMdizpuQdyfg5iflgQQjQ0aOvrDuwlrgYlXNf-h8zGHcCRCK1SR-52XUwk6BCdVWwo/s320/DSCN3937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What we actually found was high tide, but we searched anyway:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp25ggrd2gKO98gFOBuzOK0D-zpHeXJ95eUX7-ubGHVHeAAeRsn_XXNT4wYi9cqv12iXqa9vlq3Lg5AoXSnZyevv__KwrWfV30CW1vmflZp2RHG7_J1HTskmf_DiPnX4PeyOReeuqyOnQ/s1600/DSCN3938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp25ggrd2gKO98gFOBuzOK0D-zpHeXJ95eUX7-ubGHVHeAAeRsn_XXNT4wYi9cqv12iXqa9vlq3Lg5AoXSnZyevv__KwrWfV30CW1vmflZp2RHG7_J1HTskmf_DiPnX4PeyOReeuqyOnQ/s320/DSCN3938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pKZZZvpyBDzvwBL8x2ds3RXQ_uecaGk5_YaKpXoJZFD8h-fJVkWxA-7BaOH5SZ7aoqR4jn7naPhRRn1Q38AX6CEz3V13PLuhlcd5NbwVJZ9mVf77aeuCMianskurjpaWxsb3ZHgWSN8/s1600/DSCN3944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5pKZZZvpyBDzvwBL8x2ds3RXQ_uecaGk5_YaKpXoJZFD8h-fJVkWxA-7BaOH5SZ7aoqR4jn7naPhRRn1Q38AX6CEz3V13PLuhlcd5NbwVJZ9mVf77aeuCMianskurjpaWxsb3ZHgWSN8/s320/DSCN3944.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdrVcMtfHMj0cqs0VGPLKEypyrwsfFPVR-6gXDdzClpmuCkeCz_bYa94Duht2MxBdIowSLorKVEtGrpU9PfglzjW4TiS1DZTPh50jv28v5xs2i-sHiLMjcxvs3_vJEtVtU0o3MXJT-5U/s1600/DSCN3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdrVcMtfHMj0cqs0VGPLKEypyrwsfFPVR-6gXDdzClpmuCkeCz_bYa94Duht2MxBdIowSLorKVEtGrpU9PfglzjW4TiS1DZTPh50jv28v5xs2i-sHiLMjcxvs3_vJEtVtU0o3MXJT-5U/s320/DSCN3946.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaltMbc6o63QU_A5DzKDiZ4Uf-GYp_UUXAmKKRVGQSqFgsvZ1vNZN4VC3CEG-qumGXsR-IDpU2Rd1WCiKnIuarKBdFC1GiY7er7oowca-2y0Nfcmswd3dktXuysZfJ_ZWL8Boef6NF1KU/s1600/DSCN3957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaltMbc6o63QU_A5DzKDiZ4Uf-GYp_UUXAmKKRVGQSqFgsvZ1vNZN4VC3CEG-qumGXsR-IDpU2Rd1WCiKnIuarKBdFC1GiY7er7oowca-2y0Nfcmswd3dktXuysZfJ_ZWL8Boef6NF1KU/s320/DSCN3957.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a few successes, but we decided to call it quits when we got cold and hungry. Chris made an awesome breakfast of biscuits and gravy, and then we cleaned up and headed out for the day. The plan was to go geocaching and to tour the fort. A few highlights:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWxlzSaSy-w3bxCJZtRC-i4rU9c9FESa6tEvsy7ZIV_Xp6JzEQa_oo7rx78hEINJfyvVIUbCGCqeAyjOsi2cAb7Wcq5nz1MQT-BO0-eNqgE6V6qcbakVDbHQpGhqmm-iasNzTIUCTzh8/s1600/DSCN3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWxlzSaSy-w3bxCJZtRC-i4rU9c9FESa6tEvsy7ZIV_Xp6JzEQa_oo7rx78hEINJfyvVIUbCGCqeAyjOsi2cAb7Wcq5nz1MQT-BO0-eNqgE6V6qcbakVDbHQpGhqmm-iasNzTIUCTzh8/s320/DSCN3981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7HYejxienUZk5HkNWoVrfwC4ZYjcvHVn-L38QpjOLM9UsQjQpgApZKhPl8asTMYkNlFWHa9lquaQwzWE2QI848Xj1TnaxLVksmpxYwkb3YgK2FqdZXU9mWyfRrA6R4rvYilm0wwonZ0/s1600/DSCN3985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7HYejxienUZk5HkNWoVrfwC4ZYjcvHVn-L38QpjOLM9UsQjQpgApZKhPl8asTMYkNlFWHa9lquaQwzWE2QI848Xj1TnaxLVksmpxYwkb3YgK2FqdZXU9mWyfRrA6R4rvYilm0wwonZ0/s320/DSCN3985.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAefcGSQuTKGuwN-EkAOU16JjH_9ZC7M1l-fbxM5OTCMliap_NMjYoH1dDNSYB6TMpxSVNMIXy1_70YdLjk86FoderQ82js1ep-yLIBJuO7MRMjRtLHx67YJmnWr331TQRFtnD1Q8oC8/s1600/DSCN3986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAefcGSQuTKGuwN-EkAOU16JjH_9ZC7M1l-fbxM5OTCMliap_NMjYoH1dDNSYB6TMpxSVNMIXy1_70YdLjk86FoderQ82js1ep-yLIBJuO7MRMjRtLHx67YJmnWr331TQRFtnD1Q8oC8/s320/DSCN3986.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc0occ9biIUs54mn4iDjl4i3O9A6Yk9cbmPwPbxDAk9qW0XP0Lz0Krrf80ElrFFscm3OhUCJAYjbJwKLRIweC8eBWVFdcovgJhA45Jlr-qsaeCyolDefJT5TktrsoqjeCG5Ipwly9N0A/s1600/DSCN4011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVc0occ9biIUs54mn4iDjl4i3O9A6Yk9cbmPwPbxDAk9qW0XP0Lz0Krrf80ElrFFscm3OhUCJAYjbJwKLRIweC8eBWVFdcovgJhA45Jlr-qsaeCyolDefJT5TktrsoqjeCG5Ipwly9N0A/s320/DSCN4011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Okay, there are a couple of things going on in that last picture. The first thing was the Lowe's delivery truck. We were in a state park, and I work for Lowe's, and those two things are usually separate entities in my world. I was dying to know what was delivered to the park, but we were too busy worried about the other vehicle in the picture to really pursue it. That other vehicle? State law enforcement. See, when we decided to go geocaching, we parked about halfway between the two caches we were searching for. The car was pulled all the way off the road in an area that many people had used for the same purpose. And, despite the fact that there are NO SIGNS on the road, in the brochure, or in the list of park rules that state you can only park in designated areas, we were apparently breaking the law. We apologized to the officer and said we were heading out, but he had a grouchy attitude that almost ruined the day for me. Long story a little longer, I've addressed his attitude and the lack of signage with the park rangers, and hopefully both have since been addressed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zxfzVjWEzFHzbOwT3ZuEOimBM_wOO1qmE-eM9ay2L-TKQMVQkelsTm8CLsZsV-ccfn1xOf-TSJOVpNX8mB1wd2VVFwP5-NvaDAUkCDDsgX5Z2WlGqz5M8qHBveX-blv7_DjkqPmfBdU/s1600/DSCN4014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zxfzVjWEzFHzbOwT3ZuEOimBM_wOO1qmE-eM9ay2L-TKQMVQkelsTm8CLsZsV-ccfn1xOf-TSJOVpNX8mB1wd2VVFwP5-NvaDAUkCDDsgX5Z2WlGqz5M8qHBveX-blv7_DjkqPmfBdU/s320/DSCN4014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After our misadventures in geocaching we headed to the fishing pier. We parked legally in a designated parking spot and then had a look around:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ3k2KFLEBr_t5skkBNz-WrYGfQx6Xoz6lK4gPVXblwCaIjFZEsc_Tfv0fDr3OW9wkedzSsPvfZN6muyVbVPUTqUsQdJcnAPepK5eLQ4eTd80vo4nCIJxdQr_Qa3I-NbVXFMzlnF_8iY/s1600/DSCN4020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ3k2KFLEBr_t5skkBNz-WrYGfQx6Xoz6lK4gPVXblwCaIjFZEsc_Tfv0fDr3OW9wkedzSsPvfZN6muyVbVPUTqUsQdJcnAPepK5eLQ4eTd80vo4nCIJxdQr_Qa3I-NbVXFMzlnF_8iY/s320/DSCN4020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDQ878cBZrhe7qmfxGsuLO5lBXXWLQ5rUWfYHwSgciUuYOehpznvjgScng_3e8q9AfAlfhHvszzpfLt-d0pUKbvcTY_26872YKJ3Dwzi0D9PCF3xgzqUCvlIm11qcwZEEFNmxszwtdMM/s1600/DSCN4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDQ878cBZrhe7qmfxGsuLO5lBXXWLQ5rUWfYHwSgciUuYOehpznvjgScng_3e8q9AfAlfhHvszzpfLt-d0pUKbvcTY_26872YKJ3Dwzi0D9PCF3xgzqUCvlIm11qcwZEEFNmxszwtdMM/s320/DSCN4022.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tow01dpecODaINnSYZdf6dJfvNFfwzrTq49GpZAd6dPH6SwugIR4FFuHQfj4LQZ-Uz1pyECvJhyphenhyphenK5UoH-qXC8q8Sa6g4mha8FgNZiJlpkbWwqmAit4tbeqz68-1YueTbhu3ijGmBq_M/s1600/DSCN4026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tow01dpecODaINnSYZdf6dJfvNFfwzrTq49GpZAd6dPH6SwugIR4FFuHQfj4LQZ-Uz1pyECvJhyphenhyphenK5UoH-qXC8q8Sa6g4mha8FgNZiJlpkbWwqmAit4tbeqz68-1YueTbhu3ijGmBq_M/s320/DSCN4026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stopped a couple more times, parking legally in designated parking spots, and took in a couple other historic sites:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd6lYbQ32zPmMSKYupzFXnQF-RoHL6HdHLlj2W4Zsj1V20TOAemS3q1Fl__LwhqTDo-xrMyDm0rqV-_QuD9xhUwcYwrauQbLPcxlJWit2pxcUWrgIMd7aJ_FifEoTfMZ2Qx2TMtMh6jc/s1600/DSCN4036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRd6lYbQ32zPmMSKYupzFXnQF-RoHL6HdHLlj2W4Zsj1V20TOAemS3q1Fl__LwhqTDo-xrMyDm0rqV-_QuD9xhUwcYwrauQbLPcxlJWit2pxcUWrgIMd7aJ_FifEoTfMZ2Qx2TMtMh6jc/s320/DSCN4036.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then is was time to visit the fort. I've seen so many pictures and was most excited about this part of our trip. Fort Clinch, though it never saw battle, was active during the Civil War and Spanish-American War. Union garrisons go on the first full weekend of every month, and reenactors are there most other days, too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdYHZBHe_VJtgHTxFr-n0wazNN8QHzFxvpsF3_MYpQ7eGCjeykMMVWBCaxOnwc7vO9t6KLyrrqF6T3gz3lRq2_CBZiojiLOlaZuWNdSXxLZOF7YFI1FGckMAdxqt7hdP1J_yuWdar_fY/s1600/DSCN4051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdYHZBHe_VJtgHTxFr-n0wazNN8QHzFxvpsF3_MYpQ7eGCjeykMMVWBCaxOnwc7vO9t6KLyrrqF6T3gz3lRq2_CBZiojiLOlaZuWNdSXxLZOF7YFI1FGckMAdxqt7hdP1J_yuWdar_fY/s320/DSCN4051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We stepped into 1864 and found an amazing piece of history. Please, enjoy a ton of pictures:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDODwEDji81YlLQj38E0JQQqRxenHhKUMTRlrwU7sh4SWIAUKhyphenhyphenI9KDBhLbnuiQOW6ruF0jzEzhyqVBo0shkumpj9j8egm5XSIDPS_IUM7Q1Q0Uaya8PXx7qUwtCWU5tWYQUDgrM0Nn10/s1600/DSCN4056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDODwEDji81YlLQj38E0JQQqRxenHhKUMTRlrwU7sh4SWIAUKhyphenhyphenI9KDBhLbnuiQOW6ruF0jzEzhyqVBo0shkumpj9j8egm5XSIDPS_IUM7Q1Q0Uaya8PXx7qUwtCWU5tWYQUDgrM0Nn10/s320/DSCN4056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZ-OBtpylIfSoGcjXiQ5mRAdYHHQqjSBvvjgQtLfGl8sNNG0fEA1-Zoa0WzNJ9WHOEFzcOKoR5mxK-6V9mvEK4Qc60eIPAPHFGlcGX_CjJZ6HmuCOlZK8XvTt75hvaoWfnUS-QOdH6G8/s1600/DSCN4062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZ-OBtpylIfSoGcjXiQ5mRAdYHHQqjSBvvjgQtLfGl8sNNG0fEA1-Zoa0WzNJ9WHOEFzcOKoR5mxK-6V9mvEK4Qc60eIPAPHFGlcGX_CjJZ6HmuCOlZK8XvTt75hvaoWfnUS-QOdH6G8/s320/DSCN4062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyGPEDm7oBzU0KOhTTpLEsj53E4EGGlziC3Ej8GBrMoJEVByO32EBiCQJ-I2pnBhcijO2jHmkd2LsWrOKg7KK9Sno9vSLsvZPM8zsJW3EBtIxyzQpuUhp0fVr2dpbfy7wc84JS7ew0C8/s1600/DSCN4067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyGPEDm7oBzU0KOhTTpLEsj53E4EGGlziC3Ej8GBrMoJEVByO32EBiCQJ-I2pnBhcijO2jHmkd2LsWrOKg7KK9Sno9vSLsvZPM8zsJW3EBtIxyzQpuUhp0fVr2dpbfy7wc84JS7ew0C8/s320/DSCN4067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkAs1XEdPlkiQAeWN0rwmtWYFSWest8OBUHWBHgsTJf0WaoDNMccdsRT2T1D4muwQJ_BmlzBu3ABHp7ltvz3OficHZOcdcAbuhvMQUSGXEV46-o3u6u5wJaBNVT6ep_er1QbVrbzc1T0/s1600/DSCN4070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkAs1XEdPlkiQAeWN0rwmtWYFSWest8OBUHWBHgsTJf0WaoDNMccdsRT2T1D4muwQJ_BmlzBu3ABHp7ltvz3OficHZOcdcAbuhvMQUSGXEV46-o3u6u5wJaBNVT6ep_er1QbVrbzc1T0/s320/DSCN4070.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY6JP5zS3IpP7m_Zqn8tryLWbdas9mZU4CkmTFSV7qmSObdm18YiVvpSThXVP8Ri_kAE_34iK9HNpg6m-r88aI6Wr3irgRB_ersq3bZLL5xRa1qydlpjDPa0TgjF5CAinteku_9NY7OA/s1600/DSCN4076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLY6JP5zS3IpP7m_Zqn8tryLWbdas9mZU4CkmTFSV7qmSObdm18YiVvpSThXVP8Ri_kAE_34iK9HNpg6m-r88aI6Wr3irgRB_ersq3bZLL5xRa1qydlpjDPa0TgjF5CAinteku_9NY7OA/s320/DSCN4076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5PSkCL2TAkcwlZ6obRTqR7CFiRL800BbJ2zG7gxsa-kaKGjxUTZz8IuLbNl-hs3FGbkUk4xaB38nuBhgKmGKRyO7hN_8dk3xOCcJT12fl_RaewWCTpMujUqKB6PR2dpKP7scUIoT6WY/s1600/DSCN4084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5PSkCL2TAkcwlZ6obRTqR7CFiRL800BbJ2zG7gxsa-kaKGjxUTZz8IuLbNl-hs3FGbkUk4xaB38nuBhgKmGKRyO7hN_8dk3xOCcJT12fl_RaewWCTpMujUqKB6PR2dpKP7scUIoT6WY/s320/DSCN4084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Q4_BMJ9OjUyqjZ-s5SgbWBXAcUsSDzjanhkT8LSRIecaObCuE7VnhZ4JqXAILgovTr8WgjneuVV-ah00Z7gBWHAmxxuQLbA1t54-Ri8i57df10eCyhaBmCzl3h-ZNzuAKGDddrcjyD4/s1600/DSCN4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Q4_BMJ9OjUyqjZ-s5SgbWBXAcUsSDzjanhkT8LSRIecaObCuE7VnhZ4JqXAILgovTr8WgjneuVV-ah00Z7gBWHAmxxuQLbA1t54-Ri8i57df10eCyhaBmCzl3h-ZNzuAKGDddrcjyD4/s320/DSCN4094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWIenWGlszg4RUJPS6ubnP_Stv_Oewl9Miqcgp3Pc4kErO4CbFe-YASTrwHrd2qE_H59HQONYDXeIbMpVwhTV1unmsj4QuNt8ZoUqvGRqr_ftjch90o6PbbtWDnKujH-IZc2BXTv5KW4/s1600/DSCN4106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWIenWGlszg4RUJPS6ubnP_Stv_Oewl9Miqcgp3Pc4kErO4CbFe-YASTrwHrd2qE_H59HQONYDXeIbMpVwhTV1unmsj4QuNt8ZoUqvGRqr_ftjch90o6PbbtWDnKujH-IZc2BXTv5KW4/s320/DSCN4106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WThZugBGSJbkGX2AGsTSEzFrNNv12-xPAUfWvm5x_FHjRR-IbZSMQ3_iJbH5Z_xY-bNDborEDlbuzw2vG0aepmyxYs-A-kGqXNYmk4bVRmLXrcTbbnU6tg8dweGeuJJve2YHqbTgNpo/s1600/DSCN4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WThZugBGSJbkGX2AGsTSEzFrNNv12-xPAUfWvm5x_FHjRR-IbZSMQ3_iJbH5Z_xY-bNDborEDlbuzw2vG0aepmyxYs-A-kGqXNYmk4bVRmLXrcTbbnU6tg8dweGeuJJve2YHqbTgNpo/s320/DSCN4138.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg2TlhSQmcSB7dCdWEqae_eHC2nEI3nFb9EYHQX3pihnbHaTmSEEC-gysYD0HANf3_fxkdaSr4ZS7Ru9_doyxEsa1NZ9QmyS_EYDp8Ib9BrTRLx0Yjrkbmm51HRrOsCiFMSvUMjlhdqg/s1600/DSCN4150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpg2TlhSQmcSB7dCdWEqae_eHC2nEI3nFb9EYHQX3pihnbHaTmSEEC-gysYD0HANf3_fxkdaSr4ZS7Ru9_doyxEsa1NZ9QmyS_EYDp8Ib9BrTRLx0Yjrkbmm51HRrOsCiFMSvUMjlhdqg/s320/DSCN4150.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And finally, we found out where Santa was hiding on this, the day before Christmas Eve:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8vkDcLrPdUGekxyM-qtn9npVdbO7imB8Vss3X0tKAaCD0GTnT7v_n5BV1ppduBj6zoHLHIpjJOfaK0nJBun_vVXoFXHrDkiqJRss-r3ePop6kEUHtvhfV8u2Qm-EzuJfYBb4AJPJqYY/s1600/DSCN4163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8vkDcLrPdUGekxyM-qtn9npVdbO7imB8Vss3X0tKAaCD0GTnT7v_n5BV1ppduBj6zoHLHIpjJOfaK0nJBun_vVXoFXHrDkiqJRss-r3ePop6kEUHtvhfV8u2Qm-EzuJfYBb4AJPJqYY/s320/DSCN4163.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We ran into one of the soldiers at the fort and had an interesting time talking to him. He was in a unit of carpenters and even took us over to his shop so we could see it. After that he showed us the blacksmith shop, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStV3Atq_GMPdHcaNUiuGmDl5BJDlI4DDjixvp8jtMRe8jSgUh1MfJywAtYxE_Q52sa4-XCuRqGyUy2x5kIH1JsIKqyYnuzkK4SWJH-b1zXF1E-8tE1qzbeBug8l4qF4LSVkiksMsm_4Q/s1600/DSCN4167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStV3Atq_GMPdHcaNUiuGmDl5BJDlI4DDjixvp8jtMRe8jSgUh1MfJywAtYxE_Q52sa4-XCuRqGyUy2x5kIH1JsIKqyYnuzkK4SWJH-b1zXF1E-8tE1qzbeBug8l4qF4LSVkiksMsm_4Q/s320/DSCN4167.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwcHjjw_oZvlQWyOt3ISLdmY_LfLX1PJLHIPeybDjPV2DDm24uYPuOF6yamHYqnMnR7j0kO03bO80KPPkrnB1vVO5DfC4fx3x82iS1DQKt2j3EatVkDgLm2YVf9_5DQm2mPsh5swEvUk/s1600/DSCN4171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwcHjjw_oZvlQWyOt3ISLdmY_LfLX1PJLHIPeybDjPV2DDm24uYPuOF6yamHYqnMnR7j0kO03bO80KPPkrnB1vVO5DfC4fx3x82iS1DQKt2j3EatVkDgLm2YVf9_5DQm2mPsh5swEvUk/s320/DSCN4171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We left the fort and went back to camp for a snack. It started raining, softly at first, and then a steady shower. We hid out in our tents and spent the afternoon reading, snoozing, relaxing. It was nice, not really having a choice but to kick back. Once the rained cleared we were ready to set up dinner. Chris and I both have cast iron Dutch ovens, and we've been practicing making great meals in them. Dinner was great! Chris made a yummy chicken dish, and I attempted to make a blueberry dump cobbler for dessert. It didn't look pretty, but it was still yummy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98RzhfzTyA-mYF9sHnAiyRU4w9-krcGaYJNZl0d7Iz9m6FUX_rc0ogG2tuDjieA5IPxn10uWTludH1wJ8p_Noc5boEJwZRiAeyOcvtLDPP85Ja78rP2_rKQy8kiZEMou3b8vR4gUODB8/s1600/DSCN4180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98RzhfzTyA-mYF9sHnAiyRU4w9-krcGaYJNZl0d7Iz9m6FUX_rc0ogG2tuDjieA5IPxn10uWTludH1wJ8p_Noc5boEJwZRiAeyOcvtLDPP85Ja78rP2_rKQy8kiZEMou3b8vR4gUODB8/s320/DSCN4180.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We ended the night on the beach again, this time actually seeing the dolphins in the moonlight over the water. Christmas Eve dawned bright and beautiful, and we repeated our shark tooth search. Then it was back to camp for breakfast and breakdown. Not the mental variety, mind you, but packing up to head home. I made Mountain Man breakfast...pictured above...and it smelled so delicious that a woman stop by to ask what I was cooking. Then we crammed everything into the car and hit the road. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVPjuH0ESTGLz_vot7xONjsbPHV16fsDmhxGLzmxPHVrRKrSio5JNOwYI3_1oMMf4KJLlwZTJlLNpYlTQmhDGoi3QcU-dMiy963xwLTufMU43bfAEw8IbjoySMNokaYdu9ylr0A0QVBE/s1600/DSCN4185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVPjuH0ESTGLz_vot7xONjsbPHV16fsDmhxGLzmxPHVrRKrSio5JNOwYI3_1oMMf4KJLlwZTJlLNpYlTQmhDGoi3QcU-dMiy963xwLTufMU43bfAEw8IbjoySMNokaYdu9ylr0A0QVBE/s320/DSCN4185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb8nRRv90vQ-xKG4qMpGLSiIeVZ6z61UKs4eq-M3L-F9NHO1kUDqXzgfYrHGFaHcn5jR1OeM-DhVz9G-UPFnKzPn9WwPvK-Arnh1K-9PRc1t6qyCCyIhkHizW6Umeka5snsxXBmCTc0E/s1600/DSCN4189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglb8nRRv90vQ-xKG4qMpGLSiIeVZ6z61UKs4eq-M3L-F9NHO1kUDqXzgfYrHGFaHcn5jR1OeM-DhVz9G-UPFnKzPn9WwPvK-Arnh1K-9PRc1t6qyCCyIhkHizW6Umeka5snsxXBmCTc0E/s320/DSCN4189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
We stopped by another state park nearby, Fernandina Plaza. It's made up of one grassy field and isn't 'officially' a state park because of limited facilities and accessibility. It isn't in our state park passport, and I'm not counting it in our total of parks we've visited. Still, it's right there and deserved checking out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Olivia and my parents came home on Christmas Eve as well, and we drove home knowing our reunion with our little girl would be very soon. I missed her so much! Still, it was so relaxing to get away for a few days, child-free, before Christmas. Our trip was amazing, and I can't wait to return.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozeXbptOwgKHDYQKqB6-r4bfjn6YrT9RcZDWPs-pbdaFjj3W2kPfQ9dqX2i2CwygVZMxPVPsB6F5FjTdkdaXmP3slfXE_or34FnHklsRyvEZ99rpaqBQYJj1kGA8U05QhfeFvRt6K31Y/s1600/DSCN4191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozeXbptOwgKHDYQKqB6-r4bfjn6YrT9RcZDWPs-pbdaFjj3W2kPfQ9dqX2i2CwygVZMxPVPsB6F5FjTdkdaXmP3slfXE_or34FnHklsRyvEZ99rpaqBQYJj1kGA8U05QhfeFvRt6K31Y/s320/DSCN4191.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-80894600064989855542011-12-27T22:09:00.000-05:002011-12-27T22:09:24.262-05:00Trip 54: Highlands Hammock State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 46</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKQ6WTCYDew/Tvpt5DXsKnI/AAAAAAAAByM/xqgdVNz-m50/s1600/DSCN3497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKQ6WTCYDew/Tvpt5DXsKnI/AAAAAAAAByM/xqgdVNz-m50/s320/DSCN3497.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One weekend in November, I happened to notice a geocaching event being held at Highlands Hammock State Park. It's only a couple of hours from home, and it looked like they were going to be publishing almost 100 new caches for the event. Rob and I talked about it, and we were both extremely interested in attending. We knew Olivia wouldn't want to hike for hours and hours, so we arranged for a weekend at Mimi's house for her. Chris and Xandra were away at a regatta, so Rob and I embarked on a solo camping and geocaching weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Sg5FVfztr0/Tvpvf6aiBrI/AAAAAAAAByY/HhJcaJtLuyY/s1600/DSCN3144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Sg5FVfztr0/Tvpvf6aiBrI/AAAAAAAAByY/HhJcaJtLuyY/s320/DSCN3144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got in late Friday night and set up camp. The campground was almost to capacity, and there was one particularly large group staying behind us. Apparently not everyone teaches their children campground etiquette...or boundaries, for that matter...and for some time we dealt with kids walking through our camp and even one little boy checking out our goods <em>while we were standing right there</em>. They eventually got the hint that we weren't going to put up with them, thankfully, and we didn't have any further issues.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BQFDsHwyzA/Tvpwf7VcszI/AAAAAAAAByk/0TjjJtQF_m8/s1600/DSCN3143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BQFDsHwyzA/Tvpwf7VcszI/AAAAAAAAByk/0TjjJtQF_m8/s320/DSCN3143.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After introducing ourselves to the geocacher in the site next to us, we headed to bed. Early the next morning we made our way to the pavilion where the event began. After meeting a bunch of nice folks, we searched for a microcache hidden nearby, discovered some travel bugs, and then went off to find the caches in the park. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1F_LCD771c/TvpxdWm6GeI/AAAAAAAAByw/aO5uGjFi-UA/s1600/DSCN3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j1F_LCD771c/TvpxdWm6GeI/AAAAAAAAByw/aO5uGjFi-UA/s320/DSCN3164.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The park is home to the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and was one of the first (THE first, if you ask the locals!) state parks in Florida. The CCC, like I've mentioned in earlier blogs, was an FDR program and created so many of the amazing parks we love to visit. The event coincided with the annual CCC Festival, and the park was packed with people! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UB5IHG-D0A4/TvpzQVrDb6I/AAAAAAAABzI/9R9wJQgq-pM/s1600/DSCN3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UB5IHG-D0A4/TvpzQVrDb6I/AAAAAAAABzI/9R9wJQgq-pM/s320/DSCN3179.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So let me tell ya...when you get lots and lots of geocaches in a small area with lots of trails, it's easy to start going in circles and not really accomplish anything. We thought we were heading toward some caches down the Altvater Trail, only to realize there was nothing out there. We needed maps...and a plan...soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZQ3R-c4WhI/Tvp1B_FcwaI/AAAAAAAABzU/4MWKD6mXAE4/s1600/DSCN3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZQ3R-c4WhI/Tvp1B_FcwaI/AAAAAAAABzU/4MWKD6mXAE4/s320/DSCN3184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I43JTFXiFOg/Tvp1VdRgS1I/AAAAAAAABzg/4BLYslotq3o/s1600/DSCN3187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I43JTFXiFOg/Tvp1VdRgS1I/AAAAAAAABzg/4BLYslotq3o/s320/DSCN3187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We eventually went back toward the festival area and ran into other geocachers. They pointed us in a good direction to start, and while at that cache we ran into yet another cacher. Only, this one had maps. Not just maps, but maps and notes and organizational skillz that I admire! And, he let us take pictures of his maps:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlo39EzJ6aw/Tvp2EojT9rI/AAAAAAAABzs/uTUOgI6Nzz4/s1600/DSCN3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlo39EzJ6aw/Tvp2EojT9rI/AAAAAAAABzs/uTUOgI6Nzz4/s320/DSCN3196.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Armed with our 'maps,' we took the nearest loop and let the mosquitoes carry us away. And by that I mean, OH MY GOSH the mosquitoes were HORRIBLE!! Granted, we were in a swampy area, but still. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kno2Im6N_TI/Tvp2ssUs2YI/AAAAAAAABz4/uTQLrO9k4zA/s1600/DSCN3198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kno2Im6N_TI/Tvp2ssUs2YI/AAAAAAAABz4/uTQLrO9k4zA/s320/DSCN3198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually we moved into a less-swampy area and began to fall into a groove. The maps helped a lot, but they weren't perfect. Still, it was a beautiful area and we really didn't mind spending time in it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMu0nYQ0T54/Tvp3jrnMkuI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/peEchIJLBxg/s1600/DSCN3213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PMu0nYQ0T54/Tvp3jrnMkuI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/peEchIJLBxg/s320/DSCN3213.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUvCbwgiLJU/Tvp32ijIM9I/AAAAAAAAB0c/EMalvL78PDk/s1600/DSCN3214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUvCbwgiLJU/Tvp32ijIM9I/AAAAAAAAB0c/EMalvL78PDk/s320/DSCN3214.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oK8PDH63e78/Tvp4LO7v7tI/AAAAAAAAB0o/6LW7p-xtqTM/s1600/DSCN3222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oK8PDH63e78/Tvp4LO7v7tI/AAAAAAAAB0o/6LW7p-xtqTM/s320/DSCN3222.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lovely shot, right? Well, I was returning a geocache to its hiding spot and Rob couldn't resist. This was also where we ran into our map-sharing friend, Lloyd. We had such a good time laughing and joking with him that we decided to hang together for awhile. Lloyd was awesome company and his maps were spot on! It was nice having him there also because he could take our picture:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1szrPUWEMKk/Tvp6EdvKfMI/AAAAAAAAB1A/FwLKS6Yc-oM/s1600/DSCN3228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1szrPUWEMKk/Tvp6EdvKfMI/AAAAAAAAB1A/FwLKS6Yc-oM/s320/DSCN3228.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We failed to get Lloyd's picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ_t_7xD7tY/Tvp6hdG8_KI/AAAAAAAAB1M/4UWEnrnzlrs/s1600/DSCN3233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ_t_7xD7tY/Tvp6hdG8_KI/AAAAAAAAB1M/4UWEnrnzlrs/s320/DSCN3233.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WdF7rT6C0Sw/Tvp6172RSjI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/fyPLXVRMyLo/s1600/DSCN3238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WdF7rT6C0Sw/Tvp6172RSjI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/fyPLXVRMyLo/s320/DSCN3238.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KB53LOW_ZNY/Tvp7Ju9dzBI/AAAAAAAAB1k/pmERNGTQqpg/s1600/DSCN3240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KB53LOW_ZNY/Tvp7Ju9dzBI/AAAAAAAAB1k/pmERNGTQqpg/s320/DSCN3240.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7zm37tnN1s/Tvp7eDmB5jI/AAAAAAAAB1w/-pnBWRkSbfA/s1600/DSCN3260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x7zm37tnN1s/Tvp7eDmB5jI/AAAAAAAAB1w/-pnBWRkSbfA/s320/DSCN3260.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Onward we went down the main road, taking smaller trails as they looped off, finding caches and really just enjoying ourselves. Lloyd decided to head off in a different direction, but by then we had a good idea of the layout of the trails and caches. Then we came to the Cypress Swamp Trail. And let me tell you, it was one of the highlights of the trip for me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpB8UXfmiaE/Tvp8OotSWaI/AAAAAAAAB18/6IB1gVN8GqE/s1600/DSCN3270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qpB8UXfmiaE/Tvp8OotSWaI/AAAAAAAAB18/6IB1gVN8GqE/s320/DSCN3270.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't think I gave the term 'catwalk' much thought when I took the picture. Once we got out on it, though, the light bulb went on and it all made sense. It was so AWESOME!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ2SGz0_9KY/Tvp8xwUHOsI/AAAAAAAAB2I/VfeqXmbYroA/s1600/DSCN3283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ2SGz0_9KY/Tvp8xwUHOsI/AAAAAAAAB2I/VfeqXmbYroA/s320/DSCN3283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa_PwFYOESw/Tvp9C1eHMDI/AAAAAAAAB2U/4Quji38jpCI/s1600/DSCN3284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wa_PwFYOESw/Tvp9C1eHMDI/AAAAAAAAB2U/4Quji38jpCI/s320/DSCN3284.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3w6Kln7udcI/Tvp9RN0J3GI/AAAAAAAAB2g/Fe0DXMzv_nY/s1600/DSCN3285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3w6Kln7udcI/Tvp9RN0J3GI/AAAAAAAAB2g/Fe0DXMzv_nY/s320/DSCN3285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTqapSagQ9k/Tvp9nZShecI/AAAAAAAAB2s/x3bWE1M-2vg/s1600/DSCN3292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jTqapSagQ9k/Tvp9nZShecI/AAAAAAAAB2s/x3bWE1M-2vg/s320/DSCN3292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Be0GnG-BCXI/Tvp97tRzn-I/AAAAAAAAB24/mPhQyXeFcyQ/s1600/DSCN3298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Be0GnG-BCXI/Tvp97tRzn-I/AAAAAAAAB24/mPhQyXeFcyQ/s320/DSCN3298.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See that? The catwalk? Nothing but some wooden planks with a rail down one side. Right over the swampy water, and it leaned to one side, too. It was breathtakingly beautiful there. And, it was just a matter of time before we saw this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50eEHhOVDN4/Tvp-dgs_F8I/AAAAAAAAB3E/MyUYcWDXVoY/s1600/DSCN3302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50eEHhOVDN4/Tvp-dgs_F8I/AAAAAAAAB3E/MyUYcWDXVoY/s320/DSCN3302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ah0ixrzE-E/Tvp-uKQzAJI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/tW_jObnAoyQ/s1600/DSCN3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ah0ixrzE-E/Tvp-uKQzAJI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/tW_jObnAoyQ/s320/DSCN3308.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Thank you, nice strangers!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl6x6x3w-Qk/Tvp_ECA20RI/AAAAAAAAB3c/ZxTlkIazf_w/s1600/DSCN3314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sl6x6x3w-Qk/Tvp_ECA20RI/AAAAAAAAB3c/ZxTlkIazf_w/s320/DSCN3314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">By this time we were pretty exhausted from hiking all day. We lasted maybe another hour before heading back to camp and taking off our boots. We rested a bit, grabbed some salad we had brought, and headed to the rec hall for an end-of-event dinner. It was nice to meet even more people, smile at the ones we recognized from the trails, have some great food, and just relax. Lloyd was there, as was our camp neighbor, and we all sat together. After dinner, on the walk back to camp, we were surprised when a herd of about 8 deer jumped out of the woods and stood by the road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZGbt6tROwo/TvqBDLrLLhI/AAAAAAAAB3o/EHFG9Qi4C3g/s1600/DSCN3379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZGbt6tROwo/TvqBDLrLLhI/AAAAAAAAB3o/EHFG9Qi4C3g/s320/DSCN3379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The event's organizer, Sarah, calls the The Cronies. Her mom works in the park and Sarah has had several run-ins with this particular herd. I shouldn't have been surprised, then, that they let us get pretty close.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRGK2gmBVS4/TvqBqzzN8eI/AAAAAAAAB30/Ugyy5IueeC0/s1600/DSCN3382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRGK2gmBVS4/TvqBqzzN8eI/AAAAAAAAB30/Ugyy5IueeC0/s320/DSCN3382.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our day was almost over. Rob, wanting nothing more than to rest by the campfire, stayed at camp while I wandered down to the park's campfire circle for one last gathering. Many cachers got together for s'mores and stories, and it was a nice end to a very long day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1SWAN3w7js/TvqDLDQxOXI/AAAAAAAAB4A/QgY6P3IWlxc/s1600/DSCN3394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1SWAN3w7js/TvqDLDQxOXI/AAAAAAAAB4A/QgY6P3IWlxc/s320/DSCN3394.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunday. Last day. Before packing up and heading out, we met up with Sarah, her mom, and lots of other geocachers for one last event, a Cache In, Trash Out event. We learned about invasive exotic plants and set to work ridding the area of air potatoes. It wasn't much, but it was a great way to give back after the wonderful time we spent in the park. We've been inspired since then and are trying to set up a CITO at one of our local parks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff8IPmM4zAM/TvqEUc4JN7I/AAAAAAAAB4M/7zC6fZdjkjY/s1600/DSCN3402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff8IPmM4zAM/TvqEUc4JN7I/AAAAAAAAB4M/7zC6fZdjkjY/s320/DSCN3402.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the CITO and breaking camp, we went back into the woods to complete some geocaching challenges, such as hugging trees and eating sour oranges. Then we made a stop into the CCC Museum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjo9Dy_BK9o/TvqE1m3nbkI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/zl1RIdkLWWI/s1600/DSCN3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mjo9Dy_BK9o/TvqE1m3nbkI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/zl1RIdkLWWI/s320/DSCN3408.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPqK_kt2vD0/TvqFnGEoOPI/AAAAAAAAB4w/7loiNZtPz7Q/s1600/DSCN3411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPqK_kt2vD0/TvqFnGEoOPI/AAAAAAAAB4w/7loiNZtPz7Q/s320/DSCN3411.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEbOW2uTrRE/TvqF3nGW9sI/AAAAAAAAB48/L-_gixgoVZ4/s1600/DSCN3430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VEbOW2uTrRE/TvqF3nGW9sI/AAAAAAAAB48/L-_gixgoVZ4/s320/DSCN3430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPP0Rj_k6lQ/TvqGHH7BCzI/AAAAAAAAB5I/bLhIHSAmCEY/s1600/DSCN3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPP0Rj_k6lQ/TvqGHH7BCzI/AAAAAAAAB5I/bLhIHSAmCEY/s320/DSCN3440.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCzKB02TJXI/TvqGYogcP9I/AAAAAAAAB5U/XYlSLY_7pyA/s1600/DSCN3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCzKB02TJXI/TvqGYogcP9I/AAAAAAAAB5U/XYlSLY_7pyA/s320/DSCN3444.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Twins?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfhkow7va3s/TvqGqcWjGtI/AAAAAAAAB5g/ghQKpbbw5go/s1600/DSCN3452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sfhkow7va3s/TvqGqcWjGtI/AAAAAAAAB5g/ghQKpbbw5go/s320/DSCN3452.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzEcrj-MK3I/TvqHD_aA-iI/AAAAAAAAB5s/ke1dadqb4WI/s1600/DSCN3477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NzEcrj-MK3I/TvqHD_aA-iI/AAAAAAAAB5s/ke1dadqb4WI/s320/DSCN3477.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spending time at this amazing park, and then more time at the museum...well, I can't put into words exactly how it makes me feel. The parks are so dear to me, and to see where they began...it's humbling. Seeing quotes from the CCC workers, the kind of pride they had and how great an organization the CCC was really makes me wish we had something like that today. Until then, I'll continue to get out and have experiences like this one because of the hard work they did so long ago. I'll appreciate it that much more, too. I'll share and encourage others to do the same. And I am SO grateful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JKlXl6f6rX8/TvqIUbn0WsI/AAAAAAAAB54/YCQ1csahi7k/s1600/DSCN3499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JKlXl6f6rX8/TvqIUbn0WsI/AAAAAAAAB54/YCQ1csahi7k/s320/DSCN3499.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-63183348432750485682011-12-06T20:53:00.000-05:002011-12-06T20:59:22.363-05:00Trip 53: Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park<strong>State Parks visited: 45</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYbTJE2klRS270QUq_iZ7qfGDQ8c4Zxem96IRTfsR0UuDAVPHDcC8hgirN9HJel9aphH9Y_ATod6Ba_e_i5i_nlnddkTiSPzieCb6XCgWLPyoHyK_xykQ6uya_eAdv9ICL9PeKCBm4rI/s1600/DSCN2844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuYbTJE2klRS270QUq_iZ7qfGDQ8c4Zxem96IRTfsR0UuDAVPHDcC8hgirN9HJel9aphH9Y_ATod6Ba_e_i5i_nlnddkTiSPzieCb6XCgWLPyoHyK_xykQ6uya_eAdv9ICL9PeKCBm4rI/s320/DSCN2844.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was going to subtitle this entry 'Camp Innu-Weekend,' and for good reason. It turns out Rob and I...and all of our friends...are essentially teenage boys trapped in adult bodies. If given a chance to add an off-color or slightly perverted comment, out of Olivia's earshot, of course, we do. And so I feel the need to preface this entry that if you're easily offended or prone to prudishness, then please stop reading now and go find another blog to read.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphqTwHHkOY1sN3jEwsUCO8nHmnE_8_2IMPHsSGDq30t7Tes5HnCfkm7KHw3dEvd9ctKXz3qqdV97MFX0H5F4ykehE2rQjoZ5JRsKvROfMojRCX8eSchUe42sqWA_JymvrpH0-hoj1-dA/s1600/DSCN2830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphqTwHHkOY1sN3jEwsUCO8nHmnE_8_2IMPHsSGDq30t7Tes5HnCfkm7KHw3dEvd9ctKXz3qqdV97MFX0H5F4ykehE2rQjoZ5JRsKvROfMojRCX8eSchUe42sqWA_JymvrpH0-hoj1-dA/s320/DSCN2830.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camp Innu-Weekend began when, right before Halloween, we decided to just go camping somewhere. Somewhere ended up being Gold Head, as it's commonly referred to (insert Beavis and Butthead-esque giggling here), which is two hours north of home. And that's what started it all. Our research showed us Campsite 69 was available (giggle), and we booked it. We packed up as quickly as we could after work Friday and set up camp in the dark. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xhCrysXAW8LVNSfd0AatpZNdCdRD3Fsjm9md1Ju3QKWrxjanILNmNSkNg9KtR_RCVM5N0YwIWHRyzCOBOwh1mcTFMUsT1fISbwCXF8ad8t51x9SGDaH6HkKyvLi0yvp_Rv6RiLAMfig/s1600/DSCN2842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xhCrysXAW8LVNSfd0AatpZNdCdRD3Fsjm9md1Ju3QKWrxjanILNmNSkNg9KtR_RCVM5N0YwIWHRyzCOBOwh1mcTFMUsT1fISbwCXF8ad8t51x9SGDaH6HkKyvLi0yvp_Rv6RiLAMfig/s320/DSCN2842.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a healthy sausage breakfast on Saturday morning... :D...we took a tour of Chris's new gigan-tent (which has since been christened 'Camelot'). It has room for 8, a covered porch (which his car will actually fit under), a wine cellar, veranda, and Jacuzzi out back!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fid4YvjdV1DT43crUMQZ1nstwAhLmcqnqBv9uj6azgXSc5TeoFqtjbkKIXsUsbh9bOuygXkgUDql8mlmNblIC2B6oXIgr1p9tFNtteKg6t0i6ropK-ED8atfho56rQE1xZdhMwoM8Y0/s1600/DSCN2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fid4YvjdV1DT43crUMQZ1nstwAhLmcqnqBv9uj6azgXSc5TeoFqtjbkKIXsUsbh9bOuygXkgUDql8mlmNblIC2B6oXIgr1p9tFNtteKg6t0i6ropK-ED8atfho56rQE1xZdhMwoM8Y0/s320/DSCN2829.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We made a quick stop in town for ice and snacks, and then we decided to hit the trails. One of the main reasons we chose Gold Head...{snicker}...was the amount of geoacaches within the park. Our first stop was a portion of the Florida Trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNoOU_fU-uLGblYOyOIrM_Evz_X6RwoL4f0uTc21ROgngf6pqDddLEh9rBvp597k03zb96b1fm9POcZKw3KRyFRNkdegReHESH7QuUf-UJ6W0nyzLfhr7k63mnzQgC0gUSs8zEofOqF4/s1600/DSCN2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNoOU_fU-uLGblYOyOIrM_Evz_X6RwoL4f0uTc21ROgngf6pqDddLEh9rBvp597k03zb96b1fm9POcZKw3KRyFRNkdegReHESH7QuUf-UJ6W0nyzLfhr7k63mnzQgC0gUSs8zEofOqF4/s320/DSCN2847.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The trail took us back to Deer Lake, which was gorgeous! Unfortunately we weren't allowed to swim, but that didn't stop us from enjoying it. Here are some photos:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6H4kg6AbzZpsuBiJhjXEcQ-XPNhuL4fgDlEe6GM8P91oKJ-dVfvOL-XDY8sBAC5o62q_lR22fKrUlc-i-RlnlI4ZEA6ucLo3Gm5la8CeS4MlKQ6nhX7WKPlaWcEjdUFIaKLpoZYfsdU/s1600/DSCN2848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6H4kg6AbzZpsuBiJhjXEcQ-XPNhuL4fgDlEe6GM8P91oKJ-dVfvOL-XDY8sBAC5o62q_lR22fKrUlc-i-RlnlI4ZEA6ucLo3Gm5la8CeS4MlKQ6nhX7WKPlaWcEjdUFIaKLpoZYfsdU/s320/DSCN2848.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcNHyEI3Yp8b7sVKEGh-8Pa_nSWW_c2_psKgOMKRkQ2Sqq7IaJxvLY7c-wa59ccFoF3dK2Yql3i87TuSQr7KbypUBcsYNQPBjLXPEr5n2IhOGRzem3EwIavDa4EgjhfL5nlYfpQ1F0R4/s1600/DSCN2852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEcNHyEI3Yp8b7sVKEGh-8Pa_nSWW_c2_psKgOMKRkQ2Sqq7IaJxvLY7c-wa59ccFoF3dK2Yql3i87TuSQr7KbypUBcsYNQPBjLXPEr5n2IhOGRzem3EwIavDa4EgjhfL5nlYfpQ1F0R4/s320/DSCN2852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ohiUKwpbrp9Vl-ffM4A6tMGbTiwEQktVK2MYxyKXJhKBIlzR4YbuWi2FQoV7_qkYLPt4zKBxNf1qKv6AvfoBcrjOLF6blxKSVo2d-EMgh7hKdyNh3Djovf0VUGLFZUpOiRmNFIy7s68/s1600/DSCN2864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ohiUKwpbrp9Vl-ffM4A6tMGbTiwEQktVK2MYxyKXJhKBIlzR4YbuWi2FQoV7_qkYLPt4zKBxNf1qKv6AvfoBcrjOLF6blxKSVo2d-EMgh7hKdyNh3Djovf0VUGLFZUpOiRmNFIy7s68/s320/DSCN2864.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5AL3yaApS4w1yaiQVei72jRX4yB-F0qxfCD-ccv0sEi_GqOvuNAbRKjikUHI_yfrkGVAt4Y1ijftuPFLdFY0Taf_trMwEgcF09VJ7stLRsqmbTwSwA2iiTGvncVd70S9sgMOLV6ffjU/s1600/DSCN2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5AL3yaApS4w1yaiQVei72jRX4yB-F0qxfCD-ccv0sEi_GqOvuNAbRKjikUHI_yfrkGVAt4Y1ijftuPFLdFY0Taf_trMwEgcF09VJ7stLRsqmbTwSwA2iiTGvncVd70S9sgMOLV6ffjU/s320/DSCN2878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt0zfyw-riouVFgbwBKcoYOLjlNv6kYUHtVsiVHsWxATgyRvfKFYUYyLsV4r4rVxDOgEnjH1d3TJV0Tv4FU9lKZJBlJBx8paeVggj7hOX7q4N2W5zySMpqxvaPaK9NjU4Cn6JzgY-xR4/s1600/DSCN2886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt0zfyw-riouVFgbwBKcoYOLjlNv6kYUHtVsiVHsWxATgyRvfKFYUYyLsV4r4rVxDOgEnjH1d3TJV0Tv4FU9lKZJBlJBx8paeVggj7hOX7q4N2W5zySMpqxvaPaK9NjU4Cn6JzgY-xR4/s320/DSCN2886.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we found the caches on this trail we turned back, and along the way we ran into some of the local wildlife:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea19N3I4nN3rJbVy_ynWORdfVbrdjIOB4G0J3CJXQIuX4mIfRJkep2AkNBS99LqWzdvl-UTdV2vqcwfXpWZaZWY3LIcE7QoGUH6v2ZDoKvTeGOZPNOrUXALq1rybwtErANDYmeUyuuAM/s1600/DSCN2909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhea19N3I4nN3rJbVy_ynWORdfVbrdjIOB4G0J3CJXQIuX4mIfRJkep2AkNBS99LqWzdvl-UTdV2vqcwfXpWZaZWY3LIcE7QoGUH6v2ZDoKvTeGOZPNOrUXALq1rybwtErANDYmeUyuuAM/s320/DSCN2909.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtdLFAIhQIVHDaIaffZdixW0OdeRz9CBKsK9_GAjT8ttzuYT4-N6BRvRROZN5OuPNkmZu5eVzIkhXemjvmqEXmsciXqUcWipgnGIXklA2dDTCDnzgBea0gusxINjydV9aHGpOjql_hDM/s1600/DSCN2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtdLFAIhQIVHDaIaffZdixW0OdeRz9CBKsK9_GAjT8ttzuYT4-N6BRvRROZN5OuPNkmZu5eVzIkhXemjvmqEXmsciXqUcWipgnGIXklA2dDTCDnzgBea0gusxINjydV9aHGpOjql_hDM/s320/DSCN2910.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltnG1YdrbtMO7kXDIC7SyickX9Bapw6iXLfTvS2Np8_fCyYQAUhu6GPiXhrenwGi23HxxHDYDtkxE7Nwqzku6_eLGsAgbeoSMNhFuqPANTQzbcuwMxMeySAdBUNSBea2Yy0iHVypxBMQ/s1600/DSCN2917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltnG1YdrbtMO7kXDIC7SyickX9Bapw6iXLfTvS2Np8_fCyYQAUhu6GPiXhrenwGi23HxxHDYDtkxE7Nwqzku6_eLGsAgbeoSMNhFuqPANTQzbcuwMxMeySAdBUNSBea2Yy0iHVypxBMQ/s320/DSCN2917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We tried to get them to fight, but no luck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we made it back to the trailhead {snicker} I noticed something. There was a geocache ammo can mounted to the back of the info sign! It turns out it was the final part of a multi-stage cache we were about to look for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpqBWNXEd5qCv66iBIkUSl63nbbV7ibgsW9YTIPMHWsPIcqvVXCYHnZMWGzsj6qQTnCPJVZno5ghRlxTIwV5Ctz0vjW7TQ_ovTt1EdznbjuFG63caOt_z44fZXNmY3F9AkVB9dluq3XA/s1600/DSCN2926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMpqBWNXEd5qCv66iBIkUSl63nbbV7ibgsW9YTIPMHWsPIcqvVXCYHnZMWGzsj6qQTnCPJVZno5ghRlxTIwV5Ctz0vjW7TQ_ovTt1EdznbjuFG63caOt_z44fZXNmY3F9AkVB9dluq3XA/s320/DSCN2926.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first stage took us to Sheelar Lake, which is just as beautiful (and off-limits) as Deer Lake. Still, it was a beauty to take in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdp0XH8-SyEkAwdOmzyjeOgbv85Cr7kqwbnBWp-Zg5752ix1lnEy7VMxkkGUqtepuFan65E90TO7KKU3U00p8xhdl5uuFFz3oPHGWGs4PR8M44e-Q0kQoipFGb4tdRRrvZ-8rIBgWX86g/s1600/DSCN2942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdp0XH8-SyEkAwdOmzyjeOgbv85Cr7kqwbnBWp-Zg5752ix1lnEy7VMxkkGUqtepuFan65E90TO7KKU3U00p8xhdl5uuFFz3oPHGWGs4PR8M44e-Q0kQoipFGb4tdRRrvZ-8rIBgWX86g/s320/DSCN2942.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-Xiuj1zc2-VxnjajykObFVvuDB3kXxahnN7IIMGe8yZBS1oiAzOqye1M7IETiWtJQV3JpgB407m-KT0rzzEYpy-ZQoEsgJpi5_jHqQL4-cbRSGf_LvvUuRRRSvanrGf-ghRmGj0x4Vc/s1600/DSCN2948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-Xiuj1zc2-VxnjajykObFVvuDB3kXxahnN7IIMGe8yZBS1oiAzOqye1M7IETiWtJQV3JpgB407m-KT0rzzEYpy-ZQoEsgJpi5_jHqQL4-cbRSGf_LvvUuRRRSvanrGf-ghRmGj0x4Vc/s320/DSCN2948.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Two snapping turtles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC8h6A82LvI1zqvhQXlZhigjlKnB5MaBbchiSALKYPNrNir_ZsfNgOZe00gmoNt_pEFGeE16bTyla1BhHptjC6EvQVUX-IwGQtRua7dzxjN54g47Ta9nJmRirVfaOdSSKOktkKRX9Ck8/s1600/DSCN2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOC8h6A82LvI1zqvhQXlZhigjlKnB5MaBbchiSALKYPNrNir_ZsfNgOZe00gmoNt_pEFGeE16bTyla1BhHptjC6EvQVUX-IwGQtRua7dzxjN54g47Ta9nJmRirVfaOdSSKOktkKRX9Ck8/s320/DSCN2953.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and their unfortunate friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SuD0CB2jDpOJYpDxIcn-Pej3v_efKLqnEzr8ZDIOXcgi4aX-5Y8VMctwyC0kn4R651sZpyXvvxGAscbxRlAm-eqcLsDzorg92LTVO9ANK2g7ALaOWoxM1WkYY7s8xJp9Sf0MWQ4ShXE/s1600/DSCN2955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SuD0CB2jDpOJYpDxIcn-Pej3v_efKLqnEzr8ZDIOXcgi4aX-5Y8VMctwyC0kn4R651sZpyXvvxGAscbxRlAm-eqcLsDzorg92LTVO9ANK2g7ALaOWoxM1WkYY7s8xJp9Sf0MWQ4ShXE/s320/DSCN2955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHByUY6Q-4S9NjALQ63rc4m9Qt8Eg0KynxuQh5ohbZUBSq8Nox1EsjCJ1nn3F1yzIR-RHzaxT4lVaRbaw7fjPhWSv6h744WsC7WEjkBLRkZkpCBOvmAr69aFV9zSJhCH3bCuaPDKsJytc/s1600/DSCN2956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHByUY6Q-4S9NjALQ63rc4m9Qt8Eg0KynxuQh5ohbZUBSq8Nox1EsjCJ1nn3F1yzIR-RHzaxT4lVaRbaw7fjPhWSv6h744WsC7WEjkBLRkZkpCBOvmAr69aFV9zSJhCH3bCuaPDKsJytc/s320/DSCN2956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rob got a little fresh and grabbed a handful of Chris for this photo. Aww yeah!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSseoFn2Hg3eU-BFlbsPhWb_e1bmZ6Zd06KsHCuSo-4oLP1-wesAt08-n9_z4N4FysJ5r5fZaoja3yaAfu_vfHVGVcfDvtdFJU120ze0zo9ZzulBWtajUUYvn8F5ikRfYFt0X9vm0Hsy0/s1600/DSCN2977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSseoFn2Hg3eU-BFlbsPhWb_e1bmZ6Zd06KsHCuSo-4oLP1-wesAt08-n9_z4N4FysJ5r5fZaoja3yaAfu_vfHVGVcfDvtdFJU120ze0zo9ZzulBWtajUUYvn8F5ikRfYFt0X9vm0Hsy0/s320/DSCN2977.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our geocaching took us to the former mill site in the park, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. We've since learned the CCC was created by FDR as part of his New Deal, and was responsible for creating the first state parks in Florida. Gold Head was one of the first 5 parks in the system.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaqjm9sFfWy6HF_I2p-uM-ieLZqq3xuHQpESEPrMsg2kjy0DG8C1rk4kDxfSxIYESmiaRAbiRPPAoPx2RfD6C0Y9LHJ-02658h4VEnBQHbB8uxmyuOR3XnIFSIOSkb8cZWaXfMRM8Ebw/s1600/DSCN2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaqjm9sFfWy6HF_I2p-uM-ieLZqq3xuHQpESEPrMsg2kjy0DG8C1rk4kDxfSxIYESmiaRAbiRPPAoPx2RfD6C0Y9LHJ-02658h4VEnBQHbB8uxmyuOR3XnIFSIOSkb8cZWaXfMRM8Ebw/s320/DSCN2994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a quick lunch back at camp...where Chris had his manservant draw the shades so he could relax next to his indoor reflecting pool...we did our best to finish up caching for the day. One stage of that multi-cache even took us right by Big Lake Johnson {SNICKER}, which, unfortunately, was shriveled up. It must have been cold. Little Lake Johnson didn't fare any better, and swimming is no longer allowed there as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our only Did Not Find of the trip was in an area that had gone through a controlled burn. In fact, the ground was still smoldering not too far from where we (carefully) searched, and we're pretty sure the cache is toast.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OtibEQGqgoEofT9TXnplBya4E7-tIdNpD5UwbbGRTdt3VSkHlCN0AeHD_8g31ORJr6xkygI7GviK7S0zu5kNMdWAlKkqW60sw_k2YuSQw0J0O6fltrokJA8ENY43zCFCvn2Xj_GqAx4/s1600/DSCN3000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OtibEQGqgoEofT9TXnplBya4E7-tIdNpD5UwbbGRTdt3VSkHlCN0AeHD_8g31ORJr6xkygI7GviK7S0zu5kNMdWAlKkqW60sw_k2YuSQw0J0O6fltrokJA8ENY43zCFCvn2Xj_GqAx4/s320/DSCN3000.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fQKJjrKjHwgrRf24gVafP36Y7KkX8JTLltJQnL6eDsZRiDC6Sq80Om8pDb4gb_sKEAvaUCaceoZxsJw31HDaxaHWiB4Mvi7ol-0BqcmfQ74G2RuHPJypCoxsiq4Q8Xeq0SJGZ3V1des/s1600/DSCN3013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fQKJjrKjHwgrRf24gVafP36Y7KkX8JTLltJQnL6eDsZRiDC6Sq80Om8pDb4gb_sKEAvaUCaceoZxsJw31HDaxaHWiB4Mvi7ol-0BqcmfQ74G2RuHPJypCoxsiq4Q8Xeq0SJGZ3V1des/s320/DSCN3013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not what it looked like, unless you thought it looked like cleaning up trash!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr20KMbcVtD-VJT7riySQ8EIOjZh3pDSTzi6ufOqTGy1ngf0ekdkrjIHmB556kR-c3tJl08SuBdC28EI-e2X6qubnMi6qrovT2wcUcFc8ygDOL9IerKcY_vwFU7fDw-8BpGB0PucpOVfs/s1600/DSCN3007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr20KMbcVtD-VJT7riySQ8EIOjZh3pDSTzi6ufOqTGy1ngf0ekdkrjIHmB556kR-c3tJl08SuBdC28EI-e2X6qubnMi6qrovT2wcUcFc8ygDOL9IerKcY_vwFU7fDw-8BpGB0PucpOVfs/s320/DSCN3007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-4GLFXJrYuCr10ePhX5QnKQRO9QM6JXFvL49oF47Lq-jDRGEF8QVRuIS9Qcb61us5UY495gMDzrAjd9Ba15JZKYcN3ckIkPLzqZYuGlChTO_x6l2WIJA9NO3VJFsD4EMqmaer1-4-7Q/s1600/DSCN3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-4GLFXJrYuCr10ePhX5QnKQRO9QM6JXFvL49oF47Lq-jDRGEF8QVRuIS9Qcb61us5UY495gMDzrAjd9Ba15JZKYcN3ckIkPLzqZYuGlChTO_x6l2WIJA9NO3VJFsD4EMqmaer1-4-7Q/s320/DSCN3016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A very special cabin in the park!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoArt5agXISDW4fo5_xn9eXHfj7nhfzjkGtD18Iv3zGjQPTd9kIwq94iqEngy79m716DUnAaOurtjz-0zMvDCm5u_i8BJvtYE6gwLbtxLAriLddzQRANx7xRPyYm7zbOa2NgqfQauTFs/s1600/DSCN3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoArt5agXISDW4fo5_xn9eXHfj7nhfzjkGtD18Iv3zGjQPTd9kIwq94iqEngy79m716DUnAaOurtjz-0zMvDCm5u_i8BJvtYE6gwLbtxLAriLddzQRANx7xRPyYm7zbOa2NgqfQauTFs/s320/DSCN3018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eventually our journey took us into the bottom of the ravine that goes through the park, and I was instantly reminded of Ravine Gardens State Park:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtQBOMMl9d9P01wu6TVSY9JTd6ZdfmuNZZNtjsebZzwm7vlRjAtbWRQuhwDsrEbD5L_SRykH1LtbtRcxSH3oz9K9gnofio6kg1nXGTd5FpfXbbYNKtDjCabQg9_TRXVNnlm-c0oILzGc/s1600/DSCN3031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUtQBOMMl9d9P01wu6TVSY9JTd6ZdfmuNZZNtjsebZzwm7vlRjAtbWRQuhwDsrEbD5L_SRykH1LtbtRcxSH3oz9K9gnofio6kg1nXGTd5FpfXbbYNKtDjCabQg9_TRXVNnlm-c0oILzGc/s320/DSCN3031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We did a little hiking...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrvmeGijTtCtUEhn7US9JvMiBKpPwgCpQd3oStLke22B4F6DW3L32jlmu8bKXkgjIZlQ7aErTruuxugRB-a1SlnV3iSxLgEM-HUJxRchFzCsHIKzYJ_1RmMhR5-AzCn7kGeGHCvQF2AQ/s1600/DSCN3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjrvmeGijTtCtUEhn7US9JvMiBKpPwgCpQd3oStLke22B4F6DW3L32jlmu8bKXkgjIZlQ7aErTruuxugRB-a1SlnV3iSxLgEM-HUJxRchFzCsHIKzYJ_1RmMhR5-AzCn7kGeGHCvQF2AQ/s320/DSCN3041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...and heard an owl tell us a story. Hard to see, ultra zoomed in from a great distance, but the owl is in this shot:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj6kg-0ylwKB8Byew1SuvyQeR9HIdFzhyphenhyphen7ymBbcLvtiI-rwE-hBmcJySXIo_0QCwEtNddXC3Y0D4N2ONo_pbhStIz1lD7KQU0SWGcaeooNHhCRf8YS-APr7HiGYs-omOwGBrWbEDJO8Q/s1600/DSCN3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMj6kg-0ylwKB8Byew1SuvyQeR9HIdFzhyphenhyphen7ymBbcLvtiI-rwE-hBmcJySXIo_0QCwEtNddXC3Y0D4N2ONo_pbhStIz1lD7KQU0SWGcaeooNHhCRf8YS-APr7HiGYs-omOwGBrWbEDJO8Q/s320/DSCN3057.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Our last stop, as the sun was preparing the sleep for the night, was the ranger station for some more firewood. Then it was back to camp for garlic. I mean, chili.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzY_DUefwRJ0uY-Qeg1_P6iTycy69_TNlupcs_7bNi7HtNvY4kufxrC4C_LOGTxHClVyAK2AE2IOWqg4iW6T2FzNKcctn_Xch8iH0RJHSCIMVBfDtlhN6S5G8SNB0L1tid5lGnErcWfY/s1600/DSCN3083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzY_DUefwRJ0uY-Qeg1_P6iTycy69_TNlupcs_7bNi7HtNvY4kufxrC4C_LOGTxHClVyAK2AE2IOWqg4iW6T2FzNKcctn_Xch8iH0RJHSCIMVBfDtlhN6S5G8SNB0L1tid5lGnErcWfY/s320/DSCN3083.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">{snicker}</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrGJaGf6lBIrGc3YjIc_jl-12N3EA1Ts-tD9njZDJs1-vl7jXpoPbWWQpIWNS65v1TYs-zUB5h1BGeZpPiu4gLJ0QvCnuVvdSuLXW2QpUX70nOWd9ovCUjqN7XOlkkyNLzhexjdTansQ/s1600/DSCN3086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrGJaGf6lBIrGc3YjIc_jl-12N3EA1Ts-tD9njZDJs1-vl7jXpoPbWWQpIWNS65v1TYs-zUB5h1BGeZpPiu4gLJ0QvCnuVvdSuLXW2QpUX70nOWd9ovCUjqN7XOlkkyNLzhexjdTansQ/s320/DSCN3086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyrc05AvRr3rEcfRkUNsojwjEDOx6VVNbwpFhykvvp0kkPWvmBpuW3vAgjYVSoQqYUzzLmDf17sbYM27eS0RHh_fvGhX1-JRhVkKgY7Yq9n6naloTwVo8zoS2yr_VfWQDGk8YNUB-CTM/s1600/DSCN3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyrc05AvRr3rEcfRkUNsojwjEDOx6VVNbwpFhykvvp0kkPWvmBpuW3vAgjYVSoQqYUzzLmDf17sbYM27eS0RHh_fvGhX1-JRhVkKgY7Yq9n6naloTwVo8zoS2yr_VfWQDGk8YNUB-CTM/s320/DSCN3101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A new set of campers had set up at the site across from ours. It was a (cranky) older couple with a handful of children in many age ranges, and I honestly thought it may have been a foster situation. I sincerely hope not, after hearing the man yelling at the kids. There was nothing physical going on, thankfully, so we bit our tongues. It was hard to do so at 5 o'clock Sunday morning, though. That's when the man got up and REALLY NEEDED TO CHOP WOOD FOR HIS FIRE. Rule one: Quiet hours are there for a reason. Rule two: Learn some camping etiquette, douchebag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once we got up at a normal hour, Chris made us a yummy breakfast of biscuits and gravy. We had to hurry and pack up our gear since Olivia had a Girl Scout activity in the afternoon. And so, we fondly bade farewell to our beloved Site 69, the Lakes Johnson, and Gold Head. It was a fun weekend, steeped in childishness, and enjoyed by all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJxqitX6fnfFypXs1HSRv-Tj1SMNW2GGlh-KMVy3ivVSoo0VQ2ievZsyeOX2YasNsSjh_Mkg9ce9cNMnxHyXCkNWJawGCqqWT4SXRIjKfC_QozB2885TI9h43MVTJnm8b1s4I-32f1qE/s1600/DSCN3105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrJxqitX6fnfFypXs1HSRv-Tj1SMNW2GGlh-KMVy3ivVSoo0VQ2ievZsyeOX2YasNsSjh_Mkg9ce9cNMnxHyXCkNWJawGCqqWT4SXRIjKfC_QozB2885TI9h43MVTJnm8b1s4I-32f1qE/s320/DSCN3105.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3_CVTRwbdFzeW5xNiWDFpmBzhcw7W8uap9qj7xnJzgksNl1CUM1SL_MP7BnEq-1VE6IVXy3i1m_cP0n62_evYTHYbf_zh6MOa-iMvWXvscxIFCPuWqdSqYDUPyzYLkEpkzvqRjT59Ok/s1600/DSCN3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3_CVTRwbdFzeW5xNiWDFpmBzhcw7W8uap9qj7xnJzgksNl1CUM1SL_MP7BnEq-1VE6IVXy3i1m_cP0n62_evYTHYbf_zh6MOa-iMvWXvscxIFCPuWqdSqYDUPyzYLkEpkzvqRjT59Ok/s320/DSCN3128.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-36472182432391790442011-11-15T09:26:00.000-05:002011-11-15T09:26:14.521-05:00Trip 52: Madira Bickel Archaeological Mound, Gamble Plantation, and Ybor City Museum State Parks<strong>State Parks visited: 44</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5FRaP7l9C-3d1ogQzUQQOEs0d8EC_2d0ovZiDyZlIYXQ7ZsdFd1s7I_hzOtilJ6rQEGFLDT7Yec9iM8KfUuQ7_rxlVanroOM4WMl4i-NVOGFXUNYTVpPr-cExDZDefV_yccQC0t29HY/s1600/DSCN2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5FRaP7l9C-3d1ogQzUQQOEs0d8EC_2d0ovZiDyZlIYXQ7ZsdFd1s7I_hzOtilJ6rQEGFLDT7Yec9iM8KfUuQ7_rxlVanroOM4WMl4i-NVOGFXUNYTVpPr-cExDZDefV_yccQC0t29HY/s320/DSCN2368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whenever we don't make it out to any state parks for any period of time...even when we have plenty of other events going on in our lives...I end up feeling restless. I climb the walls, wanting to get out and explore the natural Florida. It had been some time since our last state park outing, and so one rainy Sunday we...Rob, Olivia, me, and Xandra... made up for lost time: A day-long road trip with three state park stops!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbQiFaS-Ke64jBJIses361c8OPMFrmkOpcJfqCXXzLDC65hMj8jn0FTgrnn30igY7b9P4hO1E-5IN9XWlHsISjRAPNSJj4Fa-VD5mLw2xBQke-JTP9uE7bq_eGhdx86FzHsghrpO0uUA/s1600/DSCN2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbQiFaS-Ke64jBJIses361c8OPMFrmkOpcJfqCXXzLDC65hMj8jn0FTgrnn30igY7b9P4hO1E-5IN9XWlHsISjRAPNSJj4Fa-VD5mLw2xBQke-JTP9uE7bq_eGhdx86FzHsghrpO0uUA/s320/DSCN2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our destination was the Tampa area, which had 3 distinctive museum-style parks where I figured we could (mostly) stay dry. Our first stop was probably the saddest, must run-down park we'd ever seen, the Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site. We later found out the condition was due to standing water. The rangers couldn't mow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEUrKxCCIMk5rpGIh_ZT43ZHT3yvgDQ2_rap-YbdAWEv5DW5oE4lwMTmDHlTXWiUq5hj5FW6uBd7I-1vyV3h89hWBU2tOfzcB74fnnx6i35E7StYtGLjDW302Nd2-Onkwpu_CNuxUWCE/s1600/DSCN2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEUrKxCCIMk5rpGIh_ZT43ZHT3yvgDQ2_rap-YbdAWEv5DW5oE4lwMTmDHlTXWiUq5hj5FW6uBd7I-1vyV3h89hWBU2tOfzcB74fnnx6i35E7StYtGLjDW302Nd2-Onkwpu_CNuxUWCE/s320/DSCN2378.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The mound was used for ceremonies approximately 2,000 years ago and is twenty feet high. Climbing up the stairs on that quiet, overcast morning really helped me feel the magical reverence such a location held all those years ago. The towering live oaks draped with Spanish moss only added to the ancient feelings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5N5xZoeHRgPbZ3ASj9x1k4QWmSeeEQlBrSObW9AybtZJbBTcYh8ABQ-wz6I9eSEtVP3JG4GpV1aVXRBXDeGFF1X9McgTpQRzUglwxscxSVvcGAVStRIE9p9DSJk8RdLk_EfUfhuRnH0/s1600/DSCN2390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5N5xZoeHRgPbZ3ASj9x1k4QWmSeeEQlBrSObW9AybtZJbBTcYh8ABQ-wz6I9eSEtVP3JG4GpV1aVXRBXDeGFF1X9McgTpQRzUglwxscxSVvcGAVStRIE9p9DSJk8RdLk_EfUfhuRnH0/s320/DSCN2390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We've been to several mounds like this one, but Madira Bickel Mound is unique. Once you climb to the top of it, you walk directly on it instead of on a protective platform. I just wish the grass at the top wasn't so tall!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the way back to the car we saw several butterflies I had never seen before. I've since identified them as White Peacocks:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9brEvvUj8prLHpJEF-DPT5uqSF2MKzi7bdAj2SxomLjlt1Em-d51GfKRIR19SasGVR1jDQJ5IQY7MMdjo9cYb81GP-fRuwtzpfSMOpzEZgda746fxbI0Do7Xjpu8-rzgu6XVh8NM8VhY/s1600/DSCN2392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9brEvvUj8prLHpJEF-DPT5uqSF2MKzi7bdAj2SxomLjlt1Em-d51GfKRIR19SasGVR1jDQJ5IQY7MMdjo9cYb81GP-fRuwtzpfSMOpzEZgda746fxbI0Do7Xjpu8-rzgu6XVh8NM8VhY/s320/DSCN2392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our next stop was the Judah P. Benjamin Confederate Memorial at Gamble Plantation Historic State Park. Got all that?! :) Judah P. Benjamin was the Confederate Secretary of State and hid out at Gamble Plantation until he could safely get the heck outta town. The plantation was once a huge sugar mill, and the house itself is the only one of its type in South Florida (and why they consider Tampa to be South Florida is beyond me. Just sayin'). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyYoHqztR8WMiXsK37NYl_ZETNcuwsqdN0xkSJre4UZGcGeMmcIyYIkxeYJcRD_hmHsabT1pUomUVfOtzaeAf4T3OLXZQwXOkCp2rs40BM2z-t61kh5oaKeLRJQbQjE51YzaUfIh4bfM/s1600/DSCN2393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyYoHqztR8WMiXsK37NYl_ZETNcuwsqdN0xkSJre4UZGcGeMmcIyYIkxeYJcRD_hmHsabT1pUomUVfOtzaeAf4T3OLXZQwXOkCp2rs40BM2z-t61kh5oaKeLRJQbQjE51YzaUfIh4bfM/s320/DSCN2393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heavier rains gave way to the occasional drizzle as we made our way into the museum on the property. The ranger inside stamped our books and was rather pushy, wanting to give us stamps for other local parks we hadn't been to yet. We had the hardest time getting him to understand that, yes, we would absolutely make the trip back to Gamble Plantation for those stamps, even though it is out of the way, whenever we actually made it to those particular parks, because we weren't willing to get stamps for parks we hadn't been to. His attitude sucked, but our principles totally rocked! And so did the museum:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtC7FA4of25SGqsE9NzhQgiYr16C4OoRiM-6RlF4_-WSvClTqPIGd_tEYdbB4ZAvsdXrD_e6h2FqwLsBfeXtnj3fjt98HFhulkiBXmd0oUrEONvxFNN__Lgd0LdziXnjHHixR0aQapog/s1600/DSCN2432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtC7FA4of25SGqsE9NzhQgiYr16C4OoRiM-6RlF4_-WSvClTqPIGd_tEYdbB4ZAvsdXrD_e6h2FqwLsBfeXtnj3fjt98HFhulkiBXmd0oUrEONvxFNN__Lgd0LdziXnjHHixR0aQapog/s320/DSCN2432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-uzTIQMcc-mQrPCWrZXIRw46IXS9fhjuMGUk-mmdDFbFDRlfPDGhuorsLUR-eIu2LnnRe6brxTcwACEPYJ2JqKGNZ1UjBnb6ibxjGd5jbVNQdQ7VMNyBxAhMzbzz0kwli3v1estLjkk/s1600/DSCN2435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-uzTIQMcc-mQrPCWrZXIRw46IXS9fhjuMGUk-mmdDFbFDRlfPDGhuorsLUR-eIu2LnnRe6brxTcwACEPYJ2JqKGNZ1UjBnb6ibxjGd5jbVNQdQ7VMNyBxAhMzbzz0kwli3v1estLjkk/s320/DSCN2435.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4f5Yk8neRmDZH8Jl7UEVxUTXdNbEb4XWITVFqssNaSELOrKzy7u8UuMQD3cV5r4LSDqL30bzalYv5tgj6f-MDJg-xqNmyVbpY2dwzGz09qEiHbQCqSW3WrYXvRmv5BYRvO8kb9wo_sw/s1600/DSCN2443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4f5Yk8neRmDZH8Jl7UEVxUTXdNbEb4XWITVFqssNaSELOrKzy7u8UuMQD3cV5r4LSDqL30bzalYv5tgj6f-MDJg-xqNmyVbpY2dwzGz09qEiHbQCqSW3WrYXvRmv5BYRvO8kb9wo_sw/s320/DSCN2443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGNzdXSBBgL9M5zfU99Uoz9GOnWnVxC78421qfq3psb7WZd3AcLIFKysIb_YpbJkXRhWomcv_Bd6BjYu0LrHC9qNhMonISgyZfrXy9fsWUxm34BAdfseko6LZr-F5zwTpnnM1uHQ4htc/s1600/DSCN2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGNzdXSBBgL9M5zfU99Uoz9GOnWnVxC78421qfq3psb7WZd3AcLIFKysIb_YpbJkXRhWomcv_Bd6BjYu0LrHC9qNhMonISgyZfrXy9fsWUxm34BAdfseko6LZr-F5zwTpnnM1uHQ4htc/s320/DSCN2450.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On one wall was this very cool chart, cross-referencing herbs and ailments. Some of the ailments of the day...and the treatment for them...were bizarre. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H3jUVrhZXGi1BmFriKYWS5LGcnq98LzoGWPioO_ezTQLYh7XnXPF2glf_0LlnBDkZZYX6Ny5zbafRbsZHQe7lHG45BVaqFriOkHNUDc3ininBpMwBKWjiAsMuQJNSFLuLpG1jNs6owQ/s1600/DSCN2414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7H3jUVrhZXGi1BmFriKYWS5LGcnq98LzoGWPioO_ezTQLYh7XnXPF2glf_0LlnBDkZZYX6Ny5zbafRbsZHQe7lHG45BVaqFriOkHNUDc3ininBpMwBKWjiAsMuQJNSFLuLpG1jNs6owQ/s320/DSCN2414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P994xBT9MO2whyphenhyphenXz2O3D1T-Xz1PJOOhTGHBoKCKJ1o2Ipzx2Gk8x25Wq8Meg5vF9plIr8FFhBBAYOnP-VMDBhJJE2TQwBm1Ulbix1g1nk5Hh3qllv8krOJL2WrxHFqrglHCihlKvxNo/s1600/DSCN2416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7P994xBT9MO2whyphenhyphenXz2O3D1T-Xz1PJOOhTGHBoKCKJ1o2Ipzx2Gk8x25Wq8Meg5vF9plIr8FFhBBAYOnP-VMDBhJJE2TQwBm1Ulbix1g1nk5Hh3qllv8krOJL2WrxHFqrglHCihlKvxNo/s320/DSCN2416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnBRuN-ivEY-KrE4rogK_v89NmCeJYTZKfuVmfrD93Jbbu_hJwW5qRMC_C4IfW37AkVuMCMjh3GZkbIX6TxaXGAXYAK2K45Hk-mVFJPTQ05ZlS-UdSjwQMpGOsi7tCs1jcbSA9zRQmm0/s1600/DSCN2422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnBRuN-ivEY-KrE4rogK_v89NmCeJYTZKfuVmfrD93Jbbu_hJwW5qRMC_C4IfW37AkVuMCMjh3GZkbIX6TxaXGAXYAK2K45Hk-mVFJPTQ05ZlS-UdSjwQMpGOsi7tCs1jcbSA9zRQmm0/s320/DSCN2422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R3sILhljwdMgcJa10zDb4aTO30jDT2VtHCdMHeNSCHeeo0gyjMv5Kfg0kIb4VGmW4-VBDqXRLQIMNAQtsoriiX_XujwVKxpKQPpyTEJB2LnY6s6l-f3P5ZRzN8RMkmc7TpG2Dm2Svac/s1600/DSCN2423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R3sILhljwdMgcJa10zDb4aTO30jDT2VtHCdMHeNSCHeeo0gyjMv5Kfg0kIb4VGmW4-VBDqXRLQIMNAQtsoriiX_XujwVKxpKQPpyTEJB2LnY6s6l-f3P5ZRzN8RMkmc7TpG2Dm2Svac/s320/DSCN2423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After the museum, we wandered around the grounds. Not only is the plantation house there, but the Patten House as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDtaowbNLVTDgOfj4gLhAIbgitupdJEcRI4NqmVb5ouEMhU2oY835jUUhFwPDnKXDzmtMklAcikTir5JRyjd5EBkcDgJu2j16NXmQX6SA-0kgP9r11hhEXD0DHj_FdJnzZ9fCkqigKYc/s1600/DSCN2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDtaowbNLVTDgOfj4gLhAIbgitupdJEcRI4NqmVb5ouEMhU2oY835jUUhFwPDnKXDzmtMklAcikTir5JRyjd5EBkcDgJu2j16NXmQX6SA-0kgP9r11hhEXD0DHj_FdJnzZ9fCkqigKYc/s320/DSCN2464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk6-AlMPTOJrY5pkVSwARhE_5-g_PMJINZw_ejSeN7NfiJ3r0Om00Zsz6QHsqRO8tnnAK_mcURNQ20Wbk7zdrXHSL2ToMKWqqY-vaKiCnPhbn_cvgfiAN9lWF14-DonSElMHt0dZkZrE/s1600/DSCN2466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk6-AlMPTOJrY5pkVSwARhE_5-g_PMJINZw_ejSeN7NfiJ3r0Om00Zsz6QHsqRO8tnnAK_mcURNQ20Wbk7zdrXHSL2ToMKWqqY-vaKiCnPhbn_cvgfiAN9lWF14-DonSElMHt0dZkZrE/s320/DSCN2466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We couldn't go into the house, so Rob drank a beer, Xandra struck a pose, and Olivia got her Om on. Just kidding...Rob picked up trash, Xandra struck a pose, and Olivia waited for aliens to beam her up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOW1OI_64S69HjNPkYADAuTtg4GiF8WxfwslMMMtKVfwJp5IBrv6WJa-nbyb9v2RRD32vDbjUJnl3GGsOp9d8q_oE3SJSwJwwlr8I0IchDjxejnSP-yiLlrP_T3qJREQuluCef-sXFYE/s1600/DSCN2468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOW1OI_64S69HjNPkYADAuTtg4GiF8WxfwslMMMtKVfwJp5IBrv6WJa-nbyb9v2RRD32vDbjUJnl3GGsOp9d8q_oE3SJSwJwwlr8I0IchDjxejnSP-yiLlrP_T3qJREQuluCef-sXFYE/s320/DSCN2468.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We eventually made it to the actual plantation house, which was closed at the time. We were in between tour times, so we opted to look through the windows. Except Xandra, who opted for a little B&E:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZ9oLhyq-i-N4Splf6HO4Z_xU8SOzaqVNjmrHZwI5305ZK3riOHta2ANwho9QSALQIUCH_K0Df8w5fgnz9_3lz_NOPpK95WNhjDJdymbYKxdDoqHHKbAhk59n77ZZuAHzAtRqaBm8vLk/s1600/DSCN2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZ9oLhyq-i-N4Splf6HO4Z_xU8SOzaqVNjmrHZwI5305ZK3riOHta2ANwho9QSALQIUCH_K0Df8w5fgnz9_3lz_NOPpK95WNhjDJdymbYKxdDoqHHKbAhk59n77ZZuAHzAtRqaBm8vLk/s320/DSCN2474.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnGjCG2CHIcSH8F6Lw7t1j3rprp35i-7QObv6JLg0qbjgI7NIGr3yn5wK2Sxp_3D8GHwRPCHkNoFReWpHKurWc7-xrAfsNRaoUSElqlSuav9VjGxwXYpl7fwwsjnkmiuk87wnigQtJIA/s1600/DSCN2484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnGjCG2CHIcSH8F6Lw7t1j3rprp35i-7QObv6JLg0qbjgI7NIGr3yn5wK2Sxp_3D8GHwRPCHkNoFReWpHKurWc7-xrAfsNRaoUSElqlSuav9VjGxwXYpl7fwwsjnkmiuk87wnigQtJIA/s320/DSCN2484.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEIJ0wU_QwOrp580bNLVl5kUkf4B4VwAyHLU4J6g4CWa2FAjLiJtzuYUWkWPejwT27zTqpjppIieL5k6qFUtfP8kKfhW6G9pRA_5T8jQwBa5HQNlCgLVgOUezmaVp7AqK8vOPeNUvhCE/s1600/DSCN2478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEIJ0wU_QwOrp580bNLVl5kUkf4B4VwAyHLU4J6g4CWa2FAjLiJtzuYUWkWPejwT27zTqpjppIieL5k6qFUtfP8kKfhW6G9pRA_5T8jQwBa5HQNlCgLVgOUezmaVp7AqK8vOPeNUvhCE/s320/DSCN2478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpPw8Yz0ki5GSJjdEoI8H5Fg206ubGEYPFwuJZHxw8azeuo2CoPvmBUP7_0UcGZ-M-j9LfzvJIKv_kMTGoZMpE6IoPR20VtGl4yLwdQV7wFSx6GrZMnxzxZb4oLGZRSptZUgYaa1d5Fg/s1600/DSCN2477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpPw8Yz0ki5GSJjdEoI8H5Fg206ubGEYPFwuJZHxw8azeuo2CoPvmBUP7_0UcGZ-M-j9LfzvJIKv_kMTGoZMpE6IoPR20VtGl4yLwdQV7wFSx6GrZMnxzxZb4oLGZRSptZUgYaa1d5Fg/s320/DSCN2477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next to the house is a cistern for collecting rain water. Apparently Mr. Gamble believed our spring water to be anything but pure!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_icF9J6W5UMMqD9V7c8B-ESJY2Z1oDXOL5uPl8az3y8T8oWN9oZj1EmOsbzldErJMBC4IWAsAE8ODFwfYtveoBzXMRFRTPYlRgCgk_DiXjUQgLUAqEsNGQa9uKFHnEEnqgEUzj38Gfo/s1600/DSCN2473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi_icF9J6W5UMMqD9V7c8B-ESJY2Z1oDXOL5uPl8az3y8T8oWN9oZj1EmOsbzldErJMBC4IWAsAE8ODFwfYtveoBzXMRFRTPYlRgCgk_DiXjUQgLUAqEsNGQa9uKFHnEEnqgEUzj38Gfo/s320/DSCN2473.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-A0JIJ-r-C-8okFHMmyofsNMB9DI2JGRm2hrU3DqNz21EfWnAMcf2iZm-40S3BQdvfoFHOULL6Mjic7VlfTyN481jTnYjmPrAXVtc8i6oLnW9GmhI9Tg-DQ55Z3NqfptkIWiZy-jjx4/s1600/DSCN2483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-A0JIJ-r-C-8okFHMmyofsNMB9DI2JGRm2hrU3DqNz21EfWnAMcf2iZm-40S3BQdvfoFHOULL6Mjic7VlfTyN481jTnYjmPrAXVtc8i6oLnW9GmhI9Tg-DQ55Z3NqfptkIWiZy-jjx4/s320/DSCN2483.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87Ih9dwzQHskydGKwwK71rAA3mxKCkm9N8oufbgLOl4obLABSJSOVJkICkV5w60ueVYTdi4FqmzSCEyAXqNtaqaJFYybvxwCN20FSZ5DFxBU_KFcy9DmliWS3ah52y9VMEKyDgIx6ZnY/s1600/DSCN2486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87Ih9dwzQHskydGKwwK71rAA3mxKCkm9N8oufbgLOl4obLABSJSOVJkICkV5w60ueVYTdi4FqmzSCEyAXqNtaqaJFYybvxwCN20FSZ5DFxBU_KFcy9DmliWS3ah52y9VMEKyDgIx6ZnY/s320/DSCN2486.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uY6-dBs7xBY46cFVrHXatCWd165EjB8AC81bu3ac5TokuCTaAMw_5AIKkml_6sEznvJ_DlFUWm7XdQ_OG81eA5fVVr4B0pOqP8L8U2eml9b2qXhd26yfzQ6miUzomq5rqGGG2r7SeCY/s1600/DSCN2487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uY6-dBs7xBY46cFVrHXatCWd165EjB8AC81bu3ac5TokuCTaAMw_5AIKkml_6sEznvJ_DlFUWm7XdQ_OG81eA5fVVr4B0pOqP8L8U2eml9b2qXhd26yfzQ6miUzomq5rqGGG2r7SeCY/s320/DSCN2487.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9TeIYWNre1iXMq8lIXCxTLtu3fruzjmRSfvdD_QK9JB-6J5zmvLv1_HBHP3NJ-3RK-12c4V2cRC3HKSLsjhmP2EM2RWQq45hlI9OOdBL4iTNfI94umiU46bI95BgZnah6ltILl0bQKo/s1600/DSCN2489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9TeIYWNre1iXMq8lIXCxTLtu3fruzjmRSfvdD_QK9JB-6J5zmvLv1_HBHP3NJ-3RK-12c4V2cRC3HKSLsjhmP2EM2RWQq45hlI9OOdBL4iTNfI94umiU46bI95BgZnah6ltILl0bQKo/s320/DSCN2489.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally, a few more photos from around the plantation:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP7urhd8V7LB9xWEaPwdLBQBl_gQm93zAXlK8m5cSHLlqRh0NDFb6bloKrOUxPJ27BDzJMqYJy5-SDpEUkCIBXt10GaoUzhKSvSf2aYeydu1NBsshJINCzaTRR36-k3pmYnO6TwjwRFc/s1600/DSCN2494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP7urhd8V7LB9xWEaPwdLBQBl_gQm93zAXlK8m5cSHLlqRh0NDFb6bloKrOUxPJ27BDzJMqYJy5-SDpEUkCIBXt10GaoUzhKSvSf2aYeydu1NBsshJINCzaTRR36-k3pmYnO6TwjwRFc/s320/DSCN2494.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3NDJ0OjlwdGgEdNJhMXU4m4lipZxc0yblQuhIhK7JEWp1CwG_EWLyWxGIZUvI9V1Du-e-lF4n2RKWITGfc4q0WgOe9sAbkXovGvt6NDRbEgEEQ5wt-EalML0HV3hCSgZbROhP4rT_PA/s1600/DSCN2495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3NDJ0OjlwdGgEdNJhMXU4m4lipZxc0yblQuhIhK7JEWp1CwG_EWLyWxGIZUvI9V1Du-e-lF4n2RKWITGfc4q0WgOe9sAbkXovGvt6NDRbEgEEQ5wt-EalML0HV3hCSgZbROhP4rT_PA/s320/DSCN2495.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgjlp4SogCvrbXHrzt9q3KQp_5GWsbRWBM2mNXl9XuNECeJU5tCx-ZVYUzKRtQsW11FFA_mqv54oXLHH1bf2JphY30rd-1aEwht4JIz_GUXV2zi0swysQaiKxeeheofTgrJKZ9021GIk/s1600/DSCN2499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgjlp4SogCvrbXHrzt9q3KQp_5GWsbRWBM2mNXl9XuNECeJU5tCx-ZVYUzKRtQsW11FFA_mqv54oXLHH1bf2JphY30rd-1aEwht4JIz_GUXV2zi0swysQaiKxeeheofTgrJKZ9021GIk/s320/DSCN2499.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WN7OzK5k3u5TRGDCQh8NwZZb9dhEGFwJOcJwN8MS8NwkM6_vB9z-YhbUwUweH08tnVt_tmrLF3759WZhwaOpPDiMkhj5KOCtvetaVp7FOQD2LRPmWt4gpArsifnGuIFRa46vcUzfYyE/s1600/DSCN2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WN7OzK5k3u5TRGDCQh8NwZZb9dhEGFwJOcJwN8MS8NwkM6_vB9z-YhbUwUweH08tnVt_tmrLF3759WZhwaOpPDiMkhj5KOCtvetaVp7FOQD2LRPmWt4gpArsifnGuIFRa46vcUzfYyE/s320/DSCN2505.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our final destination was the quaint, historic Ybor (pronounced Eee-bore) City Museum. Some of the finest cigars in the world came from Ybor City, which was founded by Don Vicente Martinez Ybor. From the stone streets to the cigar makers' houses, this area has been preserved to showcase a rich period in our history.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uF6zIv6xJBEWTxqRm02uUxp_C5hFHAF9tyqROW9S2HkO0KGUH4u1FPVhcWk0TGkJyMBnuPVc0K-iulsjLoo0Si2KnfFo_iKSijxUguL2-TcF5bVEBOYPgpLiIEed-f-VrbDQgNIg93s/s1600/DSCN2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5uF6zIv6xJBEWTxqRm02uUxp_C5hFHAF9tyqROW9S2HkO0KGUH4u1FPVhcWk0TGkJyMBnuPVc0K-iulsjLoo0Si2KnfFo_iKSijxUguL2-TcF5bVEBOYPgpLiIEed-f-VrbDQgNIg93s/s320/DSCN2519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The museum itself is housed in what was once the Ferlita Bakery. During their busiest weeks they made 35,000 loaves of bread! I can just imagine how wonderful it must have smelled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-9uv-KjK_mthb6lh5zDCb8z0Tto4_ZPZJ2v_S1OyEZNdIrJE2eoHxI7lc4-rVyncaGfme9h2tBkvU7C1sLUrW67xL3EzndANayqANliZnTIz1EBoHO6VqaeHtSOWEUnuYP2YWEC3JLo/s1600/DSCN2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL-9uv-KjK_mthb6lh5zDCb8z0Tto4_ZPZJ2v_S1OyEZNdIrJE2eoHxI7lc4-rVyncaGfme9h2tBkvU7C1sLUrW67xL3EzndANayqANliZnTIz1EBoHO6VqaeHtSOWEUnuYP2YWEC3JLo/s320/DSCN2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DRl2pfVbh_S68xKasNAM8epazhTu34oYWIh9gT5lFLzJmy5fRuSLdfIbdRrLZL8jxdcyqXCiz2rhBmNnf7aTpq5nFagzD2CVWQSgGrLYSbFUa8HFo71AbJgPODBYRR0ew_0JaRnYXhc/s1600/DSCN2538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DRl2pfVbh_S68xKasNAM8epazhTu34oYWIh9gT5lFLzJmy5fRuSLdfIbdRrLZL8jxdcyqXCiz2rhBmNnf7aTpq5nFagzD2CVWQSgGrLYSbFUa8HFo71AbJgPODBYRR0ew_0JaRnYXhc/s320/DSCN2538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB31VcZAwZYrAuVt-Uv3uoW1tvINNmagawUIZ3mlE5pwBfVTcnJP9Q0OXhkQLQgquETIn8kjZMUxBpakLc9eLgvBonMGpwDxPCHTQP1z95KgjYXjCqdL8Bo5IYJzYJRC6IoTkWJ025lQ/s1600/DSCN2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWB31VcZAwZYrAuVt-Uv3uoW1tvINNmagawUIZ3mlE5pwBfVTcnJP9Q0OXhkQLQgquETIn8kjZMUxBpakLc9eLgvBonMGpwDxPCHTQP1z95KgjYXjCqdL8Bo5IYJzYJRC6IoTkWJ025lQ/s320/DSCN2549.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We learned that it wasn't just the Cuban immigrants who made cigars. There were Cubans, Italians, Germans, Spaniards. Many nationalities and cultures came to Ybor City and found their niche in such a prosperous time. And, they were well cared for. Don Ybor believed in home ownership and health care, which created a feeling of pride in his workers. I would love to go back in time and see Ybor City at its peak!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc69xGMroS1HRKaMbLeaSX0VOkIsY_nlHlWi7YhCMIRTt1IeVeyzXEFu6juduZqNkng0EjpCL78nhVt0uxI5o5QvXRhN-4GlxWby931Q7GYTb-INJWo4MzNXpbVMkZoSZdg9d_rgVdlA/s1600/DSCN2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc69xGMroS1HRKaMbLeaSX0VOkIsY_nlHlWi7YhCMIRTt1IeVeyzXEFu6juduZqNkng0EjpCL78nhVt0uxI5o5QvXRhN-4GlxWby931Q7GYTb-INJWo4MzNXpbVMkZoSZdg9d_rgVdlA/s320/DSCN2581.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After taking a look around the courtyard, we met up with Park Services Specialist Alex Kinder for a tour of La Casita, one of the cigar maker's houses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLzSeeQMB1tQwLwfobSpYKDQKD-EcWkE26jkI-bqYKkHQqaIT062C_2XdNj63M1Er4wGMSAvI3JpIJiCBsRFNpCs8yOX9olANfUdNLj5e_zlLRfGXF1wBtvukBV2il6LR_HClKxCHdOE/s1600/DSCN2584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLzSeeQMB1tQwLwfobSpYKDQKD-EcWkE26jkI-bqYKkHQqaIT062C_2XdNj63M1Er4wGMSAvI3JpIJiCBsRFNpCs8yOX9olANfUdNLj5e_zlLRfGXF1wBtvukBV2il6LR_HClKxCHdOE/s320/DSCN2584.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOPGU0FZC9jiJx67nmNP6_YZZVdxNNutkam1QGlYo3pMlufe9tq9O5x1WOFRBgimHZ0tBZLRkP17I1MECuELo4X382hcH53P27x7SiyDVSZrgOSTivNtHjFhTHfDf86PGEa0-JtU10nM/s1600/DSCN2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOPGU0FZC9jiJx67nmNP6_YZZVdxNNutkam1QGlYo3pMlufe9tq9O5x1WOFRBgimHZ0tBZLRkP17I1MECuELo4X382hcH53P27x7SiyDVSZrgOSTivNtHjFhTHfDf86PGEa0-JtU10nM/s320/DSCN2586.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3upY0SZ8nm0pBrGhVe7HXsV8bhHV3eJaLWKrtecRwyU-HCfIQqAo5X7n8d5FMMUMFw92E_fFcmWtKgLH5Xxh6DN-tn4AfqoDwahEZxYheAvkKB9OBGatq4UXhd173RQe4kWOVqtOxedg/s1600/DSCN2591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3upY0SZ8nm0pBrGhVe7HXsV8bhHV3eJaLWKrtecRwyU-HCfIQqAo5X7n8d5FMMUMFw92E_fFcmWtKgLH5Xxh6DN-tn4AfqoDwahEZxYheAvkKB9OBGatq4UXhd173RQe4kWOVqtOxedg/s320/DSCN2591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU0zskjeor7hUU2nN9J8ffa8pXDFKgM1Ts-1PArnav6evm-0XW0r4-BQiKKbnUnht_N1bCCFxiKcsWHQY22eeWfVvPhb2rFqmFSDagZMOFSfBOOzdFFarmy0Il47LYXI6v319FYA-a08/s1600/DSCN2593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXU0zskjeor7hUU2nN9J8ffa8pXDFKgM1Ts-1PArnav6evm-0XW0r4-BQiKKbnUnht_N1bCCFxiKcsWHQY22eeWfVvPhb2rFqmFSDagZMOFSfBOOzdFFarmy0Il47LYXI6v319FYA-a08/s320/DSCN2593.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9BmKc5lkZCM2-_MHo0ZOGTstTEV5cVaIRlZkyLMe5vHCOR1SRSWD75OQjRowdndfIccUvPweWOBzJ51VHqzltUqVnPQwJaBb8WzX0tBjU6dNbn1710NQ_WaGTnByAZIhphQdkCqR5Uw/s1600/DSCN2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9BmKc5lkZCM2-_MHo0ZOGTstTEV5cVaIRlZkyLMe5vHCOR1SRSWD75OQjRowdndfIccUvPweWOBzJ51VHqzltUqVnPQwJaBb8WzX0tBjU6dNbn1710NQ_WaGTnByAZIhphQdkCqR5Uw/s320/DSCN2594.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After our tour we looked around outside a little more:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdPUjr_SXQfTjwrEuGqE76TF9GjUwxt1L2THtc4T37p5SKK31SJa77JWMN5g1_3oe7m6z_FmTMEzmhsym1H-vD-tCHVJhNHWEyygNdMK7Yyxt7D3K-33-itWg7FELL1zNCT9u3B7ww_o/s1600/DSCN2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdPUjr_SXQfTjwrEuGqE76TF9GjUwxt1L2THtc4T37p5SKK31SJa77JWMN5g1_3oe7m6z_FmTMEzmhsym1H-vD-tCHVJhNHWEyygNdMK7Yyxt7D3K-33-itWg7FELL1zNCT9u3B7ww_o/s320/DSCN2610.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WStM21NJgY7aE5PzARUauCOix7xAzJcsDQBuWZ92gnStxVpEZKUJY5b7-FORbA36tENFgeN4uw6MainNYN6_vQQggh1_4KPwkigKMJuo1xOy5dTEmfNsr25aCF1tM5dKEdYQahWb06o/s1600/DSCN2611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WStM21NJgY7aE5PzARUauCOix7xAzJcsDQBuWZ92gnStxVpEZKUJY5b7-FORbA36tENFgeN4uw6MainNYN6_vQQggh1_4KPwkigKMJuo1xOy5dTEmfNsr25aCF1tM5dKEdYQahWb06o/s320/DSCN2611.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wild coffee, which tastes nothing like the real thing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then it was time to head home. We met up with Chris for a visit to Gander Mountain and dinner at the Tilted Kilt, and our day was then complete. The need to visit a state park was met for the time being, and we were much richer for the experience. Three totally different parks, three totally different experiences. One truly satisfying day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnNBMdexLO_pB8TCdIW0RwpQjJxWId2ka0SE_790Z7RKrNpmRuJPKO6VEFsCnwyqo7o8U6EJtoZmcn0COvU6r0qqOGyXMNoYBNLcuwor56IFKpJ-ir-C8-s4NwqQOgNCrL2cApQ45AvQ/s1600/DSCN2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnNBMdexLO_pB8TCdIW0RwpQjJxWId2ka0SE_790Z7RKrNpmRuJPKO6VEFsCnwyqo7o8U6EJtoZmcn0COvU6r0qqOGyXMNoYBNLcuwor56IFKpJ-ir-C8-s4NwqQOgNCrL2cApQ45AvQ/s320/DSCN2633.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsNcJjs_gmnAPKy1-oWFRvNFijUdbkQpS3EnXR6ejoblI9wjW1cIv1VJOkVLq-0r_TNnIDAHod05pak90eC3-DgUsFhdjDPWb2dxf7FBSXzxvlhUtulCNvTkvCdjfJQmLMgk_nS-Fr04/s1600/DSCN2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYsNcJjs_gmnAPKy1-oWFRvNFijUdbkQpS3EnXR6ejoblI9wjW1cIv1VJOkVLq-0r_TNnIDAHod05pak90eC3-DgUsFhdjDPWb2dxf7FBSXzxvlhUtulCNvTkvCdjfJQmLMgk_nS-Fr04/s320/DSCN2634.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYitEgtB4788KfWjdXT9TwOfUL5azOIpYHMygUsoRiIh7ZLXdPPkwFSTrEj3_qBSNj4BrkT9oQDiKl0ZlNOJ2q5WZq6d9owGq6YSSyNphzFLtRw-m8wSelETlYAW0u7YXD56au6_ZGzU/s1600/DSCN2635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwYitEgtB4788KfWjdXT9TwOfUL5azOIpYHMygUsoRiIh7ZLXdPPkwFSTrEj3_qBSNj4BrkT9oQDiKl0ZlNOJ2q5WZq6d9owGq6YSSyNphzFLtRw-m8wSelETlYAW0u7YXD56au6_ZGzU/s320/DSCN2635.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-321533219506580115.post-68001372985685226552011-10-25T21:41:00.000-04:002011-10-25T21:48:28.819-04:00Trip 51: Bioluminescent kayaking<strong>State Parks visited: 41</strong><br />
<br />
Well, here's my challenge: We took a couple of nighttime paddling trips recently, and I didn't take a single picture. I have no images to share with you of some of the most magical moments I have ever spent <em>in my entire life</em>...and I am rather happy about it. For you see, now I am forced to use my creativity and paint you a mental picture.<br />
<br />
First of all, allow me to explain bioluminescence (as I understand it). Basically, millions of microscopic critters live in our coastal brackish waters during the hottest months of the year. These critters, called dynoflagellates, light up when they feel threatened. Think of fireflies, only underwater and on a much smaller scale. Neat, right? What's even neater is that they consider anything that disturbs them to be a threat, whether it be a fish swimming by, or waving sea grass...or a hand...or a paddle. <br />
<br />
So, we got a group together and met up in Titusville for a nighttime trip to a small island. Rob, me, Olivia, Randy, Xandra, Chris, and his brother Matthew...we launched as the sun went to sleep for the night, and no moon to guide our way. Fighting mosquitoes and jumping fish (that's what I told myself the sounds were since I couldn't see anything...), we paddled around the edge of this little island less than a mile off shore and let the darkness settle around us. We had packed a cooler of beverages and just sat there, relaxing, socializing, losing Randy, and having a damn good time. <br />
<br />
Eventually we started sweeping our hands through the water, hoping to see things light up. And eventually, they did. Imagine, if you will, a 4th of July sparkler, with a greenish tint, held underwater. That's what it looked like to me: One swift splash brought out some sharp points of light, only to fade away until the next splash. Xandra showed us how she made something of a whirlpool in the water, quickly agitating the dynoflagellates until eventually there was one big flash. Static electricity-esque, I guess? It's how I see it in my head! <br />
<br />
Pretty soon we tired of the fun and headed back to shore. It was extremely neat to see such a phenomenon, but the experience seemed to be incomplete. There are many companies here that offer guided tours to see bioluminescence, and I got the feeling they saw something greater than what we had seen. And so, I started doing a little research. I found what appeared to be a better location for greater 'bio' sighting, and we started planning another trip.<br />
<br />
The next trip, a couple of weeks after the first, was very different. This time it was Rob, me, Olivia, Xandra, Chris, his coworker Tony, Tony's wife Candace, and my friend Denise and her fiance James. Mind you, Denise and I haven't seen each other since the day we graduated high school (just a couple years ago, right?!?), so there was something of a reunion when we met at Bairs Cove boat ramp at the Canaveral National Seashore. After a whole slew of introductions, a little kayaking instruction, and lots of bug-spraying, we launched.<br />
<br />
This time we paddled around the channel, hugging the shore until we came to a little cove. Along the way we saw some of the wildlife Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is known for (Roseate spoonbill? Check. Gator? Check.). We paddled into the cove and waited for darkness to fall. We waited...and waited...and waited. The mosquitoes were pretty bad the closer we got to the mangroves surrounding the cove...but we all got so caught up talking that we didn't realize the current was taking us so close to them. It was so much fun catching up, telling stories, laughing, hanging out. <br />
<br />
Once it got pretty dark, we started testing the water. Knowing the animals present, I didn't keep my hands in the water too long. Just long enough to sweep through and look for the fireworks I remembered from the last trip. And for the longest time...nothing. I started to get worried that our outing was a bust. I was starting to feel kind of guilty when...I saw it. It felt like my eyes were playing tricks on me, but there it was...bioluminescence. <br />
<br />
It wasn't like I had seen before, and maybe that's what was throwing me off. Still, once one person started seeing it, we all started seeing it. Imagine seeing ripples in the water on a moonlit night, only you look up and realize there is no moon. Every touch of the water...your hand, your paddle, the water dripping from the tip of your paddle...creates this green mist...only within the water itself. It isn't a bright light. Think of the dim glow of those glow-in-the-dark stars and moons we stuck on our ceilings as kids.<br />
<br />
And then we all became children again.<br />
<br />
At least, we all started giggling like children. We all realized the magic of what was happening around us, and it seemed like our cares just melted away. It was serendipity, and it was ours. <br />
<br />
Fish had been jumping all around us. Once we started seeing the bio, we started seeking out the fish. Scaring a school of mullet was like watching heat lightning on a hot night: First the glow of the fish streaking through the water, then a small flash of it leaping out. Another flash when it landed, and another streak as it sped away. Only...ten-fold, twenty-fold. Amazing and magical, and yet I was 35 the first time I saw it. How does that happen?<br />
<br />
We paddled around giggling, laughing, enjoying ourselves for, I don't know, 15 minutes or so when I realized we were no longer alone. From a distance I saw what looked like candles dancing across the water, all in a row. Not some different kind of bio, of course, but one of those guided tours I mentioned earlier, the chem lights hanging from the bows and sterns of their kayaks serving as an eerie beacon of their presence. When I saw them coming, I knew we had chosen the right place.<br />
<br />
Once the tour group came into the cove they scattered and had their own fun. We took that as our cue to leave. As we were paddling to the outlet, a fish jumped into my kayak. In the darkness it sounded huge, flopping around somewhere behind me. James turned on his headlamp and saved the day, and the tiny little needlefish found his way back home. Xandra made a (brave) pitstop on one of the small islands, and that's where our group unintentionally broke up. It was not something we had really prepared for, and I felt bad for the failure in communication. Eventually, though, we reunited and found our way back to the ramp. We packed up, said our goodbyes, and headed home.<br />
<br />
As we were paddling out I heard one woman from the tour tell her paddling partner, "I feel like Tinkerbell!" And quite honestly, I do, too.Paulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01273503148580985182noreply@blogger.com3