Florida State Parks in the Fall
Yes, we turned around!
Our intention this fall was to visit Florida State Parks that we had not previously visited. Florida’s reputation for having beautiful parks is well deserved. At Silver Springs State Park, we went kayaking on the crystal clear river leading out of the park. As we paddled downstream, we marveled at the clear view of the fish and the size of the manatees as they passed under our kayak.
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Notice the alligator at one end of the log!
Traveling south, we arrived at Jonathon Dickenson State Park. From Hobe Mountain’s observation tower, we were treated to a panoramic view of the 11,000 acre park, the Intracoastal Waterway and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Koreshan and Lake Manatee State Parks both offered their own charm, although we did miss having a sewer hookup. While at the Savannas Recreation Area, which is near Mike’s sister, the back of our motorhome was within 15 feet from the water. We saw several alligators on our walks and behind the RV.
Recently we have begun filling out applications for state parks in Indiana and Michigan to volunteer for part of the summer. There is also an Army Corps of Engineer site near Fort Meyers and a DeSoto National Memorial in Bradenton where we spoke to the Volunteer Coordinator about next year. We both feel a need to be part of a community and something larger than ourselves. People we meet tell us we are living the dream and we are, but we miss being near friends and feeling like we are part of something.
Orchid farm near Bradenton
A few weeks ago we met a young couple who just started traveling across the country. They had few plans, but you could feel their excitement as they shared the places they experienced and the adventures that lie ahead. On our first trip down from the Chesapeake Bay, we met an older couple on the waterway who had been traveling by boat for a number of years. They told us how they envied us because it was our first trip down the coast and everything was so new. We on the other hand were wishing for a time when it was not all new; a time when we actually knew what we were doing! Looking back over the past eight and a half years, we have become that older couple – literally!
As part of our reflection of the past year, we recognize your friendship and importance to us as we share our experiences with you. Thank you for keeping us informed about the happenings in your lives.
We wish you a joyous season filled with the wonder and awe of a child’s first Christmas.
Macy Jane - our granddaughter.