Our first State Park outing - Bulow

    When I got this great idea of touring the Florida State Parks I knew some would totally excite the kids and others would well, just be a stop to check off my list.   I decided to start with Bulow State Park, the one with the Fairchild Oak.  It was free to get in and offered nature trails. 
     We got there and I was a little surprised.  Very small parking lot and thankfully a bathroom!  Really no one around.  The first thing we saw was the Oak.  It was stunning and huge! One of the biggest trees we had ever seen.  The kids were impressed but then quickly asked "what's next?" 

      There were several nature trails you could walk.   We decided on the shortest one.  It was very thick and very muddy.   When we got done I was so glad I had brought towels and sheets for my car.  As we were leaving many people were starting to filter in and most there to bike or hike, all armed with mosquito repellent and walking sticks.  Probably way more prepared to hike than we were.
       All in all, it was a very peaceful place if you like quiet.  Definitely would not keep the interest of my little ones for long.  No play ground :)

       After that I decided to drive over to the other Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park .   Now that place was beautiful.   To get to it you had to drive down a one lane road thru woods.  When we finally arrived it was just lovely.  The cost to enter was $4.00 for a car and it is the honor system.  We were greeted by a Ranger to answer any questions and give us general information.  The kids immediately spotted the water.

     Such a lovely spot by the Bulow Creek.  I could have sat there for hours enjoying the peace and quiet and the stunning view.   But, we had to keep moving.  We started towards the ruins and saw different animal tracks, which fascinated the kids.  We took the nature trail to the ruins, which was really nice and dry.  A wide path that was about 1/4 mile long.  Kids enjoyed the walk.  

      I think my oldest son enjoyed the ruins the most.  So much history.  Lots of information to read around the ruins to tell you what it is all about.  There was also a small museum with artifacts that had been dug up around the ruins and a canoe that had been built, all behind glass, of course.  There were also some more nature trials but they were close to the creek and very muddy so I decided not to venture down that path.

      We walked the road back to the Ranger station and saw deer tracks and heard lots of "things" scurrying around to keep our attention.  All in all, this was very enjoyable park.  Very relaxing and enjoyable on a crisp, sunny Florida day.  

     Planning our next stop soon! 

 

Ready or not Florida, here we come!

      I love to travel.  Well, let me rephrase that a little.  I love to travel at my own pace.  Especially when I am the one behind the wheel, blazing the trail, stopping to use the restroom when I need to! (those that know me, understand this)  I was born and raised in the Florida with a few stops here there.  I have lived in a few different states and a few different countries but I have always had a home in Florida.   I have traveled this state from Milton to Miami.
      When I was younger I traveled with my Grandparents a lot from Mobile Alabama to Alford Florida with a few trips to Lake Wales.  I think my most beloved trips were the ones where we would travel Highway 27 from the panhandle and take it all the way to Lake Wales.  Usually because my Granny was looking for a certain pair of moccasins that they sold at those old Florida Souvenir shops.  I loved those shops with all the Florida stuff... anything with oranges, alligators or beaches.  I know a lot of those places are gone now.  Though recently I came across a really cool one in Clermont, yes on Highway 27.
        So, when I got this idea last year to start visiting Florida State Parks I got a little excited.  This is something I can do, something my family can do.  I started searching out parks via google and Pinterest really got me going.  I really began to embrace this idea.  I truly do have an adventurous spirit but the group I reside with not so much especially when I mentioned hiking!  But starting tomorrow we are off!  We will begin with the Parks in our area.

       Being someone who loves history, I thought we would start with Bulow State Park and visit that 400 year old oak tree I hear they have and do some hiking, yes hiking!  It is going to be a gorgeous sunny day in the low 70's, a perfect day to do a little outdoor activity.  Wish me well and my three who will be coming with me.

       Ready or not, here we come! Oh and yes, there will be plenty of pictures :)