Nothing like a last minute trip to Washington Oaks State Park!

     Sitting on the couch around 2 ish this afternoon looking at my kids parked in front of the T.V. , made me make a spur of the moment decision to get moving!  Come on people, it is a beautiful 80 degree, sun so bright I gotta wear shades, Sunday afternoon kinda day.  By 3:00 I had them loaded after a few attempts to dismiss me and my crazy, fly by the seat of my pants plan to visit, yes, you guessed it, another state park!  And yes, I had to bribe them with dinner.
       So, I had heard a lot of good things about Washington Oaks State Park.  It took me about an hour to get there.  We got lost but found A1A and took a scenic route.  Which was very nice.  I enjoyed the ride with the ocean on my right side and it kept the kids busy for a while.
        Washington Oaks is on the Matanzas River side of A1A AND on the beach side.  Word to those with small kids who love the beach, DO NOT tell your kids about the beach until you have had a chance to explore the river side.  The river side has beautiful gardens and paths and nature trails, which I was barely able to see because they could not wait to get to the beach.  We did find a bench on the river where I was able to sit and enjoy the views while they played on the rocks at the edge of the water.
         I was able to convince them to walk the path around the gardens to get back to the car.  So much beauty.  I could have wondered around the tree shaded paths, under the majestic oaks for hours, snapping pictures.  The formal rose gardens were not in bloom at this time, but I look forward to seeing them later in the year.  The azaleas were pretty much gone, but a few still lingered along with some roses of which I am not sure of the name, but they were gorgeous.  Lots of little ponds with huge fish and a gazebo, which was nice.
         I will revisit this part of the park in the future, it had so much to offer.
         We headed over to the beach side and oh boy! now, that is a paradise for kids who love to climb, jump, explore and find shells.  The coquina rocks!  So cool.  So much to explore.  There were little caves you could crawl in and pop up in various spots, like the game with the mole you have to pop on the head.  We found some star fish and tons of shells.   I would definitely recommend water shoes to help with all the climbing.  Some of the rocks were covered in green slime which made it very slippery.  Probably not the best place for little ones unsteady on their feet.  But my kids LOVED it.  They all gave it a two thumbs up and want to go back soon.. probably when it warms up a little.
           A few side notes.  There was a restroom on the river side back by the river, but everywhere else was good ol porta potties... which thankfully, it was a good day and no one had to use.  I know on the river side they had picnic areas etc...there were no picnic facilities on the beach side and no life guard.  There was a $5.00 car load fee to get into the park.
           I definitely give this park a two thumbs up myself.  Loved it and look forward to returning soon! 

    

Ravine Gardens State Park

     In my quest to visit the State Parks in Florida we ventured out this past weekend to Ravine Gardens State park in Palatka Florida.  I really enjoyed our visit to Ravine Gardens.  The whole family came this time and my In-laws joined us,which made it even nicer! 
      There is a lot of walking at this park.  It had a paved walking path that was close to 2 miles, very nicely done and a lot of people taking advantage of this trail.  There was also two nature trails that we ventured on.  There was a lot of up and down climbing.  In some areas there were stone stairs to help you.   The trails were defined and there were signs so no worries of getting lost. 
       The gardens were lovely and the azalea's were in bloom.  There was a spring and a couple of suspension bridges that the kids enjoyed.  A playground at the top of the hill, which was quite a hike to.  After we got there we realized we could have taken the paved walking trail, but hey, the kids enjoyed the climbing and wore themselves out! 
        All in all this was just a nice park.  Really enjoyed it and would definitely venture there again, probably in the spring time to enjoy the blooms and cooler temps.

P.S.  The restrooms were clean, there were some by the parking lot with snack machines then again at the top of the hill near the playground, which made me very happy after an hour of climbing up and down and all around :)   There was a charge to get in $5.00 for a car load.

 A pretty little gazebo near the front by the parking lot.

Loved the rock walls.

 The suspension bridge.  Kids loved making it rock.

 The little spring below the bridge.

Nice trails to follow.  Thankful for the stairs in some areas to help us along.

 Just lovely!

 That is a fountain.

There was a flag for every state.  I thought this was really cool.

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 :)

      

Still feels like yesterday.

    Today marks the 3rd anniversary of the death of my father.  Some days it still seems like yesterday.  You are told it gets easier with time and yes, the pain seems to be less, but the memories remain...  There are days you so long to talk to your love one.  My husband has told me in the past how funny it was that my Dad and I could hold a thirty minute conversation about the weather.  But we could.  We just enjoyed being together.  I loved just sitting with him and talking about life. 
      My Dad spent 20 years in the military and he had so many adventures and saw so many places.  I use to think it was a joke that my Dad knew everyone but HE did.  We would go places and he would start talking to someone and you would ask "you know him?"  oh yes, we served together in such in such or overseas.   My Dad knew a lot of history too.  He could tell you all kinds of information.  He was interesting like that.
        There are days I can still hear his voice.  Still hear his ol sayings and remember his nicknames for people.  I still dream about him and can sometimes still feel his hug and smell his cologne.  I am thankful for the memories that are still fresh.  I know as time goes by they will begin to fade.  It just happens that way and I have to be ok with that.
        I know one day I will see my Dad again.  I have that hope because I know he is in heaven with so many of my loved ones.  You know, it is hard as you get older to loose your family.  I am still very young and at times a little envious of those who are much older than me that still have their fathers.  So much still to share of life, but yet, it was his time and who I am to question that. 
         But till then... I will continue on... remembering the good.... trying to learn from the bad.  Hopeful and thankful for the time we did have.  I will try not to regret the things I wish I had done differently, the mistakes made, the differences we had.
          One thing I do know for fact is that my Dad loved me, loved his family.  I never once doubted that I was loved and for that I am very, very thankful. 

The days gone by...

Today I find myself dreaming of yesterday...

As I get older I find myself wanting to go against the trends of today, yes, as I sit here writing a blog!  I find that most people (not all) live their lives via social media.  As I check my email, Facebook and Instagram on a regular basis dissatisfaction with life sets in.  I find myself wanting to get out, out of my house, in the fresh air, living life! Not being confined inside...

I have found once again my love to be outside.  I find myself wondering around my yard, pulling weeds, talking to my flowers and contemplating LIFE! There is just something about being outside with the sun beating down on you and the sound of the wind ruffling through the trees, watching the ants scurry about or the squirrels chasing each other that just sets me at peace and makes me feel alive.

When I was growing up I spent a lot of my time with my paternal grandparents. I would follow my Papa around.  He was always outside tending his garden, working in the yard, chopping word or digging worms for us to go fishing.  I could pick tomatoes, cut okra, break up the ground in preparation to plant, mow grass, clean and gut fresh fish we had just caught, shell peas... I could even change tires, dig up septic lines, climb trees and chase dogs.   My favorite would be the fishing.   When my Papa would back that ol Toyota pick up truck to the boat we knew we were in for an adventure.  The thrill of loading up the boat to head to the Dog River, putting the boat in the water, the spray in our face as that little boat went full throttle down the river.  Then the casting of your line and the quiet stillness as you watched for signs of a fish on your line.  The absolute stillness as you held your breath waiting, watching the life go on around you.  The alligators peaking at you, the snakes hanging from trees, hoping they did not fall on you as you slowly made your way down the river.  Then your stop at the little beach to cool off.  I so remember the first plunge into the icy river and then the sudden realization you are swimming in the very water where you just minutes ago saw those piercing eyes watching you from a distance, thinking what a tasty snack you would be.

I still enjoy the occasional visit to the river to watch the boats go by and remember.  Life really was more simple then and there was always an adventure to be had.  We knew our neighbors and we had friends we spent time with face to face.

I realize we can never go back to the way things were but I can venture out and try some new things with my children.  I can try to instill in them some of the things that I learned as a kid.  They do follow me out sometimes and we so enjoy the days when our neighbors are out too so we can enjoy face to face fellowship.  And thankfully I still have some friends that enjoy being out and about.

In all this I have an even greater appreciation for my childhood and my grandparents and how they lived.  Some of the good was imparted in me.  I see the things they were trying to instill in and teach me.  My family is far from perfect but the next time I go visit my maternal Grandmother I will have no problem following her around her yard as she shows me all her beauties.  I will enjoy every minute I spend with her and soak it all in and hope to gain some wisdom.   I miss my Paternal grandparents but know I will see them again one day soon.  Again thankful for the days gone by.

End of a Chapter?

Today was my little ones last day of Preschool.  On to Kindergarten they head.  Sounds like the end of a chapter to me.  They are no longer babies but are now entering childhood... they no longer need constant supervision and are quite capable of doing a lot on their own.  No more all nighters (well most of the time), no more dressing them (well most of the time) no more having to clean up all their toys for them (well most of the time)... They can even tie their own shoes now, take showers by themselves and brush their own teeth, do chores...  Yes, I still prepare their food, but they are quite capable of getting their own snacks out of the cabinet.. they definitely know how to work the remote on the TV and how to find the channels they are allowed to watch (we have parental controls, don't worry!) They get in and out of the car on their own and actually get quite upset if I help them.  Independent, you betcha!

So where does that leave me... a little sad, reflective, a bit scared,, hopeful as I watch them and I know they are doing well... at the same time seeing how as a parent I could have done a little better in some areas.. trying to redeem the time I have left because I know in the blink of an eye they will be all grown up.

Which takes me to my oldest, who turns 14 in a few weeks.. that one really starts my heart to beating.  He is almost a half foot taller than me now, I have to look up to him.  He is a polite young man, fun to talk to, a little bit goofy sometimes, a little older in his soul than most his age and yet still demonstrates at times the maturity level of his little brother and sister.  He challenges me and tries to please me all at the same time.  I love him more than words can say and I know soon I will have to let him go off into the real world, without me there to whack him upside the head and tell him to take a chill pill. 

To say time flies would be an understatement.. it seems like 5 minutes ago I was looking at my sweet little red head, amazed.  Another blink and here was thing 1 and thing 2 taking up my every waking moment, which was pretty much 24/7.  Now here they are soon to be a Freshman in high school and Kindergartners..

I know Papa would be proud of his little Emmylou, Jason and A-Ron.. times like these always make me think of my dad.  I know I am proud of them. 

Yes, end of a chapter - beginning of another! Yes sir, beginning of another!!  If I don't know what to do I can always take Emma's suggestion and giggle it, you know surf the information highway.