High Springs, Atlanta, & Home

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Shelby and I have grown a little road weary… We spent our last week out (our 5^th) in search of some more fresh water springs, those jewels that gush from the earth at 72 degrees. I can’t get enough of snorkeling; seeing that blue water, those green plants, and the colorful fish that live under the surface, is so exciting.

Since this has been a personal writing retreat for me, I have been writing down conversations that take place with my traveling companion, Shelby the turtle. Our next discussion is about swimming. Some of our other topics have been: expectations, gratitude, wild dancing, wood, slow food, being brave, community, and solutions. Good stuff!

Our low spirits have been due to the Florida sunshine – missing in action; it keeps hiding the farther north we drive. And, guess who’s NOT a happy camper in the rain? Anyway, we saw some beautiful landscapes, hiked, and swam too (well, I swam, I still don’t know if Shelby can swim, he’s a box turtle).

In High Springs, just northwest of Gainsville, we stayed at 2 private campgrounds with natural springs, Blue Springs and Ginnie Springs. At Blue Springs, the long boardwalk (1/4 mi.) to the Sante Fe River was awesome. It was mid-week and hardly anyone was camping except us; just the way I like it – surrounded by palmettos, live oaks and wildlife.

It took two long days of driving and an overnight visit with Lizza and Ian in Atlanta (engaged & moving to Seattle!), to get home. Steve had taken great care of the house, the garden, and the houseplants. I’m a lucky girl to have such support.

Yippee, the dark and dreaded month of February is over, and I’m ready for Spring! Until next time, happy trails to you.

Katie Bee

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