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Published: January 29th 2014
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Myakka River
Oh how I love the Florida State Parks.
I left Clermont this morning about 11 am after saying good-bye to my camping buds. I love spending time with them and they have taught me so much about this wonderful experience called camping. But it’s time to move on.
I drove through the interior of FL on smaller roads choosing to by-pass the interstate. It took a little longer but I sure got to see what makes FL tick. It’s the cattle ranches and orange groves. There were tractor trailer trucks filled with orange balls so full that when some turned a corner, oranges spilled out onto the road. They were going to the processing plants which are scattered throughout the country-side. The juice oranges are ripening now and also the small navel oranges with thin skins that are hard to peel. I bought a bag and have been cutting them into wedges, so sweet and juicy the juice runs down my arm. They are messy but sure are good.
The cattle ranches are numerous and diverse. I never saw so many different kinds of cows, a new breed around every corner. I even saw some Texas long
horns, at least I think they were. Brahma bulls, an all white breed, black angus in the most beautiful green field I have ever seen, and the regular kind that we all see most of the time.
About 2 pm I arrived at Myakka River, checked in at the ranger station and found my campsite. I am under 2 of the most beautiful live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and crawling with resurrection moss. The latter looks dead right now because it hasn’t rained for a while, but that will change. It’s supposed to rain tomorrow afternoon and Thursday and be a little cooler 64 degrees. Sorry.. It was 84 today and sunny.
Because it was sunny I had to find the local alligator’s hangout because who knew if I’d get a chance to see them again. I got a little confused about the roads and which one I was on but it all got straightened out. I found the bridge that everybody was standing on, a place to park, and went to see the critters in all their glory. There were birds around too, all very active so I got some fun shots. (pictures)
I checked
with the ranger station about activities, where they were being held, and what times.. Then I went to the boat launch on the lake to see what that was all about. They have a little general store, canoe rental, restaurant and gift shop, air boat rides and tram rides. Oscar and I walked around being very careful to stay away from the water. The man in the store told me about a wild hog that went to the water for a drink when an alligator jumped up from under the water and dragged the hog in. It was a very big dinner. Now I believe you Ginnie.
We got back to the campsite about 5:30 just in time to see the sunset. I have to get to bed early tonight, we’ve got a busy day tomorrow.
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Lyn Truscott
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You're just a gypsy at heart.
Keep up the wonderful commentery of your trip we are so enjoying it. It's 3 degrees here this morning. You have such a gift in your photography and story that goes with it. Be well my friend. I'll visit with you tomorrow.