My week in the “Real Florida”

This past week has been truly amazing for several reasons the first being that I had the opportunity to spend an entire week with all four of my grand children. The second reason is that we love to camp and spend time “out of doors” in the beautiful state in which we live. Our family vacation 2011 will go down in history as one of the best vacations ever. The only thing that would have made it better is if my youngest daughter Bethany could have been with us. Sunday a week ago, my family minus the “Boo” set out on another adventure. We camped at Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area in Flagler Beach. This is one of our favorite camping spots because it is situated right on the Atlantic coast. Gamble Rogers is also is centrally located so day excursions out into the Sunshine State are relatively easy. The weather for the most part was wonderful, as we enjoyed our mornings on the beach with the Grand children. Our afternoons were spent venturing out and enjoying the beauty and history of this part of Florida.

On one adventure, we found ourselves at the Fort Matanzas National Monument. What a wonderful surprise. The Park Rangers were very knowledgeable as they explained the history of this critical piece of geography in Florida’s early history. We enjoyed walking the grounds and the ferry ride over to the fort and then the open tour of the almost 300 year old garrison. My words cannot describe the beauty that I experienced from the roof of the old fort as I looked South and out over the Matanzas inlet. If you are in North East Florida, you need to plan a trip down to Fort Matanzas and experience this wonderful piece of history.

Another adventure found us at Washington Oaks Gardens State Park. Nestled back in the hardwoods, right of A1A this is certainly one of the most beautiful places in Florida. Washington Oaks has a significant history dating back to the early 1800’s. On the grounds you can visit the home of Mr. Owen and Louise Young and also stroll through their gardens and see beautiful flowers, amazing fish ponds and ancient live oak trees. You can also stroll through the orange groves planted by the Young family in the 1940’s. Mrs. Young donated the park to the State of Florida when Mr. Young died in 1964.

A great surprise for us came when we found the Bulow Plantation Ruins a little ways off the Old Kings Road just south of Highway 100 in Palm Coast. As you travel down the old beach road time appears to stand still as the road most likely looks the same today as it did 100 years ago. I felt as if I had been taken back in time as I walked through the ruins of an old Sugar Mill that was burned in 1836 during the 2nd Seminole war. This piece of geographical history is large and alive as you can actually walk, touch and experience the history that has taken place on this hallowed piece of ground. You leave with an understanding of how these early pioneers made sugar and of the work it took to survive in these primitive surroundings . I will definitely return to this wonderful park.

We also had an opportunity to visit Bulow Creek State Park and see the “Fairchild oak” a live oak that is over 400 years old. The eight of us visited this beautiful old tree could not together get our arms around this giant tree. This old tree has encountered, floods, fires, hurricanes and wars but still stands proud. Archeologist have found 2500 year old fragments left by ancient people in this area. During the Florida land boom of the early 20th century, a real estate office was constructed near the ancient oak, and its remains can be seen today. This is a beautiful park and a must see for those who enjoy natural Florida beauty.

Probably my favorite park of the week was Deleon Springs State Park, located in De Leon springs Florida. The spring puts out 19 million gallons of 72 degree “healing water” everyday. It is truly “Natures Camera-land” and I can picture masses of people visiting tropical Florida and enjoying these former roadside attractions that dotted the roadways in the Sunshine state prior to the Disney invasion. I had an opportunity to talk with an elderly gentleman who returned to the park with his daughter to visit. He described the park in the 60’s when he would bring his children on family outings. I did not get to try the Old Sugar Mill pancakes because of the wait, but I can tell you the smell of the hotcakes coming from the building will make me return.

After leaving Deleon Springs, we headed for Blue Springs State Park in Orange City. This park is also beautiful with a very large head spring that pumps 104 million gallons of water every day. I enjoyed watching families from many different cultures enjoy the rugged beauty of the park. The clear warm water from the springs allowed you to see all the way to the bottom where we saw many fish, a manatee and my daughters even saw an alligator swimming with all of the people. I do not however, believe the people in swimming actually knew that the alligator was swimming so close. I really enjoyed walking through the Louis Thursby house, that was built in 1872 and he raised his family and oranges on this property. The St. Johns river is an easy walk from the old home place. Blue springs offers a lot for hikers, divers, boaters or campers and I plan on returning to camp at some point in the future.

And last but certainly not least was Hontoon Island State Park. The only way to access Hontoon Island is by private boat or to go over on the electric ferry operated by the park service. Stepping off the docks at Hontoon Island takes you to another time. This isolated and primitive island offers much for hikers, boaters. fishermen and campers. There is a large play ground right off the ferry landing that my grand children really loved. We got to see a large screech owl while we were there as well as experience the nature walk to the campground. Hontoon island is not for the novice camper, it is very isolated so some consideration should go into planning a trip out to the island overnight. There are also boat slips available with electricity for those wishing to camp on their boats and explore the island. I am looking forward in the next couple of years taking my boat back to Hontoon Island. Also, we thoroughly enjoyed the kindness of the lone park ranger, his knowledge of the area and his love for his job was very evident and we appreciated his allowing us ask him questions.

It was a wonderful week, I am so thankful for the Florida State Park System. They are truly the greatest park system on the planet. I appreciate the conservation and preservation and look forward to taking my grand kids to all of the parks.