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We’re on our way to Texas! Want to come along?

We have to say goodbye to Marion County early ‘cause we’ve got a six-hour drive ahead.


I imagine it’ll be a long tough day with all the traffic.


Breakfast time for carrion...not the way I like to see the deer, unfortunately.


First stop of the day is for gas in Fanning Springs. Roe will get out for a quick break while Bandit watches.


Entering the Apalachicola National Forest: getting cloudy, rain’s in the forecast. Traffic’s the same.


Had researched the Leon Sinks in planning my route, and decided it would be a great place to stop for lunch and take a hike....


And explore the fascinating world of “karst.”


We almost didn’t take this hike because it started to rain. But then I remembered that’s what raincoats are for. Put yours on and join me....but be prepared to take it off in a few minutes, because when the rain stops, it’ll be much too hot for a raincoat.


Hmmm, which way to go? I think since it’s raining, we’ll keep it short and just take the crossover trail. We can always come back another time...


Our first stop is at the Gopher Hole Sink...here’s what the sign says about it.


Photo op


A look from above into the Floridan aquifer.


Next we’re going to cross a swamp.


Notice how high the water is next to the walkway.


Have you been paying attention? Time for a quiz...


Tupelo trees....notice all the pollen on the water.


Oh, we’ve come to the end of the Crossover trail. That was kind of short, don’t you think? Perhaps we can do the sinkhole trail too. We wouldn’t want to miss the “Big Dismal Sink,” would we?


Fisher Creek where it goes under the natural bridge.


It’s been awhile since I’ve had a good hike, and it occurs to me that I’ve forgotten a few safety precautions I usually take. Like my cell phone. I tripped coming up these steps...wasn’t hurt, but made me think about if I had been.


And water....but we were only going on a short hike, right?


More steps...be careful.


Ah, but the woods are alive with signs of spring. Tiny violets with tinier raindrops dot the forest floor.


Flowering trees are doing their thing.



Butterflies


Oops, an obstacle in our path...over or under? I followed Roe under, although it was a bit of a bend.


Here we are at “Big Dismal Sink.”


There should be a camera with the option of taking a 3-D photo that would better show the depth or distance. Perhaps there is such a camera that I don’t know about?


Hammock Sink is my favorite because of the clear blue water.



There are many caves through the aquifer.


One cave starts here.


Fish... The sun is out brightly now...the rest of the day should be pretty.


We made it! Time for lunch...I’m hungry (and thirsty)!


“Not yet,” Bandit says, “It’s my turn to see what’s out there.”


From here to our cg, we can take TomTom Tomasina’s “fastest” route through downtown Tallahassee and then hop on I-10, or we can go this way. Which way do you want to go? If you’re coming with me, it’s this way.


To be continued...photobucket is too slow tonight.

Gosh, all that bumper to bumper traffic must have really slowed you down! Ha! Did you see anyone on the trails either? Pretty quiet for a Sunday! Can't wait to see the rest of the photos! Do new sink holes ever form? I would be worried one might happen right under my feet! Might be another good reason to have a cell phone handy!

wow, how interesting, I think it would be scary to be in that water, being like "cave" water,
spilunkers have to be so brave.

Very cool Liz! More fun tomorrow!!!

Thanks Liz, geology always fascinates me.

Thanks Liz, always fun and a great learning experience when traveling with you. However, it is just a bit early for a quiz It's amazing that I've lived somewhere in Florida most of my life and there is still so much I haven't seen. carold

Here’s our campground, built by the CCC in 1935. The registration building was a barracks. With my discount, tonight’s stay is $8.25.



Nice amenities in the bath/shower areas. We could have used this heater at our Jan. gtg at Silver River SP.



Did you know this SP has many hiking trails? Roe had a nice nap on the way over here....he’s ready to go again, are you? On this trail we’ll learn that Torreya State Park is named after the tree, which is named after a botonist....or something like that.


The tree

One trail comes out at the Gregory House....plantation house circa 1849. The house from the back.



View from the house overlooking the Apalachicola River.


I’d say we’re off to a great start. Got a good rest last night....Roe was too pooped to eat.

Thanks for taking me along on your trip, Liz. Even if you did forget the phone, I'm glad you remembered the camera! You might not have received a signal anyway. More! More!

Pooker

Great post Liz thank you. I was reminded of a show I saw on PBS while reading about the Leon Sinks about divers who went through the whole aquifer system in FL. While the divers were below people were tracking them on top of the ground. It was beautiful. Some of the places the divers went through were so small they could hardly get through. The sad thing was all the garbage they discovered and some of the areas near where they entered or came out each day were so polluted they had to hose the divers off fast. The point of the show was What you discard today may be what you drink tomorrow. The video is available on Amazon and the title is Water's Journey-The Floridan Aquifer.

Safe travels and I hope Roe is rested up!

Whew I'm pooped, guess from too much hiking. Thanks Liz, as usual a wonderful trip. Can't wait to keep up with the gtg through your posts.

What exciting adventures you have, Liz! And I love the roads you travel. I'm surrounded by too many interstates here.
The sink holes/caves are fascinating. Such wonders surround us. Can't wait for the next excerpt of your journey. Stay safe, please!

Liz and Roe, thank you for sharing your adventures, I enjoyed the pictures. Roe, after your hike, I too was ready for a nap and unlike you, I did not not have dinner. Looking forward to the rest of your trip. Linda

Great pics, Liz! Thanks for taking the time to share with those of us house-bound!

Think you'll get to stop by and see The Pest?