Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby Belle » Sat Nov 22, 2008 4:44 pm

It was a chilly November night when Liz took me camping at Paynes Prairie State Park near Gainesville. Here we are getting a fire started.

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We saw a lot of deer both evening and morning. This one was in a rush to cross the road…no time to pose.
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In the morning we hiked to the prairie overlook.

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This is what William Bartram saw.

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Here’s what we saw. There’s a herd of bison and some wild horses out there somewhere, hiding I guess.

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Eagle soaring overhead

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After our morning hike we went to the Cross Creek Fall Festival. Cross Creek was made famous by the Pulitzer Prize winning author of “The Yearling” who lived and wrote here. She did a lot of her writing on the front porch seen here.

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Her home in Cross Creek is preserved as a working farm/orange grove, although on a smaller scale than when she was here. Chickens still roam the grounds.

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Her garden still thrives.

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Here’s the back of the house and her outhouse. She installed a bathroom in the house after she sold her first book.

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The tenant house has been restored to the way it looked when Idella Parker, her maid for ten years, worked for her. Idella is still alive and has written two books about her life with MKR. My husband and I helped her write the 2nd book, “From Reddick to Cross Creek” which is a biography of her life, growing up black in rural FL. She collaborated on the reconstruction of the tenant house.

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Here’s a peek inside the window of the tenant house.

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Another hike across the road…

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The festival had a lot of vendors with wares of every sort…including blessings for Sparkle.

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Ever wonder what to do with that old skate?

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How about a cart and pony ride?

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Lots of dreams being caught here.

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Some cute gourds…

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This was Roe’s favorite booth. Liz bought him an assortment of 10 for $1 treats.

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I liked this booth the best…made me think Karen would too. The flamingoes bobbed their heads.

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Here I am looking over the canal that leads to Orange Lake behind the MKR house.

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My friend wishes he could be pink like me. He warned me to look out for alligators.

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We enjoyed a BBQ lunch

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And listened to some music

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Happy travels to all,
Belle, the womenrv.com mascot
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby Getupngo » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:00 pm

Belle, thanks for those great photos. Feel as though I had been there!
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby Bethers » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:30 pm

What a great trip. I love being able to take it with you, Belle.
Beth
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"He who treasures the small things in life has found the path to true happiness"
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby retiredhappy » Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:56 pm

I just love traveling with you, Belle. Keep the pictures coming. I'm currently in Flamingo rehab.
Karen West
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby avalen » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:58 pm

what a fun day, thanks for taking me along Belle
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby Nasoosie » Mon Nov 24, 2008 3:58 pm

Wow, Belle! I LOVE traveling with you! You see SO MANY great places, and many famous things along the way. I hope you keep the pictures coming so I can continue to travel with you!

I could carry you in my mouth if I could be with you!

From Molly----Nasoosie's dog
Life is about learning to dance in the rain
Happy travels!
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby Belle » Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:32 pm

I trust you, Molly, I trust you. You are a good dog!
Happy travels to all,
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby Carolinagal » Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:56 pm

Do you mind carrying metal items in your mouth, Molly? In the cold, that might cause you a problem. :lol: :lol:

Belle , you are seeing so many places and things, and just having too much fun !!! I'm so glad you are taking such good pictures and letting us all enjoy your travels.

Thank you,

Carol
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby rvgrammy1953 » Thu Nov 27, 2008 7:43 pm

Oh, Belle.....We made such a good choice of Liz to be your caretaker....She takes you to so many fun and interesting places....I'm feeling a little guilty about not getting you out more when you were with us.....but am glad you are having a grand time....the photos are wonderful....thanks for sharing....
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Re: Paynes Prairie and Cross Creek

Postby Cedar518 » Mon Dec 01, 2008 6:41 pm

Wow Belle, I love your sense of adventure! And,... i'm so glad that eagle didn't grab you! Be careful out there! :D
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