Tomoka State Park lies on a peninsula of land between the Halifax River and the Tomoka River just north of Ormond Beach. 14,000 years ago this area was inhabited by Timucuan Indians. Today, I made camp.
A nice level spot, it didn’t take long to set up and then go exploring. You want to go exploring, don’t you? First we set off down the camp road under a canopy of trees. We’re headed to the other end of the park where there is a hiking trail. We could drive there, but it’s a beautiful day, so let’s walk.
First we come to the park store & kayak/canoe rental.
For $15 I can rent a kayak and venture down the Tomoka River looking for manatees, fish, bald eagles, and other birds. I may do that on Sunday before I leave.
This is how the early settlers made indigo.
You pee in the top vat to get the process started.
This is the grave marker of an early plantation owner on the Tomoka River.
Here’s the start of the hiking trail.
The trail winds through a “hammock,” which is a Seminole Indian word meaning “shady place.”
This sign reminded me of somebody….well, not the small crooked part.
Plants that grow on trees are called epiphytes. I learned that the more common name “air plant” is a misnomer, as they obtain their nutrients from windblown dust and decayed leaves rather than air. (They’d do real well in my dusty house.)
The saw palmetto gets its name from the saw-like teeth on the leaf stems.
Many wild animals inhabit the hammock.
This live oak tree was reinforced with concrete to keep it from splitting in two.
Sign in the picnic area
The legend of Tomokie goes like this: The Indians regarded a certain spring with venerable superstition, for its waters were known to possess curative powers. They believed a messenger from the “Great Spirit” was sent every evening to drink this “Water of Life.” The dew falling into the spring from the wings of this messenger gave the waters their curative powers.
Tomokie, giant chief of his warriors did not share this belief. He greatly offended the other tribes by seizing the sacred cup and drinking out of the spring. This caused war. Every bow and arrow of the enemy was aimed at Tomokie, but he was unharmed. Suddenly Oleeta, a beautiful enemy maiden, sprang forward, drawing her bow. The arrow pierced Tomokie’s heart. As she raced to grab the sacred cup from his dying hand, she herself was struck by a poisonous arrow and killed. This angered the enemy tribes so much, they did not stop until all of Tomokie’s warriors were dead. Oleeta’s body was buried with stately ceremony near the spring. The sacred cup is said to still be in the possession of Florida Indians.
And so, this enormous sculpture of Tomokie stands over the spring to commemorate that great battle…..or something like that.
The statue stands near the point of the peninsula which looks out over the Halifax River.
Ewww….do you smell that? It seems the hard freezes we had recently has caused a fish kill.
Many dead fish are floating by and washing up on shore.
Looking through the trees at the mouth of the Tomoka River.
Salt marsh
Our trail loops back along the east side of the peninsula beside the water. There are several pretty spots where you can sit a spell and relax
Enjoy the peacefulness
And watch the fish float by…Ewww
Now this was interesting, I thought, about lichen and fungus…
If only Mitch and Vickie could learn to get along like that…
Then all would be as peaceful as the river….ewww!
truly did a good job as always so enjoy your pictures and narrative thank you so much for posting them
