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.

Image

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

In the morning we hiked to the prairie overlook.

Image

This is what William Bartram saw.

Image

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

Image

Eagle soaring overhead

Image

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.

Image

Image

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.

Image

Her garden still thrives.

Image

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

Image

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.

Image

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

Image

Another hike across the road…

Image

Image

Image

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

Image

Ever wonder what to do with that old skate?

Image

How about a cart and pony ride?

Image

Lots of dreams being caught here.

Image

Some cute gourds…

Image

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

Image

Image

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

Image

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

Image

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

Image

We enjoyed a BBQ lunch

Image

And listened to some music

Image
Happy travels to all,
Belle, the womenrv.com mascot
User avatar
Belle
 
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:47 am
Location: Whereever my caretaker travels

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!
Janice traveling solo in a 2008 Four Winds Windsport
Navigator: Annie the miniature poodle
2011 Honda CRV toad

Image
User avatar
Getupngo
 
Posts: 2131
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:01 pm
Location: St. George, UT

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
“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
"He who treasures the small things in life has found the path to true happiness"
Image
User avatar
Bethers
 
Posts: 17807
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:00 pm
Location: Arizona

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
Baxter, Sophie, & Bailey


..

Image
User avatar
retiredhappy
 
Posts: 4438
Joined: Sun Jul 13, 2008 9:59 pm
Location: Kerrville, Texas

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
Somewhere with Ava and Maggie
Image
User avatar
avalen
 
Posts: 9430
Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:13 pm
Location: Apache Junction Arizona

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!
ImageImage
User avatar
Nasoosie
 
Posts: 5525
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2008 4:55 am

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,
Belle, the womenrv.com mascot
User avatar
Belle
 
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Nov 08, 2008 10:47 am
Location: Whereever my caretaker travels

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
User avatar
Carolinagal
 
Posts: 2676
Joined: Wed Jul 16, 2008 12:07 pm
Location: North Carolina, southwest

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....
ImageImage
Lori, Ernie & Spinner
2012 Open Range Roamer 5er
2008 Toyota Tundra
http://grammyandpapaswildadventure.blogspot.com
rvgrammy1953
 
Posts: 3938
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:27 am
Location: Transplanted Yankees in Coastal GA

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
Cedar518
 


Return to The Adventures of Belle

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests