Babbitt talked Katie into giving camping another try today in the OCALA National Forest. She was skeptical until a volunteer at the park told her she could swim in natural springs if she stayed! The campground at the first spring we came to was already full, but we weren't too worried, because OCALA is the second largest national park in the U.S. and we figured there had to be more spots, especially since the weather was not the warmest. Well, that was until we drove 20 minutes through the forest and the next spring we hoped to camp at was also full. The park ranger there let us know that they had three spots left at the last spring about 15 minutes away. Babbitt drove like the wind and we hoped we wouldn't miss out and have to drive to Wal-Mart for the night! When we pulled up there was a sign that said the campground was full and even Katie was disappointed, but when we got to the information window we found out there were still two spots open and we made Alexander Springs our home for the night!
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| OCALA National Forest We took this photo while jogging...surprisingly we've kept it up Apparently you just run! |
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| Birds of prey are everywhere in Florida We took this close up picture especially for Papa Mc, who is a bird of prey lover |
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| Alexander Springs Katie heard HOT springs when she was talking to the volunteer, not natural springs...this water is always naturally 72 degrees |
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| The O'Babbitt's in Alexander Springs It was freezing at first, so we had to force ourselves to swim out to the natural spring, but not without a few screams from Katie...there are real live fish & alligators swimming in the spring |
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| The Rig at Site 33 We spent the day cooking, dining al fresco, swimming, jogging, enjoying adult beverages, looking out for bears & playing rummy |
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| We aren't campfire people, so we didn't light any fires We also didn't want to attract the bears apparently they are not shy if you leave food out When the Park Ranger let us know this Katie was quick to ask for more tips to keep the bears way, but the Ranger just laughed her off |
I think it's a soft 'j'.....
ReplyDeleteI would have freaked out it the springs...alligators!?!
ReplyDeleteNot campfire people.... we grew up around a camp fire. No little pizza pies???
ReplyDeleteHmmmm....a hot spring does sound inviting. Like mother, like daughter!
ReplyDeleteYou've taken up jogging!? WOW. This lifestyle is bringing the best out of you two.
ReplyDeletefish, alligators,and bears...ah, to be one with nature. Oh wait, that's too close. The water looks inviting.
ReplyDelete