TOUR AMERICA, 2020: OCALA, FLORIDA, THE SUNSHINE STATE

Places We Have Called Home In 2020

Home Is Where We Park It:  Silver Springs State Park Campground, Ocala, Florida

September 24, 2020

Temperature 86 Degrees

Harvey Has Come To Join Us

My Second Hike

Silver River Museum

We honestly thought we had left him in our last rig.  Who you ask?

 

Harvey our friendly and mischievous ghost.  In our last rig he was responsible for all kinds of silly things.  When we moved, though, we honestly thought we had left him behind.  How foolish of us to even think such a thought.  Yes, he’s back.  I guess he really missed us.  What has he been up to?

Well, yesterday I had our patio awning out when I went for my hike.  When I came back from my hike I noticed it was rolled up.  I asked Ms. Barbara if she had brought it in.  Oh no, she said, it did it all on its own.  Yes, it has a wind sensor on it but I know (or at least I thought I did) for a fact that it is broken.  Of course, Harvey brought it in.

Then we come to today.  I was using a small pencil flashlight behind our recliners.  I stopped for a minute to tend to another chore.  When I got back behind the seats – you guessed it – no flashlight!  We searched high and low and no flashlight.  Of course I know who has it.  Oh, I know Harvey will give it back sooner or later.  I just hope he does so sooner rather than later.

So I went on another hike.

This time I decided to do the River Trail.

The trail proved to be more of a road from beginning to end.

This was a walk through a part of the Florida wetlands.  These wetlands provide a number of natural functions essential to Florida’s ecology.

• they serve as a habitat for a variety of native plants and beneficial animals
• they help to filter pollutants from the water supply that eventually finds its way into the natural aquifer
• they help to prevent flooding by storing flood waters
• they help to moderate and balance temperatures year round

In due time I had a decision to make – which way should I go?  Definitely not this way!

Much more promising and the direction I eventually took.

The boardwalk to the canoe/kayak lunch ramp.

I guess I could rent one of these canoes but I don’t know who to see, probably one of the Park Rangers.

This is part of the River Trail that parallels the Silver River.

I bet I know at least two people who would probably enjoy this river trail.  Like I said I was even thinking of perhaps finding out how to rent a canoe until I read the below. . . .

Did you catch that last sentence: Alligators have been known to attack humans.  I believe I’ll stay on dry land!

Then there was this guy alongside the launch ramp.  Look closely and you’ll see two little beady eyes looking back at you.  This was one enormous snapping turtle looking for a bit of food or someone’s finger to munch on.  Not mine.

This school of fish stayed a respectful distance away from him.

Thankfully, I didn’t encounter any of these little terrors.

Some interesting sights along the trail

Reminded me of an egg beater.

I wonder why so many branches grow out in all directions?

If a tree fell in the forest and there was no one there to hear it, would it make a sound?  This one must have made a resounding thump when it fell.

A little bit of color.

Limbo anyone?

Heading back to the trail head.

There is a museum, a research center, a library, classrooms for students and so much more but alas all are closed due to COVID – 19.  I wonder if things will ever open up again.

Then while wandering around I discovered this.

Time to go home.

One more wonderful day on The Road of Retirement.  There may not be a whale of lot to do around here, not that is that is open, but we have found things to do.  Life is good for us.  I would like, before going, to ask for prayers for Ms. Barbara’s brother who is suffering from several serve medical issues at this time.  It is touch and go at this point in time and both he and his wife definitely need our prayers and support.  Thanks.

Hope you enjoyed our hike today.  We always appreciate your company as well as your comments and suggestions. Keep safe, keep healthy, enjoy the days that God gives you.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and her two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!