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Thursday, April 7, 2011

Troy Springs State Park

 

We made up our minds that we had visited our last State Park without Rusty.  If he wasn’t welcomed, then we would turn around and leave.  Most of them will let you walk your dog, on a leash at all times, around the outside of buildings, but won’t allow animals inside.  We understand that and will just work around it from now on.

So, with Rusty in tow we took off for Branford, Florida to see the Troy Springs State Park.  It wasn’t far, just down 247.  No great scenery jumped out at us so we just enjoyed the drive.

The depths of this spring contain the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison, scuttled in the spring run in 1863 to keep it from being captured.  A recent addition to the state park system, Troy Spring now has an entrance road, restrooms, an accessible walkway, picnic tables, and a riverside dock for canoeists and boaters on the Suwannee River.  This 70-foot deep, first magnitude spring offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.  Only open-water scuba diving is permitted and divers must be certified; no solo diving is allowed.  Trails for hiking and horseback riding are being developed.  It is located right off of 425, 1.3 miles north of U. S. 27.

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In the top picture is the entrance into the park , and because no one was collecting money, Don and I had to scrounge around to get $5.00 together out of our change.  We had larger bills, but no fives.  We did finally drop enough change in to the little envelope and went on in.  You can see the picnic area and the really nice rest area.  I met a nice couple who were getting ready to go for a dive.  They had never dived here before and were looking forward to it.  There is also a picture of a wild blackberry patch.

The next picture shows the long walk down to the springs and viewing area.  Rusty was not allowed on it so he and Don stayed in the picnic area while I went down.  A long walk, but well worth it.  It was made easier on the climb back up, by them snaking the walkway back and forth  across the steep hill.  I tried to talk Don into taking his turn going down, but his knee is still bothering him so he stayed topside.

I guess you think I have lost my marbles in the third picture….  I took the pictures of the trees because I am fascinated by all the “knees:, anyway, I think that is what they are called.  We were told in Louisiana that they are not new trees and really aren’t roots so, what are they?

Turtles must really love these springs.  I saw several swimming around in it, but too far away to get a shot of them. The chicken was at a place where we stopped to wet our whistles.  Not for sale, just standing out there.  They didn’t even sell chicken, that I could see.  What a hoot… you just never know what your going to see. 

This was a fun little park and one I would recommend anyone taking the time to see.

Welcome to Andy, my newest follower.  I couldn’t find a blog site for you, but if you have one please let me know.  Hope you enjoy the ride.

You all stay safe.

14 comments:

Kenny And Angela's Adventure said...

What a great day trip..

Donna K said...

So glad Rusty got to go along. I enjoyed your photos.

Sue Malone said...

It sure does get to be a problem when so many places won't even let our dogs on a leash on the trails. I understand this a bit in the National Parks, but it seems to be getting to be a bigger problem in many state parks as well. Sigh. Rusty sure is a cutie.

Alan and Marilyn McMillan said...

Wonderful pics -- sounds like it was a great day for all! Rusty is a cutie!!

Chuck and Anneke's RV travels said...

Nice park and good that they allow dogs.

Kevin Read said...

Looks like a nice park. I really love the springs in Florida, the colour of the water is always so beautiful. Glad Rusty was able to go too.

Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

Handmade Crafts Done While RVing Blog said...

I love the rooster.... Yippee for Rusty for a change lol... Must be getting warm in FL....

Carol K said...

Another nice state park to add to your list!

Rick said...

Great looking park and pictures to go with your post.

Travels with Emma said...

I bet Rusty enjoyed the trip!

Sue and Doug said...

love your new header shot of Rusty!..nice work on the collages..I like including them because you can add lots of photos and only take up so much room on your post!!

Anonymous said...

Great photos! Thanks for the info. It sounds like a nice place to visit :-)

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