Today we went gator hunting, using Dude as bait.....okay, calm down, just kidding! We wandered a few miles east of DeFuniak Springs to a place called Ponce de Leon Springs State Park. Anyone remember studying about Ponce de Leon, the Spanish explorer, and his search for the fountain of youth? Well, he never found the fountain of youth but he did visit these springs over 400 years ago. The springs are now part of a state park where people can come to picnic, swim, fish, take nature hikes and even snorkel in the crystalline clear waters. The swimming area is inviting with absolutely clear water, 68 degree avg temp, white sand visible at the bottom and slow moving currents. A bit further away are the swiftly running Mill Creek and Sandy Creek which are both a bit murkier than the swimming hole. We spent a couple of hours hiking around the area, looking at the flora and fauna......and hoping to catch sight of an alligator in the wild. We had seen the signs at the heads of the trails warning of the presence of alligators in the creeks but even with Dude as bait were not able to spot one. We did spot several fish idly swimming along in the clearer pools but they weren't big enough to warrant a pole in the water. Birding is big at this park with opportunities to see great horned owls, woodpeckers, swifts and mockingbirds. We didn't see much wildlife, some birds, a couple flutterbys and a few unwelcome midges. Not to be discouraged, however, it was a sunny, warm day and we so enjoyed getting out for the exercise. Because this evening is so clear, we've even been able to enjoy the full moon tonight. Ed's taken several pictures with his new camera. His old camera gave up a few days back and we had to visit the local Wal Mart to outfit Ed with picture-taking abilities again!
I want to let you know that RVing along as we are has its hazards as well as its joys. I injured my shoulder about a week ago slinging a bag of garbage into a dumpster too enthusiastically and it's just now getting better. Two days ago Ed slipped on a sandy ridge in a beach parking lot, twisted his ankle and ended up on the ground. I turned around to talk to him and couldn't figure out for a second why he was sitting on the ground. He's okay, just a slight sprain, I'm okay, I can still (carefully) sling the garbage but I just wanted you to know that there are perils in our lifestyle too! Good night and we hope you all are enjoying the full moon as we are!!