New FPS Director

Donald Forgione is the new Director of the Florida Park Service. Forgione is the first director to have worked his way up from a park ranger.

A 26-year veteran of the Florida Park Service, Forgione began his career as a park ranger at Paynes Creek Historic Site in Bowling Green, Florida, in 1984. He has since worked his way up in the Florida Park Service throughout the state. He has served as assistant park manager, park manager, park law enforcement officer, as well as assistant bureau chief and bureau chief. For the last six years as District Two Bureau Chief, Forgione has provided overall management and administration of bureau operations for a 40 park network and more than 200 employees.

Forgione was raised in Palm Beach Gardens and has lived in the Sunshine State since age six. He has received certification in environmental conservation and law enforcement, as well as in park maintenance management from North Carolina State University and is a state certified burn manager. Forgione has served as an instructor at multiple Ranger Academies in the areas of core values, land management, visitor services and facility maintenance.

Clip and pic from August newsletter.

Take Dad to the Park

Father’s Day is a treat at Florida’s state parks. Bring your father to any Florida state park* on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20 and receive entry for 75 percent off in honor of the 75th Anniversary of Florida’s state parks. For example, if the entry fee is $8.00 for a vehicle up to eight people, the cost would be $2.00 if a child brings his or her father.

*Excludes Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.

Free Florida State Park Admission

Celebrate Veterans Day with Free Entrance to State Parks

In honor of our nation’s veterans and active military personnel,

day-use entry will be free to all state parks on Veterans Day,

Wednesday, November 11.

Florida Factoid Friday

..


Pennekamp Park, off Key Largo, is the nation's first underwater park. Covering 75 square miles in the Atlantic Ocean, the area is a combination of state lands and federal holdings preserved as a reef of living coral.

Florida Named Best Trails State

News from the Florida State Parks E-Newsletter for December 2008

Florida Named Best Trails State by American Trails

The Best Trails State Award was presented to the State of Florida, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Greenways & Trails on November 17, 2008, during the National Trails Symposium in Little Rock, Arkansas. This first ever “Best Trails State Award” by American Trails recognizes Florida’s success in facilitating an outstanding statewide system of trails.

Most of Florida’s 160 state parks offer trails for hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, paddling or horseback riding. The hiking trails at Torreya State Park in the panhandle rival those of the Appalachian Trail. Oleta River State Park in Miami, Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound and Alafia River State Park south of Tampa offer mountain biking trails. Canoeists and kayakers enjoy paddling trails across the state. From Long Key State Park in the Florida Keys, to the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail that stretches 170 miles from White Springs to the Gulf of Mexico, December’s mild weather is the perfect time to plan an adventure.

The nearly 1,000-mile long Florida National Scenic Trail connects ten state parks with diverse natural areas across Florida.

CCC recipes

As promised, here are the recipes for a Cross Creek Christmas
You can find the sweet potatoes in orange baskets recipe, at the bottom of this article.

.................BAKED SHERRIED GRAPEFRUIT

Cut grapefruit in halves and separate sections as for breakfast serving, without cutting sections entirely through. Turn upside down to drain off excess juice. Dot grapefruit with butter, brown sugar (or honey) butter and powdered clove. Fill centers with sherry. Brown under broiler in very hot oven. (note: I typed this as it appeared.. maybe the second 'butter' was an error?)



.................ROAST DUCK

In using wild duck, I do not make the conventional stuffing of onion or celery or apple. I dress the ducks whole, salt and pepper them, and place them breast side up in a tightly covered roasting pan with an inch of hot water in the pan. The oven is at 450° F. for the first 15 minutes. Then I reduce the heat to 350° F. Young ducks will roast in little over one hour. For older ducks, I allow from 2 to 3 hours. They should be basted every 15 minutes with the liquid in the pan. I allow ½ duck per person. An occasional greedy or hungry guest will eat a whole duck but it is not encouraged. I boil the giblets in hot water until tender, put through the meat grinder, and add to the gravy, which is made by adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of flour, salt and pepper, to the fat in the roasting pan.



.................WILD RICE

Wild rice expands in cooking more than white rice,and a half-cup serves where a whole cup of white rice is needed. Boil 20 minutes in salted water, or until tender, drain, pour hot water over it; drain and let stand in a colander over hot water 5 to 10 minutes.



.................CORNMEAL MUFFINS

1¼ cups flour
¼ cup cornmeal
½ teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
¼ cup milk
1 egg
¼ cup melted butter or vegetable shortening


Sift together dry ingredients. Add milk, then beaten egg, then melted shortening. Bake in tiny muffin pans in a hot oven (425° F.) Makes about 20 small muffins.



.................BRAISED ONIONS

Peel small to medium white onions and cook them whole in a small quantity of salted water. Allow 4 small onions or 2 or 3 medium ones per person. Cook until extremely tender, allowing all the water to boil away. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 teaspoon sugar for every 4 to 6 onions. Simmer until onions are well browned, turning often. Serve with the brown juice.



.................TANGERINE SHERBET

1 cup sugar
1½ cups water
Grated rind of 4 tangerines
4 cups tangerine juice
Juice of 1 or 2 lemons


Boil sugar and water 10 minutes. Add the grated tangerine rind to syrup while hot. Let cool slightly and add tangerine juice and lemon juice. Taste for sweetness and acidity, as the tangerines vary. Chill thoroughly, strain and freeze.

More November Events

State Park Events:

RURAL FOLKLIFE DAYS
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Date: Thursday & Friday, November 8 & 9, 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Description: Florida’s rural past continues with quilting, cane grinding, syrup making, lye soap making, handplaited cow whips and other farm traditions that remain part of family and community life. Experience rural farm traditions and taste homemade jellies at this family event. School groups welcome. School groups should call 386-397-7005 to register and receive educator’s handbook.
Fees: $5.00 per person.
Contact: For more information, call (386) 397-4331.
Directions: Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301), travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.

FLORIDA FOLK FESTIVAL
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 9, 10 & 11. Gates open at 8:00 a.m.
Description: Enjoy the diversity of Florida’s culture and history when its residents share their food, music and dance, stories, crafts and work life. Visit Seminole family camp, watch the state fiddling contest and savor ethnic food and church supper favorites. Pets are not allowed. For advance tickets, call 1-877-635-3655 or visit Florida Folk Festival.
Fees: Fee schedule to follow.
Contact: For updated information call 1-877-635-3655.
Directions: Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301, travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.

ALAFIA FAT TIRE FESTIVAL
Alafia River State Park
Date: November 9 - 11
Description: Join the SWAMP Mountain Bike Club for 2-days of off-road adventure at Alafia River State Park and Balm Boyette Scrub Nature Preserve. Festival activities and amenities include guided rides for all skill levels, beverage and snacks on all rides, breakfast, lunch & dinner on Saturday, breakfast on Sunday, camping (two nights) adjacent to the event headquarters, local bike shop displays and bike mechanic services, factory reps with demo bikes, event SWAG, live musical entertainment on Friday & Saturday night, night ride (Friday). An entry pass will be provided to pre-registered guests prior to the event. Registration will be limited to the first 275 applicants. Camp sites are available to the first 175 requests.
Fees: Please contact SWAMP for fee information.
Contact: Log on to www.swampclub.org or call (813) 689-5109
Directions: From the South - Take I-75 north to exit #240. At exit #240, turn right (east) onto SR 674. Keep straight on SR 674 for approximately 15 miles. Turn left (north) at flashing light, onto CR 39 for approximately 5 miles. The main park entrance is on the right side. From the north - Take I-75 south to exit #246. At exit #246, turn right (east) onto Big Bend Road. Keep straight on Big Bend Road for approximately 1 mile. Turn right (south) onto U.S. 301. Keep straight on U.S. 301 for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left (east) onto CR 672. Follow CR 672 for approximately 12 miles. Turn left (north) onto CR 39. Keep straight on CR 39 for approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance in on the right side. From the east - Take I-4 West to exit #22. Turn left onto Park Road. Follow Park Road for approximately 2.5 miles. Bear right onto 39B. Turn left onto SR 39 (James Redman Parkway). Continue on SR/CR 39 for approximately 15.2 miles. The main park entrance will be on the left side.

MAD HATTER ARTS FESTIVAL
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Date: November 10 & 11, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Park opens at 9:00 a.m.)
Description: Music and Art at The Barnacle and throughout Coconut Grove.
Fees: Park entrance fee - $1.00, ages 6 and over; under 6 are free.
Contact: (305) 442-6866
Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway.

OCALI COUNTRY DAYS
Silver River State Park
Date: November 10 & 11, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Description: Ocali Country Days is one of Ocala's favorite fall festivals. Put on by the Marion County School Board. It is the main fundraiser to keep the Silver River Museum operating to educate the county's 4th and 7th graders about beautiful Central Florida ecosystems and cultural history. Vendors, displays and presentations let you step back in time. Held in the Cracker Village, there will be sugar cane syrup making, butter churning, quilting and flint napping demonstrations. Approximately 2,000 people come to this two-day event each day. It's a great family day with storytelling, food and fun.
Fees: $4.00 per person; park entry fee waived.
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From I-75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From I-95, take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

3rd ANNUAL ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER PRESERVE POKER RIDE (ON HORSEBACK)
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
Date: Saturday, November 10 (First hand out at 10:00 a.m./Last hand out at 11:00 a.m.)
Description: Join us for another beautiful ride in the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. Due to popular request, we will be riding and camping on the SE side of the Preserve. The main trail will be 10 - 12 miles long with options to make it longer or shorter, without compromising the integrity of the poker game. A delicious lunch and tons of door prizes will be included in the price of your 'hand.' Additional lunch tickets can be purchased for non-riders at $5 per meal. There will also be opportunities to participate in a 50/50.
Fees: $20.00 per hand (lunch and door prizes included).
Contact: Patti Fuchs (772) 473-5025
Directions: The north entrance for the visitor center and Manatee Vista is off Babcock Street (County Road 507) just north of the C-54 Canal. Exit I-95 at County Road 514 to reach County Road 507. The south entrance is off Fellsmere Road (County Road 512) 1.8 miles east of I-95.

10th ANNUAL DISCOVER THE ISLAND
Egmont Key State Park
Date: Saturday, November 10 & Sunday, November 11, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Description: This fundraiser, sponsored by the Egmont Key Alliance and Hubbard’s Sea Adventures includes a 10 stop walking tour, historians in costume and kids’ pirate games. Don’t miss this chance to learn about the natural and cultural history of the island!
Fees: $15.00 (group discount available), Children 12 and under free. Round trip boat transportation leaving from Fort Desoto Park from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. included (last boat returns from Egmont Key at 5:00 p.m.).
Contact: For more information visit: http://www.egmontkey.info/
Directions: Egmont Key is located at the mouth of Tampa Bay, southwest of Fort DeSoto Beach. Access by private boat only.

FLORIDA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - SERIES #6
Oleta River State Park
Date: November 11
Description: Series #6, of the 2007 Florida State Championship for mountain bike racing, will be held on Oleta River State Park's challenging off-road trails.
Fees: Park admission fee
Contact: (305) 919-1846 or visit www.goneriding.com
Directions: Oleta River State Park is located at 3400 N.E. 163rd St, off I–95 in Miami.

STARGAZING
Silver River State Park
Date: November 17, 6:00 p.m.
Description:The Ocala Astronomy Club comes to the park with telescopes and knowledge for an educational evening under the stars. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Event is weather permitting.
Fees: $4.00 per car load park entry fee.
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From I-75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From I-95, take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

COFFEE with the BIRDS
Silver River State Park
Date: November 17, 8:00 a.m.
Description: Join an experienced birder for a gentle hike through Central Florida woodlands identifying birds by sight and sound. Bring your coffee cup and insect repellant. Event is weather permitting. No pets please.
Fees: $4.00 per car load park entry fee.
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From I-75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From I-95, take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

CRACKER VILLAGE TOUR
Silver River State Park
Date: November 17, 6:00 p.m.
Description: Take a guided tour through the Cracker Village and learn about lifestyles in the 1800's in Central Florida. These monthly tours present the only time that the Village is open to the public.
Fees: $4.00 per car load park entry fee.
Contact: deborah.wilson@dep.state.fl.us
Directions: Silver River State Park is located east of Ocala, 1 mile south of S.R. 40 on S.R. 35. From I-75, take exit 352 onto SR 40 east, about 9 miles to SR 35. From I-95, take exit 268 to Route 40 west, about 60 miles to SR 35.

TAMPA'S CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL Ybor City
Museum State Park
Date: Saturday - November 17
Description: Tampa's premier cigar event comes back to Ybor City and Ybor City Museum State Park for 2007. Enjoy fine cigars, cigar lifestyle vendors, authentic food, traditional Ybor City pastimes like dominoe playing, cooking demonstrations, dancing and live music. Witness the World's Longest Cigar presented by Cigar City Magazine. Exclusive 'Night Before' smoker - Cigars & Stars II, presented by Cigar City Magazine. Space available for cigar lifestyle vendors. Corporate sponsorships available. Proceeds benefit the Ybor City Museum Society.
Fees:
Contact: Call the Museum Society at (813) 247.1434
Directions: From I-4 - Take exit 1 and turn South onto 21st Street (it's one-way) turn right onto Palm Avenue, then take the second left onto 19th Street and the very next right which is 9th Avenue. The museum is the second building on the right, a large building with a yellow brick front. From I-275 - Take it North or South to I-4 and follow the above directions. Parking - Parking is available on the street at the parking meters (quarters only) or at one of the metered lots located off of 8th Avenue or one of the Parking Garages. One Parking Garage is located on 9th Avenue between 13th Street and Nick Nuccio Parkway, 6 blocks west of the Museum. Another Parking Garage
Upcoming Events in Florida State Parks 7
is located at 15th Street and 5th Avenue and is 6 blocks diagonally from the Museum. Two Hour Free Parking is available on 7th Avenue during the day but it fills up fast.

8th ANNUAL MATLACHA PASS ESTUARY DAY PADDLE
Charlotte Harbor
Date: Sunday, November 18.
The paddle begins on Sunday morning between 8:30 a.m. returning by 12:00 p.m. (Alternate date in the event of bad weather is Sunday, December 2.)
Description: THE BIG PADDLE: Join the Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, Inc. on their 8th annual canoe/kayak paddle event for the greater Charlotte Harbor community. Trails meander through tidal creeks and the mangrove forests of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Paddlers may glimpse a ray gliding by their kayak, dolphins emerging above the waves and mullet leaping. Osprey, ibis, herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills may be seen in secluded areas. For information and a complete list of National Estuaries Day events being held throughout the Charlotte Harbor watershed sponsored by the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, visit www.CharlotteHarborNEP.org or call (239) 338-2556, extension 240.
Fees: The cost for Friends members who bring their own kayaks is $5. The cost is $15 for Friends members and $20 for nonmembers who need kayaks provided for them. CHILDREN UNDER 16 ARE FREE. CHILDREN AND YOUTH UNDER THE AGE OF 16 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT IN A DOUBLE KAYAK. The fee includes maps, refreshments and kayak instructions for novices. Paddling options include easy, intermediate, and advanced routes. Advance registration is required. A $5.00 late fee will be added to registrations received after November 12. Call DEP at (941) 575- 5861 for registration forms and details.
Contact: For more information call (941) 575-5861
Directions: The administrative, resource management and facilities maintenance offices are located on Burnt Store Road in Punta Gorda approximately 3 miles south of US 41/Tamiami Trail. Other access points to the park are available in Cape Coral, Cape Haze, El Jobean, Little Pine Island and Rotonda.

THE X-COUNTRY MARATHON
Alafia River State Park
Date: Sunday – November 18, 7:45 a.m.
Description: Enjoy the rolling hills and tall grasses of Alafia River State Park as you race on the wide open paths. This 2nd annual off-road race comes just before the Florida marathon season. Try the full marathon or sample the Half-Marathon or 5K courses. Either way, come run with us.
Fees: For registration fees, please log on to www.tamparaces.com. Park admission fees still apply.
Contact: Contact the park at (813) 672-5320.
Directions: From the South - Take I-75 North to exit #240. At exit #240, turn Right (East) onto SR 674. Keep straight on SR 674 for approximately 15 miles. Turn Left (North) at flashing light, onto CR 39 for approximately 5 miles. The main park entrance is on the Right side. From the North - Take I-75 South to exit #246. At exit #246, turn Right (East) onto Big Bend Road. Keep straight on Big Bend Road for approximately 1 mile. Turn Right (South) onto U.S. 301. Keep straight on U.S. 301 for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn Left (East) onto CR 672. Follow CR 672 for approximately 12 miles. Turn Left (North) onto CR 39. Keep straight on CR 39 for approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance in on the Right side. From the East - Take I-4 West to exit #22. Turn Left onto Park Road. Follow Park Road for approximately 2.5 miles. Bear right onto 39B. Turn Left onto SR 39 (James Redman Parkway). Continue on SR/CR 39 for approximately 15.2 miles. The main park entrance will be on the Left side.

SUWANNEE OLD-TIME MUSIC WEEKEND
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Date: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 30, December 1 & 2.
Description: Spend the weekend picking up old-time music techniques from the masters of the fiddle, banjo, guitar and voice. The weekend features the Rhythm Rats - whose wild and beautiful old fiddle tunes, driving dance music, balads, banjo songs, and mountain blues are sung with ability, spirit, and authenticity. Our homegrown talents include Fay Baird, Tammy Murray, and Chuck Levy. Evening Instructors Showcase and a Florida Masters Concert featuring Tommy Bledsoe, and the string band Upsala will be open to the public. Download information and registration form: Registration Form Fees:
Fee: $150.00 includes all Workshops, Concerts, Jams, Seminars and Discussion Groups. Saturday Evening Concert: $10.00
Contact: For more information, call (386) 397-4478.
Directions: Located on U.S. 41 in White Springs. From I-75 to S.R. 136 (Milepost Exit 439), travel east on S.R. 136 for 3 miles. Turn left on U.S. 41. Park entrance is on the left. From I-10 to U.S. 41 North (Milepost Exit 301 - Old Exit 43), travel 9 miles to White Springs. Park entrance is on the left.

OLD TIME DANCE
The Barnacle Historic State Park
Date: November 30, 6 - 10:00 p.m.
Description: Kick up your heels to traditional American music played by the Flying Kick and Mudhole Control and caller Rae Newoman while learning traditional American folk dance steps. Dances such as circles, squares, contras and waltzes were all the rage in the 1800s, so come dance like it's 1891.
Fees: $8.00 - 10 years and older
Contact: (305) 442-6866
Directions: The Barnacle is located in Coconut Grove (Miami) at 3485 Main Highway

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's fair season!

1-11 November
Volusia County
DeLand

2-10 November
Columbia County
Lake City

2-10 November
Northwest Florida
Fort Walton Beach

8-12 November
Levy County
Williston

8-18
North Florida
Tallahassee

13-18 November
St. Johns County
Elkton

15-25 November
Broward County
Fort Lauderdale

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Other events around the state:

8 November
RAYS NEW LOGO CELEBRATION - with KEVIN COSTNER
St. Pete

8 November
KEY LARGO COOK-OFF
Key Largo

9-11 November
Hudson Seafest
11721 US Highway 19
Port Richey

10 November
Homosassa Seafood Festival
Mason Creek Road
Homosassa

10 November
WINGS on the WIND Migratory Bird Festival
Marine Science Center
Ponce Inlet

10 November
2nd ANNUAL MIGHTY MULLET MARITIME FESTIVAL
Woolley Park
Panacea

17 November
4-H OPEN HOUSE and APPLE COOK-OFF
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo

17 November
NATIONAL KEY DEER REFUGE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

22-25 November
THANKSGIVING DINNER with the INDIANS POW WOW
Altha Town Park

22 November - 3 January
THE ILLUMINATED GARDENS
Florida Botanical Gardens
12520 Ulmerton Road
Largo

24 & 25 November
17th ANNUAL TARPON SPRINGS CRAFT FESTIVAL

24 November
SUGAR CANE SYRUP MAKING DAY
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement
Blountstown

More from the Mounds

Years ago, when I first visited Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park, there were no stairs. We climbed the mounds and often found a young couple picnicking up top. These days, you're not allowed to walk around on the mounds. Wooden steps lead up to a viewing platform. This is what the former ideal picnic spot looks like now.

All sorts of flying creatures were enjoying the dense carpet of wildflowers.

I was just thinking the other day that I hadn't seen any Florida Elephant's-foot (Elephantopus elatus) this year. At the base of the stairs, I spotted this one.

I'm hoping to get back to this park before the month's end. I spent so much time chasing butterflies and snapping flowers, I didn't get to walk the trail. As I recall, there was once an antebellum cotton plantation at this site and the trail takes you past the remains of a grist mill dam.

Next week, I hope to get over to (fee-free) Letchworth-Love Mounds near Lake Miccosukee. It's the site of the highest - 46 feet - Indian mound in Florida. I hear the park service has been 'improving' it since my last visit. But first, with only a few days left to take advantage of free admission month, I'm thinking maybe I should check out Wakulla Springs while most of the swimmers are in school.

I hope y'all are enjoying the parks in your areas. And don't forget to add an annual pass to your Christmas list so you can go more often next year. Take lots of pictures. Maybe you'll win a 2-night stay at your favourite park. 8-]

Wings on the Mound

Early yesterday, I decided it had been far too long since I visited Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park. And since admission was free, I couldn't think of any reason not to. 8-]

We don't know for sure why the Lake Jackson people built these mounds. They were probably the sites of temples or the chief's residence. Some important community members were buried through the floors of temple mound buildings. The lower portions of some mounds were originally used as middens (trash piles).

(I down-sized the pics to reduce loading time.)

I was amazed at the number of Zebra Longwings that were fluttering about the flower-covered mounds. I think most of the flowers were Bear-s-foot, AKA Yellow Leafcup, and Spanish Needles. The longwings seemed to be more interested in chasing each other about than posing.

There were also dozens of Gulf Fritillaries and quite a few Carolina Satyrs.

I'll try to post a few more pictures tomorrow. Blogger is being finicky again and won't let me load anymore tonight.

If you're in FL, be sure to visit the state parks during September. Just bring your library card or a book to donate or write in the name of the book you're currently reading for free admission.