West of Ocala is Rainbow Springs, another Florida hidden treasure! Chica 1 purchased a state pass and has
thoroughly enjoyed getting her money’s worth visiting state parks! Chica 2 on the other hand, has enjoyed calling off
the names of parks that just so happen not to be in the state park system. Chica 2 – please Universal, Busch Gardens, and Sea World are in a league of their own! Tee hee he
After finding and
entering Rainbow Springs, Chica 2 wailed – “Ohhhh, look at that big hole! Do you think we're going to get sucked into that sinkhole?”As it turned out, it was the remnants of a phosphate pit. It is always interesting to see the residuals of man’s best intentions.
Sometimes we just get it
plain wrong! Of course, phosphate was
one of the key ingredients found in your favorite dishwashing liquids and laundry detergents.
Now because of the damage phosphate does to our waterways, it has been eliminated in products.
Now because of the damage phosphate does to our waterways, it has been eliminated in products.
Red tide, bacteria growth and algae blooms have at times sucked the oxygen out of local waterways. Chica 2 screams - "Enough! Get off your soapbox!" Good sense of humor Chica 2! Tee hee he
All this talk of lakes, ponds, and streams made Chica 1 need a potty break before the adventure could continue.
Sometimes Chica 2 believes that although she is always accused of being a child, Chica 1 is the one who mistakenly received an infant sized bladder.
Sometimes Chica 2 believes that although she is always accused of being a child, Chica 1 is the one who mistakenly received an infant sized bladder.
Back to the park, once you pass the Ranger
station, you pretty quickly get to see the springs and they are beautiful. Be
sure to have on your comfortable walking shoes because you will encounter steep
inclines and descents.
There are beautiful
vantage points and overlooks to take pictures prior to your descent down the
trails.
As Chica 1 looked over the beautiful spring, she could not help but think how many different areas the Creator made for us to enjoy.
A beautiful egret went hunting for dinner right before our eyes. Before we could snap a picture, he flew away to a quieter spot to enjoy his meal!
The 2 Chicas strolled down the paths and enjoyed looking at the waterfall. What a picturesque little area.
Keep going and you will find a boardwalk that goes back to the bog area that surrounds the spring.
As Chica 1 looked over the beautiful spring, she could not help but think how many different areas the Creator made for us to enjoy.
A beautiful egret went hunting for dinner right before our eyes. Before we could snap a picture, he flew away to a quieter spot to enjoy his meal!The 2 Chicas strolled down the paths and enjoyed looking at the waterfall. What a picturesque little area.
Keep going and you will find a boardwalk that goes back to the bog area that surrounds the spring.
Throughout the park there
are picnic areas with bbq grills. Rainbow Springs offers wonderful
opportunities to spend the day and let the kids swim with the turtles in the
spring. Looking down into the spring Chica 2 tried to imagine what was making the little bubbles in the sand. Do you really think it is the Loch Ness monster
Chica 2?
Chica 2 was finally quiet enough to catch a picture of a beautiful red cardinal hiding in the low
brush. 2 Chicas looked at each other and smiled. It was so nice to have another
opportunity to enjoy the perfection of God’s great land!
One of the trails takes
you back to the butterfly garden and an abandoned zoo. This park was originally a tourist attraction
and even had a rodeo. A few of the
relics remain in the park. The nature trail weaves you through different areas of the park.
Chica 2 closed out the trip by running around like a kid trying to take a photo of the butterflies. Find your own little place somewhere over in Rainbow Springs.
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1 comment:
Rainbow Springs used to have a wonderful boat ride. When boarding the boat you would walk down a little staircase, to a row of padded seats that were slightly below the water line. Instead of looking down through a glass bottom, you'd look out through a glass window... you'd see the fish and turtles and gators face-to-face, instead of looking down on the tops of their heads! There was also an aerial monorail that would take you over the aviary and gardens, at tree-top level... you can still see some of the pylons that supported it.
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