Falling Waters and Florida Caverns

2 Chicas Didn’t Miss Our Water Until the Waterfall Ran Dry

The trip to Falling Waters State Park was a nice little drive up I-10. 

The up and down drive reminds one of a kiddie roller coaster  not too dramatic, but just enough to remind you that you’re no longer in west central Florida. 

Entering the park, the 2 Chicas were tingling with excitement; we were about to see Florida’s tallest waterfall.  The air was crisp and the sky was clear; it was the perfect day for exploration.

The park is primarily home to a gigantic sinkhole or should we say a series of sinkholes.  There is a cement sidewalk that takes hikers down to a boardwalk which surrounds the different sinkholes. 


Chica 1 asked in a deep serious voice: “Are you down down down for this adventure?”  Keep walking Chica 1; keep walking.

The ferns and coolness in the park contained a serenity that was only broken by the occasional cry of its resident birds. A scrub jay was seen flitting about announcing the royal arrival of the 2 Chicas.

Once the 2 Chicas ascended the stairs to the overlook area it became very apparent something was missing – like H2O. 

The waterfall was gone! Yes, gone…. A lack of rain had made the waterfall nonexistent. How is this possible? 

Chica 2 proposed that someone had robbed the park of its water and we should go in pursuit of the thieves. 

Calm down Chica 2. She insisted that there should be pretty clear clues in the huge trail of water. Ahem, maybe it’s time for this little explorer to get in a cat nap.

The 2 Chicas looked at each other quizzically, shrugged, and began singing in unison – “You can’t always get what you want.”

Since we believe we always get what we need, we admired the different sinkhole areas, took pictures of the wild flowers, enjoyed the birds, and went racing off to the Florida Caverns.

2 Chicas Cavort In the Caverns

The drive to the caverns takes you through Marianna which has a strip that is a part of the Old Florida Heritage Highway.  It is a little congested though so be careful not to get distracted while driving.

Florida has caves- can you believe it. Chica 1 spent most of her life believing that Florida was one step away from being totally underwater.

As an adult, she learned of the true diversity found in the state. 

The ground is made up of sandy areas, a rich loam, clay, limestone, shell deposits, and other minerals depending on where you are in the state.

These north Florida caves have an interesting history that is prehistoric, but we’ll get to that latter.

The cave tour is well worth the current $8.00 fee.  In 45 minutes you will go up and down, sideways, bent in half, and ducking through a gallery of stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, soda straws, wedding cakes, pools, continents, catacombs, and Christmas trees. 

The ranger provides full facts and shows off things like a prehistoric shark tooth embedded in the rock.  Chica 1 could have sworn the shape of that tooth looked closely familiar. Ms. Ranger are you sure you didn't turn your back on Chica 2?

There is also a lot of information shared on how the formations grow, the composition of the rocks, and the men who worked tirelessly to excavate the area.

Chica 1 was not too fond of some of the really tight areas in the cave.  There seemed to be some hyperventilating or at the very least some huffing and head bumping on the ceiling. 

Chica 2 chuckled and assured Chica 1 she was far too short to worry about bumping her head on anything but the floor! Tee hee he

There are a couple of fossils visible in the ceiling of the cave, and the ranger reported that a few full sized fossils were excavated in the park, including a mastodon.

The ranger towards the end of the tour turns off all of the lights and allows visitors to experience the cavern exactly as it is. 

It is difficult to describe total darkness.  It’s not the type of darkness in your home or outside. It's eerily nondescript. Chica 2 said maybe this is what death looks like. You can always count on Chica 2 for a good dose of profound insanity!

The hike back to the visitor center is far more strenuous than the cave tour so be prepared! After sharing some much needed oxygen, both Chicas vowed to get in caveman shape. One day we may have to out run a dinosaur! 

Spend some time walking around the caves on the trails and go upstairs in the visitor center to the learning room for more factoids. If you feel adventurous, rent a canoe and explore the Chipola River. 

2 Chicas give this “real Florida” experience four thumbs up and a finger snap. Only 2 Chicas could be so dramatic!


Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park – 2 Chicas and another Black Lagoon

The long winding road to the Wakulla Springs Lodge does not give any indication of the fabulous experience to come.

Chica 2 was so excited to see the spear throwing fish that she ran out of the car and left it running. 

So remember to park the car, TURN IT OFF, and walk over to the old sign, through the boathouse type building to the springs. You have to keep it kind of simple for good old Chica 2.

If you do this exactly as described, you will immediately see the swimming hole, beach-like area and the old tour boats. Tee hee he...

Find out the time for the next tour and hop on board for a 45 minute ride in paradise.

Chica 2 scared just about everyone on the boat letting out a loud, crackly Tarzan call.  Luckily, the animals did not desert their sanctuary!

The springs are a part of the Florida aquifer and from the dock area, you can look straight down to the bottom.  Clear as can be!

Chica 1 was amazed at how the fish and flora intermingled to produce a whimsical musical dance. 

Chica 2 said it looked like they were doing the electric slide, no better than that, the wobble.  Sorry, Chica 2, I don't really see that at all.

The ebb and flow of the springs is beautiful. The boat tour is very informative and the birds, alligators, and manatee seem to perform on demand. The peace on the river is incredible. Thank God it has been preserved for all to share in the wonder and majesty of nature!

The anhinga and ibis pose throughout the park for photo opportunities.  Chica 2 also struck a pose very much like this bird, just not a stea
dy on the feet.

The lazy alligators are sunning up and down the river, and the egrets soar on demand. 

When the noisy motor of the boat is stopped, the sounds of the spring really come alive. 

After your tour, go to the observation tower and remind yourself of the great ecosystem you just explored.  Afterward, go to the lodge and try their famous Ginger yip. 

Tour around the lodge, review the history of Edward Ball, marvel at Old Joe – the murdered alligator, and then bid farewell to a perfectly preserved peace. 

Of course you could very well make a reservation and stay in the beautiful lodge. Just remember, no internet!

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