The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy nonprofit organization has created a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines. The McQueen’s – Tybee Island Trail near Savannah, Georgia is one of the those trails. The gravel trail is a popular place for walking, biking and jogging.
The trail suffered extensive damage in 2016 when Hurricane Matthew came through the area in October. Less that a year later, Hurricane Irma caused more damage. The work to repair the damage is still not complete and parts of trail are closed.
As of now, the only access to the trail is a parking area at the trailhead near the entrance to Fort Pulaski National Monument. Starting at the trailhead, we walked until we came to a damaged bridge that still can be crossed safely. In all we went about about a mile and a half round trip.
The bridge to Fort Pulaski National Monument as seen from McQueens – Tybee Island Rails To Trails, Savannah, GAMcQueens – Tybee Island Rails To Trails, Savannah, GAMcQueens – Tybee Island Rails To Trails, Savannah, GAMcQueens – Tybee Island Rails To Trails, Savannah, GAThis bridge was damaged during one of the storms that went through the areaA great place to sit and enjoy the viewDriftwood in the salt marsh beside the trail
We spied some wildlife along the trail.
This little diamond back terrapin was crossing the trail in front of usGreat blue heron in the salt marsh beside the trail
It was a gorgeous March day to get out and explore close to home.
The calendar said February but the flowers said spring!
As we wandered along the trails of Silver Springs State Park and O’Leno State park in north Florida this February, wildflowers added a pop of color to the lush green forest around us.
Wild Azaleas at O’Leno State Park, FLCarolina Jasmine along the swamp trail in Silver Springs State ParkPickerel Weed in the Silver RiverWild Dogwood blooms in O’Leno State ParkCan you identify this Florida Wildflower seen near the Ichetucknee River?The Wild Dogwoods were in full bloom at O’Leno State Park
Our next destination was O’Leno State Park, less than a two hour drive from Silver Springs. This was our first visit to O’Leno, one of Florida’s oldest state parks. The park is located just a little north of Gainesville, near the town of High Springs, and close to several of Florida’s springs.
The campsites are arranged around a loop. Despite some overhanging trees we had no problem navigating the narrow road through the campground. Our site was at the end of the loop and our patio area faced the woods, not the back of another camper.
As soon as we got set up we started exploring. One of the focal points of the park is a swinging bridge over the Santa Fe River. Now, I don’t usually like walking across a swinging bridge but this one was very steady and I’m proud to say I went all the way across the river and back!
Swinging Bridge over the Santa Fe River at O’Leno State Park
We followed the trail beside river for a few minutes before returning to our campsite.
River Trail in O’Leno State Park
Love these tree roots on the banks of the Santa Fe River
The next morning fog made everything look eerie.
Another swinging bridge in O’leno State Park, FL. The fog adds a bit of mystery to the photo.
Foggy morning at the Santa Fe River in O’leno State Park, FL
Later that day we hiked the River Trail to the Santa Fe River sink where the river disappears underground. The river rises back above ground about three miles away in River Rising State Park and can be seen by hiking or horseback riding about 2 miles each way.
Santa Fe River Sink, O’Leno State Park, FL
Turtles in the Santa Fe River Sink, O’Leno State Park, FL
Wild dogwoods were blooming all through the woods.
Wild dogwood in the woods at O’Leno State Park
Florida has more springs than anywhere else on earth. Springs are huge underground caves and caverns that formed naturally to hold water. From O’Leno it is easy to visit multiple springs in one day.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a popular destination for tubing down the crystal clear Ichetucknee River. When we went tubing there with our kids many years ago we never even saw the river’s headspring. On this trip we stopped to see the headspring before exploring the rest of the park.
Itchetucknee Springs
When the weather is warm, the park fills up quickly with people coming to tube down the river. We did it with our kids twice and I remember the huge parking lot was full of cars. On one of our tubing trips Henry and our son donned their scuba gear to dive the whole way while my daughter and I lounged in the tubes enjoying the float. The most fun part was hearing people yell as they hit the 72 degree Fahrenheit water. On a hot day, after the initial shock the water feels wonderul.
It was too early in the season for tubing on this trip and we had the place pretty much to ourselves. At the end of a short trail was an overlook and boat ramp with a nice view of the river. The only other person we saw was kayaking down the river. He told us he paddled up river and was floating back down.
Kayaker on the Ichetucknee River
The next day we visited two more springs where we dove during our scuba diving days. Our first stop was Troy Springs State Park. The water was high and closed for diving. When we dove there back in 1987 the spring was located on private property. When the state park was created they added ramps down to the spring to make it easier for divers to get their scuba gear to the spring.
The high Suwanee River raised the water level at Troy Springs
We also dove at Ginnie Springs in 1987. It is a privately owned park that has been expanded since we were there.
Ginnie Springs, FL
A fire in the fire pit was a great way to relax after all that wandering.
A fire in the fire pit is a great way to relax at the end of the day
I’m glad we discovered O’Leno State Park. It was a great place to end our latest Florida adventure.
After our four hectic days in Daytona we enjoyed a relaxing week at Silver Springs State Park. Up until the last day the weather was perfect for getting out and exploring the park.
There are two entrances to the state park. The main entrance (also called the historic entrance), on highway 40, is the location of the world famous glass bottom boat tours, a boardwalk trail, kayak and canoe launch and rental, a restaurant, meeting rooms, and paved trails on the beautifully landscaped grounds. The other entrance, on highway 35, leads to the campground, several hiking and biking trails, a day use area, The Silver River Museum, and a cracker village.
A trailhead next to the Silver River Museum is the starting place for the swamp trail and the river trail. We chose to explore the swamp trail first. This two mile loop trail took us through a lush tropical forest before crossing a boardwalk over the swamp. At the end of the trail is an overlook on the Silver River.
Swamp Trail, Silver Springs State Park
Swamp Trail, Silver Springs State Park
Swamp Trail, Silver Springs State Park
Silver River from the Swamp Trail Overlook, Silver Springs State Park
Another day we walked on the river trail to a different overlook on the Silver River. We returned by way of the river field loop which meanders along the Silver River before meeting back up with the main trail.
River Trail, Silver Springs State Park
The Silver river at the end of the river trail
A group of paddlers took a break at the river trail overlook
Pickerel Weed in the Silver River
Osprey beside the Silver River
We chose to drive to the main entrance instead of taking the 2 1/2 mile walking and biking trail. From the Ross Allen Boardwalk Trail we could watch the kayakers paddling out to Silver River. From the paved paths beside the springs we were able to look down into the crystal clear water. We continued along the path next to the river and stopped at another overlook before following the path beside gardens blooming with azaleas.
Ross Allen Boardwalk Trail, Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park
Glass Bottom Boat at Silver Springs State Park
Stepping Stones at Silver Springs State Park
Corkscrew tree at Silver Springs State Park
Sea Hunt overlook at Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park
One day we drove about 30 minutes to Juniper Springs Recreation Area for a swim and a picnic. Swimming in the 72 degree water was a great way to cool off on a warm day.
Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs
Relaxing at the campsite one day, we spied this gopher tortoise munching on the grass.
Gopher Tortoise, Silver Springs State Park
On Saturday morning, the Friends of Silver River State Park had a pancake breakfast to raise funds for their organization. After breakfast we took a tour of the cracker village, a replica of a 19th century settlement, and the Silver River Museum. The term “cracker” refers to the people who settled in Florida.
Church and Schoolhouse, Cracker Village, Silver Springs State Park
Cracker Village, Silver Springs State Park
Kiln, Cracker Village, Silver Springs State Park
The Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center is a program of Marion County Public Schools. During the week, the museum is closed to the public while school children are attending classes. On some weekends, the museum is open to the public. The well done exhibits cover the history of the area from prehistoric days to the present.
We had planned to rent a canoe and paddle on the Silver River on our last day but we changed our plans when cold weather moved in. On our visit last year we took a glass bottom boat tour so we decided to skip it this year.
Whew! Just reading the title of this post makes me tired again. It was four days of non stop action in Daytona. We arrived in the campground on Thursday before the Daytona 500 and hit the ground running. After we set up the fifth wheel we hopped on a shuttle for our first trip to the Daytona International Speedway.
Number one on my bucket list was to attend an appearance by Sherry Polex, an ovarian cancer survivor who works tirelessly to promote ovarian cancer awareness and works with the Martin Truex, Jr Foundation to raise money for childhood and ovarian cancer. After wandering around the midway and buying some souvenirs we headed to the Toyota Racing Experience for her appearance. After the interview was over, she took a lot of time to sign autographs, pose for pictures and talk to the fans. You can learn more about Sherry at SherryStrong.org
The Duel at Daytona that night was the first of the four races we attended.
Beth with Sherry Pollex, advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and girlfriend of Martin Truex, Jr
Henry with the Tototas
Beautiful night for a race
Friday we enjoyed lunch with a water front view at Caribbean Jack’s Restaurant before heading to the race track for the Gander Outdoors Truck Series race.
Getting ready for the Friday night truck race
Sunset before the Friday night truck race
One of the trucks foming out of his pit stop
Panoramic view of the Daytona International Speedway
Saturday morning the United States Air Force Thunderbirds flew right over our campground during their practice. When we made a run to Publix Saturday morning for a few groceries what did we find but Kyle Busch’s #18 M&M truck and car in the parking lot! Oh, the M&M’s were buy one get one free in the store so of course we came out with two bags!
Saturday afternoon we were once again in the stands for the Xfinity Series race.
Pit Stop for #1 Michael Annett Saturday Xfinity Race
Pit Stop for #0 Garrett Smithley Saturday Xfinity Race
XFinity Series Race Winner #1 Michael Annett
The Daytona 500, also called the Great American Race, kicks off the NASCAR season in February every year. Pre-race activities began early in the morning before the race. Fans who purchased a Fan Zone pass were down on the field for a close up view. This year country singer Jake Owen performed for the crowd before the driver introductions. The crowd loved the flyover by the United States Thunderbirds.
Pre race festivities at 2019 Daytona 500
Crowd gathered to watch the driver introductions before the 2019 Daytona 500
Lineup for the 2019 Daytona 500 with infield in the background
Crowd waiting for pre race concert by country singer Jake Owen
Flyover by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds
Flyover by the United States Air Force Thunderbirds
One of the Thunderbirds landing at the airport behind the Speedway
Drivers, start your engines!
2019 Daytona 500
Racing past the infield on the backstretch
Nearing the start/finish line
Turn 1 of Daytona 500
Pit stop for #19 Martin Truex, Jr, 2019 Daytona 500
Race off Pit Road, 2019 Daytona 500
The race was exciting and it was close at the finish line. The winner was #11 Denny Hamlin.
By Monday morning we were exhausted. What better way to relax than to take a leisurely drive down highway A1A. Lunch at Racing’s North Turn Restaurant in Ponce Inlet was followed by a walk on the beach and a drive to see the Ponce Inlet lighthouse.
An after lunch walk on the beach at Ponce Inlet
Racing’s North Turn at Ponce Inlet
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
After the excitement of Daytona we were ready for a quiet week at at our next destination. Stay tuned.
Wandering Dawgs 