As a retired senior, I’m lucky that I don’t have to go through the daily grind of a 40 hour work week any more. Even so, there are still times when even retired people need to take a break . Sometimes, reading a book, calling a friend, or watching an old movie is just what I need.
Other times, I need to get out in nature in order to soothe my soul. Whether it’s walking out into my back yard, taking a walk through the neighborhood, or getting in the car to do something new , there are plenty of things I can do outside to take a break.
When I’m busy at home, if I need a short break I can go outside to see what’s happening in my own back yard.
Bee in the Butterfly Garden
In the evening, I love to stop whatever I’m doing to watch a beautiful sunset.
Sunset over the Georgia Salt Marsh
The beach is my happy place, and any time I can get my toes in the sand makes me happy.
Ready for Beach Chair Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico
Getting out and exploring somewhere close to home is a great way to take a break.
McQueens – Tybee Island Rails To Trails, Savannah, GA
When we’re traveling in the RV, there’s no better way to take a break from driving, sightseeing, or hiking than relaxing right in our own campsite.
Just Chillin’ in our campsite
For longer breaks, taking a trip and experiencing new places is the answer.
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.
Wandering Dawgs 
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