Santee State Park, South Carolina

Santee State Park in South Carolina is located on the western edge of Lake Marion.  It is conveniently located half way between Florida and Maryland, so we stopped for a couple of nights on our trip home. Our campsite was right next to the lake, which made for gorgeous views all day.

Sunrise

Sunset

Daytime

We took Cali on a 4-mile hike in the woods, where we didn't see another soul. We decided to let her run.

Could you pick a bigger stick to run with?

Tomorrow is back to Maryland and the end of our more than 2-month long RV trip.  Wonder where we will take it next?

St. George Island State Park

Miles and miles of deserted beach

St. George Island State Park is located in Florida's northern panhandle, on the gulf side. Dr. Beach named the island's beach the 3rd best in America in 2013, 2014, and 2015.  Forbes also named it the 3rd best beach in the United States in 2013. The beach really is gorgeous--white sand, pretty green-blue water, and very few people (at least in March).

Entrance to beach by our campground

Are we there yet?

We walked from where you see the "DB" dot on the picture below (that is where our campground was located) all the way to the tip of the island and back--over 9 miles total in bare feet.  In retrospect, my feet would have appreciated shoes, but it was an awesome walk by ourselves on this gorgeous beach. The temperatures were in the mid-70s with a gorgeous breeze.  Just perfect.

Signs were posted to stay off the dunes--the dunes were protected sea turtle and bird nesting areas.  I wondered what the original purpose was for this bridge in the dunes.

This great blue heron was standing by a fisherman waiting for a hand-out. He was very patient.  I don't know if he was ever rewarded for that patience.





We decided to celebrate our last day in Florida by going to Paddy's Raw Bar.  Delicious oysters, beer, and cider!

Gold Head Branch State Park

Lots of Lily Pads on This Pond

Gold Head Branch State Park is located north of Gainesville, Florida. It's a beautiful large park, somewhat isolated, with several small lakes/ponds and lots of picnic areas.  The park got my vote for most creative use of Spanish moss. They also had some lovely hiking trails with a clear-water creek that you could walk in to cool off. Cali especially appreciated the creek. 

The lake had canoes for rent and a small amphitheater which was just serene. We also enjoyed our 16-mile bike ride into town on our tandem bike.  

Lake Griffin State Park Kayaking

Getting ready to kayak.

Every park seems to have this sign...

...but we did see an alligator this time!

We are staying at Lake Griffin State Park, which is located in central Florida near the Villages. It's a pretty little park, but the hiking opportunities are limited. So we decided to rent a tandem kayak this afternoon. A stiff breeze made the return trip more strenuous than when we were heading out. It was very pleasurable--quiet, lots of birds, and an alligator!

Heading out, calm waters.

Forgot my sunglasses!

Highlands Hammock Prescribed Burn

We've seen the evidence of prescribed burns at other campgrounds, but we hadn't seen one being carried out until today at Highlands Hammock in Sebring, Florida. They conducted a burn right across the road from our campsite, so we had an excellent view! The rangers warned us to bring in our awning, chairs, rug, etc.--anything that may be burnt by stray embers. Regular prescribed burns safely reduce excessive brush and shrubs, encourage new growth of native vegetation, and maintain plant and animal species whose habitats depend on the burns.  

See the Firefighter with the Red Blowtorch? 

The Water Hose is Ready if the Fire Gets Out of Hand.
Good thing too--see the RVs just feet away, across the road?

Lots of Manpower Watching this Fire.