HEADING SOUTH

The early morning trip south had a guiding light leading our route.

The hotel stops helped us travel to the warmer weather in comfort.

As well as a wonderful pool, the new Mexican restaurant attached to the hotel was a welcome treat.

Welcome to O'Leno State Park

Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, it disappears underground and reemerges over three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve. One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The suspension bridge built by the CCC still spans the river. Visitors can picnic at one of the pavilions or fish in the river for their dinner. Canoes and bicycles are available for rent. While hiking the nature trails, visitors can look for wildlife and enjoy the beauty of native plants. The shady, full-facility campground is the perfect place for a relaxing overnight stay. Located on U.S. 441, six miles north of High Springs.

Gopher turtles were everywhere in O'Leno.

It was nice to finally spend the night in our RV.

To me, this is a NO SWIMMING sign.

The Santa Fe River

O'Leno was one of the first parks built by the CCC.

River Bridge

Cypress Trees

Bride on the river bridge.

Welcome to Oscar Scherer State Park

A large acreage of scrubby flatwoods makes this park one of the best places to see Florida scrub-jays, a threatened species found only in Florida. The park protects scrubby and pine flatwoods that were once widespread throughout Sarasota County. Fifteen miles of trails through these beautiful natural areas provide opportunities for hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Canoeists and kayakers can paddle along South Creek, a blackwater stream that flows to the Gulf of Mexico. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, but motorized boats are not permitted in the park boundaries. Freshwater and saltwater fishing are available along the creek. Anglers can fish along the shores of Lake Osprey, which is also the park´s swimming destination. Picnic areas along South Creek are equipped with grills; pavilions can be reserved for a fee. The park has full-facility campsites and a youth/group campground. The park nature center has exhibits and videos about the park´s natural communities. Located on U.S. 41, two miles south of Osprey.

OS is a great state park.

We stayed here last year and has a great mix of wild life and shopping!!! 

Famous Sarasota statue.

The statue depicts a famous picture taken at the end of WW2.

Heading for Naples.

One last great seafood salad at a local eatery.