Wakulla Springs State Park

Sunday
We were out of the hotel just before 9 am, and on our way to Wakulla Springs State Park, a little south of Tallahassee. Wakulla Springs are one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Unfortunately we did not think to book the river boat tour ahead of time, and with the reduced numbers they are taking on the boats due to Covid restrictions, they were fully booked. We began with a look inside the historic two-story Lodge, created by Florida business tycoon Edward Ball and opened in 1937. The spacious lobby leads out to a glass-enclosed terrace with views of the spring. The most striking feature, though, is the beautiful ceiling stenciled and painted with local wildlife scenes and European folk art designs. We then explored the outside area, by the Spring, complete with diving platforms, a popular place to swim, particularly during the summer months. We got some steps in on one of their shorter trails, where we came across the beautiful red wildflower shown in my collage. We had a picnic in the park, before continuing down towards the coast, to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and lighthouse, see extra. The Refuge is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States, established in 1931 as a wintering ground for migratory birds. The St. Marks lighthouse is one of the most photographed landmarks on the Gulf coast, and is the second oldest lighthouse in Florida and the oldest on the Gulf coast. The current tower was completed in 1842.
I’m finally up to date - please check out my last two backblips, Flora of Anna Maria and Florida Horse Country!
Step count: 12,593