Manatee River and Fanning Spring State Parks

Moving inland to our next campground in Old Town, Florida, we discover this enjoyable boardwalk that takes us to the Suwanee River, known as a river of springs. 
 

Swamp lilies along the way

Manatee Springs State Park

Cypress Knees

Divers are allowed to explore these naturally occurring springs. 

The Cypress Knees provide support for the trees.

Black Vulture

Great White Egret

The was no shortage of wildlife at this park.

Red Shouldered Hawk

Fanning Spring

Our first and only manatee!

The Nature Coast State bike trail connects five small
towns near these springs.

Grayton Beach, Florida

The Emerald Coast! 

If I could create my most perfect beach it would likely compare closely to Grayton Beach. The sugar white sand and clear emerald green waters make for one of the most beautiful beaches in the continental U.S.  The bicycle friendly beach town of Grayton Beach is so quaint, and nearby Western Lake offered all the usual water activities.

Hidden beyond what appear to be snow covered sand dunes and marshes is this incredibly pristine beach. 

Cedar Waxwings making their plans
to migrate north.

Blackwater River State Park

Blackwater River State Park was the first of many Florida state parks we planned to visit. Designated a Florida Canoe Trail, Blackwater River is known as one of our nation's most pristine rivers with it's sandy bottom and white beaches in contrast to the dark tannic water.

Jim chillin' after a days drive.

Jester waiting with anticipation
 to see his new campsite.

We could not have had more fun paddling this lovely river. No alligators to be seen yet!

f

New Orleans

An important side trip along our way to New Orleans was a stop at Johnson's Boucanier in Lafayette, Louisiana to buy some of our favorite boudin sausage. We know this because more than twenty years ago my parents discovered Johnson's along their way to visit us in Arizona, often sharing with us this uniquely delicious sausage. 




On to New Orleans...

Posing White Ibis

Snowy Egret



Camping at the Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego, Louisiana, we started off our visit with a little birding before setting off to explore the "Big Easy".

We ferried across the Mississippi River to the
French Quarter to be greeted by this friendly jester.



What better way to start our day in
New Orleans than a plate of beignets.



Andrew Jackson

St Louis Cathedral

 The French Quarter

Heavy rains and flooding waters during our stay in New Orleans limited our touroptions. This did not, however, keep us from enjoying the gastronomic pleasures known for this area.

Tasty Muffulettas at DiMartino's 

Crayfish for two!

Galveston Island

We are excited to be meeting up with family in Galveston Island State Park for a four night stay. Jim's brother and his wife are driving down from Pennsylvania to join us for part of our travels. Perfectly timed, Mike and Kate are there as we arrive on the island.

Daily walks are enjoyed by Jester on this beautiful Texas coast.  

Galveston Island
 Pleasure Pier

Great fresh seafood and service
at Katie's Market 

Sacred Heart Church

The Bishop's Palace

Guadalupe River State Park

Our over-night stay at the Guadalupe River State Park near San Antonio was a lovely change of scenery. 

Limestone bluffs along the
Guadalupe River

          Bald cypress-lined banks                       

Destination Florida Keys!

Traveling by rv to the Florida Keys in the spring requires advance planning. Florida's popularity this time of year creates limited availability in both the state and national parks.  Nearly one year after formulating our plan to visit Jeannie and George while they winter in Fort Myers, we are on our way. 

Along the way we are welcomed to Fort Stockton by 
"Paisano Pete".

Wrought iron silhouettes tell the story.

Comanche Indians 
on the west side of town. 

The United States Cavalry
 on the east side of town.