..More of The Real Florida Eine Tour rund um den Mittelteil des Withlacoochee State Trails, mit Impressionen von: Fort Cooper State Park Floral City McKethan Lake Nature Trail

The McKethan Lake Nature Trail is included in the Trailwalker program The McKethan Lake Nature Trail is included in the Trailwalker program. This two mile nature trail offers visitors a chance to view frequently spotted wildlife such as white-tailed deer, hawks and owls. There are four species of southern pine: longleaf, slash, loblolly and sand.  Three pavilions, numerous picnic tables and a nature trail all nestled around the lake.

Und weiter geht’s über die SR41 nach Floral City

Floral City is a charming small town with a population of around 5,000, located in Citrus County in the north-central Gulf Coast region, just seven miles south of Inverness. It is near the Withlacoochee River and Tsala Apopka Lake, in a relaxed, natural area of towering cypress trees and moss-covered oaks and small towns that still recall the days of “Old Florida.” This is a different look at Florida, away from the crowds and busy resorts. Many call this area “Mother Nature’s Theme Park,” where you’ll find abundant springs, lakes and rivers, historical sites and lush parks. Recreational activities in the area include fishing and boating, wildlife viewing and bird watching, and over 42 miles of paved trails are available for hiking, biking and inline skating on the Withlacoochee State Trail (which is part of the “Rails to Trails” path.) Floral City is home to an annual Strawberry Festival, usually held in March. This old-fashioned festival promises to be a fun time for all, with two days of arts and crafts, games, and delicious food, live entertainment, and special events like antique car shows and pony rides. The focus of the festival is, of course, strawberries – and you’ll find them in everything from shortcake to ice cream or covered in chocolate.

Doch vor einem ausgedehnten Spaziergang haben wir uns erst mal eine Stärkung im von Deutschen betriebenen Irish-Pub genehmigt.

...und siehe da, Stöffsche gibt’s nicht nur in Hesse

Die haben davon wohl etwas zu viel davon gehabt, denn kurze Zeit später hat‘s auf dem Parkplatz gescheppert.

Und „Kulturgüter“ gibt’s bei uns auch....

Doch erst mal einen kleinen Eindruck vom Städtchen

Der stand wohl schon zu lange am gleichen Fleck

Home sweet home, oder klein aber mein

Doch dann endlich unser alter Bekannter, der Withlacoochee Trail

Es wird wohl versucht die Hütte wieder bewohnbar zu machen

Welcome to Fort Cooper State Park The sparkling waters of Lake Holathlikaha were a welcome sight to sick and wounded soldiers during the Second Seminole War. In 1836, the First Georgia Battalion of Volunteers built a stockade for the soldiers resting here, enabling the Volunteers to hold their own through several skirmishes with the Seminole Indians. The park´s diverse natural areas provide a refuge for many plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species. Fishing in Lake Holathlikaha is a popular activity; swimming is available only when the lake level is high enough. Private boats are not allowed on the lake, but paddleboat and canoe rentals are available. Nearly five miles of self-guided trails offer some of the best bird and wildlife viewing in Citrus County.

Fort King ist uns von einem früheren Besuch bekannt

Der bescheidene Versuch eines teilweisen Nachbaus Der bescheidene Versuch eines teilweisen Nachbaus. Doch die Absicht ehrt.

Und zum Tagesausklang galt es noch einer Sitzung der Withlacoochee Rock Hounds (zu denen wir u.a. auch gehören), zur Vorbereitung unserer diesjährigen Gem, Mineral und Jewelry Show, beizuwohnen. Dort hatte ich Gelegenheit meinen ersten Stein, in Cabochon Form, zu schleifen. Es hat ganz gut funktioniert. Es ist, wie meistens, nur eine Frage des richtigen Werkzeugs.