The month of February found us in north central Florida in the small town of Williston. This put us about 20 minutes south of Gainesville (home of 30,000 Gators!) and 30 minutes north of Ocala (horse country!). The town itself is pretty small, the campground may be one of the largest business in town. But there is plenty to do within a 45 minute drive of camp which meant we had a very busy month. We were also far enough south to start transitioning weather from winter to spring even though it is still only February. Early on we were still experiencing a few nights in the 30’s but by the end of the month evenings were in the 60’s with highs during the days in the low 80’s. The countryside is very diverse with rolling hills, huge oaks and cypress trees (with lots of hanging Spanish moss). Towards the north is cattle country, with large open farms with lots of cows for miles and miles. To the south, are beautiful large horse farms with lots of wood fences and tracks for training. We discovered that the Ocala area is the largest area for breeding racing horses outside of Kentucky. And this area has had two Kentucky Derby winners and a Triple Crown Winner (Affirmed who won it all in 1978). In fact, the county around Ocala is home to more than 1,200 horse farms. This makes the area internationally renowned as the “Horse Capital of the World™,” and is home to the largest number of horses and ponies – more than any other county in the United States. This includes nearly 35,000 thoroughbred horses. In addition, the area has an abundance of park lands that includes woods, open prairies, and clear springs.
Our first adventure took us to Silver Springs in Ocala. The springs in this area are large open deep spaces where water literally bubbles up from underground and begins it’s journey as a river down to the ocean or the gulf. There are several springs in the area and Silver Springs is probably one of the most famous. In fact, until a “little” amusement park in Orlando opened in 1971, Silver Springs was the largest tourist attraction in the entire state of Florida! A private company had bought up land all around the springs and built an amusement park and zoo. Millions of people visited every year. However, once Disney arrived, Silver Springs fell on hard times. The zoo closed, the amusement rides were taken down and soon the land was being used only for concerts. Eventually, the private owners went bankrupt and the state of Florida took over and returned the area to its natural state. That is, with one exception. One very famous part of Silver Springs were its glass bottom boats. This amusement had started near the start of the 1900’s and has continued uninterrupted up until today. The state still runs the boats which are 50 years old at this point (having replaced even older versions).
We walked around the park first, enjoying various views of Silver Spring and Silver river from shore.
Entrance 
Boardwalk 
Crystal clear water
After an enjoyable walk around the park, it was time to board our glass bottom boat. These tours usually run 30 minutes but since it was so quiet and slow at the time of our visit, our guide extended the trip to about an hour. And although the main attraction and purpose is to observe the springs, we soon discovered we would be in for a way bigger treat!
We first viewed a small spring. This means the guide hovered the boat over a spot in the water where we could look down thru the glass and see where water was flowing in. There were no bubbles but white sand blew about revealing where the water was coming out. The bottom of the area of the spring was also barren with no grass or other underwater plant life. We took some pictures but it’s really hard to show in a pic. But we did capture some underwater life that like to follow along under the boat.
But soon, the main attraction appeared ahead. A very large group (we were later informed that a group of manatee is referred to as an “aggregation”) of manatees was hanging out in the spring. For those who have been following our journey, you may recall that we encountered these gentle creatures last year while camping in Cedar Key. However, this visit allowed us to see them up close both next to and under us! We were told that they were either playing or “playing” (the adults in the audience will hopefully understand the difference ;-). Regardless, they provided us with about 20 minutes of close up observations!
Eventually, the manatees decided to move on and so did we. We headed down river where our views of wildlife continued.
White Ibis 
Gator (not a university student) 
Anhinga 
Turtles
After an enjoyable hour on the river, it was finally time to turn and head upstream again and to say goodbye to a wonderful visit with nature.
After a day on the water, our next adventure would keep us on land. And instead of visiting with local wildlife, we’d be visiting animals that came from far away. Oddly enough, Williston is home to Two Tails Ranch. This is a multi-generational facility that houses many elephants and other animals. Now, this isn’t a rescue or sanctuary – they bought elephants back when it was legal and have had them in the family and at this location for many, many decades. But, the animals appeared well cared for and had lots or room to roam (more than at a zoo). And you could get very close to them, as Jill would soon discover. We arrived and first sat in a small amphitheater where the owner educated us on the elephants she had (all are Asian), their history and anything else people wanted to act. Afterwards, some folks headed off to ride an elephant (not for us) while we walked to an area where you could feed them. Jill was lucky enough to offer up some carrots to two deserving elephants.
Big male 
Jill feeding elephants 
As noted, there were other animals in the park and we did spend some time visiting with them also.
Hump day!? 
This guy needs a napkin! 
Emu on the left, ostrich on the right
Another week and another spring. This time, we visited Rainbow Springs. Much like Silver Springs, Rainbow used to be privately owned with attractions and a zoo. Today, the area is another state park filled with hiking trails, river access and some gardens (but no boating this time!). The name of the place comes from when it was private and the owner built some fake water falls which are still in operation today. Thus, even in the relatively flatness of Florida, you can enjoy views of waterfalls.
Rainbow falls 
Garden 
Rainbow river 
More “falls”
After enjoying the park, we followed the road downstream and enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the banks of Rainbow River.
Our next adventure would be on bikes. Not far from our campground is Paynes Prairie State Park. This is an area that is a mix of woods, open prairie grass, and some water/lake/swampy area. A paved bike path travels thru this park with several overlooks and hiking trails that fork off from it. We enjoyed a 5 mile ride while stopping at several overlooks. This area is also known for being the site of one of many battles in the long multiple Seminole Wars. In fact, the area where we stayed has several historical sites related to the nearly 40 year battle to remove the Seminoles from their land and send them out west. More about that later. It was nice to find a great place to do some biking. But, beware that while you may be in Florida, there are still lots of hills, much to Dan’s surprise. Jill, on the other hand, was very happy with her electric assist trike!
Views along the trail
Views of Paynes Prairie
We were hoping to encounter more wildlife along the way. Bison were reintroduced to this area but unfortunately we did not see any along our journey. We did, however, encounter a sign about invasive species that had us a bit worried, particularly when given a visual of the issue. The problem revolves around wild hogs. Given the posting, we’re glad we did not encounter any of them!
Our next exploration was very close to us in Williston, visiting Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens. This is a beautiful water garden built into a former rock quarry by a retired physician. Built back in the early 90’s, he also built a home overlooking the quarry/gardens so basically he has a huge private swimming hole.
Flora and Fauna of Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens
Our last exploration took us back to Ocala for some history. As mentioned previously, much of the battles and struggle for control of Florida happened in the north central area of the state. Some view this time as three separate wars while others view it as one continuous time of distrust and struggle by the white invaders to remove the Native Americans from land they had occupied for years. The battles started in 1817 when Andrew Jackson invaded Florida (which was still claimed by Spain at that time). There were several “truces” and treaties signed but all were quickly broken. One such treaty was the Treaty of Payne’s Landing in 1832. Osceola refused to sign and famously stabbed the treaty with a dagger. In 1835 the Dade Massacre occurred and soon afterwards 8 others were killed nearby at Fort King which is near present day Ocala. Battles continued down the Florida peninsula as the Seminoles were pushed farther and farther south. Eventually, Osceola was captured and by 1858 the wars were over and most Indians were sent west to reservations in Oklahoma and elsewhere (although some melded into the swamps and remained residents of Florida to this day).
The city of Ocala has reconstructed Fort King and thus we decided to check it out. It’s really not much more than a large wooden fort with lookout stations at each corner. Informational placards around the fort helped provide details on the Seminole Wars and the part this area played.
Fort King
In addition to exploring the area, we also spent time exploring the campground. This is a wonderfully spread out campground with large sites and many with lots of trees and shade. In addition to regular amenities such as pool, planned activities, bath houses, and laundry rooms, Williston Crossing also has street golf (we never tried it but sounds fun!), a grist mill that serves ice cream each evening, a food truck, a covered bridge, two classic police cars, and some train cars from back when Williston was a major stop on the train route thru Florida.
And of course, if it was February, we couldn’t miss celebrating Mardi Gras!!!
However, a prefect month couldn’t end with some drama. Dan was doing his husbandly duties by cleaning the shower. Unfortunately, he also showed what a klutz he can be by spraying the shower cleaner directly into his left eye! This, of course, had to occur on a Friday afternoon with our scheduled departure the following Monday. After flushing his eye for awhile, we decided it would be best to visit the local (and only) medic clinic. We hurried over in our car only to find a sign in the window stating “Out to lunch…be back at 2:10”! Ah, life in a small town. When the doors opened, Dan was seen but there was little they could do but offer to flush his eye some more. They strongly recommended that we head to an emergency room in Gainesville (20 minutes away) to ensure that there was no long term damage and that the pH level of his eye was OK (who knew pH of your eye was a thing?).
In Florida they have this interesting concept of stand along ER’s, where they can handle anything that a traditional ER at a hospital can do. That’s good because they are open 24 hours and you know they can handle your issue. But that’s bad because it means they handle all sorts of emergencies and it isn’t necessarily first come, first served. After about 2 hours of waiting, Dan was finally taken in to be seen. Even then, it took time as nurses and doctors were pulled away for other more urgent issues. Eventually, they tested his eye and confirmed the pH was too high and the eye would need to be irrigated. Oh, but not the way you think, sticking your head into a sink or special spigot to rinse your eye.
No, the medical profession has invented a special device that takes water boarding to another level….eye boarding!!! Imagine a very large, thick contact lens. Then attach that lens to an IV tube. Then attach that tube to a regular liter IV bag filled of normal saline. Then stick that oversized, hockey puck sized contact lens under your eyelid and let the water drip. And of course, it’s not like the eye absorbs all this water so most of it weeps out, runs down your cheek, your shoulder, your back, etc. After awhile, you are wet and cold. Each bag would take about an hour and we did 4 bags! Four hours later, around midnight, they declared that they pH was back to a good level. But now the eye had an abrasion so we’d still have to get some meds to help with that and then go back for a follow up the following Monday to ensure all is still OK.
And thus, our departure planned for Monday, March 1st was pushed back to the 2nd. This is only the 2nd time we’ve had to adjust a departure due to medical reasons (actually, only the second time for any reason) but it all turned out well. Monday’s exam went very well and Dan and his eye was released from further follow up!
March 2nd, we’ll head further south to the town of Lake Wales, about an hour south of Orlando and east of Tampa. We’ll spend 13 days there before starting our journey back north to St. Augustine and Hilton Head. This was the last time we will stay in one campground for a full month as we head into spring and summer and return to plans to explore, much as we did on our maiden year of full timing.
Still having fun and trying to stay out of trouble!
Dan & Jill