The view from Florida

01/28/2023

For those who have been here from the beginning of the group, you may be wondering why there have been very few if any new posts about places that John and I have visited.

For those who are wondering, It has been a long and difficult 12 to 18 months. Some of you may know that I was also taking care of my mother who was in her late 80s and over the last year her heart condition worsened.

Over the course of my postings, I mentioned my mother often and many of you sent her your best regards and for that I am thankful. Many people prayed for my mother and for me as well, as her caregiver.

I am sorry to report that my mother passed away a little before Christmas.

The grieving process has been very difficult for me as my mother was also my best friend and in the last year and a half, she had been my life 24/7.

I let the website lapse and have no plans to start it up again. So much work just went down the tubes. But that's ok because I kept the group, at least up and running. (Even though I have not put that much work into it.)

I appreciate the members who are still here and have been posting their views. Thank you for staying.

My plans are to very soon get back to posting, traveling the state, and sharing my views here.

Thank you to everyone for being here.

10/30/2021

Only a few miles from busy Interstate 10, tucked away in a quiet and serene state park, is a beautiful example of Florida geology and an oddity for a state so Flat. It starts with a gentle creek winding through a forest of Pine, Magnolia, and Oak and ends with a plunge down a 100-foot sinkhole where the water disappears into a mysterious and unknown destination....

Only a few miles from busy Interstate 10, tucked away in a quiet and serene state park, is a beautiful example of Florida geology and an oddity for a state so Flat. It starts with a gentle creek wi…

10/30/2021

Falling Waters State Park is located in Chipley, Florida, (Washington County) in the Florida Panhandle, about 1 hour north of Panama City and an hour and a half WNW of Tallahassee. In this part of Florida, you will find a beautiful landscape of historic and charming small towns nestled between farmland pastures, picturesque lakes, flowing rivers, and acres of tall pine woodlands....

Falling Waters State Park is located in Chipley, Florida, (Washington County) in the Florida Panhandle, about 1 hour north of Panama City and an hour and a half WNW of Tallahassee. In this part of …

10/30/2021

The Cave Millions of years ago, Florida was under a shallow sea and over a long period of time, billions of sea creatures died, settled on the ocean floor, and left behind their shells. Over time the remains of sealife fused to make the limestone that underlies all of Florida. In a few areas, there are dry caverns beneath the surface with beautiful and intricate formations....

The Cave Millions of years ago, Florida was under a shallow sea and over a long period of time, billions of sea creatures died, settled on the ocean floor, and left behind their shells. Over time t…

10/30/2021

Three Rivers State Park is located along two and a half miles of Lake Seminole shoreline, in the Florida Panhandle in the town of Sneads, in Jackson County. Pine and hardwood forests dominate the 686 acres of uplands found at Three Rivers State Park. These woods of rolling hills and steep ravines are different from the natural communities found in south and central Florida Parks....

Three Rivers State Park is located along two and a half miles of Lake Seminole shoreline, in the Florida Panhandle in the town of Sneads, in Jackson County. Pine and hardwood forests dominate the 6…

10/21/2021

Don CeSar & Maritana As the story goes....... in 1925 Thomas Rowe spent three years building the Don CeSar hotel as a tribute to his lost love Lucinda. Lucinda was a Spanish Opera star that Thomas met in England while attending the opera “Maritana.” The pair quickly fell in love and affectionately referred to one another as Maritana, and Don Cesar....

Don CeSar & Maritana As the story goes……. in 1925 Thomas Rowe spent three years building the Don CeSar hotel as a tribute to his lost love Lucinda. Lucinda was a Spanish Opera star …

10/18/2021

The best way to explore natural Florida is by trail, and the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness area provides miles and miles of nature exploring. Located in Thonotosassa, this outdoor playland is the largest natural preserved recreation area in Hillsborough County, and whether you are a hiker, biker, or canoer/kayaker, a trail awaits. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness area consists of several parks that border each other and are connected by trails, making for miles and miles of hiking, biking, and canoeing/kayaking....

The best way to explore natural Florida is by trail, and the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness area provides miles and miles of nature exploring. Located in Thonotosassa, this outdoor playland is the l…

09/28/2021

A journey back to the birth of the Florida dream & The Home of Little Cooperstown The Pier in Downtown St. Petersburg is a delightful place to spend the day, with scenic views of Tampa Bay with lots of comfy green spaces to view it from. But if you are a fan of history and baseball, no visit to the pier will be complete without a visit to The St....

A journey back to the birth of the Florida dream & The Home of Little Cooperstown The Pier in Downtown St. Petersburg is a delightful place to spend the day, with scenic views of Tampa Bay with…

09/16/2021

A Beautiful Nature Park Right Within the City of Tampa Lettuce Lake Park is a 240-acre conservation Park located within Tampa and near the University of South Florida. The park's property lies in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River, allowing visitors a leisurely nature stroll through a hardwood swamp forest. There are three types of trails at Lettuce Lake Park, a 3,500-foot boardwalk trail along the river, a paved 1.25-mile walking/biking trail, and natural dirt nature trails that meander through the park....

A Beautiful Nature Park Right Within the City of Tampa Lettuce Lake Park is a 240-acre conservation Park located within Tampa and near the University of South Florida. The park’s property lie…

09/13/2021

Paynes Creek A Historic State Park in Bowling Green Well, fall is around the corner, and John and I decided it was time to get back on the hiking trails. Because of the summer heat, John and I have been off the trail for about 3 months now. We love hiking, but I can't take hiking when the heat index is in the triple digits....

Paynes Creek A Historic State Park in Bowling Green Well, fall is around the corner, and John and I decided it was time to get back on the hiking trails. Because of the summer heat, John and I have…

07/28/2021

Located on Tampa's beautiful downtown Riverwalk, The Tampa History Center provides a fascinating look into the history of both the city of Tampa and of Florida itself. With exhibits that begin with the lives of Florida's first inhabitants, the Tocobaga and Timucua Indians, to Florida's discovery by the conquistadors to the more modern days of the Cigar, Citrus, and Tourist industries, visitors are taken on a journey of struggle, determination, and resiliency....

Located on Tampa’s beautiful downtown Riverwalk, The Tampa History Center provides a fascinating look into the history of both the city of Tampa and of Florida itself. With exhibits that begi…

07/06/2021

Located in Panama City Beach, nestled between St. Andrews Bay and the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, lies the outdoor enthusiasts and ocean lovers paradise of St. Andrews State Park. John and I spent a wonderful, fun-filled 4 days and 3 nights camping, playing in the Gulf, and enjoying the views in this spectacular Florida State Park. …...

Located in Panama City Beach, nestled between St. Andrews Bay and the beautiful emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, lies the outdoor enthusiasts and ocean lovers paradise of St. Andrews State Par…