One of my favorite State Parks is O'Leno State Park in High Springs, Florida.
And the best trail there follows the Santa Fe River.
Spring is such a wonderful time to visit the State Parks and I was delighted to see Wild Azalea in full bloom all along the trail. I could even see blooms across the river.
Most of the time your focus is on the river so when I stopped to take photos of the river, a couple from Chicago stopped to chat. I asked them if they had seen the wild azaleas. She said yes, he said no. She said she didn't know what they were. It's nice to be observant and good to have a few IDs to share.
A lot of people think the rivers and swamps are covered in slime or something unhealthy.
But when you look closely, you see that it is a small plant called Duckweed and it is a healthy plant.
And look what happens when it swirls!
What do YOU see?
And what do you think this turtle sees on the bank of the river?
Looks like a monster to me but it's a huge alligator, very prehistoric looking!
This pretty little Tufted Titmouse posed for me.
And it was another beautiful hike at O'Leno State Park.
We drove over in our van camper to a parking area to make this hike.
Are you seeing wildflowers in bloom this Spring?
