the mighty Live Oak
favorite of so many
symbol of strength
One of the largest Oaks in the state, this several hundred year old tree is 10 feet in diameter, 83 feet high and has a spread of 131 feet.
Once sought after by ship builders these stately trees provide food and shelter for several animal species as well as a place of attachment for various air plants, moss and ferns.
A couple of weeks ago we spent four days at Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, Florida. It is an old state park; small, lovely and quiet. The ranger told me, “We are small, but we have a lot of pride”. She is right! We certainly enjoyed our stay there.
Lake Griffin State Park is nestled in a heavily forested area near the populated towns of Fruitland Park, Lady Lake, Leesburg and The Villages. After hours spent enjoying anyone of these towns, it is always nice to return to the peace of quite of the park.
If you ever plan to stay at this State Park be aware that some of the sites are hard to maneuver into, especially if you are 40 feet long. I would recumbent sites, 13, 17 and 19. We were in site 38, which is a large, pull through, but a little difficult to swing into. However, once you are in the site it is extremely easy to leave the park.
Wolf Song Blog 
Looks like a lovely park. We spent last night at City of Rocks SP just north of Deming NM. Love finds like that. When I think of FL, the image of a stately oak tree just doesn’t come to mind. Great shots especially the reflective ones.
Ingrid, we have stayed at this state park on our way to AZ! I know you must be excited about being back on the road! Thank you for your kind words! Enjoy and travel safely! I am looking forward to many great posts!
Sheila ~ Awesome reflections in these photos! Looks like ya’all are having a nice WARM time! We had a few nice days here in CO, but now it’s starting to get chilly again. North sides of buildings/houses still have snow. Took Raz for a walk at a close park earlier today, before the winds kicked up. He also had a fun 1/2 day play time at K9 Island yesterday. We go to Fort Collins for more training on January 2nd. I also work in the Community Kitchen on the 1st. Since I am team leader, I sent an early reminder saying we have the Honor of serving the First Meal in 2014! (not like I go out partying that much any more!) What plans do you and Howard have? Enjoy your Christmas?
Thinking of you always, Love You all !!! ~Gale
Hey girlfriend! Love back at you! We have been following the weather back home and man has it been cold! I hope you are staying warm. Looking forward to seeing how big the little guy has gotten when I get back home. Good luck with the training. TTMB!
I love the picture of the 4 of you…you all look so happy. Looks like you have been enjoying some really nice weather. The reflection pictures are awesome Sheila. It’s funny, I was just reading about Live Oaks tonight for my post!
Safe travels.
Hi Gay, I love trees, all shapes and sizes. This fondness goes back to when I was a kid. The Live Oak Trees are spectacular and so beautiful; this one was huge! It took us awhile to reach some good weather and we are very thankful. We are very happy if we can be outside. The Sibe girl will pout if she does not get her walks! The only bad aspect of this state park, especially if you have dogs, is the ticks. There were posted signs stating to check for ticks, but not to worry! Every time we went for a walk, we would examine the dogs before going inside the coach. Thank you for your kind words!
These are beautiful pictures! I have always loved turtles and have never seen one in the wild.
Blessings for 2014 ~ Wendy
This looks like a lovely state park Sheila. We are hoping for some sun in the Sunshine State soon. Happy New Year! 🙂
Your dogs look so happy. It is just wonderful to see, it really is.
Hi, thank you so very much for taking the time to write. I believe my “girls” are happy and I am glad you noticed! I have been lucky enough to share my life, since I was a little girl, with animals!! 🙂 I thank my parents!!
Hi, Glad you are enjoying your travels. Jay and I stay at Lake Griffin State Park a couple of times a year. Jay’s mother lives in Leesburg in assisted living and it is convenient for us when we travel with out dog Suke. Glad you enjoyed it too! Mary Lou Gallup & Jay Readinger
Wonderful to hear from you Mary Lou; didn’t see you this past summer except once at the courts in Loveland.