Wimauma, is the name of the town where Little Manatee River State Park is located. Its founder made up the name using the names of his three daughters, Willie, Maude, and Mary. Wil-Mau-Ma. Go figure! Earlier in the day we were on the phone with my sister trying to guess the origin of the name.
Site 19, easy to back into, wide, lots of room on the driver’s side and in the back.
Paved roads within the campground, and a shell and sand mixture in the campsites.
Side yard
There are 34 campsites with water and electricity (50amp) and they are very private. Each site separated by native plants and trees.
Lots of room in the back yard. Up goes the ham antennas!
For the horse lovers out there, LMRSP has four equestrian campsites and twelve miles of riding trails.
Artsy fun!
Howard with pen and paper, whoa what’s with that? Must be a ham radio antenna diagram!
We are looking forward to exploring this lovely Florida State Park.
On Christmas day we were hiking a trail at Lake Louisa State Park. A foot off the trail, suspended at eye level, was this gorgeous Golden Orb spider. You have to admit she is pretty. I wouldn’t want her touching me, but she was nice to admire and capture with my camera.
A few facts about this gorgeous spider: (taken from the web)
Physical features: The female generally exhibits yellow spots on a muted orange/tan abdomen (with banded brown and orange legs), and the male is a fairly plain dark brown. The male is 1/2” (12mm) long and the female is much larger, at 1″ to 3″ (25 mm to 75 mm) long.The abdomen on both the male and female Banana spider is 2 1/2 to 3 times as long as it is wide. The female’s legs have brownish stripes with noticeable tufts of black hair on her 1st and last pair of legs. The male has a less colorful appearance, but he also has tufts of black hair on his legs.
Poisonous: No
Lives in: warm, sunny climates
Eats: Like many spiders, prefers to eat flying insects like bees that are attracted to the golden web it weaves. These spiders also go after larger prey like butterflies and moths.
A funny looking bug, trying to hitch a ride on one of our car roof rails!
Green Leaf Bug – (Katydid)
As we were getting in the car, I spotted what I thought was a green leaf on top of the roof. I reached up to grab the leave and throw it on the ground and quickly realized it was not a leaf.
For a few Fun Facts on this bug go to http://www.bugfacts.net/katydid.php#.VJ4SUJ0B
Sharing with: Saturday’s Critters at Viewing Nature with Eileen
Red oaks and cypress trees reaching toward the sky,
Moss dangling from branches,
Vultures watching me.
In the distance a pier,
Inviting me to the river,
Reaching the end I peer down,
A cute little eye, looking up at me.
A Stroll Through the WoodsOdd Bird OutA pier leading to the Suwannee RiverI See You
Manatee Springs is an important winter refuge for West Indian manatees. From November through April, these gentle giants are regular visitors to the spring. (taken from park brochure)
Bubble!!Manatee Spring – Florida’s largest freshwater springs. An Inviting 72 DegreesManatee Springs is a favorite diving spot.
Reflection Art:
Three’s a Crowd
Park Visitors:
All aloneHigh above the SpringNorthern Cardinal (female)LookoutsPost Ornament
With no TV, no internet (at times we will get extremely slow service) and no cell service (text messaging works fine) what to do other than walk the parks 8.5 miles of trails, take photos of Manatee Springs and the Suwannee River, bird watch and just enjoy this beautiful park.
There are 78 campsites in the park and they are pretty primitive with water and electric. We were in shock when we first arrived, but now just love this park.
One loop is closed for renovation and will have a brand new bath house and new, improved sites with FULL hookups. This loop will hopefully be open by May, 2015.
Sorry for not responding to comments, I truly appreciate each and everyone! We leave here Sunday and will be back in communication!! (I hope.)
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