Spring Run

Mon, 11/10/08

Manatee Springs SP, FL: Had a fire this morning and sat around reading and enjoying the fire all morning. Then walked down to the Suwanee River, but we just missed the manatees. Walked over to the spring. Toyed with the idea of putting on our wet suits and snorkeling around the spring. At least I toyed with the idea. The water didn’t feel that cold. Instead, we drove into Chiefland and I got my hair cut and we picked up a few groceries. Another beautiful day. Mid 70s, sunny and clear.

Sun, 11/9/08

Tallahassee to Manatee Springs SP (Chiefland, FL): A short drive down to Manatee on Rt. 19. A pretty drive through rural Florida. Stopped once for breakfast and arrived at Manatee at about 2:00. Got set up and then walked down to the spring and the Suwanee River. No manatees, although the ranger said they’ve been down there. Walked back and then drove into Chiefland to have an early dinner at Bill’s Barbeque. Bought some firewood and then back home. There’s a couple in a tent next to us with a cute little dog named Boo. Hit the mid-70s today. Cools down pretty good at night.

The Knott House

(built by a free black man)

Sat, 11/8/08

Tallahassee, FL: On the way into Tallahassee yesterday we stopped at Wal Mart and bought a universal remote to replace the one that came with the new TV in the bedroom. Spent hours last night trying to program the thing. Didn’t work, so we took it back this morning. After that we drove to the little town of Monticello just north of where we’re staying and checked out all the historic homes and buildings (circa 1830s and 40s). Had some lunch there and then went back to the campground and sat outside reading for a while. A beautiful sunny and warm day. Campground was quiet since everyone was in Tallahassee for the Florida State football game. They won.

Old State Capital

circa 1847

Council House at Mission San Luis

(largest native American structure in the southeastern U.S.)

circa 1600s

Tallahassee, FL: Drove into Tallahassee this morning. Really nice city. Took a quick tour of the old capital building. They were going to destroy this wonderful historic building, but it was saved finally. It was completed in 1847. The new capital complex is built around the old capital. After touring the capital we walked toward an area called “chain of parks”. This is an area about ½ block wide and at least 6 blocks long. Beautiful old live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. We stopped at a deli, bought a couple of box lunches and then enjoyed lunch in this beautiful park. Then walked around some of the old, historic homes fringing this park. Went back to the truck and then drove over to Mission San Luis which was a mission/fort populated by Apalachee Indians and Spanish friars and soldiers. They co-existed very well with each accepting some of the culture of the other. At one time there were 1400 people living here. An amazing place. The Apalachee council building is the largest native American building in the whole southeastern United States. A great day. Sunny and 80 degrees.

Tallahassee, FL: A long driving day today. Managed to get going early—a little after 7:00 a.m.—and arrived in Tallahassee at about 4:00. Lost an hour going into the Eastern Time Zone and stopped for breakfast for about an hour. So, it was about a 7 hour drive. We ended up going through some rural parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Another pretty driving day though. Sunny and temps in the upper 70s. We’re in Tallahassee for 3 days.

Birmingham, AL: Left Nashville this morning at around 10:00 and arrived in Birmingham at 3:00. Stopped for lunch about half way. Another beautiful, sunny day. Spectacular fall colors. Staying at a commercial campground just south of Birmingham. Not even unhooking. Will pull out early tomorrow for Tallahassee.

Fort Nashborough

Built in the 1870s by pioneers to protect themselves from Indian attack

AT&T Building

Nashville, TN: Spent several hours last night trying to get the new TV for the bedroom set up. It’s a digital TV but in the old “tube” format—not a flat screen. Should have been fairly easy but the user’s guide gave all the wrong information and the remote stopped working. Called customer service this morning and they helped some, but we have to get a new remote and it required getting a $6 money order (they still have those?) and sending with a letter to their facility in New York and they’ll mail a new one which we should get in five to six weeks. Unbelievable. After screwing around with that this morning we had breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then headed downtown. Parked by the riverfront and toured the old Fort Nashborough on the Cumberland River and then roamed around for a while. A nice area of old buildings lovingly restored—a nice mix of the old and the new. Came back and sat around outside reading our books. Leave tomorrow morning for Birmingham, AL.