First week of my last semester is in the bag! Historical Archaeology, Cultural Resource Management, and an independent study working in the 3D visualization lab learning to do laser scans & stuff so it should be interesting!
I spent my Christmas break exploring small parks near where I live & doing a whole circuit of South Florida to visit family before taking a short train jaunt back to Tampa. The interior of Florida is truly a flat, flat, dull place to travel through. Not much to look at but cows and the occasional farmworker village.
Crossed off the Travel Map:
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa, Florida – sort of a combination park/zoo, this place is neat because they have the “fishbowl,” an underwater observatory with views of the fish and, when they’re out in the main pond, manatees. Aside from a resident hippo who’s been there since the 60s, all of the animals on display are native to Florida. Adults $13, children 6-12 $5, open year-round.
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park, Homosassa, Florida – a tiny roadside park that encompasses the namesake ruins with a few interpretive panels and a small picnic area across the street. Free, open year-round.
Crystal River Preserve State Park, Crystal River, Florida – hiking trails along the river, boat tours, canoeing, etc. Free, open year-round.
Fort Cooper State Park, Inverness, Florida – trails through the site of a fort used during the Second Seminole War. The fort today consists of a small section of recreated palisade. Reenactments & living history displays during Fort Cooper Days in March. $3 per vehicle, open year-round.
Morris Bridge Park, Thontosassa, Florida – hiking trails, boardwalks, & fishing on the Hillsborough River. Watch out for alligators! I don’t recall what the admission fee was & the website doesn’t say, I think it was $2 or $3 per vehicle. May close if the river floods.
Tampa Union Station, Tampa, Florida – my train back home stopped here & it was weird because the way the route is laid out it feels like you pull into town & then go backwards out of town on the same track, but it’s just because the station is at the end of the line & then the train goes back out toward Orlando.