~Like Hamster's on a Wheel, So are the days of their Lives~

 

 

 

 

 

I always wondered what the difference was between a Groundhog and Woodchuck.  (I had posted incorrectly, saying Hedgehogs....heheee, got my hogs mixed up).  Found out recently that Goundhogs aka Woodchucks are the same animal.  And I know they are not indigenous to Florida. 

 

When I lived in New York State, I would see them munching their dew drench grass in the early morning, usually in the median of the New York State Thruway from Scotia to Albany. And sometimes, in the evening at dusk.

 

 

A Coastal Comfort Photo...TY Sharon!

 

 

Yesterday, February 1st, the RV Park filled up to the MAX.  Row after row of Motor Homes, Fifth Wheels and Trailers are lined up .  People who have been coming to the Park for years are congregating in the roads, talking about their families, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, their pets, where the drove from, the bad weather "Up North" . 

 

"Up North" is a loose phrase referring basically to anywhere north of I-4 to anyone who lives in Florida. 

"Up North" to a Snowbird is where they are from.

 

Luckily yesterday most of the people who had been in the Park since December went on one of those Old Folks bus excursions to Key West.  I hear the highlight ofthe trip was going to Paula Dean's Restaurant.  For me, if I go to Key West, I want to go during Fantasy Fest.  It's definately SAC, Bi-Tri-Quatro SAC!

Yes, I have a get down, raunchy side! 

I hear the body painting is phenomenal.  I could do body painting : D

 

Today, I guess the Snowbirds are walking off the calories they consumed at "Paula Dean's".  They are still in the roads, walking in herds of 3, 4 5, sometimes more.  Six times around the parameter equals a mile.  I don't know if someone in a car and drove around in circles 6 times.  Or if it's just rumor.  From my couch I am looking out my screen door and watching these people going round and round....like hamsters on a wheel. 

 

Across the street from the RV Park is the Pinellas County Bike trail.  It runs from North of Tarpon Springs, south thru Clearwater, to the southern most part of the county, St. Petersburg.  Now there are a few branches to take bikers and wlkers to the Ball Parks, or across the old Gandy Bridge to Tampa. 

If that kind of a trip is too much, Crystal Beach is along the Bike Trail only about 1/4 mile from here and Wall Springs is about a mile. 

 

This info is from the web page and explains the uniqueness of the Park better than I can.  It is Florida.  Florida at it's best.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wall Springs Park's 195 acres include a historic spring once used as a spa and bathing area from the turn of the 20th century until the mid-1960s. The park includes boardwalks, nature trails, playground, a 35-foot observation tower.

 

• The source of the spring is the Upper Floridan Aquifer
• The spring water temperature remains at a nearly constant 74 degrees
• The flow varies from zero during drought to a high of 7,405 gallons per minute
• During periods of high rainfall as much as 10.7 million gallons of water can flow from the spring in 1 day

Spring-run Stream, Clastic Upland Lake, Tidal Swamp, Tidal Marsh, Mesic Flatwoods, Xeric Hammock, Upland Mixed Forest, Unconsolidated Substrate, Mollusk Reefs, and Seagrass Beds.

 

 

Wild life....Gray squirrels, fox squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, opossum, river otters, coyotes, loons, pelicans, herons, ibis, egrets, vultures, ospreys, eagles, wood storks, doves, owls, red-bellied and pileated woodpeckers, roseate spoonbills, snakes, gopher tortoise, various fish, marine invertebrates, and butterflies.

 

Additional info.....

Pinellas County began acquiring the Wall Springs property in 1988, with the initial purchase of approximately 63 acres which included the spring and surrounding area.

Pinellas County has continued to acquire additional property since their initial purchase with the most recent acquisitions having been made in October of 2001 and July of 2002. Wall Springs is now approximately 195 acres in total size.

This park includes restroom facilities, memorial sundial, park benches, bike racks, drinking fountains, grills, picnic tables, picnic shelters, a playground area, boardwalks, nature trails, an observation tower and observation piers. The spring and adjoining pond include a viewing and observation area, boardwalks, park benches, educational and informational displays. Swimming is not allowed. 

 

I do know that Youth Groups can camp at Wall Springs with a permit. 

The Tower pictured above is a great place to watch the sunset and the many power boats, sailboats and Kayaks in the Gulf.

 

"SuperBowl Weekend" has to be the weeknd for Chick flicks.  Jazzy isn't very talkative, so I usually have the TV on....TBS, Hisory Channel or MSNBC.  Last night on the tube, Spanglish.  Today, Spanglish and Gound Hog Day.  Tonight, What Women Want.  Tomorrow, The Wedding Planner.   The movies aren't so bad, the only one I haven't minded watching more than once is The Wedding Planner.  The others I can live without.  

So History Channel it is......Magnatars, Black Holes!  Cool : )

 

*My brother is an Astro-Physist.  From time to time he will "enlighten" me with his knowledge of the universe.  Although, it's fascinating, I think I'll stick to Mid-Wifery.

 

 

 

 

Tags: Wall Springs, Florida, Superbowl Weekend movies, Bay Aire RV Park