Suwannee River State Park

Suwannee River State Park

Thursday, July 17, 2014

We arrived here this morning and what a change. 

Way down upon the Suwanee River, Far far from home –

No white sandy beaches or ocean crashing against the shore,

But the Suwanee River still has a charm all it’s own.

Ok, I get it, I'm not a composer, but I sure can try :)

The park is located where the scenic Withlacoochee River joins the historic and world renowned Suwannee River.  Tomorrow, we may take a lazy day paddling trip up the river.  We have a nice campsite that is very large and conveniently located in the park.   We booked two nights for now. 

We got familiar with the park.  When we rode our bikes to the boat ramp we noticed the current in the river was swift.   We decided to the check in office and see if there were any more ramps nearby to put the kayak in.  She said there were a few places upstream where most people put in and then just paddle downstream but we would need to leave the car there.    The nearest place was a little more than 3 miles away.  She was very helpful and gave us a map of the river showing all the ramps.

This is the State Park Ramp

 The river is not as calm as this looks

 The view of a little waterfall below the bridge

I chose not to go kayaking with Ton this morning. We decided we would go together with the kayak and then I would drop him off and come back.  After he landed back here, I would pick him up at our ramp. 

I didn't know what I was in for.

Over a mile of the drive was on some dirt roads and we were 

constantly turning right or left.  I was thrilled

the GPS got us there which meant it would also get me home

The upper picture I took from the middle of the ramp looking down.

 This picture Ton took of me from the bottom looking up
All sand

Relax

Kick up your feet

and enjoy the serenity as you drift downstream.

 Notice the two pictures of this tree.  At one time

the river was so high the one tree fell and

the roots are still in the tree high above 

while the top is in the river.

 This rock looks like an alligator

 and just beyond was the real thing

 The river has many springs

 The bridge ahead is where we were last night

 This is where the two rivers come together

Ton had a beautiful trip and all went well.

Our last day here has arrived

Today we took it easy and Ton went for a walk 

on one of the trails this morning

 He loves nature

but I don't love these

This park has a lot of history.  Early use was by Native Americans 12,000 years ago.  While under Spanish control, the passage of Desoto’s party occurred in 1540.  In 1818 Andrew Jackson lead American forces through this area searching for Indian strongholds believed responsible for raiding settlers.  The town of Columbus, established in 1841 was once located here.  It prospered from river steamboat traffic carrying passengers and freight.

 The town of Columbus, established in 1841 was once located here.  It prospered from river steamboat traffic carrying passengers and freight.

The Columbus Cemetery, one of the state’s oldest and old stagecoach road, a major 1800’s route of travel from Pensacola to Jacksonville, can still be visited in the sand hills. 

 We took our last bike ride together on this trip, down to the river

The river is beautiful and the area has a charm of it’s own.  

We were glad we stopped here.

We will probably leave go home in the morning

unless we turn around and start over again:)

Till next time

Ton and Jeri