Friday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Silver Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. Silver Springs State Par is located on the Silver River. Silver Springs is a 4,000 acre Park that encompasses the springs, the Silver River, a museum, and gardens. The Park is well known for camping, glass bottom boats, and paddling rentals. Dogs are allowed in the Park but not in the cabins, museum, or on the glass bottom boat.

We had a simple adventure to the Silver Springs State Park. We arrived on a warm day as we were heading back to home in Massachusetts. We arrived through the grand gates, paid our entrance fee, and headed into the Park. We walked the trails, checked out the gardens, and enjoyed the views of the springs. I found the park to be more amusement park-like then a nature setting. However we enjoyed the experience, the walk, and a new environment. So glad we could yet visit another State Park in Florida (Rating: 3).

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa, Florida. Hillsborough River State Park has trails, a pool, picnic tables, camping, and additional opportunities for outdoor recreation including: fishing, and kayaking.

We had a gorgeous adventure to Hillsborough River State Park. Hillsborough River State Park is one I frequented often with Shadow and Buster…in my Tampa days…so I was quite excited to return. I parked with the plan to check out the suspension bridge, and the reminiscing began. We walked the Baynard trail, checked out the boardwalk, the suspension bridge, and other parts of the Park that looked familiar. I was a big sister with Big Brothers/Big Sisters for ten years, and their annual picnics occurred mostly at Hillsborough River State Park. I did not remember where exactly in the Park where this event had taken place but was quite happy to find I happened to Park in that same parking lot, leading to many wonderful memories. I loved visiting this Park again. The tropical greenery is gorgeous, the suspension bridge is spectacular and there are endless trails, boardwalks, and waterfront views. Gus loved his new hobby – lizard hunting (haha), while Wilma enjoyed her old hobby – rolling (haha). It was a warm day but we took our time walking slowly. It was just a perfect visit to a gorgeous Park. So glad we could visit Hillsborough State Park (Rating: 4).

Today Wilma, Gus, and I adventured to Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa, Florida. Lettuce Lake is a 240 acre county Park.  The amenities include a 1.25 walking loop, boardwalk, playgrounds, and picnic areas.  The Park contains the Hillsborough River and offers canoe and kayak rentals.  There is a $2 fee to enter the Park.

We had a gorgeous adventure to Lettuce Lake Park. I was thrilled to return to Lettuce Lake Park as it was one of my favorite local parks to walk at with Shadow and Buster when I resided in Tampa. Today it was Wilma and Gus’ turn to visit this beautiful park. We entered the park, paid the $2 fee, and found a parking spot. We headed off to the paved trail and the reminiscing began. The park was just as gorgeous and spectacular as I remembered, with greenery everywhere. We enjoyed the trail, went to the river edge, checked out the nature trail, and walked and walked. Wilma enjoyed some rolls, while Gus loved diving into the ferns chasing lizards. It was just wonderful being there and enjoying the moments, scene, and memories. My photos definitely do not do it justice, but it was just right. So glad we could adventure to Lettuce Lake Park today (Rating: 5).

Today Wilma, Gus, and our friend Kathy adventured to Alderman Ford’s Park in Lithia, Florida. The Park is especially popular for use of the almost two-mile loop trail, which attracts walkers, and bicyclists. The trail contains boardwalks and bridges and is lined by oak, cypress, and palm trees. The Park is also popular for fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and has remote camp sites.

We had a wonderful adventure to Alderman Ford’s Park. I was so excited to be reunited with my friend Kathy, and for her to meet the pups. She stopped by our AIRBNB before we headed to the park for our walk. Upon arrival to the park, we followed the paved trail, taking time to sit, chat, and give the pups a water break along the route. Some parts of the trail were a bit bland while others were absolutely spectacular. I loved the boardwalk trail going over the river, so modern and unique (see a quick video below). The landscape was great, lots of tropical foliage. However the best part of this walk was the wonderful company, and that Wilma and Gus could meet one of my friends who resides in Florida. Kathy was nice to let me use some of the amazing photographs she took in our blog today –  Check out her business on Facebook – Little Violet Photography- by Kathy Hostetler. Definitely a memorable day at Alderman Ford’s Park (Rating: 4).

Yesterday Wilma, Gus, and I Adventured to Kanapaha Botanical Gardens in Gainesville, Florida. Kanapaha is a 68 acre property with trails, flowers, and trees. It contains Florida’s largest collection of bamboo gardens. The garden’s peak season is from June through September.

We had a green-filled Adventure to the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. I was excited to arrive at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens our last stop before arriving at our final destination. We entered the building to pay and then headed out to the gardens. I peaked at the map briefly but mostly followed our feet, and the paths throughout. The garden was very tropical, which I especially enjoyed being a current resident of Massachusetts. It was a bit warm for the pups so we took our time exploring, stopped for water breaks, and I ran through the sprinklers on several occasionally. I was actually surprised at how large, and crowded the Gardens were as for some reason I imagined a much smaller location. My favorite parts of the park were the palm trees, the bamboo, and the several bridges throughout. Gus loved chasing the lizards and whatever he could find, while Wilma enjoyed lounging in the green grass. I was a bit surprised to see few flowers, but definitely appreciated all we could find. So glad we could visit Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Rating: 3.5)