Next stop is Boca Grande, on Gasparilla Island jutting into Charolotte Harbor.
At the southern tip of the isle sits the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.
It isn't a typical tall lighthouse, but it has weathered 7 hurricanes.
The lighthouse is located in Gasparilla Island State Park.
While enjoying Cracker Days, we wandered around the beautiful Rainbow Springs State Park.
The park is the site of an old amusement park and there are many man-made waterfalls.
Boardwalks lead to lovely Shangri-la like scenes.
The springs forming the Rainbow River bubble up from underground into the warm pools
and the water is so crystal clear you can see fish swimming.
The waters are perfect for canoeing & kayaking, and
there is a roped off area for swimmimg, although there are aligators in the area.
This is truely a lovely park.
We've escaped winter and headed for Florida.
Our first weekend here, we stayed in the Ocala area and visited the
Cracker Days Festival at Rainbow Springs State Park.
Cracker life included huts made from palm fronds,
but they did enjoy music.
Many historical trades were represented such as blacksmithing,
spinning,
and carving.
Even the Cracker horse was represented.
It was an interesting morning.
Posted with Blogsy
