FL State Parks Quest: Florida Caverns State Park [3/174] [+Delicious Food]

Florida Caverns State Park

FL State Parks Quest: 3/175

Marianna, FL 

30 April 2017

Introduction:

On a cloudy warm Sunday morning, my fantastic friend Alyssa and I grabbed our hardhats and hit the road to go spelunking in caves. Every part of that is true except for the hardhats, which they did sell at the gift shop, and would have been awesome, but the idea did not come to fruition. Luckily, nothing fell on our heads, and the caves were well lit.

The Gear:

• Florida State Park Passport

The Story:

Intro to Florida Caverns State Park 

I've been to Florida Caverns State Park before, but Alyssa hadn't. It's been awhile for me, so it was very much still exciting! I also had better company this time which made it way more fun. It is about an hour give or take West of Tallahassee in Marianna, FL.

The cost per vehicle with multiple people to enter the park is $5. I have an annual pass which lets me get in for free and each passenger in for $2. Caverns tours are a separate cost of $8 per adult which is paid for at the visitor center. Speaking of visitor center, that is where we drive to next. It's just a mile or so down the road if you keep going straight. There will be a right turn that leads to the spring, camping, and more trails.

Dedication to the CCC workers who worked in the caverns from 1933-1942 making them what they are today
Florida Caverns State Park

Becoming a Junior Ranger is very tempting.
Florida Caverns State Park

We paid for our tours and got ready. There is a waiting area where you need to assemble before your tour. Also to note - The Florida Caverns Natural Area has been designated a National Natural Landmark (picture of the plaque below).

Caverns Tour at Florida Caverns State Park

While I have several pictures on this blog, it is important to note that it is difficult to take a good picture in the lighting. I am using my phone's camera and have absolutely no training in photography. I'm sure a skilled photographer can take some rad photos down there. You really have to go to get the full experience.

We were in a group of about 25 (25 is max for fire hazard) and the first tour of the day! That means we would be bumping into less groups throughout the tour. We were originally near the front but ended up towards the back because, well, we like to take pictures. There's an awesome stairway down to the totally authentic door into the caverns.

Some fun facts learned in the initial part of the tour!!

• First thing noticed - a big temperature drop. The caverns remain at Florida's average temperature at all times - so mid 60s (Fahrenheit)
• This part of Florida was submerged a long, long, long time ago when sea levels were higher
• When the sea level dropped, things dried, and seashells and stuff hardened into limestone
• Rainwater seeping underground created all of these badass formations
• The bulk of the work was done by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s until the United States entered WWII. They worked long hours for $1/day, and most of that money went home to their families.
• Caverns means a series of caves.
• There are three main colors of rock that naturally form in the cave
• White-ish - Calcite
• Orange/red-ish - Iron
• Dark-ish - Manganese
• Stalactites hang from the ceiling
• Stalagmites form from the floor under a stalactite
• Columns form when the two combine together
• Cave bacon / flow stone - formations that look like bacon or draperies
• Soda straws - hollow thin stalactites

Wide variety of soda straws, stalactites, stalagmites, and columns
Florida Caverns State Park

The stalagmites remind me of the cypress knees that I was going on about at Torreya State Park. They have a similar nature except one is limestone and the other is more of a tree root. Both wacky things found in nature that could also look more like hand gestures instead of knees.

In the following photo there is green on the rocks. This is algae, which is not naturally occurring in caves. Algae needs light and caves are dark, which means that the human-placed lighting causes its formation. The park has professionals come in to clear up the algae.

Florida Caverns State Park

Cave bacon! And a selfie...

One of the rooms of the caverns is called the 'South America Room'. This is because there is a pool shaped like South America:

At one point we got to experience total darkness. It kind of messes you up. Also don't fall for the trick! A lot of people had their tongues sticking out when our guide turned the lights back on. Don't be one of those people.

Thermometer: ~65 degrees Fahrenheit
Florida Caverns State Park

Last time I went on a tour of the caverns, this was my favorite part. There was no water this time :( Such a consistent theme with how this whole day went.

2017-04-29 No water!
Florida Caverns State Park

But have no worries, I found the picture from last time when there is water!

2016-02-22 Water!
Florida Caverns State Park

We pose like this so much, we should make a calendar of our best 12, or a daily 365 rip-off-the-page calendar
Florida Caverns State Park

Below is the 'Rock of Many Names'. Why? Well it's a rock just chillin in the middle of the floor that as people bump into it, they give it a not-so-very-nice name of their choice. Poor rocky rock. I'm sure you served some sort of beneficial purpose at one point.

The Rock of Many Names
Florida Caverns State Park

Next we went by a column you got to touch! Touching anything in the caverns is a big no-no. Oils from your hands will prevent the formations from growing any further. This is the only thing you are allowed to touch. BTW: Our guides shirt reads "Cavers get to the bottom of things."

Florida Caverns State Park

This room has a Christmas theme! Can you find the Christmas tree?

There were some tunnels in the cave that an average adult has to bend over a bit to walk through. We got a kick out of the very young girl in front of us that was about 3.5 feet tall who was bending over just like her mom to walk around. It was super cute, and I don't say that about human children very often.

We were at the end of the tour, and this is the last thing I got to see. Thanks for flicking me off, stalagmite! You're just like the cypress knees! Rude.

Sunlight! We aren't down here forever!

Hiking at Florida Caverns State Park

Following the tour, you have a few options on how to return to the main parking lot. You can take a 15 minute hike on the Beech/Magnolia Trail, head straight to the visitor center, or turn off onto the Bluff Trail which is a slightly longer hike that takes you through a tunnel.

This trail features my favorite - cypress knees! The real deal, not those rock impostors that were in the cave.

We also came across an interesting, totally natural formation that had no description. We'll just use our imaginations, but it probably has something to do with caves.

We learned about the leaves of a Southern Magnolia tree with a complete touch and feel experience. The leaves were indeed large and dark green, and the texture was waxy on top and velvety underneath.

We also saw some rock shelters and saw some other cool/pretty things.

Another pic with cypress knees in the background. I love them okay!
Florida Caverns State Park

We arrived at the tunnel cave! It's actually very close to the parking lot because we can see the cars through the trees. We walked over to the other side of it and back. And by walk I mean moving through it pretending we're trains. I think there was more trail after it, but we have another state park to hit up!

I accidentally took a very trippy picture of trees and leaves before heading into the tunnel cave.

Alyssa outside the cave while I'm still in it
Florida Caverns State Park

The Spring at Florida Caverns State Park

The caverns are the primary draw to this park, but there is also a beautiful swimming hole at Blue Hole Spring.

Blue Hole Spring
Florida Caverns State Park

The water was too pretty to not touch it:

Alyssa touching water

Bridge crossing over where spring starts to feed into Chipola river
Florida Caverns State Park

Foodies - Mashawy Grill (Marianna, FL)

A caverns tour and short hike is hard work! We built up an appetite. Alyssa also ran 8 miles that morning, so she had to be very rungry. We were in a small-ish town called Marianna. All the food places we passed were the usual fast food restaurants. After a Google search, there was a mysterious restaurant called Mashawy Grill right near the state park entrance. Not knowing what it was, we decided to check in and inspect the menu. At first glance, we saw white tablecloths on the table. Ruh Roh, we aren't dressed for this. However, the family already seated was in normal clothes like us, so we looked at the menu to discover decent prices. It's not any old grill restaurant either, it's Mediterranean food. How exciting! Looking at Google later, this place was 5 stars with over 30 reviews. How many places can say that? I would agree that food, atmosphere, and the service were 5 stars. The music playing, decorations, and ambiance all blended together for a wonderful Zen. Not what I was expecting to find in Marianna.

I of course wanted everything on the menu. I ended up with a three course meal, and no regrets, this has to be in the top 10 meals of my life. 

Appetizer: Grape Leaves

Entree: Moussaka (and Alyssa's falafel wrap)

I was very much full after the app and entree. I ordered the house coffee because I wanted an energy boost and because I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. Everything was SO DELICIOUS. However, the owner (I'm assuming) came by and as soon as he mentioned baklava, the trash compactor in my stomach turned on and made room.

House coffee and BAKLAVA

Next Up! - Falling Waters State Park!

Hurdles:

None! Everyone on the tour was super respectful including the children. Except for Lucas. He seemed to annoy his parents a few times.

Relevant Quote:

It's fitting to use a quote that was a sign on the park. Thank you CCC for all of your hard work so we can tour this magnificent part of Earth's beautiful, natural creations.

Florida Caverns State Park

Other:

• This was my second visit to this FL State Park in my lifetime
• This was my third visit to a FL State Park in 2017
• This park is 3/174 for passport stamps

Related Resources:

• FL State Parks: Florida Caverns State Park
• About the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
• Mashawy Grill

Rollin' and Strollin' at Maclay Gardens State Park [2/174]

Rollin' and Strollin' at Maclay Gardens State Park

Passport Stamp #2!

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Tallahassee, FL 

23 April 2017

Introduction

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park 'A Masterpiece of Floral Architecture' resides in Tallahassee just North of the Thomasville I-10 ramp. The gardens were originally known as Killearn Gardens. Alfred Barmore (I can see why he opted for B. instead) Maclay, a New York finance guy, bought the land in 1923 for a winter home. He himself did much of the work to create the masterpiece. The Maclay family gave the land to the State of Florida in 1953, 9 years after Alfred's death. I will only be going through Lake Hall and the Gardens in this post as oddly enough, I have not been on the Overstreet trails yet.

It was a beautiful day for rollin' the kayak and strollin' through the gardens.

The Gear:

• Florida State Park Passport
• Dagger Mamba kayak
• Astral Brewers
• Paddle Float

The Story:

The Rollin'

Hall Lake - Rolling Lesson

I scheduled a private rolling lesson with Tommy Thompson with the Florida Kayak School. It's pretty awesome that I can find instruction in Tallahassee with someone else who has a whitewater boat. I know rolling isn't exclusive to whitewater, which means there are ocean kayakers etc. who would be able to help too. Since FL is like by the beach or something.

Hall Lake is the first right upon entering the gardens. There is a large parking lot, restroom facilities, boat ramp, and a beach recreation area. It is a great shallow and still place to work on technique. You just have to get over the fact that you look silly and everybody is watching you.

Roll with paddle float

Best technique of all the videos:

The Strollin'

The Gardens

The Gardens part of this state park are in the "bloom season". This means it costs extra to go into the gardens through the end of April. These photos may not be in order of my stroll, but I'll add details when I can. First up is the parking area. Beautiful tree, signs saying you should probably not pick the flowers.

Don't pick the flowers dude

The gates open right on the House Walk. It is a brick walkway that gives you views of Lake Hall to your right, has random turns into the garden on your left, and canopies above your head.

Lake Hall

The Secret Garden!

Towards the end of the walkway you will stumble upon the secret garden. It's basically a gated/hedged off square guarded by lions (rad!).

Inside the secret garden
Maclay Gardens State Park

The following photos are of plants that were spotted inside the secret garden.

The Pond

The pond was the most gorgeous aspect of the gardens in my opinion. The water was beautiful as well as the surrounding vegetation. I may give Florida a hard time, but there is some really nice stuff here. I'm glad I'm taking this mission to visit as many state parks as I can.

Reflection Pool

If you are my age living in Tallahassee, you've probably seen the pictures on Facebook of every couple's engagement photoshoot in front of the reflecting pool. Either that or on train tracks (are train tracks really an import aspect of your relationship? just why?). So here is the pool in all of it's glory. 

Now insert a couple holding a banner with their wedding date on it or standing in some odd, unnatural pose in front of it or holding a wooden ampersand. It IS pretty, yes. I think it's the trees that really make the photos. The pool adds a pop of color, but I think a statue of Abraham Lincoln or a cat (or a cat Lincoln) would make this more exciting.

The House/Museum

I was not aware of the Maclay House Museum. According to my research following up on my visit, it is only open during the blooming season (January - April). I awkwardly stepped inside to see what it was all about.

Maclay House Museum
Maclay Gardens State Park

I turned right to where the museum side was. It details the history of gardens starting with Medieval. Then it delves on to different European countries during the Renaissance such as Italy, France, and then eventually the British Isles. For the American Gardens section, it says "Each region of the United States has gardens uniquely its own, each full of creativity, historical background, and plant life indigenous to the area."

Then we specifically get to the History of Maclay Gardens.

If you've read other blog entries of mine, you will understand why I took the next photo. Cypress knees! It also shows the torreya tree which I discussed in my Torreya State Park post. I was curious about the torreya being in the gardens so I talked to the ranger on duty at the museum. He said there was for sure one Torreya tree by the reflecting pool on the end closer to Hall Lake. He asked if I would recognize it if I saw it, and I honestly have no idea. (He said he could only notice it if someone else pointed it out to him so I don't feel bad). It didn't stop me from trying.

Some more background information by Alfred B.'s wife Louise:

"...to bring it to its present state of perfection" - I love it!

The museum part was short, sweet, and to the point. The house had two rooms on display to look around. First is the Library.

Then the sitting room/living room:

I explored the gardens some more. It was neat how there wasn't a designated footpath except on the House Walk. I got to peacefully meander around on the open grass. I tried finding the torreya tree, but I am just like the ranger in that I need someone to point it out. I took some pictures of what potentially may be it, but I will consult with a better tree expert before I report incorrect information.

I stopped into the front gate ranger station on my way out of the park. They even let me stamp my passport myself!!

After a nice day in the sun, I deserved pizza and a beer. Momo's never disappoints.

Hurdles:

My shed key was missing, so I couldn't get my paddle. Said shed key was found in a jacket pocket the day after I had my lock replaced. Go figure, that's always the best way to find things. I also forgot my PFD, even though I grabbed the wetsuit right next to it. My instructor let me use his. At least I remembered to bring my kayak?

Relevant Quote:

I look at people like Picasso and Da Vinci and Escher and Miles Davis, and they'll write or paint that one definitive masterpiece of maybe 50 that they have that's really trying to go outside the box, trying to do something that's tough. And then when you accomplish it, you look back and go, 'Yeeaaaah - masterpiece.'

-Lupe Fiasco

I went for a more light-hearted quote this time. Since the gardens are a masterpiece of floral architecture, I decided to find a masterpiece of a quote. Lupe Fiasco giving respect to the talents of many masterful minds. Pushing through something tough is very rewarding.

Note - Lupe Fiasco has some pretty damn good quotes.

Other:

• This was my 2nd visit to this FL State Park in my lifetime
• This was my 2nd visit to a FL State Park in 2017
• This park is 2/174 for passport stamps

Relevant Resources:

• Florida Kayak School
• FL State Parks: Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
• Park Brochure