Two weeks ago we visited Silver Springs State Park for the first time in almost two years. We finally managed to get a campsite, and grabbed it. We always camped here often, twice or more a year, but lately getting any campsite proved to be a challenge. Its natural beauty and convenient location to Ocala and The Villages apparently attracts more people now. We went to the main part of the park just at 8 a.m. as it opened. We paid a $2 admission fee, quite low it seemed. We discovered that the glass bottom boats still run, but everything else touristy says under construction.
For us, it didn’t matter, we love walking the park. Unfortunately, the Rhesus monkeys we look forward to seeing were no where to be found. A fellow walker told us he lives locally and visits nearly daily. He often sees the Rhesus, but found on days with lawn care they disappeared from the open areas until the noise abated. Naturally we inadvertently chose a lawn care day.
The trails around the spring remain open and very well kept. A Carolina Wren serenaded us near the “Sea Hunt” dock, then hopped into view. Turtles sunned themselves on a log in the spring, and an Anhinga darted underwater hunting for fish. As we walked through some of the lawn and garden, we disturbed a Red-shouldered hawk, on the lawn in the midst of a flock of White Ibis. As he flew, I tried to take a few shots. I liked this one best, I don’t often get such a good view of the topside of a bird.
Nichter Photography PLUS 