One Day at a Time: Wakulla

Our family LOVES to swim! It's in our blood! Usually, we go swimming at Joey's (my nephew), but every now and then we venture out to Wakulla Springs.

Wakulla Springs is a crystal clear swimming spot that stays 69 degrees year round. It has a two story dive platform, two floating docks, and a beach with all kinds of interesting rocks and shells. Two years ago (I think) we were swimming within 10 feet of a manatee the size of a Mini Cooper! There are thousands of alligators, turtles, etc., but they steer clear (typically) of the swimming area. The swimming area is at the mouth of the spring, so the alligators typically steer clear of all of the noise. There are Park Rangers on alert to chase the alligators off with the pontoon boats as well. Wakulla Springs was also the location that several popular movies have been made: Creature from the Black Lagoon, Tarzan, and Airport 77.

Rachel has only ever been to the Springs once (last year), and Sam doesn't remember all of the trips from last summer, so this visit was especially neat.

We were all sitting around Saturday morning, and the idea of going to Wakulla had been tossed around, but neither of us could make up out minds about going. Typically, we go VERY early morning to avoid all of the crowds. We finally made up our minds at 11:00 or so to go. I told Rachel to go get on her bathing suit, and as soon as Sam saw that Rachel was in her suit, the madness started.

"Wimming, wimming!" Sam shouted. He started bouncing around the house in a frantic state. He had to go "wimming" and he had to go NOW!

We loaded up the car, dragged Beth out of bed, and went to Wakulla.

I later told Rusty that this was the best trip to Wakulla yet. The kids had an absolute BLAST, and it was SO neat to be able to watch them experience the newness of Wakulla! We will definitey be going back many times this summer.

On the way to the Springs, Rusty rolled all of the windows down, and this is what happens to Rachel's hair when it meets wind!!!