Collier-Seminole State Park

Collier-Seminole State Park, located just South of Naples is home to a feat of mechanical engineering history. The Bay City Walking Dredge that paved the way accross the swamps of Southern Florida to make the famous Tamiami trail highway. Linking Tampa to Miami and finished in 1924, the Tamiami trail is a modern marvel. The dredge is set up in the park and has an information board with it giving you an idea of how it worked.

A really beautiful feature of the park is the Royal Palm Hammock Trail. You'll wind your way through the palm hammock and see many navtie species of Florida plants and trees. The informative signs scattered along the trail identifying certain species was very educational.

You might be wondering where the name Collier-Seminole came from. It's a combination of Barron Collier, a wealthy entreprener who financed the Tamiami trail and the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians who have long resided in the area. Failing to be driven out in both the Second and Third Seminole wars, they became known as the 'Unconquerd'. If you take a drive accross the Tamiami trail you'll see many villages dotted along the landscape.

Now that we've gone over a little history let's talk about what the park has to offer. If you are into fishing you've come to the right place. They even rent canoes with access to the Blackwater River. Both salt and freshwater fishing can be enjoyed here. Both biking and hiking trails are accessible here as well. If you want to stay awhile, both tent and RV camping are available. All sites have electricity, grill and picnic table. There are three bathhouses within easy reach to campers, including one with a washer and dryer. If you are looking for a primitive camp there are a few choices at hand, hike in and by canoe located along the respective trails. They are first come first serve and there are no showers or privies.

Collier-Seminole State Park 20200 E. Tamiami Trail Naples, Florida 34114 Phone: 239-394-3397 Reservations: 800-326-3521

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Silver Glen Springs

I have a personal goal to visit all the springs in Florida and I'm well on my way. One I had really been wanting to cross off my bucket list was Silver Glen Springs located in the Ocala National Forest. Last time I was over that way checking out springs I didn't get to that one and after seeing online pictures I was really disappointed I skipped it. I had also recently just gotten a faux pro (A generic sport camera that's waterproof) and I was really eager to try it out. I'll do another post reviewing it because it's pretty sweet! All of the images in this post were taken with that camera.

What I really liked about Silver Glen was that it wasn't super deep. Sometimes that seventy two degree year round water can take your breath away, so I like to be able to touch while my body is getting used to it! The clarity of the water was brilliantly clear and you almost felt like you were in a pool. I was able to do some snorkeling and to get some underwater video and pictures. Lots of people had rafts which is a great way to check out the springs. It was very nice that they had an air compressor there to blow up your rafts, very thoughtful!

As with most Florida springs that get a lot of visitors you'll want to arrive early to assure parking and a spot in the shade. The parking area does close once they reach capacity. There was plenty of grassy area to set up canopy's, blankets or umbrellas. You can rent a canoe and check out the spring run that flows into Lake George or you can bring your own canoe or kayak as well. While you can snorkel in the spring you can't SCUBA like you can in some of the other Florida Springs. If you feel like staying the night they have a campground there as well. You could explore the other local springs in the area. Juniper, Alexander and Salt Springs, which you can read about here. They only have portable toilets so keep that in mind if you aren't a fan of the port a potty. The cost to get in for adults is $5.50 as of July 2018 but prices are always subject to change. You can find Silver Glen at 5271 FL-19, Salt Springs, FL 32134.