Two Lane Adventure to Gulf Shores Alabama - Day1

Another two lane adventure has begun. It was originally slated to begin today, but Charlie got a bit antsy and we headed out yesterday after work, just together a head start. Wednesday night we traveled for a few hours along 301, 98 and 19. Zephyrhills, Dade City, Brooksville, Homosassa, Crystal River, Inglis, and Otter Creek. We passed the Dakotah Winery. It was closed, but you can stop in for a wine tasting. Stopping for the night in Chiefland Florida. Did you know that there are three RV parks there? West of Chiefland is what I’d say is a big draw, when the time is right. The Manatee Springs State Park, which is also a National Natural Landmarks. Starting out Thursday morning we followed 19 and 27. Leaving Chiefland it is barely 4 miles until you get to Fanning Springs, on the banks of the Suwannee River. There used to be a military post here, Fort Fanning, it has been made into a park. Just beyond that is Fanning Springs State Park. Next came Old Town. How old is Old Town, anyway? The first school there was built around 1909, so there’s a clue. Cross City features Putnam Lodge. It reopened just a few months ago, but originally built in 1927 by the Putnam Lumber Company. It was located beside the old Dixie Highway, now known as 19. Driving through the forty or so miles of wilderness from Cross City through Salem to Perry, you can see the reality of days gone by in the empty and run down motels. On the bright side, there were huge patches of wild flowers, beautiful purples, bright reds, vibrant pinks and whites. (Karen - you would love them!) In Perry you can see 520 acres of prime swamp land that was turned into “IRON HORSE MUD RANCH." They offer the best mild to wild trails and bogs in Florida. (Tammy - this place is for you!) In Monticello we picked up 90 and started to head west. We skirted along the northern edge of Tallahassee and saw parts of Florida State University. Go Seminoles! (Jack - that is for you!)  We continued along the Florida Arts Trail. Where there are authentic little towns full of art and antiques to explore in Quincy, Gretna, Mt Pleasant and Chattahoochee. Sneads holds tons of old Florida charm, and just outside of town is the Apalachee Correctional Institution which had acres and acres of crops being planted, growing and harvested. It was a very welcome sight. Marianna, is known as the "City of Southern Charm" it is also home of Florida Caverns State Park. This park has dry caves and offers tours. It is a place we will stay on another trip! It reminds me of the caverns in Pennsylvania!  We quickly headed through Cottondale into Chipley and turned south onto 77. In just a few miles we came to Falling Waters State Park our destination for the night. Huge trees and fern-covered sinkholes line the trails and boardwalk that leads you to Florida's highest waterfall. Falling Waters Sink is a 100-foot deep, 20-foot wide cylindrical pit into which flows a small stream that drops 73 feet to the bottom of the sink. The water's final destination remains unknown. The park is also home to beautiful native and migrating butterflies in their butterfly garden. We experienced the verdant, gently sloping landscape and some serious hills of the park on our bikes! Resting up tonight for our drive into Alabama tomorrow.