Day in White Springs

We went back to the Steven Foster State Park this morning to visit the places we did not have time to see over the weekend. It was a lovely warm sunny day, perfect to go down to the river gazebo and gaze up and down the Suwannee River. While there, two canoes came round the bend in the river and a voice hailed us saying, 'Didn't you dance contra with me?' It was a lady, Nancy, and friends, who had danced for two nights with Terry at the festival. They were still camping on the Park campground as they were very involved with the organisation for the weekend. We went down to the canoe launch area and thus ensued a long conversation about conservation issues in Florida.
About an hour and a half later we wandered down to see the remains of the sulphur spring which had been very popular in the early part of the 20th century. The high concrete walls still remain although the spring has not flowed for at least 15 years - caused by the water table dropping. We then went to the local hotel for a buffet lunch. What a fascinating place - built in 1903 out of stones from the river and bricks imported from Georgia- full of old furniture and artifacts. They had, in showcases, ledgers with guest signatures, one being Theo Roosevelt signed in 1913. We were allowed to go up to see some of the guest rooms - it was like taking a step back in time - rooms with high ceilings, wooden walls and period furniture. Very nice. Not bad value at all - £10 for us both (including tip), for as much as you could eat of Southern cooking - corn bread, grits, fried chicken, chicken pot pie, banana dessert and fruit pies to name but a few of the dishes on offer.The salad bar was excellent.
We came back to the trailer for a rest as we are still tired after the hectic weekend.