You always make interesting discoveries when you get out in nature.
But of course some are more surprising than others.We camped at O'Leno State Park here in Florida and hiked the River Sink trail.
What amazes you is when the Santa Fe River appears to end at about the 1/2 mile mark.
The Santa Fe River begins it's journey at lakes Santa Fe and Alto Northeast of Gainesville.
The river flows West 44 miles.And then it disappears.Yes...you read that right.It disappears for a little over 3 miles before coming back up at River Rise Preserve State Park
You can even see some swirling right in the center like a sink draining out.
The Santa Fe River is unique with the water flowing underground in an intricate cave system.
And according to the State Park website, "The best part?
It is all protected for future generations so thatthey too can appreciate this natural wonder."
More info on the website HERE.
Kingfisher
What a privilege to travel to this park and witness it ourselves.If that wasn't enough? We were there during the Christmas holidays and I saw a Christmas Leprechaun.
He was out on a limb hanging over the Santa Fe River.
I couldn't believe my eyes.
But he became very real when I met him on the trail.I gave him my Lavender Dreams card and he emailed me so that I could send him some photos.
And was this a monster under the branch?
Use your imagination! (It's really just a log or branch underwater.)
And yes, I did see more than one real alligator!
What do you think?
Is it more surprising to see a river disappear underground or to see a leprechaun wave at you from the river?
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season!"Happy New Year"
I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE.
31 comments:
...Diane, I wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year.
This looks like a lovely camping expedition. I especially liked seeing your leprauchan! How delightful -- it's a beautiful spot.
I have been there many times, what an interesting place, like no other on earth (at least that I've heard of!) Is the swinging bridge there still? My last visit was in the 90s probably.
Prachtige serie foto's.
Ik begrijp niet alles wat je schrijft.
Bijzonder de alligator.
Groetjes Irma
Lovely place! I always enjoy your photos.
Hi, I love that you saw a leprechaun and that you became friends. :-)
My dad's favorite bird is the Kingfisher.
xx oo
Carla
What a terrific blog. We toss around possibly buying a camper and heading for Florida from our cold NJ winters. I will be looking through your site at all the parks you have visited. Love that leprechaun.
What a great way to spend your Christmas. Happy New Year!!!
Another lovely post . . . and you made a new friend :)
Oh me thinks the Leprechaun it the 'cutest' sighting--though a disappearing body of water is a close 2nd--
happy new year==hugs, di
Disappearing rivers and a leprechaun. what more could you ask for.
What an interesting post Diane! I may have heard about the Sante Fe River diving underground before, but if so I must have forgotten.
And it's good to know that even Leprechauns have email now!
Happy New Year!
Ed
A lovely post and photographs.
It was nice to see your leprechaun.
Sending good wishes for the New Year of 2025.
All the best Jan
How fun!! Your leprechaun is a cutie and I bet he had some fun with it too! I loved your post!! Happy New Year!
A great post and I love the leprechaun, he's a long way from home :) All the best for the New Year.
Hello,
The disappearing river is cool, it is interesting how they go underground and come back up in another park. It is not everyday you meet a leprechaun. Love the kingfisher and the gator photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy New Year to you and your family, I wish you all the best in 2025. Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Florida’s geography and geology are always full of surprises, and the river story is a wonderful example.
Have a good year in 2025… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I vote for the river being amazing and have to also give amazing for want of hurting feelings saying the word I really think, about that adorable and handsome leprechaun perched on a a limb with a cell phone. my list of what ifs started when I saw him with what if he drops the phone and ending with what if he falls on a gator. ha ha... what a find. I used to to that, give cards to people to email photos I took. that is a stunning place to camp and I had no idea about the underground river. Love the sink pond so aptly named
Happy New Year to you! Finding the leprechaun would be a definite highlight for me. :)
Gorgeous reflections in the water!
Your hike was full of wonders, from leprechauns to the sinking river, to the alligators.
Southeast Idaho has disappearing streams, they flow out to a lava bed, go underground, and reappear at the Snake River many miles away.
Nice header and that territory asked for exploring. Nice post.
I am sure it was an interesting trail. We read disturbing news about the governor wanting to turn protected areas into golf course and other such facilities. Let’s hope this one is safe.
Wonderful post and photos of nature's gems ~ especially the river ~ and a leprechaun too~ fun ~ hugs,
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
clm ~ A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Hello Diane :)
What an interesting and fun post. A disappearing river that flows underground to reappear in another place miles away is a strange phenomena. The scenery is very beautiful and mystical too. :))
Happy New Year Diane. :)
What a beautiful spot to hike. Lovely photos, I enjoyed seeing them. Happy New Year along with lots of fun hikes and good health.
What a delightful post! I've never heard of the Santa Fe River and how it disappears for 3 miles, only to show up again, farther west. That is fascinating!
And then to spy a Leprechaun, for that's surely what he was! (smile)
All else you recorded for us here is interesting, too. What fun!
Your pictures are very beautiful! I had been scared to death if I saw one alligator!
Happy New Year!
What a fascinating river and such a beautiful area.
Happy New Year!
The whole story of the Santa Fe River sinking and rising is fascinating. I’m also enjoying finding a river named “Santa Fe” in Florida. 😊 Happy New Year to you and yours. John
How fascinating when you let your imagination run wild!
Delightful photos and captions!
Happy new year to you and yours!
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