Springtime at Johnson Pond

 I was looking for a day with big billowy clouds for a drive over to Johnson Pond in the Withlacoochee State Forest and this day was picture perfect!

The trail was dry and the woods are starting to green up even more.

It's only about a mile to the pond observation deck but it is getting pretty dilapidated. 

There was even a board missing in the walkway. 

But I took my time and then stood still to soak in the beauty.

I kept seeing something jump in the water below the deck and just happened to see this tiny frog jump out of the water onto a lily pad. That really made my day. 

Little things like this tickle me.

Do you see him now?

The lily pads are beautiful year round and I saw one big bloom in the distance.

I love coming here and I didn't see anyone else on this hike.

This is the marshy area near the pond with teeny tiny flowers growing in the water.

But when I finished, I saw that my hiking friend had left a painted rock. 

Respect

What a beautiful way to spend an afternoon!

Have you been to a state park or state forest lately? It's worth the drive!

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

Tsala Apopka Outfall Canal

 Ready for an adventure?

We'll drive out to the dam....but only this once!

So look around and take all the photos you want because this will be the only time you get to go! 

The road was rough. ROUGH? There has to be a better word for it! 

Little Blue Heron, Anhinga

But for all locals, DON'T GO! Even with a high profile, 4 wheel drive vehicle it is a challenge.

Alligator and Stork

And there are birds and a monster gator to see but you can see those things in other places that are easier to get to. I was at least glad that we didn't meet anyone on the road. MEET ANYONE? NO WONDER!

Monster Gator

Stork flying away! lol

But before you think I went on a back road far far away. It was not far away and people lived on that road. But it was not maintained and there were holes big enough to bury the Jeep. I was driving, hubby was helping as in.....stay on the gas and ease through....don't stop....climb out of it.....get through the next hole....over the next hill....hug the right.....go off into the ditch on the left....through mud and muck and vegetation....no place to turn around....KEEP GOING!!!

ATV in distance, this was the only wide spot in the road!

We met one big truck with a trailer load of ATVs (driven by a lady) and one ATV (driven by a little girl). 

Osprey

Stay CALM....HOLD ON!

Osprey

Sandhill Cranes

So these are some of the neat things we saw when we were back there. 

Jeep, Colored Pencil 

Am I glad we went....well of course! 

Will we go again? Short answer...NO! 

My sons will be proud of me. I DROVE that Jeep! 

One gorgeous flower....just ONE!

Get out there and do something exciting this week!

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE

and I’d Rather B Birdin’. 

Withlacoochee State Forest "Johnson Pond"

We drove right by some of our favorite trailheads to hike a new trail!

It was an easy hike out to Johnson Pond.

And this year the fields are flooded so there's lots of water and all kinds of water birds.

It was nice to have an observation deck to view the pond.

 We saw a huge flock of White Ibis but didn't get very good photos, just good enough to ID the birds. We did get pics of the Moorhen.

Beauty everywhere you look.

Our temps were in the 70s with low humidity. 

Such a pleasure to be out on the Florida trails.

So what do you think? Should we follow the signs?

NO...we wanted to go on ALL the side trails but decided to turn around after we had hiked for about an hour so that we could stop at the observation deck at Johnson Pond.

We'll go back soon! 

But what do you mean we've only gone  a half mile! hahahaha!

And yes we went FARTHER than a half mile and to clear up other mysteries of the Lavender Dreams Blog. Some of you were worried about the new box of ice cream. 

 Here are a few more 'clues'. Hubby bought the ice cream and brought it home and removed the plastic seal and put it in the freezer. And somewhere in the process he opened it and carved his initial R into it. At least that's what Wendy and I think happened! Mystery solved....well, until he gets into more mischief. We're retired. We have to have some fun! And he gave me a BIG laugh! We always appreciate your sweet comments too!

 I’m joining Thankful Thursdays.