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| 1st camp Highlands Hammock State park |
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| Loaded up,out the gate |
We arrived at sunset and made our first camp in the dark, just so you all know this is a good exercise in being a seasoned Overlander. That night we bought take out, BBQ ribs and ate in the dark not remembering where I packed the lantern. As we cheered to our first day excursion with a few "Chickelobs", peacefully eating our BBQ, suddenly, Trixie pops up and says "something just crawled on my foot!" Me thinking it was a ant or mosquito, until her look of "Houston we have a problem!" I did what any good team member would do and chuckled. Then it got real!! Apparently Trixie is a Armadillo whisperer and didn't know it nor did the Armadillo. This leathery armor shelled Dasypodidae planted itself on her foot under the table before waddling away in the dark to its next unsuspecting victim.
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| Park Entrance |
The next days were filled with exploring the park on bikes. With noticeable damage from hurricane Irma the park is still full of awe.... 1000 year old Oaks, Wild Orange Groves, Fern Grottos, Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, active Forrest Management burn offs.
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| Very Old Oak still standing after Irma |
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| Very Old Oak not standing after Irma (Root system) |
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| Spot the gators |
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| Controlled Burn Management |
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View from wooden Bridge |
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| Swamp View |
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| Wild Iris |
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| Flowering Ground Cover |
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| 1st Night Camp meal |
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| "Florida Cracker Cows" |
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| Old Hickory Trail |
Highlands Hammock State Park has so much to offer- several days camping is a must. Reservations are highly recommended. There is a county road that crosses the park and boy the scenery is amazing, horse and cattle ranches,. Do this park with the intent to explore in and around the park boundaries!!
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| Lonely Trail |
🚙 ........