Alligator Lake

This is at the end of the penisular dike where the dikes like to hang out
and meet up one another, where I was mistaken for a dike and had the stimulating conversation upon the merits of viagra.
I just wanted to photograph alone.
I did not ask for company.
Do I look like a dike on a hike on a dike?
Probably.

Behind the Stadium

The Leisure from the black lagoon

Tonight Jordon and I made a quick trip down to the Alligator Lake boat ramps. It was briskly cool, almost cold when we arrived at the ramp behind Columbia High near sunset. We checked out the dock then took the short hike down the trail leading to the lagoon,sinkhole behind Tiger Football Stadium.
The flip flops were like an omen, as if the person who worn them took an unexpected swim.
We made our exit and headed to the ramp behind the Department of Transportation offices. There, a fellow in Coogi jeans was fishing at the end of the dock. Two other brothers were launching their boat. They were large enough to max out the boat, riding low in the water. We watched the sun lower, looking for airplanes in the sky that would perhaps pass the half moon. None did, though a few came close.

Watermelon Park

North of Mikesville, the settlement founded in 1870 by G.M.Whetstone, after passing Ellisville at I-75 one comes upon a lone blinking light past Mason City. Home of the famous and delicious Nettles Sausage, the crossroads hamlet is home to a Lester Scaff and Sons, S&S convenience store and one boarded up Presbyterian Church. Where once the stately Flanagan home stood under the oaks,there is a double-wide.
Down Myrtis Road  or CR240,we turn for home off Price Creek Road, passing the little shanty, once where the young black fellow in the wheelchair would wave at us. They said he was selling drugs.
We assume the crossroads got its name for once being a staging area under the shady oaks for the watermelon trucks loaded each summer.
Each October the Gainesville Cycling Club uses the S&S for a lunch stop on the Santa Fe Century ride at the fifty-five point of the hundred mile ride through some of the most picturesque countryside in Northern Florida.

Oaks of Myrtis

Shanty on Myrtis

The Flanagan home now gone

boarded up Presbyterian Church

Rest stop of the Santa Fe Century ride

White Springs Parade

Tonight the Lost in Florida crew set out for the idyllic town of White Springs for the Annual Christmas parade and lighting of the Stephen Foster Park.

We took our stand next to the Methodist Church

The Methodist Church nativity display

Once we parked and set our chairs out for everyone, got the Pizza Hut Pizza's distributed along with the drinks, I walked down to the Adams Store.

I was amazed at the amount of antiques on display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I made my way back to the church in time for the parade.

It was rather amusing in that the streets were so dark, we could barely make out who was inside the vehicles and on the floats.

 

 

 

 Pearce made out the best with a sack full of candy

We gave the Baptist float our first place pick

The horses are always impressive

Allison took the kids on into the park to see the lights as the rest of the crew made their way back to Lake City, with plans to return soon to spend the evening in the park. Stay tuned.

Verbenadale Travail

This print will be added to the Gateway Gallery wall today. It is only $47 matted and framed at the gallery. It is a deliberate distortion in order to give the affect of a falling in.
I have written time and again about this little church on US27 a mile outside Williston toward Bronson, first road past the Holy Family Catholic Church. Sad to see the continued state is disrepair, the overgrown weeds, the many no trespassing signs posted. Eventually I predict someone will come along and use the site for a homeplace under the nice oaks. The house will be grand and a
testament to their wealth. It will be a testament to me as to their poverty.

Lulu Slaves Cemetery

 

 

 

 

The cemetery is on US100 about a half mile from the General Store, on the same side of the road. There is a story of faithfulness to a simple task here. I shall add to this story later.

White Springs

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, Lost in Florida travels to the town of White Springs for the annual Christmas parade and Lighting of the lights in the Stephen Foster State Park. Hope to see you there.