What began as a lazy day, ended as a lazy day. Tim and I decided to stay another night at Blackwater River. This would give us one day of rest after four long days of driving and one last day prior to arriving back home.
Without having our kayaks we chose to take a few hikes today. This park come to find out is very small. However it has so much to offer. Blackwater River is the only pristine sand river left in the US and is considered the purest white sand bottom river in the world. On our first hike we left walking from our campsite. The trail took us along a narrow boardwalk through a swamp area and then ending on a snow white beach on the river. So glad I wore my flip flops! Now we know that we have to come back with the kayaks for a few days of paddling.
In the afternoon today we decided to hop in the truck to explore the other side of the park and possibly take another hike. During our check in yesterday they had no park maps to give us so we weren't sure where the trails were. Once we headed out of our campground loop we took a hard right toward the back of the park. Just as soon as we turned the road ended in the day use parking lot. Uhhh ... OK ... Guess we could have walked here.
Just over eight miles of the Florida Trail runs through the surrounding forest here. Since we are FTA members we were curious to check out this section of the trail. But without a map, spotty cell service and once we were distracted by the day use area we never found it. The large pines, magnolias and river cedars is something everyone should see. There is also one of the largest and oldest white cedar trees here in the park.
Anyway the day use area was a nice surprise. It consists of a massive boardwalk maze in the swamp leading to the river. Scattered throughout the boardwalk are large pavilions and bathrooms all on raised walkways leading in different directions. One walkway lead to yet another beautiful beach on the Blackwater River.
After our quick drive back to base camp we spent the rest of our lazy day just hanging out having great conversation and enjoying our transition day before we arrive back home. The weather held out and we were able to enjoy one last campfire as well.
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