Good weather for a road trip

Saturday, December 11th

The sun was shinning and the temp was to be in the 60's so we decided to ride up to Fanning Springs to their annual Christmas festival. There was a craft show with the usual crafty items and a surprisingly large antique car show.

This '55 Crown Vic was my favorite. The pictures just don't show how beautiful this car was!

This '57 Bell Air was also a favorite.

And a few others we liked.

And something we've not seen before.........along with pony rides at the festival, there were elephant rides.

After the car show and a walk through the craft area, we went across the street to the state park. Fanning Springs just became a state park in 1997, so one of the youngest of Florida's parks. As usual, the springs are 72 degrees year-round and there were a few brave swimmers while we were there. The water actually felt like bath water - but the air temp was about 65.

This was one of the most scenic springs we've visited. Steps and a ramp lead down from the concession area to the springs and the large swimming area.

Across the way is a picnic pavilion and meeting room, available to rent. The water in the Suwanee River and the springs is low this time of year. From the pictures, you can tell it would be about 10' higher in spring and summer.

The water in the distance is the swift moving Suwanee River

The sign for the Suwanee River on US 19/98


River and bridge seen from the state park


The old trellis from the original bridge was saved and is a monument in the park

We didn't see any manatees but Ranger Andy Moody said there were three in the springs the night before.