During this extended period of cold weather in central Florida, we have been hibernating a bit, doing chores in the motorhome and any necessary shopping. When cabin fever has set in, we have ventured out to the large local flea market to sample the things for sale. Unfortunately, this mostly equates to the same old stuff. If you need sun glasses, purses or other leather products, any of the things as seen on TV or the left over junk of others, this was the place to be.
As I may have mentioned, when our guest dog Halley came aboard, she needed to gain a few pounds according to the vet. So we have been giving her ample treats and feeding her some home cooked food, as well. Now, I am getting concerned that she is becoming a food freak. She expects treats after every walk or duty call. She is overly concerned with what kitchen activity is going on, and then yesterday, we found her checking out what was available in the trash can. I can see we are going to have to keep an eye on her.
We visited the historic district of Daytona Beach during their big French market sidewalk event. This turned out not to be much, but we did enjoy a walk along the streets.
There is a former plantation sugar mill site that has been converted into gardens called the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens. This area was first settled in 1812 as a sugar plantation. Through a series of owners, the land proved to be less than productive for this crop. Then during the second Seminole Indian War, the local militia was unable to defeat the tribes and all the mills and crops were destroyed by the Seminole warriors. The production of sugar cane never recovered and the land was abandoned.
Today it is a local garden park regularly used by photographers and scout troops. In the 1950’s, an attempt was made to make the park an attraction by creating a number of dinosaur models. This was not successful and the park remains a low key place, with remnants of the sugar mill and dinosaur statues. Despite the lack of commercial success, it is a pleasant place to walk and enjoy some history amid the old trees, some of which provided shelter to troops during the Civil War.
9 comments:
happy hibernating!!..bad poochie rummaging in the garbage can!!
That failed Dinosaur Park idea reminds me of another failed Park idea we saw just south of the Grand Canyon a few years back. We spent a couple nights at the Fred Flintstone RV Park & it sure had fallen on hard times. Always makes me kind of sad to think someone had a dream, sunk a lot of money into it & then it went bust.
You sure seem to find the most interesting places to write about. Thankfully, we all get to enjoy the pictures and the stories even though we can't be there. Thanks, and keep 'em coming!
I visited that flea market some years back. At the time, I couldn't understand why the same people went back, week after week. Sounds like not much has changed in regard to their merchandise. Stay warm, just another day of cooler temps, for now.
It sounds like Halley really has it made with you guys. Maybe it's time to change the treats to raw carrots! :)
So how many pounds has Halley gained?
While your in the area, if you have not visited Fort Mantazas on the barrier island, south of St. Augustine. Here's the link, http://www.nps.gov/foma/index.htm
It's small, free and uncrowed, but I would wait for a warmer day cause there's a boat ride involved. Having lived here we've visited the 'Big Fort' many times, but didn't know of Fort Mantanzas, quite unique.
Good morning, isn't your daughter deployed--is Halley her pooch? I have a cousin who is a total cat person and she is caring for a little dog that belongs to a friend of hers deployed to Afghanistan.
It must really be cold in FL if the dinos have to wear scarfs!
I'm trying to feel bad for you in FL with all the "cold" weather, but here in northern VA I'm too cold to think... ;c)
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