While in Bradenton, we decided to head back south to
visit the Myakka River State Park east of Sarasota. We had tried to get a RV spot there but they
were fully booked. The park is one of
the largest and wildest of the state parks.
It is over 58 square miles of lakes, rivers and wooded areas with an
abundance of wildlife. It is very popular
year around and the tram and boat tours require some advance planning to get a
seat. The lake is popular for kayaking
and fishing despite the fact that the other big attraction is the large
alligator population.
We did manage to get tickets for a ride on the
largest air boat in Florida and enjoyed a narrated tour of the lake. Clearly the big attraction was the
alligators but it was a nice ride on a sunny day, as well.
Returning from the boat ride we checked the area
around the gift shops and then headed to the forest canopy trail and
observation tower. Some of the trail was
blocked due to heavy rains, but you had a great view of the forest from the
ground and overlooking the forest canopy from the tower.
It is a very nice park and if you have the time,
there are many miles of trails to explore.
As we were heading to the state park, we passed the Sarasota
National Cemetery. While we had not known that it was there, we made a point of stopping on our way back. It was established in 2010 in fertile farm
fields east of Sarasota. These national cemeteries
are a last way for our country to honor those who served, especially those who
have sacrificed so much to protect this country. Whenever we have the opportunity, we visit
these very special places.
There were two funeral taking place while we visited
and the web site mentions that they expect on average 10 funerals a day for the
next ten years as the WWII and Korean era veterans pass on.
This is certainly the newest one we have visited and exceptionally well done. There is
also an interesting story behind the center piece Patriots Plaza that was
build without federal funding by the Patterson Foundation. This is
a must see place.
6 comments:
We did an airboat ride in Everglades City. It was fantastic. You are right about the National Cemeteries. I'm glad they are expanding some of them for the future.
Good to see that some of the wildlife is returning to areas where you can see them. Doesn't look like the water around the Hammock Walk has soaked into the ground yet in the month since we were there. Myakka is a great park for sure.
Nice to see the Coast Guard honored at that cemetery. Too often it gets left out and some people don't think it's a military service. :c(
The attractions are a little too big-mouthed for me! It looks like a fantastic park to visit and not at all like I imagine Florida to be like.
I don't think we ever camped at that park, altho it seems like it would be right up our alley. You certainly spotted a number of river dawgs, didn't you! (alligators). We saw so many all lined up at Paynes Prairie St Pk at one time in one place, like sardines in a can, only WAY bigger! :- ) Scary!
Indeed a well done national cemetery.
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