Click on the first photo in each group and scroll to see the square photos at full size.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit Dodging the Deep Freeze 2020.

For the first time in years, our family’s spring breaks miraculously came together! Since you all know how much this family likes to vacation, we had two 2BR condos all lined up to accommodate our kids and grandkids, happily adding two more weeks to the end of our nine-weeker to make it work seamlessly. For the final week our trip, the plan was six nights in Williamsburg, VA and one night (two days) exploring Washington D.C.

We left Wisconsin on our eleven-week road trip thinking: “Hmm. This may be a bit long.” Little did we know that fate would hack off those last two weeks for us anyway.

Conservation Park

We continue our stay in Panama City Beach (PCB) with a couple of day trips to see some surrounding areas. Conservation Park was less than ten minutes from our condo and since the weather had warmed up significantly, we took advantage of our good fortune and decided on a walkabout. What we found was a beautiful area that was created “in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for the enjoyment of hikers, bikers, and nature lovers” – just up our alley!

“Encompassing over 2900 acres, the Conservation Park has 24 miles of trails and over a mile of boardwalks that lead through Cypress domes. The trails range anywhere from 0.6 miles to 11 miles, with 12 different trails to choose from. Parking and public restrooms are located at the Trail Head building along with picnic tables and a covered pavilion which is available for rent. Hours of operation are dawn to dusk, 7 days a week. Be sure to bring your binoculars and cameras for bird and wildlife watching.” – MORE INFO

As we entered the park, we had the feeling we were back in Oregon with its tall and slender lodgepole pines. Here in northern and central Florida they are actually called longleaf pines but whatever name they go by, the smell of the woods accompanied us all along our walk, bringing back memories and adding even more to this fantastic day.

Plenty More where that Came From

Several days later we returned again, but in both of those visits we barely scratched the surface of the park’s 24 miles of trails – leaving plenty more for a future visit.

Beautiful Boardwalks

Adding to the interest of this place was over a mile of boardwalks that spanned the swampland. On the park’s website there were comments about all the wildlife and birds that could be seen from these fabulous boardwalks, but we were not that lucky. I stared over the bridges in search of some sign of life, but instead I noticed a solid surface of green. If anything had been in that muck recently, there surely would have been tracks on the surface or a break in the green.

I had to keep telling myself that we are in northern Florida where it’s still pretty chilly, so be patient as we travel further south. A trip just a month or two later would be wonderful – when more leaves are on the trees and there may be more chances to catch a glimpse of the creatures who reside here in the warmer months.

Beautiful Reflections

Vortex Spring

On another day we ventured about an hour straight north from PCB in search of Morrison Springs – only to find two more springs within a short drive. I love it when a plan comes together!

Vortex Spring is a little run down, but is undergoing some renovation. Take a look at their website and see a transformation, just by adding some sunshine and leaves on the trees! This would be a perfect destination for a party weekend (if we were in our twenties), or if we enjoyed scuba diving into caves – with a well-equipped dive shop, lots of waterslides into the crystal clear water, lounge chairs for relaxing, fire pits, campsites and cabins for rent.

“Created by Doc & Ruth Dockery, Vortex Spring is home to the Red & White “Diver Down” Flag and is one of the largest diving facilities in the state of Florida. Vortex Spring Adventures is recognized as one of the best and safest diving resorts in the country. This 500+ acre Resort produces approximately 32 million gallons of crystal “gin” clear water daily at a year round temperature of 68 degrees.

Our property is packed with experiences for the entire family whether it be scuba diving with our trained and certified instructors, exploring our nature trails, taking a dip in the spring, sliding down one of the 10 slides and so much more. A mecca for diving, snorkeling, and swimming enthusiast alike. If you love the water this is the place for you.

We also offer beautiful campgrounds and recently renovated lodging facilities.” – READ MORE

Diver Down

The inventor of the “diver down” flag opened this place after his discharge from the navy in 1949 and recently handed it down to his kids. Check out the Gallery on their website for some fantastic photos of this place in full swing – as well as photos taken during dives into one of the largest known cavern systems. With near perfect visibility and wide open space, this is the perfect location for new divers, and training and certification are available onsite!

Ponce de Leon Springs

Ponce de Leon Springs State Park has a $4 entrance fee, but it was so worth it! Although we did NOT check it out today, the water temperature of the springs remains a constant 68 degrees year-round and probably feels pretty good in the Florida heat. “The main spring is a convergence of two underground water flows, and produces 14 million gallons of water daily.”

A nice little park leads to the springs, where metal ladders let you safely ease into the crystal clear water. Had the sun been shining I’m sure the water would have been even more blue.

The Overflow

The overflow from the spring flows into a crystal clear river which merges downstream with Sandy Creek’s tea-colored water. A boardwalk took us over the river to a nice trail which lead us back into the woods. Rangers conduct guided walks during the warmer months.

Lunch Time

Although threatening rain, this has been a great day so far, so we pulled out our trusty Playmate and enjoyed our picnic lunch so we’d have the strength for our final stop. I love road trips!

Morrison Springs

Morrison Springs was awesome! With no entry fee and plenty to do, this was a great find. Someone spent a bundle on the brick pavers for the parking lot, and Live Oaks and their signature Spanish Moss framed a beautiful gazebo.

Care for a Swim?

Another boardwalk lead us out to a floating dock. This spring is one of the most popular diving spots in northwest Florida and produces an estimated 48 million gallons of crystal clear water each day – and sometimes more! Since we were the only ones here, we enjoyed total silence and great reflections of the trees standing in the water. 

More Awesome Reflections

By the time we got to this point in our day, what was left of the sun was gone. In some ways these are some of my favorite photos – not to say I wouldn’t want to return when the trees are all leafed out and the warmth of the sun would keep my teeth from chattering.

Warming up to Florida. Wish it would Warm up!

What an absolutely fabulous day here in the panhandle of Florida. I will say, this state is growing on me and we haven’t even gotten to the nice weather yet!

Next up: Gator Lake*

Happy trails,
Barb