Thanksgiving on the Prairie (2009)

For some reason it's difficult to find campsites in Florida from November to March, but we were able to secure the last site in Florida for the Thanksgiving weekend. The site was in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. Kellisa and I tent camped several nights in Paynes Prairie back in October 2005.

Paynes Prairie is a 21,000 acre savanna just south of Gainesville. The prairie is home to alligators, wild bison, horses, cattle and more than 270 kinds of birds. While at the park we went for several hikes and a couple of bike rides. We spotted a few horses in the distance, but never saw the bison or cattle herds.

Paynes Prairie:


Lisa cooked a traditional Thanksgiving feast in the camper that we enjoyed for 3 days:

Kellisa and Lisa on the edge of the prairie:

On the scenic outlook ramp:

Birds:

Lake at the edge of the prairie (alligators bottom left):

Alligator just off the trail:

Modern camping with the Internet:

Kellisa in her Wike (bike trailer and off-road stroller):

Home for 4 nights:

Enjoying a Sunday morning trail across the prairie:

Lisa and a large pine tree:

Lisa's picture of the above tree's split and canopy:

Lisa climbed this rocking chair on the way home: