Off topic; well, sort of
I just returned from a great 3 day getaway in one of Florida's award-winning state parks. I love to go and visit the different parks and see what unique things each has to offer. It gives you a chance to leave all the stress of your daily life behind and simply enjoy the pleasures the outdoors has to offer.
I visited Alafia State Park. I had not been since it was turned into a state park and now it is full of off road bicycle trails with a great picnic area and equestrian camping. There is also a campground for those without horses. I saw campers with horses and those with bicycles all enjoying themselves. I took an unintentional 12 mile hike but at the end was disappointed to see an empty water bottle someone had discarded laying in one of the creeks which run into the Alafia. I picked it out of the water and discarded it.
The rest of the weekend was spent at my favorite park, Silver River, and the reason for the story.
In Florida you are allowed to bring your dogs to the park for recreation as long as they are leashed and current on vaccinations. Silver River is the only protected clear water river in the state. Being designated that, there is no fishing, swimming and a no-wake for motorized boats. The wild critters are numerous with the alligators being at the top of the list.
A couple approached the canoe launch with a white maltese and a golden doodle on leashes. They walked to the edge of the water with both dogs and several of us advised them not to take the dogs to the water's edge. Most of us knew the gators love small dogs for a meal and they can spring out of the water before you even know they are there.
This couple totally ignored anything we had said and even allowed the Maltese to walk into the water to drink.
I had to leave. I cannot believe how stupid people are when dealing with nature. I hope nothing ever happens to the little dog, but as long as people ignore posted signs, ignore advice from well-meaning bystanders, they will eventually lose a dog to an alligator.
It was a great weekend. Get out and enjoy the parks where you live. Take your dog, go on a hike, have a picnic lunch on a blanket but remember to clean up after yourself and respect the wildlife. After all, it is their home you are visiting.
I visited Alafia State Park. I had not been since it was turned into a state park and now it is full of off road bicycle trails with a great picnic area and equestrian camping. There is also a campground for those without horses. I saw campers with horses and those with bicycles all enjoying themselves. I took an unintentional 12 mile hike but at the end was disappointed to see an empty water bottle someone had discarded laying in one of the creeks which run into the Alafia. I picked it out of the water and discarded it.
The rest of the weekend was spent at my favorite park, Silver River, and the reason for the story.
In Florida you are allowed to bring your dogs to the park for recreation as long as they are leashed and current on vaccinations. Silver River is the only protected clear water river in the state. Being designated that, there is no fishing, swimming and a no-wake for motorized boats. The wild critters are numerous with the alligators being at the top of the list.
A couple approached the canoe launch with a white maltese and a golden doodle on leashes. They walked to the edge of the water with both dogs and several of us advised them not to take the dogs to the water's edge. Most of us knew the gators love small dogs for a meal and they can spring out of the water before you even know they are there.
This couple totally ignored anything we had said and even allowed the Maltese to walk into the water to drink.
I had to leave. I cannot believe how stupid people are when dealing with nature. I hope nothing ever happens to the little dog, but as long as people ignore posted signs, ignore advice from well-meaning bystanders, they will eventually lose a dog to an alligator.
It was a great weekend. Get out and enjoy the parks where you live. Take your dog, go on a hike, have a picnic lunch on a blanket but remember to clean up after yourself and respect the wildlife. After all, it is their home you are visiting.
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