The Wandering Disciple

Marianna, Florida: When most people think of Florida, they immediately think of flat beaches as far as the eye can see. While that image is true for much of the state, there is a hidden gem in the panhandle that features elevation and even a cavern to explore. Located just outside of Marianna, the Florida Caverns State Park features the only dry cavern in the State of Florida. While the geological features of the park date back to over 38 million years ago, Florida Caverns State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened to the public in 1942. It was one of the many parks in the nation created by President Franklin D Roosevelt’s New Deal public works project. The crown jewel of the park is the cavern. This limestone cave was created as sea levels fell and ground water eroded away at the surface resulting in a stunning display of stalactites, stalagmites and other geological wonders. Today the park features guided tours of the cavern several times a day f...

Micanopy, Florida: The great Savannah seems to stretch as far as the eye can see and provides home to many species of animals as well as a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.  Encompassing over 20,000 acres, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is an outdoor lover's dream, providing plenty of hiking, camping and wildlife watching opportunities. Located just south of Gainesville in the little town of Micanopy, Paynes Prairie has a rich history.  It has been inhabited for over 12,000 years according to historians.  It's wildlife has helped to sustain many Indian tribes including the Alachua band of the Seminole tribe. The park was named after the band chief's son, Payne. The rich land of the park is also thought to be a hunting spot for Spanish conquistador Hernando De Soto during his march through Florida in summer of 1539. It is believed that De Soto and his men stopped here on the march from Itaraholata to Cholupaha or present day Goethe State Forest and O'Leno...