Natural Bridge Battlefield

We arrived Sunday in Daytona, a day later than the others as were in a rainstorm in the south that preceded the big snowstorm up the northeast coast. Mike doesn't travel in that.  

The coach detoured to Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park south of Tallahassee. This 2nd largest battle in FL saw 600 confederates defending the natural bridge that goes underground a few hundred feet of St. Mark's river.  The 800 union soldiers in 12 boats ran aground on the St. Marks River and suffered heavy losses, thus saving Tallahassee, the only southern state capital that didn't surrender to the Union.

Enjoyed a visit with 3 black folks fishing on the green scummy water by natural bridge. They had a campfire going and Shopcat was interested in getting the lid off their bucket of fish.

Down that same highway 363 is Wakulla Springs Lodge built by Ed Ball, Tabasco baron and brother-in-law of Al DuPont.  This stop was recommended by Mark Van Fleet who has stayed here.   Ed Ball, wanting to preserve this beautiful area, supervised the building of this ultimate resort in 1934-37 with Tennessee marble that was cut and cross cut for perfectly matching longest marble bar (70'), counters, wainscoting, stairways that matched so well you couldn't see the grout.  The best art deco elevator is still in use, made of walnut and marble.  Deadheaded cypress (so won't rot) is used throughout the lodge.  The crystal clear springs were featured in several movies.   Will hit this on the way back cuz of time.