Jacaranda Hotel

We had cereal for breakfast then took the dogs of a short predawn walk, in order to leave for Avon Park shortly after 8 am. The temperature was warmer than the cooler mornings have had over the past few days.

The three-hour drive southeast on route 98 was uneventful as we watched the temperature increase to the low 80s. Mark had a good gospel bluegrass station on the Sirius radio, which was good listening for the drive. We made a stop in Lakeland for Krispy Kreme doughnuts then continued to Avon Park. We arrived at the historic Jacaranda Hotel at 11:30, happy that we had reservations since there was a long wait for a table. Steve came out for us and got us seated as soon as we arrived.

The buffet at the hotel was very good. I especially enjoyed the chicken and beef tips. There was a large selection of desserts, but their signature dessert is the strawberry shortcake. We all ate too much but enjoyed visiting with Steve and Marcia while we ate. It was interesting to hear about Steve’s work as a substitute teacher for third through fifth graders at an elementary school in Highlands County.

Our group at Highlands Hammock State Park

After lunch we drove to Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring and walked the short boardwalk Cypress Swamp Trail through the wet hammock. After the big meal, it felt good to walk around some.

Steve and Steve at Highland Hammocks SP

We drove back to Homosassa nearly the same way on route 98, arriving at the house around 5:30. We checked the pin fish trap in the canal but had no fish. We took the dogs on a longer evening walk since their morning walk was so short.

We had a snack for dinner then relaxed in the evening. Mary and Cindy read, while Mark watched the Bengals and Chiefs in the playoff game. We planned to leave around 7 am to drive east to The Villages to see Mark’s sister, Jodie.