Friday, October 14, 2011

As the Deer Panteth For the Water. . . . . . Day#14 in #31days of Exploring God's Creation


Day #14 in my
#31days of  Exploring God's Creation Series-
I'm bringing back an older post from an adventure a
little while back. It was such a lovely nature experience
I wanted to make sure it was included in the #31days -

(and we are off on a new adventure so I had to put it
 together fast) I'll be back with brand new pictures from
 our brand new adventure tomorrow-
 I've shared an article each day in October so,
please hang out and browse a little!
The #31days series was started by brilliant bloggers from -
"The Nesting Place" and "My3boybarians"


Psalm 42:1
"As the heart panteth after the water brooks,
so panteth my soul after thee, O God."                          
              



As the deer panteth for the water,
So my soul longs after you.
You alone are my hearts desire,
And I long to worship You.



Our week this week started out with a pretty cool experience.


72 degrees cool - to be exact!
It was a great way to get out of the heat.


We visited "Kelly Park" at Rock Springs Ridge in Apopka
just outside of Orlando.
(Big brother is in Alaska on his big adventure- so I took the little guys on their own)


We met some of the resident turkeys- I love that the boys
get so excited about wildlife- like I do!


After a little picnic- it was time to try out our
$3 rental tubes that we picked up at the little place on the corner
of Rock Springs Rd. and Kelly Park Rd.
(It's a family owned spot where they also sell barbecue-)

These pictures aren't the best
they were taken with our handy underwater camera!


We headed off down the quaint boardwalk .
It took all of 4-5 minutes to walk it.
along the way we saw native flora, a big Golden Silk Spider
and enjoyed the shade
of the Oak trees with Spanish Moss dripping from them-


This is the area where I grew up-
near the Wekiva River & it always brings me back when
I see the landscape.


It never ceases to amaze and enchant me.


We arrived at the head of the springs and eased in to the
crisp cool water!


The water was so breathtakingly clear and reflected just
enough of the blue sky.


Even with a clear view I kept the boys close by.
Adventures are wonderful - but only if you pay close attention
and are sure to put your families safety first.

Every body of water in Florida is apt to attract alligators-
no matter what anyone tells you- it is just a fact of life in Florida.
I once had an outfitter tell me that there were no gators on the river because
the water was too cold for them at 72 degrees.
Bologna
If it's not too cold for people - it's not too cold for alligators!
The fact is - the parks rope off the designated swimming areas and
it is most likely that the savy alligators will
stay in areas where their fishing isn't disturbed by people.

Like I said- the view was clear and I paid attention.


We had a great time.
Fortunately, the boys are well trained and they know that if there
is any hope of seeing the wildlife- they have to be quiet and keep a close watch.


The above photo cracks me up because they are both looking
different directions- but they are definately looking.
We've trained them for "wildlife viewing" since they were toddlers
It's just "how we roll"
and as we rounded the next corner. . .


We made a new friend.


She had come down to the stream for a drink.


She seemed as curious about us as we were of her.
She calmly watched as we floated quietly by.
If the boys had been hollerin and splashing around- we never
would have shared this moment.
They have had some pretty awesome experiences because
they've learned to go quietly into the woods. . .
like  real explorers on safari - we make it an adventure!


Yes, he was looking the wrong way-
That's my boy!
He finally did turn around and get a good look at her.


Isn't she beautiful?


We love homeschool


*I highly recommend Kelly Park - that being said- I wouldn't ever go on a weekend.
As you can tell from the photos - we mostly had the place to ourselves on a weekday
when most people are at work or school! It was perfect.
The experience cost me all of $11 - we brought our own picnic- although, there are
concessions at the park as well - and a beautiful pavillion for parties!

Click here for directions and phone number and to check the map for location.

Clicking the pavillion picture below will take you to the parks web site:


And, by the way- my 5 and 6 year old pointed out more
bugs and spiders and various species of birds
than I could identify!
They told me all about what they eat and the various habitats they prefer.

They sketched in their "Nature Journals"
and did some writing and copy work.

Our big science project for the week came
in the form of a 3 inch scorpion
they named "Larry"
(Spongebob anyone?)
Larry now graces the corner
of my kitchen counter-top in his own little home.

They are learning all about him
and have surprised me with what they already knew
like that scorpions find their prey using vibrations from tiny little hairs
located on their legs.
There is a good web site here for anyone interested in
doing their own scorpion study.
(No, you don't have to actually have one as a pet)
We have Captain Daddy to thank for ours!
Thank you honey. No. Really.


I'm thankful for all of the above!
I'm excited about our family homeschool this year - I just know God
has good things in store for us.  I am praying over the boys and over our
school as we head out on our adventures seeking to learn more about His
creation .  We are His children, His family , He wants to bless it!

Are you praying for your family? If you have a special prayer request- just
let me know and I will join you in praying for them!


Job 35: 11

"Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth, 
and makes us wiser than the fowls of heaven." 


Thank you for visiting! Y'all come back now- ya hear? 







Other #31dayers I think you'll enjoy:


 Mandy- Biblical Homemaking            Heathalee-ButterflyGenes:           







Melanie- Only A Breath             Amy- Missional Mamas Soul



         






Amanda-ImpressYourKids:             Coleen-MuralMakerandMore:



Photobucket                               31-days 



I'd love to hear about how you connect with your family out in the great outdoors! 

17 comments:

Ingi said...

What a great day! Beautiful water - makes me want to jump right in too! Bit far to travel for us though....

Jill said...

What a magical place to be! It all looks so peaceful and fun...until you mention the gaters. You,Kelli, are much brave than I am! :)

Hyacynth said...

Such a beautiful park with the clear water and springs. {My boys love nature, too ... they would BEG me to go to a park like this especially if there was a chance of seeing turkeys and deer. But FL water always has me cautious because of the alligators, as you said.}

Promise Christian Academy said...

What a lovely park! And I don't blame you about being aware for alligators.. geesh! Otherwise, it looks like a GREAT place for nature study..

Unknown said...

A perfect, memorable day! It looks like a beautiful, serene place (when it's not awfully busy)! And don't you love when they can discuss nature in a detailed way? It's SO awesome! Thanks for stopping in my blog too!

Susan said...

This is a beautiful post! I love that you got so close to the deer...how cool is that?!

Jen said...

loved reading this

I LOVE that psalm and the song

the place you visited looks beautiful :) and lots of learning went opn yaye :)

Babblin' Brooke said...

That looks like so much fun. Not to mention beautiful!

Thanks so much for your comment on my blog. As much as I hate to hear that other people are struggling, it's nice to know that we're not alone.

I hope things start looking up for BOTH of us very soon!

Debi said...

What a wonderful way to spend the day!

Cindy said...

What a wonderful day it looks like you had!

Kelli @ Life in a Barn said...

I love this post. It just looks so peaceful and relaxing. Don't you just love homeschooling in the way that you can visit places during the week. I have gotten to the point where I don't want to do things on the weekend because of the crowds. Our kiddos have begun really enjoying nature watching too. Not too sure they have caught onto being nice and quiet yet though.

Hope you are doing well. You and yours in our prayers.

MJ said...

OH I wish you would have let me know you were coming!! We would have met you out there!!!! Hope we get another opportunity sometime and I am glad you had a wonderful day!!

Mary Prather said...

OH, I love this! It looks like so much fun and learning.

A few years ago we went to Homosassa Springs near Orlando and visited their wildlife refuge center. Have you ever been there? It was a wonderful detour on our yearly trip to Naples to visit my parents!

Theresa said...

Beautiful photos! How awesome to be still able to explore the water in October!!!

That park looks amazing!

Unknown said...

Oh, thank you girls! We loved it- going back as soon as possible- My oldest was missing (he was in Alaska with my parents on a BIG adventure) so, that's my #1 excuse for heading back soon!!!

Eternal Instants said...

Oh HOW WONDERFUL! I want to got Kelly Park! Love the "doe" photos... Every smart Mommy carries a camera, especially on outings. I love when you said, "I would never recommend going on the weekends"... Only homeschoolers understand that! Thanks for the follow. Enjoyed my visit and I will be back! Happy Weekend!!!

Heathahlee said...

What an absolutely beautiful post! The pictures make me want to come to Florida, ASAP! :) It's so funny, because as soon as I saw the turkey picture, my first thought was "Turkeys! Cool!" I'm not much of an outside person, but I do love being outdoors when it gets cool. I hate bugs. :)