Now that the summer heat and humidity is starting to let up, you can bet that I'll be spending more and more time outside. My friends and family would agree that I already spend a lot of time outdoors, but after a few days of not being out on a trail somewhere or at a state park, I tend to get a little stir crazy.  During October and November I pretty much hide out in the woods, hiking and biking the days away, and spending nights relaxing by a warm campfire.

This past weekend I attended the Marion Springs Festival out at Silver River State Park, what a great event!  It's always great to see parents bring out their children to learn about Florida's nature as a family.  Guided hikes and kayaking were both a large draw, and even though it rained a little bit the event was a success.  Lucy Beebe Tobias, author of "50 Great Walks in Florida" and VISITFLORIDA's Authentic Florida Expert was out at the Springs Fest, it was nice to see her there! 

Since there was a guided hike the following morning out at Silver Glen Springs in the Ocala National Forest, I decided that I since I was already up this way, I might as well just camp out.  If you have a person like me in your family, you know that our vehicles are permanently stocked with a complete camping inventory at all times, and we will look for any excuse to use the equipment.  Anybody up for a cup of coffee?  I have my stove! 

I drove over to nearby Juniper Springs Recreation Area, paid for a campsite, and got all set up.  Now, remember, it was raining, and continued to do so pretty much all night.  I enjoy the sound of raindrops on a tent, and slept great!  My evening meal, however, wasn't so great. I heated up a cup of soup, took it off the stove, and placed it on the picnic table to cool down.  I turned around to tend to some things, and as soon as I took a few steps away, a raccoon ran off with my soup!  I can see his little masked-bandit face now, hiding in the palmettos waiting for just the right moment to strike, leaving me to dine off of a trail mix bar while he and his buddies had a hot meal.  I'm not mean-spirited, but I kind of hope that he burned his little raccoon lips a bit, that soup was hot!

Anyway, the camping was great, except for the soup incident.  Sunday's hike was good, too, with lots of folks turning out to attend a guided hike led by author and Florida hiking expert, Sandra Friend. 

I can tell that this year will bring a lot of outdoor adventures, stay tuned for more soup-stealing raccoon stories!