Green Springs Park, Deltona

I saw this Florida alligator at the aptly named Green Springs Park in Deltona on Sunday. A bustling outdoor recreational hot spot, Green Springs Park is not the greatest locale to keep your distance from the populace. However, I do recommend stopping by when it’s less crowded just so you can take a glimpse of the incredibly beautiful springs. According to the official website, “By 1883, Green Springs was part of the large estate of wine importer and steamboat baron Frederick deBary, who used it to entertain guests from DeBary Hall. Well into the 20th century, the site still attracted tourists who were struck by what one observer called the spring’s ‘delicate green waters.'”

Hike #46: Orlando Wetlands Park


Hike #46: 52 Hike Challenge: Orlando Wetlands Park, Christmas. If you want to totally immerse yourself in wildlife, few places in Central Florida beat Orlando Wetlands Park. With its immense popularity (especially among birders), the parking lot was almost full when I got there at 8:30 AM on a Saturday. However, I wandered away from the 2.5-mile “Birding Route” and headed around Lake Searcy, which I had to myself (along with the birds and alligators, of course!). Also, I viewed my first Roseate Spoonbill in the wild! Distance: 5 miles.