It did mean that we had to take our SLR camera instead of our usual pocket one, and that we packed our decent binoculars too. The effort was very worthwhile. Having checked out the National Parks of Florida before we left the UK, we decided to try the Lake Louisa State Park, which is just a 15 minute drive up the SR27 from our villa. It has a lot to offer, including six Lakes, Hiking Trails, Bar-b-q sites, Fishing, canoeing and great birdwatching. Lake Louisa is the largest of several lakes all joined by the Palatlakaha river. The Park is open from 8.00am through till sunset, every day of the Year.

We only hiked, relaxed, and had a Bar-b-q but still had a fantastic time. We walked about 10 of the 20 miles available, and in November, only saw about 10 other people. The weather was great, in the high 70’s so a Bar-b-q was a bonus. The Bar-b-q was provided, and did a great job. We took the food in a polystyrene coolbox, and left it in the car, which we could park very near the waters edge.

The hiking trail was easy going, and although we had walking boots, sturdy trainers would have been fine. We saw a host of birds, at close range, that we had not seen before. This included the crested Caracara, the American Bittern and lots of smaller birds too numerous to mention, but which included the beautiful red Tanager. We found that as long as you made no sudden movements, the birdlife was comfortable to come within a few feet of us which was great.

The Lake we stopped at had a brown, brackish water, which is coloured by the root systems of lakeside trees and bushes. It is fine to swim in, and has safe shores, ideal for younger children. Petrol driven boats are not permitted, so no disturbance from fast or noisy boats was also a bonus.

We had a great ‘relaxing’ day at Lake Louisa. The staff were helpful, the winter weather was kind to us, and we would definitely go back again, perhaps in the Summer time.

Within 20 minutes of packing up, we were back at our villa having had a really great day out. Guess what? The total entrance fee for the four of us. and car, was only $4.00 so great value too.

We will be visiting other Parks in Florida, and will update you as we do.

Ian and Sarah Cox