Saturday, January 8, 2011

01/08/11–First 4

4 down on my project for 2011. About 54 more state parks to go. Smile



Today’s state park visits were:
  1. Florence Marina State Park
  2. Providence Canyon State Park
  3. George T.. Bagby State Park
  4. Kolomoki Mounds State Park

Florence Marina State Park
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Situated at the northern end of 45,000-acre Lake Walter F. George, this quiet park offers the perfect setting for those who love water sports. It is adjacent to a natural deep-water marina with an accessible deep-water fishing pier, boat slips and boat ramp. Anglers will be excited to know that a state record blue catfish was captured in the park's lake in February 2010. Birders are sure to see herons and egrets, and possibly bald eagles.
A few pictures that I took while there:

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I got to Florence Marina at about 8:00am after driving about 35 to 45 minutes. It was kind of cold, but not as cold a the forecast predicted it would be.

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Providence Canyon State Park

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Visitors are often amazed when they visit “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.” The massive gullies, as deep as 150 feet, were caused by poor farming practices during the 1800s. Hikers who explore the deepest canyons will usually find a thin layer of water along the trail, indication of the water table below. Colorful wildflowers, as well as the pink, orange, red and purple hues of the soft canyon soil, make a beautiful natural painting at this unique park. The rare Plumleaf Azalea grows only in this region and blooms during July and August when most azaleas have lost their color.

While the park's visitor center is no longer open, hikers can enjoy views of the canyons from the rim trail, and backpackers can stay overnight along the backcountry trail. Camping and cottages are available nearby at Florence Marina State Park on beautiful Lake Walter F. George.   Visitors are urged to use caution on trails and to not go beyond fences or overlooks.  Erosion can cause the canyon walls to collapse.
A few pictures I took while at Providence Canyon:

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The first picture I took was taken at 9:13am.

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George T. Bagby State Park

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Located on the shores of Lake Walter F. George in southwest Georgia, this resort park features a 60-room lodge, conference center, restaurant, cottages and award-winning 18-hole Meadow Links Golf Course. The park’s marina and boat ramp offer easy access to the 48,000-acre lake for fishing and boating. The large picnic shelter and numerous picnic sites are perfect places for families to enjoy their catch. Facilities are available for meetings, reunions, weddings and other group gatherings. Visitors may also look for wildlife along the three-mile nature trail, which winds through hardwoods and pines. Anglers will be excited to know that a new state record blue catfish was captured in the park's lake in 2010.
A few pictures I took while at George T. Bagby State Park:

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The first picture was taken at 11:39am

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Kolomoki Mounds State Park

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This historically significant park is the oldest and largest Woodland Indian site in the southeastern U.S., occupied by American Indians from 350 to 750 A.D. Georgia’s oldest great temple mound, standing 57 feet high, dominates two smaller burial mounds and several ceremonial mounds. The park’s museum is built around an excavated mound, providing an unusual setting for learning who these people were and how they lived. Inside, visitors will find numerous artifacts and a film. Outdoor activities include camping, fishing, picnicking and boating. Hikers can choose from two scenic trails. The Spruce Pine Trail offers views of lakes Yahola and Kolomoki, while the Trillium Trail meanders through hardwoods and pines.
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The first picture was taken at 2:41pm. Below are a few of the ones I took.

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These are jus the first 4 I visited. I believe there are 54 more to go.
Seminole State Park in South Georgia is next on my list.

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