Last stop on the way to Punta Gorda....

While we have been at Alligator Park in Punta Gorda Fl for the past week, our last stop before arriving was at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy Fl.

Founded in 1821, Micanopy was originally an Indian trading post. It’s a small place of about 600 people and was the first distinct US town in the Florida Territory.

The town consists of several antique stores, small diners and historic homes. Most notable are the Herlong Mansion (now a B&B) and the Simonton House.

Herlong Mansion

Simonton House est.1910

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park became Florida’s first state preserve in 1971. It hosts a variety of wildlife, including bison, alligators (of course) and wild horses; direct descendants of the horses brought to North America by Spanish explorers. The area of the state park was explored by naturalist William Bartram in 1774. The Seminole Indians called him “Puc Puggy”, meaning “flower hunter” and the road to the campground bares his name.

"Puc Puggy"

Notice the road sign in the upper right

We were only able to explore one of the eight trails in the park and the Visitors Center. Most of the trails were closed or partially closed due to high water and flooding from the recent rains.

Our camp at Paynes Prairie

Visitor Center

Had to turn back on this trial because of flooding

Got off a quick shot of a deer we spooked while on the trail

Flock of unidentified waterfowl 

Wild Horses

In the near future I'll be posting some pictures of our site here at Alligator Park.