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Enjoy a Weekend Escape to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
I turned the big 50 last weekend and spent it at the beautiful Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. This gorgeous beach is located near Santa Rosa Beach in the panhandle of Florida. It was the perfect spot to celebrate, relax and reflect on my 50 years of life. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Topsail Hill is so named because the white dunes of the beach resemble the white sails of ships that passed by on the Emerald Coast. My pictures do not to justice to the beauty of this park and colors of the water. You will just have to go to experience this undeveloped and unspoiled spot of nature.…
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Quick and Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes in a Dutch Oven
We made a quick and easy potato side dish on our last camping trip at Wekiwa Springs State Park. These cheesy ranch potatoes made in a Dutch Oven were the perfect compliment to our grilled hamburgers on a cool night. Cheesy Ranch Potatoes Open and drain the canned potatoes. Quarter the potatoes and place directly into a well seasoned Dutch Oven or a greased Dutch Oven liner. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the potatoes. Next add the the ranch seasoning packet. Stir the potatoes making sure they are well coated with oil and ranch seasoning. Top with a cheese. Place 14 briquettes on the top lid of the…
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Discover the Beauty of Florida’s Wekiwa Springs State Park
Take a break for the weekend and discover what makes Florida’s Wekiwa Springs State Park such a popular spot. The natural springs and beautiful surroundings will lure you away from your worries as you relax and recharge. Wekiwa Springs Wekiwa Springs State Park is the location of the headwaters of the Wekiva River. The park is located on the outskirts of Apopka, Florida, just north of the city of Orlando. The springs became one of central Florida’s first tourist attractions in the 1890’s. The clear waters drew visitors from all around and became a popular spot for those seeking relief from pain or just to relax in the waters. A…
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Make a Giant Christmas Cookie in a Dutch Oven
This giant Christmas cookie is sure to be a hit on your holiday camping adventures. A sweet treat to end a day of winter camping fun. And it is a snap to make with a pre-made cookie mix. Giant Christmas Cookie Recipe In a large bowl, pour the pre-made chocolate chip cookie mix. Follow the directions on the package to mix. Add chocolate candies and white chocolate chips to the mix. Pour directly into a pre-seasoned Dutch Oven or use a liner. Place 14 hot briquettes on the top lid of the Dutch Oven and seven underneath for a temperature of 350º. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until done.…
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Brave the Cave at Florida Caverns State Park
The Florida Caverns is located just outside the city of Marianna. It is the only air filled cave in Florida that offers public tours. Most other caves in Florida are found underwater. So trade in those flip flops for some sturdy shoes and get exploring this rare Florida gem. Florida Caverns State Park The cave at Florida Caverns State Park began its formation over 35 million years ago with the lowering of sea levels. Stalactites and stalagmites can be found in the cave. The land was acquired in 1935 and began the development to become a state park. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped turn the cave into a tourist destination…
