Panacea to rural Tallahassee

We didn’t have a timeline today so the kids slept in, and I went for a 8k run before everyone got up. It was already hot, but it was nice to get out and be exercising.

Before we checked out, I had a chat with the manager. She said that 5 years ago Panacea was a busier fishing town. 5 years ago the Florida govt put in restrictions on fishing (to help save the fish). Restrictions were just lifted and the town is becoming a bit busier. There are a few restaurants now.

Panacea to our next stop is only like 30 min away, but there are lots of wildlife areas to see. Our first stop was St Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

We didn’t spend as much time as I wanted as well, it was hot and it smelled pretty bad. We did see alligators and birds.

Next stop was Edward Reserve Wakulla State Park. Here we had lunch in the park, walked around and then was able to get in the 40 min boat ride in the park.

The Springs are not as clear as expected but they were beautiful and we saw alligators, so many birds, and we were so lucky to see 3 manatees. They look like big rocks. This spring was home to the movies Tarzan and the Black lagoon.

After the boat ride the kids and Josh took a refreshing dip in the Spring before we headed to the next accomodation, a goat farm.

The Goat House Farm was originally a storm shelter so there are no windows. It is very basic accommodation with only one bed so the boys slept on the double Tatami mat. The farm sells goat milk (not for human consumption) and is a not for profit as she holds education courses, as well as goat yoga.

At the time she thinks she has about 37 goats and they all have names.Read more