The number of pictures I take at the beach is as much a function of proximity as anything else. It’s not that I don’t enjoy doing anything else; quite the contrary. In fact, some of the best times I’ve had outdoors have been at some of our state parks that are miles from the nearest beach. Some of you have probably had enough of me gushing over our camping trips at Gold Head Branch State Park.

Recently we had a little more than just a couple hours in the afternoon, so we made a trip over to the Hillsborough River State Park, just on the other side of Tampa.

In the summer, when it feels like a swamp everywhere, visiting an actual swamp holds little attraction (for me anyway). Oh, but when our glorious winter finally arrives, I love wandering the thick forests.

Although the Hillsborough River is one of many fresh water sources in Florida that has been run almost dry by our single-minded focus on economic growth, it’s still a cool place to visit. It’s one of many state parks that owes it’s existence to the Civilian Conservation Corps.

And I’m lucky… I’m married to a woman, and I have two children, who enjoy wandering around with me.