Devil's Millhopper

I think that I have mentioned to most of you that one of our ambitions during our travels is to use the book, 101 American Geo-Sites You've Gotta See, and visit the sites that are located in all 50 states, one or two each state. Florida has only one geo-site listed in the book and it happened to be located just 20 miles from where we stayed last night, 14 of those miles being on I-75 south, the route we are taking toward Naples. So, for a brief jog off the highway, we are able to check off Florida's geo-site.

Let me set the scene. Last night I mentioned that it was raining and it rained all night. In the morning, the Airstream was listing slightly because Florida's soil is very sandy and the water had washed out around our leveling jacks. And the rain was not over, except that this morning, lightning and thunder was added.  And not just a gentle rain, but a downpour! But we persevered and made our way to the Florida State Park in the northwest suburbs of Gainesville.

There was supposed to be a Ranger led tour at 10 am on Saturdays so we thought our timing was perfect but, of course, there was no tour because of the rain and lightning.  That didn't stop us, so off we hiked to the bottom of the sinkhole, which is what Florida's geo-site is. You may think of a Florida sinkhole as a big depression that swallows buildings, roads and cars.  But the Devil's Millhopper formed 10,000 to 15,000 years ago and since 1972 has been preserved as a National Registered Natural Landmark. This beautifully preserved circular and steep-sided sinkhole measures 120 feet deep by 500 feet in diameter and is easily explored by way of a stairway that descends to its cave-ridden bottom.The distinctive name derives from its unusual funnel-like shape that reminded early settlers of the devices farmers used at the mill to grind their grain.  The presence of preserved bones and teeth supposedly related to past devilish activities but in reality are fossil plant and animal remains.

Plaque at the start of the trail to the bottom.

Spock just peaking out of his raincoat.

At the bottom of the sinkhole. I think the water is so muddy because it is raining down the sides.

A view of the steps trail.

Water cascading down the sides of the sinkhole.

We are at the Quail Run RV Resort for two nights. Yeah! Tomorrow we are off, without Airstream, to find the local Container Store and a filter for our water hose.