Bell Springs

Around four today I decided to take a drive up to Bell Springs. Arriving, I found the gate locked. I drove around to Ann's house adjacent to the property and parked in her field. A short hike down the Florida Trail and the once large,long pond that once was dammed by Monroe Morrell, Ann's husband, was gone. The SRWMD is in the process of restoring the stream run to original condition, though from what I saw, it has a long way to go. The rocks are quite unnatural looking and the entire area quite unimaginative. We can only surmise what it will look like in several years when landscaping is done, of any.
I walked along the Suwannee as far as Roaring Creek, then hiked back. I was looking for signs of the wild Azalea, but it was too early. In another month or two.
The large alligator was sunning on the bank on my return trip. I was able to see Ann and she showed me her studio and latest work. She is quite the artist. One of the best metal sculptures around. Always wins when she enters.