On May 17, 2013, nearly ten months after our 2012 travel adventure tragically ended with the death of our son-in-law, we have resumed our travels. Our first stop was Stephen Foster Folk Conservation Center in White Springs, FL; this was our last stop on our trip home last year but because of a broken shoulder, I wasn't able to kayak the Big Shoals. Last year the water level was at 57 feet; this year it was 58-1/2 feet making it Florida's only class III run. My goal is not to break another bone and Dan's goal is to get his revenge after it chewed his butt on last years' ride down the Big Shoals.

The park pays honor to Stephen Foster, an American composer; it is also home of the Carillon Tower which plays some of Foster's favorite songs throughout the day. The park offers over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails along the Suwannee River. The Big Shoals State Park - better known for the "put-in" place for kayakers is less than five miles away. Stephen Foster FCC is a beautiful park; the campsites are well maintained with shade trees and we would welcome the opportunity to visit it again.