FLORIDA'S PANHANDLE

Jaycie’s Bunny Hoppin’ News: Florida Caverns Tour

By: Jaycie Lillie, 11/26/22

Today we went to Florida Caverns State Park.

It was a chilly morning with fog! [oooooh] But surprisingly, the cave was warmer than the surface air! Caves stay around the same temperature all year. As we entered the cave…

…the temperature grew warmer. The scene altered from trees to limestone. In every direction there was rock. But rock doesn’t mean dead and useless. Caves are ALIVE and BEAUTIFUL!

They were formed long ago by our Wondrous God! They were filled in by water at one point and we can see the fossils that are left in the ceiling.

Some caves are still submerged in oceans and others dried, so we can explore the wonders under the floor! Fossils, stalagtites, stalagmites, and flowstones galore! And if your lucky enough you might spot a bat, like Jett!

But no matter the temptation, do NOT touch him [or her… the bat]. Your hanbds have a power to kill or destroy. You could pass a deadly virus called White-Nose Syndrome! Bats are endangered because of this awful virus. It spreads fast from bat to bat throughout the cave and when the bats are gone, sadly, they never return!

We have to be careful not to hurt the cave either! The oils on your hands stop the cave from growing! When you visit a cave, be sure not to touch the formations! [You look with your eyes, not with your hands.] There is so much LIFE in caves! They are so much more than rocks and bore. It is full of fascination!

We emerged from the underground world to see the sky again!

Jett’s Wild Flight: Surfin’ USA

By: Jett Lillie, 11/28/22

We went to the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Pensacola, FL and there we earned our 68th Jr Ranger Badge!

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels were practicing and flew right over us and all around us doing so many tricks, falls, and crazy stunts in formations! It was so cool to watch (and hear)!

We also went to Fort Pickens which is right by the seashore. It was HUGE!

There were lots of cannons!

We had a picnic lunch on the beach. The sand was so white. I found a ghost crab that blended right in.

We decided to head back to the RV and drop off the girls. My Dad and I decided to go to the beach again and this time ride the waves. So, we brought our beach stuff and got in the icy cold water and rode the waves a couple of times. We also threw the frisbee and the football as we watched (and heard) the waves crash!

I love the Beach!