January 30th One NWR, Two State Parks today -

After dropping Bette off, I was able to get to Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Preserve, and get a blue goose Stamp.  No pin, however.  

Not so far away from here was the DeLeon Springs State Park for Florida, which was very pretty to see.   Got a stamp, but no pin, didn't have any.  

Welcome to De Leon Springs State Park

Native people known as the Mayaca lived in the park for at least 6,000 years.  Pedro Menendez, the founder of St. Augustine, first described the Mayaca after an encounter with them north of the park in 1566, a year after he founded St. Augustine.  In the late 1500s, Spanish missions were established in the area.  In the early 1800s, settlers built sugar and cotton plantations that were sacked by Seminole Indians during the Second Seminole War. By the 1880s the springs had become a winter resort, and tourists were promised "a fountain of youth impregnated with a deliciously healthy combination of soda and sulphur." The Visitor Center features exhibits on the park's rich history and artifacts on display from the Mayaca. The swimming area is adjacent to a beautiful, shady picnic ground. Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available for a paddling tour of the spring and spring run. De Leon Springs flows into the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge where canoeists and kayakers can explore 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes. At The Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant, guests can make their own pancakes at the table. This is a very popular park on weekends. To ensure entrance into the park, we recommend arriving early, otherwise, the parking area will be full and you may not be able to enter.

A bit further down the road was Hontoon Island State Park, which is actually on an island, had to take a boat over.  Got the stamp and a pin for here, plus a bonus stamp.  

Welcome to Hontoon Island State Park

This island, located in the St. Johns River in Volusia County, welcomes visitors to enjoy nature and history in quiet solitude. The island is accessible only by private boat or park ferry. Evidence of Native American habitation over thousands of years can be witnessed as visitors hike through the park. Stop in and walk through the impressive visitor center to learn more about the many inhabitants and uses of Hontoon Island over the years. Boating, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities and canoe rentals are available. Picnic areas include tables, grills, and a playground. Overnight boat slip rentals are also available. The park's ferry operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Located six miles west of Deland off State Road 44.