February 9, 2022 - Lake Griffin State Park,
Tavares Seaplanes

With the Villages as our base, we went on day trips out into the surrounding area.  Our first stop was Lake Griffin State Park, on the southeast side of The Villages.

Lake Griffin State Park's big claim to fame is its Mammoth Live Oak Tree.  And here it is!
   

In the days of sailing ships, the large arching limbs of these stately trees “were highly sought after for making ship’s ribs and knees.”

These sturdy, low growing trees are “better able to withstand hurricanes, winds, fires, droughts and floods than other hardwoods.” They are incredibly beautiful trees that “provide food and shelter for several animal species as well as a place of attachment for various air plants, mosses and ferns.”
   

Hard to believe this tree is older than the U.S.A.  Maybe even going back to Christopher Columbus.

That's about ten feet in diameter.
   
Lake Griffin State Park's other claim to fame is a boat ramp which provices access to the Dead River and big Lake Griffin.
 
There are some hiking trails here as well which Lynnette and I enjoyed.  (We did not see any gators though)
   
Then we drove over to the town of Tavares on Lake Dora wgucg features a seaplane marina.
   
A good place to own a SeaRey, that's for sure.
   
Looking out over Lake Dora.  Of course, you can get seaplane rides here.  I wasn't really interested in that, being that I have my own plane.  But I did make a mental note that I need to fly around in this area with all the lakes.
   
 
   
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