The Art of R&R ~ Wakulla River (photo essay) ~ GCC

It took me a long time to learn the art of R&R. I did not know how to rest and get relaxation. Being high strung and feeling the need to get things done immediately was one of my downfalls. Regardless of what one may think, you have to let go every now and then. To me, every once in a while a person needs to forget the bills, forget the worries, let go of the burdens. Every once in a while, I forget the past...don't worry about the future...but live in the present. Since learning to do that, I have found more peace of mind, body, and spirit.

This past weekend Allen & I decided to take a little R&R. During the ride, we stopped at a convenience store for a "snack run". I found some beautiful flowers.

My sister and her fiancé live on the Wakulla River, which is spring fed. Wakulla Springs (located in the Florida Panhandle) flows at a rate of over 400,000 gallons per minute.  It is one of the largest and deepest fresh water springs in the world.  The clear water allows crystal clear viewing.  Even at the deepest point of 185 feet, objects are sometimes visible. The spring discharges 1.3 billion gallons of water a day.  The water temperature stays relatively 68-70 degrees F year round (which can be very refreshing on these hot, humid summer days).

For you movie buffs out there, you may be interested to know that several of the early Tarzan movies (starring Johnny Weismuller), as well as the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Airport 77, and Joe Panther were filmed on location at Wakulla Springs.

Although we have been to the Wakulla Springs State Park, we did not go there this trip. Instead, we enjoyed a little R&R at the river house.  Here are some of the things I enjoyed while taking advantage of living in the moment.

There were birds:

There were manatee & fish:

There were turtles sunning:

There is unique artwork of tree branches:

There were acrobatics and splashes:

Even a butterfly visited to sip water from the boat carpet:

So the next time you have burdens weighing you down, remember a little R&R can do you a world of good.

(For those interested in more information or visiting Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, please go to this site.)