Withlacoochee River, Madison County, Florida
Sunday, November 6, 2005
The Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society had a trip to Riverview Farms in Madison County,
Florida. There was a lodge built in 1982 that sits a couple of miles off the main dirt road on a bluff overlooking the Withlacoochee
River. The lodge has six bedrooms and a beautiful front porch with a river view. We had access to the river to collect
agatized coral. While there was plenty of coral in the river, it was difficult to find collectable pieces; however, the day's
temperature was near perfect for an outing in such a beautiful place.
The lodge is in the woods to the left.
The back of the lodge as you drive up.
Roy and Lenda Cook sitting in the front swing.
We started collecting in the river just below the lodge. The river from the Georgia border
to the Suwanee River State park is absolutely gorgeous with its cypress lined banks and limestone shoals. It can be
canoed its entire length and fishing spots can be found around every bend in the river. It is a true jewel of north Florida.
Later we walked down the road and then followed the dry creek bed to the river. Again we spent time collecting and enjoying the
scenery.
This is the view north from the lodge.
This is the view toward the south and one of the collecting areas.
View of the limestone in a dry creek bed.
After collecting for a couple of hours, I made my way back to the lodge and enjoyed the
rest of the afternoon eating and talking on the front porch. Most other collectors found there way back down to the river
to see what other finds were waiting to picked up. It was a great trip and a wonderful way to spend the day.
Beautiful snake that was seen in the dry creek bed.
Jason Hamilton collecting coral.
Linda Weinstein and Lenda Cook collecting along the river.
