A Day Off — This Is Rika

This summer my days off are Wednesday and Thursday because the weekends are so busy at the resort. Rob and I have these days off together so Wednesday is our Saturday. This is a crazy busy summer, even more busy than last year. There are so many people coming and going and the phones are constantly ringing. Business is very good! That being said I'm really more of a loner and after a week full of conversation and activity I need my days away.

I downloaded the Alabama State Park app to my iPhone to see if there were any parks close enough for a day trip. We have been to all of the FL ones that are within a couple hours drive. I found Frank Jackson State Park in Opp, Alabama and it showed a big lake with a boardwalk to an island in the lake with a nature trail through and around the island. Sounded good to me!

Rob has been wanting to go for a ride in the jeep since he has put the soft top on. We both like riding with the top back. Yesterday was a hot summer day but it felt great having the wind in my hair! The little ones went with us, they have been couped up so much with us both working full time away from the house. Bazil (my little boy) has especially been wanting to go somewhere. We put their seat cover on and grabbed their water, wipes and poopy bags and off we went.

The day was beautiful and the sky was full of big puffy white clouds most of the day. With the wind and occasional shade from the clouds it was a pretty pleasant drive on the way to the park.

We arrived at the park after about a 2 hour drive. The entrance gate attendant was having trouble with his credit card machine and asked us to pay on our way out. (We forgot to get cash) We quickly realized this is a pretty small park other than the lake itself. We got the babies out and started to head to the boardwalk to the island. There it was, a sign saying no dogs allowed in the area. Great! There was one family on the "beach" so we decided to ignore the sign and carry them.

My back has been bothering me so this was uncomfortable but we drove 2 hours and we were going to walk that island! We put them down close to the boardwalk to let them have a potty break and noticed a small black and white cat hiding in the grass. It was cute and as soon as Bazil and Bella saw it it took off running. We would have let B & B walk across the bridge but the boards were hot so we picked them back up and headed across.

Rob and Bella heading to the Island in Frank Javkson State Park

Once we got to the other side there was a sign saying be aware of alligators, I was really hoping that this area was gator free. So we realized that we would need to continue to carry Bella and Bazil. There was another sign on the ground with faded pictures of the snakes that are in the area. I'm not afraid of snakes, actually I like them. I like them but I don't want them to bite my babies, so that just gave us more reason to keep carrying them. At this point Bazil was squirming and my back was killing me! The woods were pretty with the light and water views coming through the leaves.

The trail went through the woods and around to the side of the island where there was an open space with picnic tables and benches, we felt comfortable putting the babies down and letting them walk for a little stretch. Then it was back into the woods and back in our arms. The trail really wasn't very long and I know we would have enjoyed it more if we had not forgotten our carriers for Bella and Bazil. We hurried though the whole trail and back to the boardwalk. There were a few Lilly pads close to the shore and I bet the fishing is great in the lake! I wish we had a boat to go out on the water!

for more information about the park check out the Alabama State Park website here: http://www.alapark.com/frank-jackson-state-park

On our way back out we stopped to pay and the attendant said since we were only there for such a short time not to worry about paying.

Now it was very hot and the clouds were about gone. The babies were hot in the sun in the back seat so we took the seat cover and made it into a shade cover.

Heading back home eventually we had to put the top back up and turn the AC on full blast! Rob was getting a little sunburn and we were all HOT!

We stopped at Crooked Creek boat launch and walked the babies and checked out the spot for a future trip.

We will have to bring the canoe here someday soon.

Crooked Creek boat launch off State road 388

After this stop we headed home. It was a quick trip and pretty uneventful but it was nice to be away from the crowds and enjoy some time outdoors just the 4 of us.

***All of the pictures are from my iPhone 6plus for this trip.