First of the day I meet with my fiends, the Zablos and cartoonist, Jim Ivey, for breakfast. Above Craig Zablo, of the StalloneZone, holds a drawing I did for him of Santa Sylvester Stallone.

Next had lunch with Chris Massey and talked about his leading the way in preserving Edgewater High School in Orlando. Had lunch at the infamous Gabriel’s Sub Shop that is behind the school.

Later joined members of the hiking group, The Florida Trail Association, at their 27th annual New Years celebration at Doe Lake in the Ocala National Forest. Above is a photo of the sunset I took along Doe Lake.

Headed over to Silver River State Park about 5 miles. Above is a sketch from across the Silver River at the boat landing at the end of the River Trail.

After that I took the Fort King Military Trail. Below is a sketch from that I added color to.

At the boat launch all these little children were squealing about seeing a turtle. The softshell poked more of his head out and part of his body. He was a huge sucker. I pointed out to the little folks that the turtle was about the size of a little red head there and he was probably hiding under the launch to keep away from hungry gators. Their eyes got all big and scampered back so they might spot the shy critter again. Below is as much of the turtle I could get in a photo.

There’s more about this hike at Swampy’s Florida.