Mound Builders - Crystal River Archaelogical State Park

Had a great time discovering more Florida History today!

Headed west to the gulf, out some favorite back roads and small towns...Mascotte, Tuscanooga, Center Hill, Webster, Bushnell, Istachatta, Floral City, Inverness, Hernando, Crystal River....

There are a lot of riding options through the area, all are good.  48 east from 41 in Floral City is particularly awesome with the tree tunnel just east of town.   Had a good time finding some great vintage items in Webster's West Side and Shirley's Antiques (Bushnell).  Then it was time to ride.

Made for the Crystal River Archaeological State Park.  Here's their link:
 https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/crystal-river-archaeological

The museum is easy to get to and well worth the three dollar price of admission.  Numerous artifacts on display, as well as the diagrams of the temple mound complex with burial mounds.  Amazing stuff.  Short 8 minute video loop gives you the story of the mound complex and scientific efforts.  These guys traded all the way up the Great Lakes!  And, there is distinct possibility they knew the major groups to the south, Inca, Mayan.  Being situated kinda in the middle there between northern and southern groups, their trade cut both ways.  Very cool.

 Standing on the platform at top of the temple mound, easy to let one's imagination wander.  So good.

 

Carved stone, image of a face with topknot of hair.  Just squint the right way, you'll see it.  BOOM, cool.

 

Heading back home, between Floral City and Bushnell, on 48, is an old roadside rest area, complete with historical marker.  This is a well manicured and cared-for spot, and the marker pays homage to the Battle Of Wahoo Swamp, during the Seminole-Indian Wars.   Just a little way south is the epic Dade Battlefield Memorial as well.  If ever you get a chance to read up on the Seminole Indian wars, it will be quite surprising for you. 

 Not sure what the story is with the Gorilla.  He looked lonely, so we did a photo-op to remember the good times, whatever they may have been....  He's just a few yards south of the Crystal River State Park entrance.  Can't miss him.  Literally.