Central Florida Coast

Withlacoochee River emptying into Withlacoochee Bay

After four days in Dunedin, we headed north and explored a little bit of Florida. Our first stop was to photograph the Monk Parakeets – originally escaped pets – that nest in large groups in Dunedin. They are very cool to see, but I don't know if I would want them living near me. They are extremely noisy! I was excited about seeing parakeets in the wild and was a bit disappointed that they are the same birds I saw in Spain a few years ago.

Monk Parakeet

Then, we did a quick drive-through of John Chesnut. Sr. Park, a really good wildlife area north of Dunedin. We didn't spend long, so I didn't really see any birds, which is a shame because it is a very good birding site.

White-tailed Deer

The scenery is pretty nice, too.

John Chesnut, Sr., Park

Next was a quick detour down Follow That Dream Highway in Yankeetown/Inglis. 

And, unlike many younger readers, I immediately guessed the derivation of the road’s name.

Elvis Presley's ninth Hollywood film, "Follow That Dream," was filmed there in 1961. Fans lobbied to have a sign erected to mark the spot in 1996.

Follow That Dream poster

Released in 1962, “Follow That Dream” was about a vagabond family composed of Pop Kwimper (Arthur O'Connell); his “good-natured but unsophisticated” son, Toby (Elvis); and various informally "adopted" children, including their 19-year-old babysitter (Anne Helm). 

Traveling through Florida, they drive onto an unopened section of new highway and promptly run out of gas. 

While waiting for someone to help them out, they set up a temporary camp. 

The first vehicle to come by belongs to the state highway commissioner, who wants them removed before they can ruin a dedication ceremony scheduled for later that day featuring the governor of Florida. In defiance, Pop informs the commissioner that they plan to homestead and live near the highway permanently. The commissioner is appalled, but the governor applauds the Kwimpers' pioneering spirit and lets them stay.  

Through improbable circumstances, the Kwimpers then build a successful sports fishing business. Trouble soon follows.

Joanna Moore and Elvis Presley

After ever-virtuous Toby rejects the advances of an amorous social worker played by Joanna Moore (remember her?), the social worker begins legal action to have the children taken away and made wards of the state. 

There’s a subplot about gambling and law enforcement, but what counts is that Toby's “earthy wits and honesty” win over the judge at the children's custody hearing and the Kwimpers get to stay together. The family happily returns "home" and Toby begins a romance with the babysitter, whom he just realized is all grown up! But I won’t go there.

Anne Helms and Elvis Presley

“Follow That Dream” was filmed in Inverness, Ocala, Inglis and Yankeetown – in the summer. 

ACK! It must have been pure misery.

During filming, Elvis met 10-year-old Tom Petty, whose uncle was working on the film. 

Shortly thereafter, Petty allegedly swapped his slingshot for a friend's collection of Elvis records. 

The rest is history ...

The film had mediocre reception, but I remembered it because it was filmed in Florida while we lived there.

Follow That Dream Highway curves along to a parking lot and boat ramp where the Withlacoochee River drains into Withlacoochee Bay.

The bay

It’s a somewhat marshy area with lots of wildlife. We saw plenty of Spanish moss ...

Typical Florida

A Green Heron ...

Such a pretty bird -- and smart, too

Brown Pelican ...

Also typical Florida

Tricolored Heron ...

I don't remember these from childhood (we probably assumed they were Great Blues)

Red-shouldered Hawk (hiding in a pine tree) …

I also don't remember these (must not have been paying attention)

Black Vultures …

We used to call them "buzzards," but that is wrong

And, lots of Carolina Saddlebags Dragonflies ...

It took a long time to get this shot

Then, on up to our old stompin’ grounds, Ichetucknee Springs State Park. We'll cover that in my next post.

Ichetucknee Springs

Trip date: July 3-12, 2018