Battle of Olustee

Sunday was time for a motorcycle road trip. I had spotted the Olustee Battlefield Park some weeks ago on a return from Jacksonville Airport. I remembered seeing a re-enactment to take place on this weekend. I saddled up the Stratoliner and headed out for Trenton, where I decided to take some back roads. Heading north on Highway 47 proved to be a prime riding road. I especially loved the historic little village of Fort White, which I will visit again. On to Lake City and then pick up Highway 90 to the park, which totalled 80 miles from the outset at Yellow Jacket Resort. I’ve been to Gettsyburg and their homage to the Civil War and they had nothing on this display at Olustee. The Battle of Olustee is historic, and you may decide to read about it by clicking on the link. It was just lengthy here to give you a history lesson. What I especially liked was the vast array of tents set up in period style along with the belles and gents in their period costumes. Sauntering through the woods toward the battlefield became almost surreal. You could almost meld into the surroundings and the time warp made me feel as if you were living more than a century ago. The equestrian hooves vibrated the ground beneath as a Confederate colonel gaited through his troops on the way to the artillery canons, and you could literally smell the sweat from emanating between saddle and horse. I met a Southern Belle named Linda, who in conversation told me about her tubing and rafting business located on the Ichetucknee River and State Park. There’s reason there for another road trip in the future. On to the battlefield and the actual re-enactment. It lasted a bit more than an hour and was quite interesting to watch the placement of troops and the still Continental style of fighting that was utilized. Compared with modern technology, guerrilla warfare and the battles of today, these Civil War tactics proved almost suicidal. The ride back was even more pleasant as the setting sun proved a beacon on my way west. A poste haste meeting of campground fulltimers seemed to be in effect later in the evening and it was decided we would all go on a pontoon outing for Monday afternoon. Hopefully the weather will comply. But in the meantime, dinner, a fire, and freshly made cupcakes by Robin while I was gone will be the fare for the evening.