Ruins and Dillos

The Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park is just a few miles away from both Bulow Creek State Park and Tomoka River State Park. It's a wonderful place for a picnic or if you're into fishing they have a small pier where the mullet seemed to be running. From the picnic area you can hike a short nature trail to the old sugar mill ruins. The Bulow Plantation was destroyed during the Second Seminole War and all that remains are a few foundations and what you see below of the once large sugar mill.

The sugar mill was the largest in East Florida. Made from coquina many of the chimneys still stand today. From 1820 to 1836 this mill was operated by the Bulow family. The sugar cane was planted in January and February and by mid-October it was harvested. Wagon fulls were brought to the mill for processing. In addition to sugar cane the Bulow family also planted cotton, rice and indigo.










While at the ruins we also found a little Armadillo. Armadillos are one of my favorite mammals. I love their little beady eyes, their snouts, and even their name is precious. The word armadillo is Spanish for "little armored one." If you're quiet you can sneak up very close to these animals due to their poor eyesight. Of course when they do see you they may very well likely scuttle away much faster than you would think their body could move. My photos aren't the best due to this Armadillo hiding under some palm fronds but check out that pink nose and those small erect ears. Nothing is better than having an up close experience with such an unusual animal.