Guests describe the state park as an escape into the Old Florida wilderness, emoting a tugging feeling of nostalgia for an era that you haven’t lived in — but feel like you could belong to. The area was remote when Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings thrived there as a divorced writer. Only seven families lived in Cross Creek when she arrived.
The allure of isolation in the wilderness is an intriguing pull for many readers, idealizing the immersion experience.
Caia Reese
Caia Reese is a first-year journalism student and a staff photographer for The Alligator. Besides taking photos, she loves to spend her free time writing, going to the movies and getting lost in a good book.
Related
Gators win national championship
Apr. 8Beer, firecrackers and chants of “it’s great to be a Florida Gator” were flung in the air as the Gators won the national championship, quickly prompting spectators to jump out of their chairs and over the fence onto Second Avenue.
Final Four: How Gainesville celebrated its victory
Apr. 7When UF’s Final Four matchup against the Auburn Tigers ended in triumph, Gainesville roared. Students stormed the streets. Bar floors shook. Fireworks exploded. The Gators had just advanced to their first National Championship since 2007. Take a look at how the city celebrated.
Remembering UF student Nyla Holland
Mar. 10Holland, a UF animal sciences sophomore, died in Gainesville March 2. She was 20 years old. Family and friends remember Holland as a resilient, energetic and loving jack-of-all-trades.
