While Orlando was forever changed this past week, there’s a tranquil respite that will forever stay the same.
With the rushing sound of water flowing, the noise of the outside world gets lost.
"As soon as you cross that threshold there, all of the creature comforts we have today, the internet, the Wi-Fi, completely disappears,” says Park Ranger Brian Snyder at the Hillsborough River State Park, just east of Tampa.
Pam Bahro and her family know this oak hammock is retreat from reality.
"It just gives you an opportunity to regroup from all of the nasty, negative stuff going on,” says Pam. “If you look out here, you're not seeing any of that. You're not hearing of it."
Down the trail, across a bridge, along the boardwalk, awaits peace without distraction.
"A whole bunch of absolute nothing,” Brian jokes.
The 4,000 acres that make up Hillsborough River State Park specialize in hitting the reset button.
"You can actually reset your internal clock,” Brian says.
Just be ready to share the road with the natives like turtles, water fowl, spiders, alligators and the mosquitoes.
"Slow down. And if you see something in your way, just take a wide birth around it and keep on going. But go slow,” says Pam.
Good advice as the only thing moving fast here are the rapids.
For the past 27,000 years, the Hillsborough River has flowed here as one of the fastest moving bodies of water in the entire peninsula of Florida. In fact, this is the only class two rapids you'll find south of the panhandle.
It’s so picturesque, you may not want to leave.
"We have one of the biggest campgrounds in the state of Florida,” Brain boasts. With only 112 campsites, reservations go quick.
Electric hook-ups and potable water are standard at each site.
"If you get it through the gate, you can go camping here,” Brian jokes.
While swimming is forbidden in the river, cooling off at the swimming pool that spans half an acre is a must on a hot summer day.
“That's the best sound. The crickets," Pam said.