September 29th, 2008 Sandra Friend
According to a recent story in the Fort Myers News-Press, both Lee and Charlotte Counties were successful in obtaining grants to acquire new lands that will benefit both the Florida Saltwater Circumnavigation Trail and Florida hiking.
Galt Preserve includes 105 acres on Pine Island which will be rid of its exotic species before amenities are added, including observation deck and fishing pier, picnic tables and hiking trails, and a launch point for paddlers. Where Buck Creek flows into Lemon Bay, Buck Creek Preserve will include similar amenities and an open-air classroom.
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September 25th, 2008 Sandra Friend
Just up the street from Wakulla Springs State Park along SR 267 (Bloxham Cutoff), Wakulla State Forest is opening two brand new trails on October 4. The 1.75-mile Nemours Hiking Loop is part of the Trailwalker system and guides you through pine forest, pine plantation, hardwood forest, and a cypress slough. The 4.5-mile Double Springs Loop is primarily for equestrians but can also be hiked. Learn more about the upcoming grand opening ceremony at www.wakulla.com.
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September 22nd, 2008 Sandra Friend
It’s been a few years since I walked the trails at Silver Glen Springs (the fall after the one-two punch of 2004 hurricanes, as I recall), and when I tried to go out and test the trail prior to this public hike, the trail was closed due to blowdowns from Tropical Storm Fay. This trek, though, went through. It was part of the Marion County Springs Festival, and I was pleased to have 17 people or so along for the walk, including several WhiteBlaze friends and folks from the Florida Hikes! forum. WahooHiker was there with his mini-cam, we’ll have to wait for the results. Soggy walk in places but a great breeze off the lake and serious views to be had. Legendary ranger Johnny Polhers showed up and since he built the trail, I was glad to lean on him for some interpretive history. Will post details about the hike later on this week. Meanwhile, here’s one of the beauty spots along the Lake George Trail, another gem of the Ocala National Forest.
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September 22nd, 2008 Sandra Friend
Just heard from Ryan Carpenter, aka Green Tortuga, that he’s letting his old blog lapse and has put the details of his Florida Trail thru-hike with additional photos at http://www.ryansatotalgoober.com/adventures/2008/
If you’re thinking of a thru-hike or just want a fun read, check it out! I especially like the photo sequence of navigating under a low-hanging branch at Juniper Run.
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September 20th, 2008 Sandra Friend
I’m back from traipsing through Southwest Florida for two weeks! Time to plunge into the Marion County Springs Festival within the hour. I’ll be giving a talk at 3 PM today at Silver River State Park on hiking basics, how hiking helps your health, and where to hike around Marion County … and tomorrow I’m leading a hike at Silver Glen Springs at 9 AM. If you want to come out and enjoy the fun, get a coupon for free entry to Silver Glen Springs at www.springsfest.org. Silver Glen Springs is along SR 19, nine miles north of SR 40, in the middle of the Ocala National Forest.
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