Hello to all.

I'm Dave, 49, married 26 years to Jo Ellen, two kids, 24 and 19. We live north of Orlando. I started walking about a year and a half ago and managed to lose 25 pounds. A few months ago I figured why not walk somewhere more interesting than the neighborhood. I checked out the Seminole County Natural Lands website, and bought Sandra's book 50 Hikes in Central Florida, and started to take advantage of this wonderful place where we live.

My wife usually joins me on hikes when she's not with her horse - those of you whose significant others are horse people will know what I mean.

Probably the two highlights - at least as far as wildlife goes - have been the black bear I saw on the St. Francis Trail in the Ocala N.F. and the very inquisitive Scrub Jays in the Lyonia Preserve. They come right up to you!

My other interests are gardening - especially growing habaneros - astronomy, and chess, where I always know the right move, right after I make the wrong one...

Man I'm a nerd!

Anywoo, I enjoy hearing about all of your adventures and hope I don't bore you with mine.

Cheers,
Dave

Dave,
Welcome to the group! There's tons of hiking in your area and it'll take years to explore it all...I know! Please share your adventures, we all certainly enjoy the stories here.

Cheers, Sandy

Welcome from northeast Florida =)

Welcome to the forum! I look forward to reading about your trips. Seeing a bear is definitely not boring. :)

Hey! Welcome!

We're out near Oviedo, on the east side of Orlando. There are so many great outdoor activities around here. Who needs Disney? :)

Post edited by: sfriendfla, at: 2007/12/15 21:17

You are right about our area Vanessa. The Seminole County Natural Lands website (http://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/natland/)is a good resource. They also have guided hikes and this Saturday, 11/17 is at the Geneva Wilderness area. The "theme" is native plants - its nice to be able to actually identify what you're looking at.

Dave