| Kevin Mims's Blog Archive |
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| Sign Up for the Fifth Annual Joe Bonness Turkey Ride |
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| November 16, 2009 |
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There's a better way to spend the Sunday after Thanksgiving than shopping for Christmas presents. Why not ditch the department-store crowds and work off some of that turkey and gravy with a 10- to 80-mile bicycle ride through Naples and Bonita Springs?
The Fifth Annual Joe Bonness Turkey Ride, a fully supported road ride set for Nov. 29, can be done in 10 miles, 30 miles, 62 miles or 80 miles.... more |
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| Free Veteran's Day Admission to Florida's State and National Parks |
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| November 05, 2009 |
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Just a quick note with some good news!
This coming Wednesday, Nov. 11, head to one of Florida's state and national parks and enjoy free admission in celebration of Veteran's Day (except for Skyway Fishing Pier State Park in Tampa). This is the perfect occasion to load up the family, pack a cooler and spend the day outdoors honoring those men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.... more |
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| Bonnet House Birding Schedule |
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| October 29, 2009 |
Educational birding classes and walks at the historic Bonnet House Museum and Gardens have been expanded to include evening sessions this year!
Skilled birders and first-timers alike will appreciate lessons from Paddy Cunningham, with instruction on bird identification, behavior and finding locations for different species.... more |
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| Fort Cooper State Park in Citrus County |
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| October 26, 2009 |
In 1836, soldiers from the First Georgia Battalion of Volunteers found safety from repeated Seminole Indian attacks in a makeshift fort on the shores of Lake Holathlikaha. For 16 long days and nights, 380 wounded and sick soldiers bound for Tampa held their ground under the command of Major Mark Anthony Cooper, then received supplies and joined the rest of the battalion in other battles.
Today, the property surrounding Lake Holathlikaha (Ho-lath-la-ka-ha) is known as ... more |
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| Mountain Biking at Santos |
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| October 20, 2009 |
Here's something that might surprise you. The trails at Santos are not just a hot spot for Florida mountain bikers, they are also a major destination for riders all over the country. When I talk to mountain bikers from outside the state, I use Santos as a point of reference for where I live in Florida.... more |
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| Spooky State Park Events |
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| October 19, 2009 |
There's something spooky going on in some of Florida's state parks this Halloween!
If you want to break away from the usual routine of trick-or-treating this Halloween, consider a fun event that's family friendly in a Florida state park. Perhaps you are one of those who like to stretch out your Halloween over the course of several days -- so this is even better since the state park events go on for a few nights.
Maybe you are just tired of handing out candy to the legions of costumeless high school juniors (complete with supermarket bags) that seem to always raid the Jack-O-Lantern on your porch.... more |
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| It's Camping Month at Florida's Official Welcome Centers |
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| October 13, 2009 |
Welcome to Florida!
That's what you'll hear when you stop in at any of the five official Florida Welcome Centers, and during the month of October, there's a special treat for us outdoorsy types! A cool campsite display is set up in the lobby, and right there you can gather up some great information to help plan out your next outdoors adventure.
October is the perfect time to gather up the family, pack up your tent and gear, and head to one of Florida's fabulous state parks. There are 160 of them, so I'm sure you'll have an easy time finding one that offers camping near you.... more |
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| Explore Princess Place Preserve in Flagler County |
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| October 11, 2009 |
Not too many places can boast having a for-real princess as part of its history, but Flagler County can!
Originally called Cherokee Grove, this 1,500-acre property situated directly on the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek is steeped in history dating back to the late 1700s. In 1887, an Adirondack-style lodge was built by Henry Cutting, a prominent businessman from New York, and is said to be the only lodge of its kind in Florida.
Henry Cutting's widow, Angela Mills Cutting Worden, eventually married Boris Scherbatoff, an exiled Russian prince, and she assumed the title of princess.... more |
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| Boktoberfest Plant Sale Is Oct. 17 |
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| October 06, 2009 |
The great folks out at Bok Tower Gardens always have cool stuff going on -- and on Oct. 17, they are stepping things up another notch with the first annual Boktoberfest Plant Sale. Guess what? You'll also have a little extra money to buy something for your garden, because admission to the event is free!
You'll want to get there early to get the first pick of the plants between 8 and 9 a.... more |
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| Top Five State Park Day Hikes in Florida |
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| October 01, 2009 |
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With cooler weather right around corner, you can bet that folks are already planning some trips to take in some of Florida's outdoors. Cool, crispy air always makes a hike more enjoyable, and the trails will be full of smiling faces. With so many state parks with hiking trails, how do you choose? I've got a bunch already written up on my calendar -- I'll share with you a few of the ones that I'm excited to visit! Here are my top five parks for a Florida day hike in the fall.... more |
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| Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day Is October 3rd |
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| September 29, 2009 |
This Sat., Oct. 3, hop on your fat tire bike and take a kid along for the ride! Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day is brought to you by IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) and is the perfect opportunity for kids to discover the sport.... more |
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| It's a Snake! Check out this Black Racer Video |
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| September 25, 2009 |
While out on a hike a few weeks ago, I got a video of a black racer - one of the more common snakes in Florida. The black racer (or Southern Black Racer/Coluber constrictor priapus, if you prefer) isn't venomous, but can be a little agressive, especially when cornered.
Here's your chance to take a look at one up close without having to crawl around on the ground and get face to face with Mr.... more |
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| WeCeFAR's Croom Crusher and Crumbler Adventure Race is on September 26 |
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| September 23, 2009 |
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It's adventure racing time again!
If you haven't made plans (there are a lot of events going on right now), come on over to the Croom tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest and take part in the 8-hour Croom Crusher or the 2-3 hour Croom Crusher adventure race. The event is put on by the West Central Florida Adventure Racing Club (WeCeFAR), and starts at the ... more |
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| Ride the Withlacoochee State Trail on October 4 |
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| September 21, 2009 |
Can you feel it? The mornings are a little less humid, with a touch of chill in the air, and folks are excited because fall is right around the corner! Plenty of outdoor events are always planned in October, as you can probably tell from the last several blog posts.
The 15th Annual Rails to Trails Bike Ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail will be taking place on Sunday, Oct. 4.... more |
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| September 26 Is National Public Lands Day |
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| September 14, 2009 |
You know all those cool parks and forests we have here in Florida? Well, they need a lot of maintaining - much more than the staff can provide. It takes a lot of people to make the places that we love to visit a beautiful and safe place to visit! Trail building, cleaning, guides - you name it. Volunteers do so much!
Saturday, Sept.... more |
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| In Lakeland? Take a Stroll at Gator Creek Reserve |
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| September 10, 2009 |
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If you are looking for a great place to take a short hike or run near Lakeland, swing in to Gator Creek Reserve. It's located just north of town, on US 98.
I was in the Lakeland area today, and spent an hour or so in the afternoon on the Piney Wood and Gator Creek loop trails.... more |
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| Labor Day the Chassahowitzka Way |
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| September 09, 2009 |
You know, I've said it before -- there are still plenty of places to get that classic Florida outdoor experience. They may be a little harder to find, and you might have to paddle, wade and claw your way through a little bit of mud to get there -- but they are there!
This past Sunday, Amanda and I launched our kayaks from the Chassahowitzka River Campground in search of some Labor Day weekend fun. There are times when I prefer a laid-back paddle, watching wildlife while gently floating along a scenic waterway somewhere.... more |
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| Labor Day Outdoor Ideas |
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| August 31, 2009 |
Well, Labor Day is right around the corner, and I know all of you are planning that last big summer weekend outing, right?
I like to use the Labor Day weekend to prep up for Florida hiking season, which kicks off when the weather starts to cool down in October. I typically hike year 'round, but in the cooler months you can go farther, faster, and be a lot more comfortable.
What about you? Got big plans? Well, if you haven't decided what to do yet, here are a few ideas that will have you grabbing your car keys and setting out for an adventure!
Take a Hike
It's still a little warm outside, but short summer hikes are always a great way to get in some exercise and see what makes Florida such a special place.... more |
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| New Beetle Discovered Near Auburndale |
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| August 31, 2009 |
Hey bug lovers - I've got some news for you! A beetle collected in 2007 has been recently identified as a new species, which has been named the Auburndale scrub scarab. Neato!
It just goes to show you that Florida still has plenty to discover - it's a wild place! Also, the beetle was found by Donna Stark, a volunteer helping to improve Florida's database on rare invertebrates. That's a perfect example of the great work that volunteers do to protect and maintain Florida's natural wonders.... more |
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| Online Florida Trail-Finding Resources |
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| August 26, 2009 |
Before I jump in my vehicle and head out on my latest jaunt in the woods, I do a few things:
- I go through all my gear for the trip to make sure it is in working order.
- I print out a Google map to the trailhead (just in case my GPS stops working, which it has done before).
- I begin figuring out logistics and meal planning.... more
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| Baby Alligators Hatching at Gatorama |
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| August 17, 2009 |
If you're like many visitors to the Sunshine State, you'd like an opportunity to see some real Florida alligators while you're here. Fortunately for you travelers looking for a tame sort of adventure, you don't have to venture out into the wild to catch a glimpse.
In fact, why don't you get up-close and personal with the help of our friends at ... more |
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| Some Surprises in the Ocala National Forest, Part Two |
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| August 12, 2009 |
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So, you watched the video and read my last post about the bear sighting in the Ocala National Forest. I really should start this post out like one of those television infomercials (but wait, there's more!) since I have another video from that day.
Thinking that the bear sighting was the end of my wildlife spotting for the trip, I headed around the loop leaving the Salt Springs Observation Trail, and a wild rabbit hopped in front of my vehicle and proceeded to munch on some grass a few feet away! This little guy actually let me get out of my vehicle and get really close without jumping into the bushes.... more |
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| Celebrate Smokey Bear's 65th Birthday at Savannas Preserve State Park |
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| August 06, 2009 |
65? You are meaning to tell me that Smokey Bear has is turning 65 years old on August 9th? Whoa, he looks pretty good for a bear that's spent decades educating folks about wildfires!
We've all seen him at some time or another -- in school and through extracurricular clubs like FFA or 4-H, at local parks -- heck, I've even seen Smokey at the mall! One thing's for sure, kids and parents both can benefit from Smokey's message about how we all can do our part to prevent wildfires.
The character "Smokey" was chosen by the United States Forest Service in 1944, appearing on illustrated posters where he spread the message about wildfire prevention and as a result has developed into a classic American icon.
Want to take part in Smokey's Big Birthday Bash on August 8th? Well, take a trip out to ... more |
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| Forest Sights and Sounds During a Summer Rain |
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| July 30, 2009 |
| Here in Florida we tend to get frequent afternoon showers in the summer months, which may put a damper on outings for most folks. Me? I love nothing more than a walk in the rain, especially in the woods. Now, don't take that to mean that I'm running out the door in a full-on downpour! I'm talking a nice, gentle rain (no lightning) with thunder off in the distance.... more |
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| Outdoor Extravaganza at Pioneer Settlement |
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| July 29, 2009 |
The Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts is putting on an event to appeal to all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts -- from bow hunters to kayakers. The Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts Outdoor Extravaganza promises to touch on a variety of interests including hunting, canoeing and kayaking, and hiking. The event is set to take place Aug.... more |
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| Blowing Rocks Preserve: A Nature Lover's Dream |
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| July 28, 2009 |
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Are you a nature lover looking for the perfect place to visit during these summer months? If so, you must check out Blowing Rocks Preserve in Hobe Sound. Located on Florida's southeast coast, it's 30 miles north of West Palm Beach.
The preserve is a barrier island sanctuary on Jupiter Island and home to a wide variety of wildlife, including loggerhead, leatherback and green turtles which nest at night right there on the beach.... more |
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| Florida Park Service Picks for Summer Fun |
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| July 21, 2009 |
Well, folks, as you well know, summer is in full swing, and Florida’s a great place to be right now!
The Florida Park Service just came out with its picks for the top five state parks where visitors can find loads of watery fun – and I quite agree with these choices! These are the perfect places to spend the dog days of summer. In fact, you can learn more about two of these locations, John Pennekamp and White
Springs, by watching my videos right here on VISITFLORIDA.com.... more |
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| Free Entrance to Florida State Parks on Sunday, July 19 |
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| July 15, 2009 |
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That's right, folks! This Sunday, July 19, round up your family and head to one of Florida's 160 State Parks -- there's no entrance fee!
The hard part here is deciding what park to visit -- do you plan for a beach outing, or a trip to a cool freshwater spring? Or perhaps a hike or mountain bike ride? What about a paddling trip? There are so many ways to discover the natural beauty of Florida, it's really tough sometimes to decide just where to go and what activity to partake in. Make sure to visit ... more |
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| A Trip to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area |
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| July 12, 2009 |
This is actually my first beach trip of the summer! I've been too busy lately stomping around in the woods to make it over to the coast.
If you are looking for an uncrowded stretch of ocean at Flagler Beach, you have to head over to ... more |
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| A Visit To Three Sisters Springs |
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| June 29, 2009 |
What a wonderful way to spend a Monday!
My wife Amanda and I recently bought a couple of little 8-foot kayaks to throw in the back of our pickup, so we spent the day tooling around Kings Bay and Three Sisters Springs. These boats are perfect for an afternoon trip when winds are light and the trip distance is pretty short. Since the kayaks are so short, they definitely do not track as well in the water compared to larger boats, but they were manageable.... more |
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| Staying Cool In The Summer Heat |
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| June 24, 2009 |
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If you are in Florida, you might have noticed that we've been experiencing some warmer-than-normal weather lately. Okay, so maybe "warm" isn't exactly accurate -- it's crazy hot outside! Things are starting to return to normal Florida summer temps, but I thought now would be a great time to share some tips on "keeping your cool" if you plan on spending some time outdoors.
If you are planning on a visit to Florida and haven't experienced our mostly subtropical climate, it's easy to misjudge the temperature.... more |
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| Cedar Key Plane Ride and Kayaking Videos |
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| June 19, 2009 |
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You know how they say, "A picture is worth a thousand words" right? Well, that makes me wonder how many words a video is worth!
There's so much cool stuff going on in Cedar Key that I thought I'd share a couple of videos with everyone.... more |
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| Mountain Biking Trails Near Tampa |
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| June 15, 2009 |
Being interested in several different forms of outdoor recreation sometimes has a downside - too many trails, never enough time. You can pretty much go hiking, paddling, birding, horseback riding, or mountain biking at any point during the year. I suppose that's what makes Florida the ... more |
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| 31st Annual Tallahassee Museum Swamp Stomp |
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| June 11, 2009 |
Looking for a fun outdoor event that combines the flavors of summer, Florida nature, history and live music? Then come out and take part in a Florida tradition – the 31st annual Tallahassee Museum Swamp Stomp on Saturday, July 11.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy spending time learning about Florida’s native animals and taking a walk on the Big Bend Farm. Guests can view indigenous animals in their natural habitats as they walk along the boardwalk over the museum zoo.... more |
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| National Get Outdoors Day Events |
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| June 11, 2009 |
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A few days ago I shared some information on National Get Outdoors Day, which is right around the corner. This Saturday, June 11, make plans to get out of the house and play outside! Since my last post on the event, I've discovered all sorts of great Get Outdoors Day activities that you should think about attending.
National Get Outdoors Day is the perfect occasion to introduce children to the outdoors, how about a free fishing clinic at ... more |
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| June Is Florida Rivers Month |
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| June 05, 2009 |
Imagine yourself gently gliding down a waterway, meandering along with the current as swallow-tailed kites soar in the sky above. Fish strike at insects on the surface of the water, while pileated woodpeckers tap away at the trees along the shore, adding to the symphony of sounds. With every dip of your paddle, your worries seem to be washed away, replaced with feelings of peace and tranquility.... more |
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| Kayaking Coldwater Creek |
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| June 01, 2009 |
Coldwater Creek - sounds inviting, doesn't it?
Now that the temperatures have moved up into the 80s and higher, you should be ready to spend a little time on the water! Paddling can be enjoyed pretty much year-round in Florida, but it's especially delightful during the summer months. If the conditions are right, and if you have a sit-on-top boat, I bet you can't resist jumping in and cooling off! Most of my trips are done solo, simply because I'm the guy that never seems to keep up with the rest. I get distracted easily, and if I see a good spot to jump out, I usually do.... more |
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| Construction on Fort Pickens Road is Complete |
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| May 27, 2009 |
Just a quick note letting everyone know that the road out to the Fort Pickens area has been re-opened.
Not familiar with Fort Pickens? Well, you should check out my earlier blog post about my trip to ... more |
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| Top Five Outdoor Day Trips Near Orlando |
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| May 21, 2009 |
Orlando! It’s no secret that Orlando is chock full of in-your-face fun – theme parks, nightlife, shopping and sports venues. A myriad of sometimes physically and financially draining experiences leave you wondering, “Is there anything around that’s exciting and affordable?” (scroll down for five awesome outdoor getaway ideas ..... more |
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| Boaz Frankel's Un-Road Trip |
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| May 19, 2009 |
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Boaz Frankel is a man on a mission - to crisscross the entire United States using every method of transportation except for a car!
He's made it all the way to Florida, and arrived in Okeechobee via train. Since then, he's traveled across Lake Okeechobee in an airboat, rode a horse, kayaked the Caloosahatchee River, sailed up the coast with the ... more |
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| Old Friends, New Adventures |
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| May 18, 2009 |
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Last week I shared with everyone a story about reconnecting with some old friends on a paddling trip. Well, I've sent out a bunch of the "... more |
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| It's Time to Share A Little Sunshine! |
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| May 12, 2009 |
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Do you miss the good 'ol days, when family was close by and friends seemed to be ready for a trip at a moment's notice? Unfortunately, the currents of life have a way of sweeping those dearest to you on to other paths, leaving those cherished get-togethers a distant memory. Remember those weekend camping trips that were filled with adventure and family barbecues where sometimes embarrassing and crazy stories are told?
It's time to rekindle those relationships, and all you have to do is visit ... more |
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| Two Stops on the Historic Redland Tropical Trail |
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| May 09, 2009 |
On road trips, I hardly ever travel on the interstate. What's to see, really? I guess I should take the interstate if I wanted to return home at around the time I had initially planned, but hey, it's just not me.
Such was the case on my way home from ... more |
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| Baby Gopher Tortoise Video |
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| April 30, 2009 |
Here's a neat video I took of a super small baby gopher tortoise – this cute little fella was only about two inches in diameter. He fit into the palm of my hand – take a look at the leaves and the grass in the video for scale. ... more |
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| Trade That Tent for a Hammock! |
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| April 30, 2009 |
Hammocks for camping? You are breaking all the rules!
No, we aren't talking about that woven cotton hammock that you use to catch a few winks in your backyard. Camping hammocks are a little more technical in design and use lightweight, but ultra-strong nylon fabric. Many have a fine mesh insect netting on the top, allowing for a bug-free night under the stars.... more |
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| Kayaking at Atsena Otie Key |
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| April 29, 2009 |
Hey everybody!
I'm back from a fantastic weekend in Cedar Key, where I toured the area by van, golf cart, bike, boat, kayak and airplane! It was one of the best weekends that I've had in a long time, and I'm still feeling the after effects from all the fun.... more |
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| I'm Off to Cedar Key! |
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| April 23, 2009 |
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Just thought I'd give you guys a little heads up - I'll be hanging out in Cedar Key the next few days, so look for some blog posts, pictures and videos of this adventure!
Never been to Cedar Key? If you are into that "Old Florida" feel like I am, then you owe it to yourself to check out this great Gulf Coast hideaway. Famous for seafood and relaxation, Cedar Key is the ideal location to get away from it all.
Here are some links to visit for now, stay tuned for more posts on Cedar Key next week!
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| Learn Your Florida Birds: The Pileated Woodpecker |
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| April 15, 2009 |
Okay folks - birding class is in session!
I'm thinking it's about time to start getting you guys up to speed on identifying some of Florida's birds. Don't worry, we'll start off slow and as time goes by, you'll have a good list of species that you will know on your next birding trip. In this post, let's learn about the ... more |
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| Biking on the Cross Florida Greenway |
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| April 07, 2009 |
When it comes to Florida off-road biking, the trails along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway are hard to beat. Mountain bike newbie? Not a problem - there's trails available for every rider regardless of skill level all along the Cross Florida Greenway.
Last weekend I loaded up my gear box, strapped my bike on the rack, and headed out to the Land Bridge Trailhead in Marion County.... more |
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| Rediscover Florida: 100 Ways in 100 Days |
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| April 03, 2009 |
I love lists. Sometimes I sit around making lists of all the outdoor activities I have done over a certain time period, and ones that I'd like to get to as time permits. List making is a part of my planning process, and my desk is littered with all these handwritten and printed notes with titles like 'Outdoor Trips for Summer 2009' or 'Leaf Samples to Obtain for the 4-H Club'.... more |
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| A Spring Break River Adventure |
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| March 26, 2009 |
Still looking for a fun adventure for your Spring Break? Maybe you should think about taking a paddling trip down one of Florida's outstanding rivers. Florida has plenty to choose that are perfect for a two- or three-day paddling trip, complete with primitive camping areas that make for an awesome adventure.
I've spent plenty of time on Florida's rivers, on day trips, weekenders and some week-long excursions that, at the end of the paddle, have left me with great memories and quite a few stories to tell.... more |
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| Spring Break at a Florida Spring |
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| March 17, 2009 |
Here's a secret from a Florida native - you can't say that you've experienced the Sunshine State until you have spent an afternoon cooling off in a crystal clear freshwater spring. Some people will tell you that Florida can be found in a bag of oranges, that it's all about the beach, theme parks or a multitude of other references. While those things are great, a dip in a bubbling cool spring on a warm day beats them all.... more |
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| Give a Little Back This Spring Break |
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| March 12, 2009 |
Each year, more and more college students are spending their Spring Break time to make a difference. With Florida being one of the most popular Spring Break destinations in the U.S.... more |
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| Exploring Pensacola's Fort Pickens |
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| March 09, 2009 |
Whew!
Listen up, folks - if you are looking for a fantastic outdoors adventure, you have to plan a trip to Northwest Florida. Birding, hiking, biking, kayaking and every other imaginable form of outdoor recreation can be enjoyed along the ... more |
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| Suwannee Springfest March 26-29 |
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| March 08, 2009 |
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Interested in taking in some "100 percent pure organic Americana" music while enjoying the scenic surroundings of the Suwannee River? The ... more |
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| I've Got Orchid Mania! |
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| March 04, 2009 |
Orchids. Some people love them, and others love them even more. I'm beginning to think that I may be developing a full-blown case of "orchid mania!"
After attending the ... more |
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| The Florida Strangler Fig |
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| February 26, 2009 |
Sounds like something you would see in a horror movie, doesn't it? Well, no need to worry - it's not that scary!
The Florida strangler fig is an interesting species. First, it starts out as an epiphyte, which is a type of living thing that attaches itself to another plant for support and usually does not kill the host. You might have heard the term "air plants," right? Those are epiphytes! Some common types of epiphytes, or air plants, that you'll find in Florida are spanish moss, native orchids, ferns and bromielads.... more |
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| Wonderful White Springs |
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| February 24, 2009 |
White Springs, Florida.
Just the name itself invokes thoughts of old Florida, when riverboats churned through the tea-colored waters of the Suwannee River, and when people sought out the healing waters of ... more |
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| Paddling Rock Springs Run |
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| February 16, 2009 |
This past weekend I convinced my uncle to come along on a nice afternoon canoeing down Rock Springs Run in Apopka. After some discussion on how long it had been since either of us had been in a canoe (I'm more of a solo kayaker, myself) and who would be paddling in the bow and stern positions, I ended up in the in the bow providing the forward stroke and watching out for obstacles.
You see, Rock Springs Run has a pretty swift current, and although it is rated for paddlers with an intermediate skill level, the current combined with the sharp turns makes this waterway challenging.... more |
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| Connect With Nature on Valentine's Day |
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| February 08, 2009 |
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Yes, my friends, nature is romantic. Guys, before you head out and do the whole roses, chocolates and the gold earrings thing, consider taking that special someone for an outdoors experience instead. Believe me, a sunset by the water or a nature walk will score you major points in the romance department.... more |
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| I'm Back From the Outdoor Retailer Show! |
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| January 26, 2009 |
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Greetings to everyone!
I'm totally excited by all the great people I met and all the cool new outdoor products I got a chance to see at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show! I'm ultra-motivated right now because of the trip.
I arrived in ... more |
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| Great Gear at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show |
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| January 23, 2009 |
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I'm still here in Salt Lake City hanging out with all sorts of outdoors folks and checking out all the new gear that is either already available or will be hitting the stores in 2009. There are a lot of great items that are perfect for use in Florida.
Rumor has it that ... more |
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| Attending the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show |
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| January 21, 2009 |
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Hello everyone!
If you are like me and fanatic about outdoor recreation, you have probably accumulated tons of gear; most of it specific for each type of activity.
Let’s face it – part of the fun for a lot of people who enjoy the outdoors is gearing up. You study magazines and web sites for the latest in lightweight gear, moisture-wicking clothing and titanium cook sets.... more |
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| Biking the Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail |
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| January 15, 2009 |
Now here is a bike trail that seems out of place, especially since it starts only a few miles from downtown Jacksonville. The 14.5-mile paved Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail offers quite a bit of scenery for such an urban ride.... more |
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| Five Florida Trees You Should Know |
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| January 07, 2009 |
I've always been interested in nature. As a young kid growing up in rural Florida, tree identification was a hobby of mine, both on my own and as part of my local high school forestry team.
Not to brag, but I was good at it! I'm glad it's an interest that I have been able to continue to use, develop and share with others in my adult life.... more |
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| Holiday Fun in Florida State Parks |
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| December 10, 2008 |
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Looking for some Florida outdoor fun this holiday season? Here's a guide to some great activities going on at Florida State parks.
If you've never attended a holiday event at a Florida State park, make sure to do so this year! So many families take part in the events, and I've seen some fantastic pictures of lights over the water. I've seen a lot of memories in the making at ... more |
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| Time To See Some Manatees! |
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| December 04, 2008 |
My friends Mary and Dave at Kayaks and Beyond in Crystal River are reporting the manatee sightings have been fantastic! This is just the excuse I need to break out the kayak and check it out for myself. I've not been on a good paddle in a couple of months, so I'll be getting out on the water and letting you know what I find.... more |
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| Another Weekend, Another Outdoors Adventure |
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| December 02, 2008 |
I spend a good deal of time throughout the week exploring my options for weekend adventures. I pour over trail maps, looking for interesting places I haven't visited or locations I have not been recently. Trails and paddling routes often change, and places I've explored previously always have something new to discover at different times of the year.... more |
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| A Day at the Races |
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| October 07, 2008 |
Before I start with the real subject of this blog post, I've just got to say that having mobile Internet access is fantastic. Some of the posts you read here are written with me at a park or a trailhead. It's inspiring, and I guess you can say that the Florida outdoors are truly my "office.... more |
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| October Is Florida Greenways and Trails Month |
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| October 07, 2008 |
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Fall is in the air, making October the perfect time to celebrate Florida Greenways and Trails Month.
“Florida Greenways and Trails Month is about celebrating our natural resources and setting aside a time for communities to come together around healthy activities,” said Jena Brooks, Director of DEP’s Office of Greenways & Trails. “In addition to the obvious recreational and fitness benefits, greenways and trails help protect Florida’s natural resources, offer routes for alternative, energy-saving forms of transportation and even boost our economy.... more |
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| A Quick Overnighter in Ocala |
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| September 26, 2008 |
Now that the summer heat and humidity is starting to let up, you can bet that I'll be spending more and more time outside. My friends and family would agree that I already spend a lot of time outdoors, but after a few days of not being out on a trail somewhere or at a state park, I tend to get a little stir crazy. During October and November I pretty much hide out in the woods, hiking and biking the days away, and spending nights relaxing by a warm campfire.... more |
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| Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk |
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| September 18, 2008 |
It is great places like the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk that keep me from getting home on time. Such was the case this past Labor Day weekend, where I spent three days in the Everglades. For a guy like myself, the Everglades is an absolute dream destination!
My primary reason for coming to the Everglades was to attend the Clyde Butcher Muck-About, but I had planned out other stops around the area while traveling back and forth between the Big Cypress Gallery and Collier-Seminole State Park.... more |
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| It's time for the Marion County Springs Festival! |
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| September 12, 2008 |
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Live entertainment, kayaking and guided hikes are just a few of the many events that will be going on during the annual Marion County Springs Fest. Held on September 20th at Silver River State Park, the Springs Fest is a great opportunity to learn about the importance of preserving Florida's aquifer, and is a great excuse to get in some quality outdoors time as well!
We've all read the book or seen the movie "The Yearling", right? One particular hike will stop at Jody's Spring as described in the novel. This 3-mile hike starts out at one of my favorite places in the Ocala National Forest, Silver Glen Springs, and will be led by author and hiking expert Sandra Friend.... more |
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| I'm Back From The Muck-About! |
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| September 02, 2008 |
| Well, I've had one action-packed Labor Day weekend, that's for sure! The Clyde Butcher Muck-About was a huge success, attracting well over 1,000 people to the Everglades. It was great to see so many folks of all ages enjoying stomping around in the swamp - you can tell that they come away with a greater appreciation of the beauty and importance of Florida's natural environment.
When you walk through the doors at Big Cypress Gallery, prepare to be amazed.... more |
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| Try Geocaching in Florida |
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| August 20, 2008 |
| A few years back, on a hike in the Withlacoochee State Forest, I came across a family of four crowed around a large piece of limerock about twenty feet off of the trail. Thinking that they were lost, or had lost something, I went over to make sure that everything was OK. I asked if everyone was alright and the family answered happily, "We're geocaching!"
... more |
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| Attend the 2008 Clyde Butcher Muck-About |
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| August 07, 2008 |
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Folks, mark your calendars for what will surely be one of the coolest events you can attend this year. This Labor Day weekend, make plans to head down to the Everglades and attend the 2008 Clyde Butcher Muck-About!
Clyde and Niki Butcher are inviting you to come enjoy some Florida folk music, environmental discussions, photography demonstrations, and of course, some stomping around in the swamp behind the Big Cypress Gallery. There will be guided photography and ecological tours that will educate you on the importance of the ... more |
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| Turtle Talk |
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| July 30, 2008 |
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| Let's talk turtles! Or sea turtles, to be more specific. There's five species of sea turtles that occupy the waters surrounding Florida, and come ashore to nest. The most common is the Loggerhead, which is a threatened species.... more |
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| It's All In The Details |
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| July 28, 2008 |
People say that you can see and experience more by walking than by driving in an automobile, right? You can take this a step further, and just sit down and look at things that normally are just given a glance in passing, or neglected altogether.
I did just this on a recent hike in the Marshall Swamp section of the Cross Florida Greenway, and was amazed and fascinated at the amount of plant and wildlife activity that I encountered. My hike of 12 miles turned into a walk where I was paying more attention to the ground, and I got off course several times.... more |
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| Exploring Hillsborough River State Park |
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| July 16, 2008 |
Looking for a park that is filled with history, and has tons of recreation opportunities? If so, look no further than of the oldest parks in the Florida State Parks system, Hillsborough River State Park.
Built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, Hillsborough River State Park also features a replica of Fort Foster, an important military outpost along the Old Fort King Military Road. Constructed in 1836, Fort Foster was responsible for the protection of the bridge over the Hillsborough River.... more |
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| Get Familiar with Florida's Hiking Trails |
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| July 11, 2008 |
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| With mid-October generally being considered the beginning of hiking season in Florida, now is a good time to start getting yourself back in shape and planning out your hikes. I've got some great hikes planned, and can't wait to get out there and show you some more of Florida's natural beauty along the Florida Trail.... more |
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| Independence Day by the Bay |
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| July 07, 2008 |
| I'm sad to see it go – the long holiday, that is. But what a weekend it was! Fireworks and paddling on the water, what could be better?
Independence Day weekend is typically a time when you see tons of families outside, and this year was no exception. The parks were at capacity, the waterways were lined with boats, and there were bicycles everywhere!
My wife and I headed over to ... more |
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| A Quick Visit To Rainbow Springs State Park |
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| July 02, 2008 |
| Passing by a state park without stopping in for a quick look-around is something that I've just never been able to do. Like a moth to a flame, my vehicle turns in the direction of the park entrance, and in I go. I've been late for a lot of appointments, thanks to the magnetic draw of a state park sign.... more |
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| Celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month |
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| June 30, 2008 |
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That's right, folks. Pack up those coolers, load up your gear and get outside! July is National Parks and Recreation Month, and Florida has endless opportunities for you to celebrate the occasion. There are tons of events going on in parks all over the state - kayak and canoe tours, guided hikes, outdoor arts and crafts - just to name a few.... more |
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