Revisiting the Foothills Trail (South Carolina & North Carolina)

6 Degrees

Sassafras Mountain

Albert Einstein on Nature

“A human being is a part of a whole, called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest…a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

-Albert Einstein

Howard Park…1/5/09

Howard Park...Tarpon Springs, FL

Cedar Key/Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

Cedar Key is old Florida at its finest. The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge is a prime example of natural Florida. Portions of the refuge are a short distance from Cedar Key. Also in close proximity is the Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge. The paddling opportunities in this region are endless. In addition to the before mentioned refuges, Waccasassa Bay Preserve is also within this region. Fine examples of floodplains, flatwoods, hammocks, saltmarsh, scrub habitat, and swamp are all encountered by the adventurous explorer.

Cedar Key sunset.

Hiking Cedar Key Scrub Reserve we encountered a scrub jay. This unique species and its scrubby habitat of stunted oaks and white sand reminds  us that we are walking amongst a variety of endemic species. As the sun was slowly sinking towards the tree lined horizon a coyote ran across across the trail and passed into the thick scrub.

A cold morning paddle trip.

The next day we put in the touring kayaks near Shell Mound. Being aware of the tides is critical and we made great effort to make sure we put in the boats hours before high tide. The wind was strong this morning and made navigating the gulf near impossible in our small vessels. Avoiding the rough conditions we ventured into Dennis Creek. We were the only kayakers today. Conditions back in the creek were ideal.  Many wading birds thought the same. Seeing Oyster Catchers was an rewarding experience. It is rare to see such birds. An assortment of egrets and herons were hunting along the banks of Dennis Creek. Returning for the sunset at Shell Mound was a grand closing act for the day. Conditions were ideal for a perfect sunset. An orange fireball was slowly extinguished by the gulf. Endless needle rush marshes amongst islands of cedar and pine are welcome sights.

A typical Shell Mound sunset.

The following day high tide came later. Arriving at the launch for Barnett Creek it reminds you of a landscape as expansive as those found in the Everglades. In all directions you could see the gold of sedges and grasses. The occasional clump of palm trees dotted the distant horizon. Along the edges of the creek there was evidence of life within the dark mud. Assorted footprints and crab tunnels were displayed in abundance.  As we paddled towards the gulf fishermen reeled in Sheep’s Head, flounder, trout, and drum. We ate lunch at the mouth of the creek. We found the view to be rewarding, a simple slice of Florida paradise.

No condos here.

The next morning we hiked another tract of the Cedar Key Scrub Reserve. It was a cold morning. Migratory birds flushed as we passed along the sandy trails.

Caladesi Island:Today I lived in Paradise

Caladesi Island

Today I hiked to Caladesi Island from Clearwater Beach.  Leaving the parking lot it feels as if I am in an urban metropolis. Condo-skyscrapers surround me on all sides. Dunes are no where to be found from my vantage point. Getting out on the beach early is a must if you are going to beat the crowds. Being that today is a Monday I seldom encounter other beach walkers, the occasional pelican is the only exception. I am amazed at how graceful these creatures are as they skim above the water’s surface. Flying as low as they can, the pelican’s stiff wings are centimeters away from touching the smooth water below. The gulf is like glass today. The pelicans seem content with bobbing around in the water, while a flock of cormorants repeatedly dives and resurfaces reassuring the pelicans that they are not alone. I always find it interesting how some avian species tend to get along, each fitting a unique niche with their specialized means of acquiring food.

Slowly the condos and private homes begin to disappear. When the houses go as a hiker you know you are getting close to the boundaries of the state park.  Within the park boundaries I am always greeted by the shell trees. The shell trees are various dead shrubs and the occasional mangrove decorated with shell ornaments. The first time I visited the island I was curious who took the effort to make these artistic marvels. This time around I am reassured of my location and take notice that more trees are adorned in shells.

Florida Ornaments

Once inside the island’s interior I am reminded of the story of Myrtle Scharrer Betz. Myrtle was raised on the island during the early 1900’s. She attended school in Dunedin. To reach the mainland Myrtle would take a row boat. The history of Myrtle and her father is told in her autobiography titled “Yesteryear I Lived In Paradise”. After becoming acquainted with the island and all of its natural treasures I look forward to reading this book. Caladesi is one of just a few places that have allowed me to experience a sense of place here in Pinellas County. While Myrtle’s story is a reminder of this island’s vivid past, for a few hours today I too lived in paradise.

Egmont Key

 

Egmont Key

 

 

Green Springs

 

Green Springs

Green Springs, Volusia County

 

Lyonia Preserve

Lyonia Preserve

Fort Desoto

Nature is the only thing that amplifies time.

Recently I have found it difficult to spend quality time in the world of wilderness. My life has been robbing me of all my wilderness time.  It pains me to miss such great outdoor leisure.  Monday night I spent the night down at Ft. Desoto.

My girlfriend and I arrived early Monday morning at the camp registration building. The park ranger on duty told us that we would have to wait a few hours before we could officially sign in. He told us that we should go out and waste some time at the pier or on the beach. For the remainder of that day we spent our  time wisely. Time was amplified. Our senses were awakened and our paces were slowed. By going outdoors we found great rewards. Time was not wasted.

Honeymoon Island…8/25

“The walking and the silence save me. They not only give me the opportunity to slow down to listen and to watch others;they afford me the same opportunity with myself. Silence,  I discover, is not something negative. It is not simply the absence of  speech that happens when I stop talking. Silence is a whole and independent phenomenon, subsisting in and of itself. In the silence, I rediscover who I am.”

  -John Francis

 

Witnessed five very pink Roseate Spoonbills. The air was thick with humidity. A few Ospreys were perched above me in gnarly snags. Hundreds of small crabs hurried past my feet. Prickly-pear fruits were ripe amongst green-leather-like leaves. Not a single person in sight. Horse Flower Mints were in bloom to the delight of colorful butterflies.