Year: 2018

Aerial View of International Swimming Hall of Fame, 1967

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Department of Commerce Collection

I found this fascinating aerial view of the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale taken in 1967 at www.floridamemory.com. If you’ve ever driven by this area recently, you know how much things have changed! The pool itself was dedicated on December 27, 1965. I used to swim here as a kid in the early 1970s. Lots of good memories …

Hike #34: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

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Hike #34: 52 Hike Challenge: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Fort Myers. Just about anyone would enjoy strolling leisurely along the 1.2-mile boardwalk at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. It’s a fascinating glimpse of a cypress slough (pronounced “sloo”) and the premises also include an Interpretive Center. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any wildlife this time out, but I will definitely be back! Distance: 1.2 miles.

 

 

 

Hike #33: Koreshan State Park, Estero

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Hike #33, 52 Hike Challenge: Koreshan State Park, Estero. I had a great hike at Koreshan State Park on a cool and breezy Friday morning. I parked near the campgrounds and took the nature trail along the Estero River that includes a spectacular bamboo forest. The trail winds its way to the ghost town of a bizarre, 19th-century religious sect known as the Koreshans that was founded by Dr. Cyrus R. Teed, who believed “that the universe existed on the inside of the Earth.” I was the only one out there except a park ranger picking up wind debris – an amazing (and sometimes creepy!) experience to wander through this former thriving community. Distance: 3.2 miles.

 

 

 

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Reviews Guns N’ Roses FAQ

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gnrfaq
“Weidman … has this style down pat. The book, which includes a bibliography and index, is breezy, fun and handy. It’s also exhaustive. Weidman goes deep into the woods, spotlighting the history of the Hollywood dives, strip clubs and hangouts the band frequented in its early days, singling out the more notorious shows on various tours, detailing bands that influenced them – Nazareth, AC/DC, Queen, New York Dolls, etc. – and bands influenced by them …” [Read the Full Review]

D.J.’s Deck

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A laid-back bar and eatery, D.J’s Deck lies in Port Orange adjacent to the Port Orange Causeway and overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway (just two blocks from the beach). It’s the perfect place to chill out with an ice-cold beer and enjoy a burger, wrap or fresh seafood. The food is delicious and you can’t beat the scenic view (we even saw some dolphins swimming in the Intracoastal Waterway from our table on the outside deck). You order at the bar, which is located underneath a large, Polynesian-style tiki hut, and they bring your food to your table. We enjoyed great service from a very friendly staff! We hit D.J.’s Deck after a great day exploring Lighthouse Point Park and Ponce de Leon Lighthouse in Ponce Inlet. We’ll definitely be back!

Ponce de Leon Lighthouse

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At 175 feet, the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse at Ponce Inlet is the tallest lighthouse in Florida and the third tallest lighthouse in the United States (behind Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina and Cape Charles Lighthouse in Virginia). Take the 203 steps to the top of the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse for spectacular views of Ponce Inlet and the surrounding area. Built in 1883, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse was originally known as the Mosquito Inlet Lighthouse.

Hike #32: Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet

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Hike #32, 52 Hike Challenge: Lighthouse Point Park, Ponce Inlet. The perfect day trip for hikers, Lighthouse Point Park ($10 entrance fee) lies at the southern end of Ponce Inlet. I wandered around the beach, jetty and boardwalk of Lighthouse Point Park, then headed toward the Marine Science Center and Ponce de Leon Lighthouse. Both Lighthouse Point Park and the Marine Science Center offer short nature trails, the latter which leads to an observation tower. We topped the day off with a visit to DJ’s Deck in Port Orange for a later lunch and viewed some dolphins frolicking in the distance. Distance: 2 miles.

 

 

Hike #31 Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area

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Hike #31, 52 Hike Challenge: Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, Orlando. When I arrived at the parking area, I noticed a beaten-up car that looked like it had been abandoned. So I was a little apprehensive about entering the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, but glad I went ahead with the hike. The 706-acre conservation area features a diverse terrain – from sandhills to pine flatwoods to swamp. To reach Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, take the 408 East to State Road 50 and turn left onto Lake Pickett Road (County Road 420). Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area will be about 2.5 miles ahead on your left-hand side. Distance: 3.2 miles.

Hike #30: Lake Proctor Wilderness Area

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Hike #30, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Proctor Wilderness Area, Geneva. I arrived at Lake Proctor Wilderness Area before 8 AM yesterday and I had the entire place to myself! The trail system is very diverse and I enjoyed hiking through pine flatwoods, sand pine scrub, sandhill and bayhead swamp. The Blue trail takes you right next to Lake Proctor. It’s a very peaceful location and I will be back soon to hike the Yellow trail. Distance: 3.6 miles.

Hike #29: Little Big Econ State Forest (Kolokee Loop)

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Hike #29, 52 Hike Challenge: Little Big Econ State Forest (Kolokee Loop). The Kolokee Loop at Little Big Econ State Forest lives up to its reputation as one of the most scenic hiking trails in Central Florida! Just about a mile or so into your hike, you will be able to catch some amazing views high above the Econlockhatchee River. Keep an eye out for alligators (I didn’t see any this time out). During about half of your hike on the Kolokee Loop, you will actually be on the Florida National Scenic Trail. Highly recommended! Distance: 5.2 miles.