Year: 2018

Hike #20: Paynes Creek Historic State Park

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Hike #20, 52 Hike Challenge: Paynes Creek Historic State Park. On Sunday, we got the opportunity to search for fossilized shark’s teeth at a secluded creek near Bowling Green in lightly populated Hardee County. Very cool experience! Since we were in the area, we decided to check out Paynes Creek Historic State Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located at the site of Fort Chokonikla (built in 1849). We took a short hike to the confluence of Paynes Creek and the Peace River (very scenic!). Unfortunately, the Suspension Bridge pictured above is closed to hikers. A Visitor Center depicts “the lives of Florida’s Seminoles and pioneers during the mid-1800s.” Paynes Creek Historic State Park is located at 888 Lake Branch Road. Distance: 1.2 miles.

Hike #19: Lyonia Preserve

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Hike #19, 52 Hike Challenge: Lyonia Preserve, Deltona. I made the mistake of heading right once I got to the Lyonia Preserve (360 acres of restored Florida scrub habitat that provides home to the Florida scrub jay) and hiking the perimeter of the preserve (I thought I was on the Blue Trail, but it seemed like just some old sandy service road!). Fortunately when I got to the east end of the preserve I was able to work my way into the interior, where the trails were much more scenic and manageable. Finally, when I started walking through the unmarked trails near the preserve entrance I spotted my first scrub jay. Before you know it I was surrounded by about a dozen scrub jays! They are very friendly and will approach within a few feet of you. In addition, quite a few gopher tortoises call the Lyonia Preserve home, but I did not see any during this particular outing. The Lyonia Preserve lies adjacent to the Deltona Regional Libray and Lyonia Environmental Center at 2150 Eustace Avenue. Distance: 4 miles.

 

 

 

Hike #18: Tibet-Butler Preserve

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Hike #18, 52 Hike Challenge: Tibet-Butler Preserve, Orlando. Nestled amid some serious urban sprawl, the Tibet-Butler Preserve offers a respite from the stresses of modern society. I hiked several trails, including Fallen Log Crossing, Osprey Overlook, Tarflower Loop and Pine Circle Loop (the Palmetto Passage is closed indefinitely due to flooding). In addition, I strolled through the Vera Carter Environmental Center. Very well done! The Tibet-Butler Preserve is located at 8777 County Road 535. Distance: 2 miles.

Hike #17: Crooked River Preserve

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Hike #17, 52 Hike Challenge: Crooked River Preserve. Clermont. Surrounded by sprawling development, Crooked River Preserve is a quiet and scenic oasis of wilderness that protects 64 acres of waterfront on Lake Louisa and along the Palatlakaha River. Crooked River Preserve is composed of several short trails that loop around and which hikers can knock out in about an hour: Cypress Trail, Titi Trail, Sink Trail and Fern Trail. Highly recommended! Wildlife sighting: Red-Shouldered Hawk. Distance: 1.7 miles.

 

Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar

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We make it a point to stop by the laid-back Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar (AKA “The Pulse of Islamorada”) on the way to or from Key West and enjoy a nice lunch outdoors amid the scenic tropical atmosphere. I recommend the Sunset Conch Fritters, Key’s Conch Chowder and the Tuna Nachos, although I have yet to try Lorelei’s World Famous Fish Sandwich. By the way, Lorelei also offers a vegan dish: Lorelei’s Vegan Sautee. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, Lorelei also features Daily Happy Hour Specials from 4 PM to 6 PM and a daily sunset party with live music. It is located at 81924 Overseas Highway in Islamorada (Mile Marker 82). Check it out!

Southernmost Point Buoy

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I took these photos before 8 AM on a Saturday, the perfect time to wander aimlessly through the streets of Key West with the roosters and visit the colorful Southernmost Point Buoy that allegedly marks the “Southernmost Point in the Continental United States” before the crowd descends upon this immensely popular photo hotspot and true Key West landmark! Erected by the City of Key West in 1983, the Southernmost Point Buoy, which lies approximately 90 miles away from Cuba, can be found at the corner of South and Whitehead streets. The adjacent conch-blower statue honors the late Bishop Albert Kee, who was known as “Key West’s Official Ambassador of Goodwill.” The life-size bronze statue of Kee was sculpted by Tom Joris. Sitting at the office completely bored out of your mind? Check out the Southernmost Point webcam and imagine you’re hanging out in Key West! .

Hike #16: Geneva Wilderness Area

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Hike #16, 52 Hike Challenge: Geneva Wilderness Area. I enjoyed hiking at the 180-acre Geneva Wilderness Area, but I ran into some flooded areas. I will return during the dry season to further explore this scenic area. The Geneva Wilderness Area lies at 3485 N. County Road 426 in East Seminole County. Distance: 1.8 miles.