Author: reweidman50

Heart of the Wilderness

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“Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.” – John Muir

“I thought of the wilderness we had left behind us … joyous in its plentitude and simplicity, perfect yet vulnerable, unaware of what is coming, defended by nothing, guarded by no one.” – Edward Abbey

“Failing to fetch me at first keep encouraged, missing me one place search another, I stop somewhere waiting for you.” – Walt Whitman

Brownie Wise Park

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On the afternoon of New Year’s Eve, we found ourselves in Kissimmee and decided to explore Brownie Wise Park, a charming natural oasis located within the Tupperware Island Conservation Area and overlooking Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho to locals), which is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Although there isn’t much of a hiking trail, Brownie Wise Park features picnic areas, pavilion rentals, and a canoe and kayak launch. At this point, you may be asking, “Who the hell is Brownie Wise?” She was a Tupperware business pioneer, who “lived on the shores of the lake until she died in 1992 at the age of 79 and owned land in the area,” according to the Orlando Sentinel.

 

 

What I’m Reading …

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“Focusing on the years 1934 to 1961 – from Hemingway’s pinnacle as the reigning monarch of American letters until his suicide – Paul Hendrickson traces the writer’s exultations and despair around the one constant in his life during this time: his beloved boat, Pilar. Drawing on previously unpublished material, Hendrickson shows that for all the writer’s boorishness, depression, and alcoholism, and despite his choleric anger, he was capable of remarkable generosity. Hemingway’s Boat is both stunningly original and deeply gripping, an invaluable contribution to our understanding of this great American writer.”

First Hike of 2021

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For my first hike of 2021, I headed out yesterday morning at about 7:30 AM to one of my old favorites – 240-acre Econ River Wilderness Area in Oviedo. Since it was New Year’s Day, the Seminole County nature preserve actually seemed somewhat crowded (and when I say “crowded” I counted about 10 other hearty souls who braved their New Year’s Eve hangovers for the opportunity to start 2021 right in the Great Outdoors!). I headed through the sandhill habitats and scenic pine flatwoods toward the amazing Econlockhatchee River, where for the first time I actually spotted a river otter playfully swimming along. Other wildlife that call Econ River Wilderness Area home include gopher tortoises and Sherman’s fox squirrels. If you knock out both the red and yellow trails, you can expect a nice 3-mile hike here. Unfortunately, spectacular natural preserves like Econ River Wilderness Area are continually under threat from greedy developers. Seminole County boasts some of the most amazing natural areas left in Central Florida, so we must remain vigilant and ensure that these few remaining treasures are preserved for future generations to enjoy. Econ River Wilderness Area is located at 3795 Old Lockwood Road. Check it out!

Top 10 Films I Watched in 2020

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The Chocolate War (1988)
Enough Said (2013)
Find Me (2018)
The Game Warden (2016)
The Historian (2014)
Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)
My Octopus Teacher (2020)
Paterson (2016)
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Whitewash (2013)

Eagle Nest Park

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Ideally located in the MetroWest area of Orlando and adjacent to Eagle Nest Elementary, small but charming Eagle Nest Park offers the perfect locale for an afternoon stroll. Best of all, we spotted plenty of wildlife, including wading birds and turtles sunning (unfortunately, no eagle sightings this time out!). In addition, Eagle Nest Park serves as a trailhead for the Shingle Creek Trail.

Top 10 Hikes in 2020

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Black Bear Wilderness Area, Sanford
Circle B Bar Reserve, Lakeland
Enchanted Forest Sanctuary, Titusville
Lake May Reserve, Eustis
Little Big Econ State Forest, Geneva
Oakland Nature Preserve, Oakland
Riverbend Park, Jupiter
Split Oak Forest, Orlando
Spring Hammock Preserve, Longwood
Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City

 

 

Colt Creek State Park

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Encompassing more than 5,000 acres, Colt Creek State Park within the Green Swamp just north of Lakeland features “large strands of vulnerable longleaf flatwoods, lakes and winding creeks, thick cypress domes and open vistas.” It is home to an abundance of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters, gopher tortoises, Sherman’s fox squirrels, bobcats, bald eagles and wading birds. Florida black bears have been spotted here as well. Highlights of Colt Creek State Park include 15 miles of multiuse trails and the short but scenic 0.25-mile Mac Lake Nature Trail, as well as pavilions, picnic tables, a 75-foot dock, canoe and kayak rentals, and campsites for tent/RV, primitive and group camping. A relatively new addition to the Florida State Park System, Colt Creek State Park first opened in 2007. 

 

Lake Lily Park

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We were enjoying an amazing margherita pizza outside at Antonio’s Market & Cafe in Maitland on Saturday afternoon when we first noticed a scenic lake full of birds across the street, so we decided to venture over for a stroll after lunch. That’s how we discovered 10-acre Lake Lily Park, which is billed as “one of the true gems of the Maitland park system.” Highlights of Lake Lily Park include a 0.5-mile walking trail with boardwalk, playground, restrooms and park benches, along with the Waterhouse Museum, a stunningly preserved 19th-century home. Don’t miss it!