“I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.” – Willa Cather, O Pioneers (1913)
Big Tree Park Revisited
Author: reweidman50
Lake Jesup Wilderness Area
We had planned to start the New Year off right with a nice hike at Lake Jesup Wilderness Area in Sanford, but it was partially flooded and muddy. So we headed to Big Tree Park in Longwood instead. I will be back!
Hike #35: Lake Harney Wilderness Area
Hike #35: 52 Hike Challenge: Lake Harney Wilderness Area, Geneva. A hidden gem, the Lake Harney Wilderness Area is way off the beaten path, but well worth a visit. It was a foggy day, but I took the Flagler Trail to the River Loop, which took me up to the St. Johns River. Then I walked back to the parking lot and found the Floodplain Loop Trail, which took me to a very cool observation tower overlooking Lake Harney (which I could barely see due to the fog). Unfortunately, I took photos with my new camera and I have yet to figure out to transfer them, but will add some images soon. Wildlife Sighting: Bald Eagle. Distance: 2.4 miles.
Aerial View of International Swimming Hall of Fame, 1967
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
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
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
“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
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
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
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.
