While wandering along the West Orange Trail. I spotted this gopher tortoise just chilling out. The chain-link fence separates the trail from the Forest Lake Golf Club.
Florida Wildlife
Hike #17: Crooked River Preserve
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.
Hike #15: Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis
Hike #15, 52 Hike Challenge: Trout Lake Nature Center, Eustis. We had a pleasant stroll along the trails of the Trout Lake Nature Center followed by a visit to the Education Center and Museum. We followed the Lazy Oak Trail to the right of the parking lot and took the Boardwalk to Trout Lake. On the way back we took the Armadillo Trail to the Adventure Trail to the Grandfather Oak Trail for a view of the very impressive oak tree. Most of the trail was heavily shaded, so the sweltering heat was not too much of a problem. The Trout Lake Nature Center is located at 520 East County Road 44 in Eustis. It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Distance: 1.4 miles.
Hike #14: Fort Zachary Taylor, Key West
Hike #14, 52 Hike Challenge: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. We hiked around a few of the trails for a great view of Fort Zachary Taylor, a National Historic Landmark that was named after President Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) and constructed in the mid-1850s. The fort was occupied by Union forces throughout the Civil War. Key West is not known for its great beaches, but Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is by far the best of the bunch. You can even grab an ice-cold beer at the onsite Cayo Hueso Cafe! Distance: 1.2 miles.
Hike #13: Lake May Reserve, Eustis
Hike #13, 52 Hike Challenge: Lake May Reserve, Eustis. A hidden gem located in Eustis at 36300 County Road 44A, Lake May Reserve encompasses 136 acres “of xeric oak hammock and a mix of upland scrub pine and hardwood forested areas,” according to the official brochure. It was a pleasant stroll, except for a portion of the western side of the lake, where we encountered many immense spider webs along the trail. Overall, a very satisfactory experience! Plans are reportedly underway for the addition of picnic areas, a canoe launch and catch & release fishing at Lake May Reserve. Distance: 2.4 miles.
Gulf Fritillary Butterfly, West Orange Trail
“The Gulf fritillary, Agraulis vanillae (Linnaeus), is a brightly colored butterfly common across extreme southern portions of the United States. At home in most open, sunny habitats, it frequents roadsides, disturbed sites, fields, open woodlands, pastures, yards, and parks. It is a regular in most butterfly gardens, including those in more urban settings.” – University of Florida Entomology & Nematology Department
Hike #10: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary
Hike #10, 52 Hike Challenge: Gemini Springs Park, DeBary. We had a nice stroll around 210-acre Gemini Springs Park this morning. The springs are actually closed to swimming due to high bacteria levels (but that makes the park all that more peaceful for those of us who just want to wander around and explore!). The park features a small campsite, fishing dock and playground, as well as several nature trails. Located at 37 Dirksen Drive (off U.S. 17/92), Gemini Springs Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset; admission is free. Wildlife sightings: American White Ibis (No. 5 on Birding Life List), Bobcat, Red-Shouldered Hawk (No. 6). Distance: 1.5 miles.
Hike #9: Econ River Wilderness Area
Hike #9, 52 Hike Challenge: Econ River Wilderness Area. Surrounded by bland subdivisions on all sides in Oviedo (3795 Old Lockwood Road), the 240-acre Econ River Wilderness Area is a welcome oasis! I have to admit I got lost a few times (make sure to pick up a trail map at the entrance!) and some of the trail was flooded, but I eventually made it to the river. A very scenic and relaxing hike! Distance: 2.7 miles.
Birding Life List No. 1: Florida Sandhill Crane
After watching The Big Year (2011) several years ago, I decided to start a birding life list, but ditched it after just a few months due to frustration and boredom. However, I’m ready to start it up again and didn’t have to travel very far to record my first entry. I spotted these Florida Sandhill Cranes grazing in my neighbor’s yard this afternoon. Sadly, the Florida Sandhill Crane is a Threatened Species due to loss or deterioration of habitat. There are as few as 5,000 Florida Sandhill Cranes left and they are protected by the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and as a State-designated Threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive Revisited
“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein
Wandering Florida 