Uncategorized

D.J.’s Deck

reweidman50 Florida Bars, Florida Restaurants, Uncategorized , , , , ,


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

reweidman50 Florida Attractions, Florida History, Florida Lighthouses, Uncategorized , , , ,


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

reweidman50 52 Hike Challenge, Florida Hiking Trails, Florida Lighthouses, Florida Parks, Uncategorized , , , , ,


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

reweidman50 52 Hike Challenge, Florida Hiking Trails, Uncategorized , ,


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

reweidman50 52 Hike Challenge, Florida Hiking Trails, Florida Lakes, Florida Wildlife, Uncategorized ,

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)

reweidman50 52 Hike Challenge, Florida Rivers, Florida Wildlife, Uncategorized , , , ,


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.

 

Hike #28: Ferndale Preserve

reweidman50 52 Hike Challenge, Florida Wildlife, Uncategorized , ,

 

 


Hike #28, 52 Hike Challenge: Ferndale Preserve, Ferndale. Nestled on the western shore of Lake Apopka, Ferndale Preserve lies along the Green Mountain Scenic Byway just north of Montverde. I arrived early on Thanksgiving morning, so I had the preserve to myself. The hiking trail at Ferndale Preserve is unique since there is a significant elevation change (significant for Florida that is!) with a high point of 162 feet above sea level. I saw a lot of birds, most of which I could not identify. Once I got near Lake Apopka, I heard a lot of commotion in the brush (including a loud thumping noise). Thinking of the presence of gators of course, I picked up my speed significantly. When I headed back to the car, I noticed this warning on the trail map: “TRAIL CLOSED – NESTING GATORS – DANGER!” Since I believe that gator nesting season is in the summer, maybe this was just an old warning that hadn’t been taken down. But still, it makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Distance: 2.1 miles.

 

Hike #27: Myakka River State Park

reweidman50 52 Hike Challenge, Florida Parks, Florida Rivers, Florida State Parks, Florida Wildlife, Uncategorized , , , , ,


Hike #27, 52 Hike Challenge: Myakka River State Park, Sarasota. Since we had to drive all the way back to Pine Island (we left a cooler full of supplies behind during our Cayo Costa State Park excursion last week), we decided to stop by to briefly sample Myakka River State Park. It was truly amazing! We strolled along the William S. Boylston Nature Trail, took the Canopy Walk, climbed the Observation Tower and wandered around a little bit near Upper Myakka Lake. In addition, we saw wading birds, black vultures and a red shouldered hawk clutching a squirrel. We will definitely be back soon to explore Myakka River State Park further. By the way, the Myakka River, is Florida’s first state-designated Wild and Scenic River. To reach Myakka River State Park, take I-75 to Exit 205 and travel 9 miles east on State Road 72. The park entrance will be on your left. Distance: 1.2 miles.

 

 

Hike #26: Spring Hammock Preserve

reweidman50 52 Hike Challenge, Florida Hiking Trails, Uncategorized , , , , , ,


Hike #26, 52 Hike Challenge: Spring Hammock Preserve, Longwood. Spring Hammock Preserve is a great place to hike around – if you can find it! In fact, I got totally lost on the way to the preserve and when I finally found the entrance, the gate was closed. It turns out that the Environmental Studies Center is closed on weekends, but the trail is still open. So I parked across the street at Soldier’s Creek Park and then took the Cross Seminole Trail until I came upon the trailhead for Spring Hammock Preserve, which is described as “a unique assemblage of floodplain forest, hydric hammock, upland mixed hardwoods and pine flatwoods.” It was definitely one of the coolest hikes I’ve been on in Central Florida so far! Several smaller trails branch off from the main trail. Don’t miss a photo op at colorful Question Pond. Unfortunately, the boardwalk leading to Lake Jesup was closed off (looks like it suffered some severe storm damage). If you want a nice little escape into nature (especially as we enter our brief phase of cooler weather), I definitely recommend Spring Hammock Preserve! Distance: 3 miles.

 

 

Central Florida Hiking Trails

reweidman50 Florida Hiking Trails, Uncategorized , ,

lakelotus

As the cold weather finally arrives, it’s the ideal time to get outdoors and hit some of the hiking trails throughout Central Florida. Note: This is by no means an exhaustive list of Central Florida hiking trails, but just a representative sample of trails that I either have hiked recently (highlighted in red) or plan to hike in the near future. For more information about Florida hiking trails, visit the definitive online Florida hiking guide at Florida Hikes!

Bear Creek Nature Trail (Winter Springs)
0.9 miles 0.3 miles

Big Tree Park (Longwood)
0.3 miles

Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake (Orlando)
2.4 miles

Black Bear Wilderness Area (Sanford)
Black Bear Wilderness Loop Trail – 7.1 miles

Black Hammock Wilderness Area (Oviedo)
4.5 miles

Blue Spring State Park (Orange City)
Boardwalk – 1.3 miles
Pine Island Trail – 7.3 miles

Bluffton Nature Trail (Lake George State Forest)
1.2 miles

Circle B Bar Reserve (Lakeland)
3.5 miles

Crooked River Preserve (Clermont)
1.7 miles

De Leon Springs State Park (De Leon Springs)
Wild Persimmon Trail (4.5 miles)

Disney Wilderness Preserve (Poinciana)
White Trail – 0.5 miles
Red Trail – 2.5 miles
Yellow Trail – 3.6 miles

Econ River Wilderness Area (Oviedo)
3.2 miles

Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area (Orlando)
3.2 miles

Ferndale Preserve (Ferndale)
2.1 miles

Flat Island Preserve (Leesburg)
3.7 miles

Gemini Springs Park (DeBary)
2.2 miles

Geneva Wilderness Area (Geneva)
1.8 miles

Green Springs Park (Deltona)
1.2 miles

Hal Scott Preserve (Orlando)
White Trail Loop – 4.3 miles
Red Trail Loop – 6.1 miles
Yellow Trail Loop  – 6.3 miles

Hickory Bluff Preserve (Osteen)
1.5 miles

Hickory Point Recreational Park (Tavares)
1 mile

Hidden Waters Preserve (Eustis)
Lake Alfred Trail – 0.6 miles
Hammock Trail – 0.2 miles
Ravine Trail – 0.4 miles
Gopher Tortoise Trail – 0.2 miles
Prickly Pear Trail – 0.3 miles
Longleaf Pine Trail – 1.5 miles

Hontoon Island State Park (DeLand)
Indian Mound Nature Trail (3.3 miles)

Isle of Pine Preserve (Orlando)
1.8 miles

Kelly Park (Apopka)
Kelly Park Loop Trail – 2.4 miles

Lake Griffin State Park (Fruitland Park)
2 miles

Lake Harney Wilderness Area (Geneva)
2.4 miles

Lake Jesup Wilderness Area (Sanford)
2.7 miles

Lake Lotus Park (Altamonte Springs)
1.7 miles

Lake Louisa State Park (Clermont)
4.1 miles

Lake May Reserve (Eustis)
2.4 miles

Lake Mills Park (Chuluota)
0.8 miles

Lake Monroe Conservation Area (Osteen)
White Trail Loop – 1.4 miles
Yellow Trail Loop – 5.6 miles
Red Trail Loop – 1.9 miles

Lake Proctor Wilderness Area (Geneva)
4 miles

Little Big Econ State Forest (Geneva)
Kolokee Loop – 4.7 miles

Lyonia Preserve (Deltona)
2.1 miles

Oakland Nature Preserve (Oakland)
2.1 miles

Orlando Wetlands Park (Christmas)
5 miles

Palm Island Park (Mount Dora)
1 mile

Pine Lily Preserve (Orlando)
4.3 miles

Ponce Preserve (Ponce Inlet)
1.6 miles

Rock Springs Run State Reserve (Sorrento)
17 miles of trails

Sara Maude Mason Nature Preserve (Howey-in-the-Hills)
0.6 miles

Savage Christmas Creek Preserve (Christmas)
4.8 miles

Shingle Creek Regional Park (Kissimmee)
Steffee Homestead – 1.3 miles
Historic Babb Landing – 1.8 miles

Smyrna Dunes Park (New Smyrna Beach)
2.4 miles

Split Oak Forest (Orlando)
6.4 miles

Spring Hammock Preserve (Sanford)
3 miles

Tibet-Butler Preserve (Orlando)
Fallen Log Crossing – 0.54 miles
Osprey Overlook – 0.13 miles
Pine Circle – 0.86 miles
Screech Owl Trail – 0.11 miles
Tarflower Loop Trail – 0.49 miles

Trimble Park (Mount Dora)
1.3 miles

Trout Lake Nature Center (Eustis)
1.4 miles

Twin Oaks Conservation Area (Kissimmee)
1.9 miles

Wekiwa Springs State Park (Apopka)
10.2 miles