05/2003
My daughter Kelly’s fourth grade class had their end of year field trip outing today and I volunteered to go along as a chaperone. The plan was to travel to St. George Island State Park, which is located on the east end of St. George Island, Florida. Another class was to join them on the trip, so a large tour bus was rented to accommodate all the school kids. Due to the desire to only rent one bus, the parents drove their own vehicle.
The departure time was 7:45 am with the estimated road trip and arrival at 9:45 am. Since my mother owns a cottage on St. George Island, I asked her if she wished to tag along. The plan was to drop her off at the cottage, then I was to drive on down to the park to join the others. All went as planned and upon my arrival at the park, the others had already unloaded and set up under the covered provilion.
Actually, since there were two classes on this trip, the other class was dropped off at the bay site, where they would first participate in seining activities with three state of Florida marine biologist.
My daughter’s class was to explore the beach side first. The first item on the agenda was to gather the class on the beach and form a shell and trash pick up line.
This activity allowed the teacher to explain the hazards of man-made items in regards to sea life, more particularly, Loggerhead sea turtles. These sea turtles utilize the beach of St. George Island as nesting areas. They are a protected species here and the authorities, as well as the community of St. George, take care in trying to protect them as much as possible. One problem the new hatchlings have is when residential lighting is too bright at night. When they hatch, the bright light disorientates the turtles as they attempt to find their way to the ocean to begin their life. If the light is too bright they move toward it, away from the ocean and the end result is a quick death. Another problem the turtles encounter is eating man-made trash on the beach which can become logged in their body resulting in death. The kids responded in earnest to the teacher’s lesson and all formed a line and went about cleaning up the beach. They found all types of trash, from bottle tops, lumber, string, tar balls, clothing and even an umbrella. As the beach combing progressed, they enjoyed walking in the beach sand and found many different types of shells.
Another lesson the teacher taught while on the beach, concerned the coquina clam. This is a small marine clam common in the coastal waters of the eastern and southern United States. They have variously colored, often striped or banded shells. They are found at the surf’s edge and when wave action uncovers them, they quickly burrow back beneath the sand. This clam can be made into a soup, and I once tasted some when my mother made a batch. I didn’t like it much, but I was a kid. Perhaps now it would be tasty. But somehow I doubt it!
Since Kelly’s class recently made a trip to St. Augustine Florida to visited the old fort there, the teacher explained how these shells were used in the construction of the fort. Take a look at the link I provided and learn about the fort as it’s pretty interesting.
After the beach combing, the kids were ready to eat lunch.
The parent crew had prepared hotdogs, chips, cookies and juicy watermelon slices. We all relaxed under the covered pavilion, eating and enjoying the warm gulf sea breeze until it was time to load up in the bus and head to the next location down the road. We were going to the blue canopy set-up next to the bay.
This section of the park is very narrow. I would estimate the distance between the gulf and the bay is probable only about 1000 yards. When we are hit with the rare hurricane, the park always suffers damage due to the high wave surge sweeping across the narrow section, usually washing out the road, eroding the dunes and damaging the picnic areas.
At the blue canopy, the Florida marine biologists had set up tables with two aquariums; a seine net
lay next to the boat ramp ready for the kids. The biologist first discussed what the bay was, explaining that this area was called an estuary . An estuary is basically a nursery for sea life. He said the kids could expect to capture all kinds of sea life in the seine, especially because this bay was supplied by fresh water from the Apalachicola River which reduces the salinity of the water.
After the short introduction, the kids divided into three groups in order to put the seine into action. The first group was the seiners, the second the stompers, and the final group the bucketeers. The seiner’s job was to help walk behind the seine to corral the sea life while the stompers were to wade along side the net to prevent any creatures from escaping the side. After the net reaches the shore, with all the life captured in the net, the bucketeers dip into the net, scoop up the animals and empty those in the awaiting buckets, then carry the buckets to the aquarium to be emptied so all can see what was captured.
This was the exciting part! What would emerge from the buckets? The kids crowded around wide eyed in anticipation. Each scoop of the net revealed a wonderful collection of animals. Puffer fish, squid, pin fish, jelly fish, hermit crabs, blue crabs, and even one fish the biologist had never captured here, a sheeps head minnow . The squid, swimming in their schools, actually released some of their ink!
After several additional seine rounds, it was time for the kids to head back to the beach for the final hour. At the beach they all were smiles and laughter, running, digging and splashing in the surf. Some played football; others buried bodies in the sand or built sand castles with large moats.
The afternoon sun continued its decline in the west, signaling the time had arrived to head back home. All loaded in the bus and headed home, tired, but happy. All except my daughter and me. We headed back to pick up my mother at the cottage with plans to eat dinner at Kelly’s favorite beach eatery, the Blue Parrot. The Blue Parrot is located directly on the beach and is known for their “monster burger” the “biggest, baddest, burger” on the beach. If you ever go to St. George, be sure to stop there and enjoy a meal. In addition to the burger, they have a full complement of sea food.
When we finished our meal we were ready to get home and rest. We left with full bellies and a full day.
04/2003
What a fantastic weather day today! We had blue skies, a steady breeze and perfect temperature with a high of around 83 degrees. This was a great to take our mountain bikes
and go riding on one of the many trails we have here in Tallahassee, Florida. So, after completing some required Saturday morning task, my son and I loaded our mountain bikes and headed to one of the trails we have never ridden on. It’s called the Fern Trail. This trail starts at the end of a mountain bike trail located in Tom Brown Park and extends about four mile into areas with hardwood oaks, pines, and wetlands common to Tallahassee. The trail runs parallel to a railroad track at points, coursing through fern and poison ivy laden, root infested, single track paths, crossing small wooden bridges over creeks, and along large drainage ditches, mostly shaded by large tree canopies. Areas of the track also cross over paved roads and through every encroaching development. The trail twisted and switched back often, proving to be challenging with plenty of roots and hills to climb. A few times, we had to move aside for the daredevil types flying down the single track trail. One guy looked like a professional mountain biker the way he zipped down the trail without regard for his life.
Let me assure all who read. We ALWAYS wear our helmets! Anyone who rides off road trails without a helmet is utterly dumb and stupid. But it’s surprising to see how stupid many are. Usually those that ride without a helmet are beginners and they must think it’s un-cool to wear a helmet. The more experienced know how important it is to have head protect because if you ride enough you WILL crash! I have had at least five major spills and of course they always happen when you least expect it. I have gone over the handlebars at least three times and once, my face just missed kissing a big log as I tumbled uncontrollable over my bars. I was fortunate that day.
Here is a link for the Fern Trail
Also noteworthy is the fact that the mountain bike trail located in Tom Brown Park is so challenging, professionals use it to train. Here is a link with information on the Tom Brown trail:
03/2003
St. Joseph State Park
As usually, any trip we attempt to undertake that has a specified departure time encounters delays. We wanted to leave for St. Joseph State Park around 1:00 pm Friday. We finally hit the road for the two hour trip around 3:30. The park closes the gate at sundown, but since the days are growing longer, we arrived in plenty of time to set up camp. We reserved a campsite earlier in the week by phone and at that time there was only one site left. The park seems to be highly utilizes, so be sure to make a reservation.
St. Joseph State Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico in the area I believe is called the Emerald coast. The park is on a thin sliver of land that separates the ocean and creates a bay. This creates a nice situation for campers by providing an ocean experience as well as the bay for calmer activities. The park provides access to the bay by way of a boat ramp.
Since the entire family was going this trip, we took our Coleman tent trailer (pop-up camper). We’ve had this camper for about three years, buying it used from my sister. It’s a fairly nice camper, but some of the design features are suspect. Actually, they are not suspect, but have been found guilty in my courtroom. That’s another story I will share sometime.
The parks terrain is quite lovely. Scrub oaks, palmetto bushes, pine trees and assorted plants common to ocean frontage and tidal wetlands are in abundance. Large sand dunes, covered with sea oats, create a barrier protecting the emerging and more stabilizing plant growth behind it. This is where the park’s camp sites are. Most are provided with pretty good privacy by way of trees and palmetto bushes. The sites are back-in and are level. Our site had water and electricity. I don’t think any sites have sewer connections, but a dump station is provided toward the exit. The park has two drive in camp areas for trailers and tents, and one area for youth camping. There are hiking trails and boardwalks leading from the camp sites to the gulf and also connecting the two main camp areas. Showers and toilets are provided as well as a family picnic and playground area.
As I backed into to our site, I noticed that it was surrounded on the left and back side by water and cattails. Then I noticed the dancing of little specks upon my windshield. Ahhhh, I know this !!!! Yes!!! I have seen this!!! Why just last weekend matter of fact!!! My dear, dear friends!! Mrs. Mosquitoe!!! Hungry no doubt!!. Once again, I am very thankful for Deep Woods Off.
Once set up and with our bug spray applied, we surveyed our surroundings and noticed that many campers were from Indiana. Later, after talking to a camper for Indiana, we found out that several years ago, that camper had come to St. Joseph on spring break and had such a wonderful time, she bragged to all her friends and each year since, the number of Indiana campers heading here has increased during spring break.
Our first night was pleasant, but we didn’t make a campfire because it was a tad too warm and also the mosquitoes were very active. The Florida wildlife was active too. Again, like last weeks camping trip, our camp was visited by a raccoon. This one was not as inquisitive as last weeks and just waded in the water among the cattails hunting for food.
Saturday was sunny and warm. Basically, we went to the beach, equipment in tow
(Chairs, towels, umbrella, lotion, reading material), found a nice spot and plopped down. My kids, braving the relatively cool gulf waters, swam and splashed in the calm surf while we sat and read. The beach was not crowed at all and in this part of the country hardly ever is. You would have to go to the major areas like Panama City Beach or Pensacola beach to feel crowded.
As evening approached, we could feel the weather changing. Later, the sound of thunder was heard. The weather reporter said that a front was coming through tonight and his forecast was 100% right. All night long the rain fell upon the roof of the camper. During the night the temperature dropped and my wife had to turn on the camper’s “chill chaser” to stay warm. The next morning I checked the car’s thermometer and it read 49 degrees, but the wildest thing was the wind. Man, was it blowing!! I walked down to the beach and it must have been a steady 30 mph! I am sure those Indiana folks were surprised at the weather change. I doubt there would be any bikini clad girls at the beach today!
Since it was cool and windy and our check out time was at 1:00, we decided to load up and head home.
All in all as far as beach camping goes it was a pretty good trip. I have not done a lot of beach camping to compare it to since I have access to a cottage on St. George Island. St. George is just to the east of St. Joseph and the beaches are very similar. We have camped at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City and I must say that the beaches to the west of St Joseph are better. The sections from Panama City to Destin, to Pensacola, have the most beautiful beaches, and the sand there is sugar white. The water typically is emerald green and usually pretty sparkling clear. St Joseph’s beach sand varies in color from moderate white with blackest sand mixed in here and there. The water was not really clear either. I suspect that the water condition is due to the Apalachicola River emptying into the ocean at Apalachicola, FL and at St. George Island. The bay is formed there by the Island. The river provides the nutrients for the local oyster economy there. This river water, with its abundant silt, clouds the waters and impacts the ocean. You might recall that last week my son and I backpacked and camped along the Apalachicola River.
So if you ever wish to camp along the gulf coast in the Florida panhandle area, I would first suggest St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, for its beaches and then either St. Joseph or St. George State Park. But really, if you like beach camping in Florida, and you like scrub oaks, palmetto plants, and sand dunes, pick any of them and you will be happy.
Torreya State Park is located about 60 miles west of Tallahassee, Florida in the “Big Bend”. This park is noted for its varied terrain, ranging from hardwood to swamp wetlands and an area we Floridians could call “canyons” (large washed out clay hills). It’s the closest thing we can find around here that is similar to the Torreya State Park is located about 60 miles west of Tallahasse
Appalachian Mountains.
My 13 year old son and I arrived at the park on Friday afternoon at 3:00 pm , the first day of spring. We had made reservations ahead to ensure our sites in the primitive camp areas. Since our region had been receiving abundant amounts of rainfall, we knew the mosquitoes would be in full force. We were not disappointed. We came prepared with plenty of bug repellant.
This trip could be called an introduction to backpacking for me and my son. We have done car camping, but yearned for a taste of “true” camping. Having enjoyed accumulating our assortment of equipment, aided with numerous gear reviews on Backpacker.com and their magazine, we set out toward our first campsite, Rock Buff. Rock Bluff is only a 1-mile hike from the car parking lot. This site has four campsites on fairly uneven terrain with each having a fire ring. A port-a-potty and stack of firewood is also located about 100 yards away from the campsite. Rock Buff overlooks the Apalachicola river . This river was at, or just below, flood stage due to the heavy rains we had in the area. The campsites are about 50 feet above the river on a steep bluff.
The weather conditions were wonderful for Florida. The high temperature was about 80 degrees and during the first night dropped to the upper 50s. This created a nice environment for a toasty campfire. We pitched our tent, snacked, and then explored the surrounding area before hitting the sack.
The next morning, with clear skies and cool temperatures, we sat around our campfire and enjoyed our simple breakfast of instant oatmeal, instant grits, and instant coffee. We utilized our new primus gas cartage stove to heat the water. Quickly running out of water after morning breakfast, we did a quick hike back to our car to retrieve water left there yesterday and to fill our containers from the potable water supply at the parking lot, plus rid ourselves of needless gear.
Midmorning we packed up and headed off down the trail to our next location, Rock Creek primitive campsite. This site is approached from Rock Bluff by a meandering trail following along the Apalachicola river. The initial trail is a very steep upgrade with abundant roots and wet slippery slopes. We quickly discovered that in the future we will need to fine tune our packing to further eliminate more unnecessary gear.
Along the way, we were greeted by a stretched out 3.5 foot diamond back rattler about 4 feet off the trail relaxing and digesting some unfortunate animal in his bulging belly. It never set off its rattles, which by my count was 10, with the tip appearing to be broken off. We allowed it to enjoy its meal as we cautiously move along.
As we continued toward our next site, the terrain changed to lower level flood plains with numerous creeks, flooded areas, muddy trail and mosquitoes. Yes lots and lots of mosquitoes! Thank you Deep Woods Off! Approximately halfway to the next site we reached an area by the river which is the over-look basin of the Gregory House high above us. This house is an old historic home now occupied by the State Park officials.
Since this area was grassy, we decided to enjoy a break, snack and watch the river flow by. We also got to enjoy watching a family of car campers, who were hiking the short Gregory House loop, try to ford a steam in a flooded area. The wife apparently thought she could walk on floating tree sticks. Even though she was small, with a gasp, she learned quickly that twigs couldn’t hold her weight and sank to her waist!
We marched on and soon arrived at Rock Creek. The name is partially appropriate. There were stagnating creeks but no rocks. It should be renamed Mosquito creek! There are three flat sites with fire rings but no port-a-potty. Since we arrived pretty early, we pitched the tent and just relaxed. Nothing much to see in this area as it is fairly dense underbrush with lower areas full of water.
We decided to start a wood fire so I marched back to the provided wood stack about 400 feet away to retrieve some oak firewood. After lifting up my fourth piece of wood, I jumped back upon seeing a lovely coiled snake relaxing in the wood pile. I’m not sure what type it was. I tried to creep close to see if its eyes had slits, as all poisonous North American snakes have, but I really couldn’t tell. If it was poisonous it would have been a copperhead. Anyway, with a stick, I flung it as far into the woods as I could. It cooperated nicely and hardly moved. I guess the temperature was still to cool for it to be slithering about in a robust manner.
After a nice evening camp meal of chicken and rice, relaxing and sitting around the campfire, listening to wild turkey gobbles and scaring a brave raccoon away, we retired to our humble abode.
Sunday morning broke with even cooler, more pleasurable weather. But since there wasn’t much more to see, and the mosquitoes were having a delicious time, we decided to head home. We packed up, headed out, taking the short cut to the youth camp area. We did stop at the soda machine to enjoy a taste of civilization before driving home.
All and all, it was a fun, educational and enjoyable experience. We realized we need to lighten our load, but also need to add important items to our backpacking gear to enhance our camping experience. Hopefully our next trip will be soon.
