Cave opening by B A Bowen Photography

While hiking the B Loop in the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, the terrain drastically changes just past the C-D loop junction. After trekking several miles of hilly pine ridges full of Longleaf pines and blooming wildflowers under wide open blueskies and sunshine, the trail sinks down becoming uneven and dark. The trail had led me into another world with over sized oak trees creating a dense canopy protecting the lush green understory below. The branches were exploding with resurrection ferns while the rocky ground was covered with moisture loving ferns, vines, and an occasional mushroom. As I search for a worn path thru the thick green foilage as my eyes are drawn to a cave opening. The Sandhills of Citrus WMA are known for the karst topography that exists below. I find this scenery truly enchanting as I am drawn to the cave opening carved into a small limestone cliff. I spot an opening low to the ground that could only be entered by crawling. At this moment, I decided I am going inside to explore or spelunk. Spelunking is  a word of Greek origin that means “the art of exploring caves.”  Quickly I search my pack for my backpacking headlamp, push the on button, and strap it around my head. As I am headed for the opening, I cannot control my imagination as visions of Indiana Jones type scenes are flashing through my minds eye. Millipeeds, centipedes, slippery snakes and other creepy crawlers fill my thoughts. I take a moment to relinquish my fears and quickly scoot myself under the limestone into the cave. I breath a sigh of relief as I stand up and look around this narrow small limestone cavern. The walls are bone dry and not a spider, web, or creepy crawly type creature is in sight. The cave is completely desolate from any living organism. I look around and notice light coming in from the top. A few steps to the left and the cave becomes too narrow to stand. As I follow the light from the headlamp up the walls, I soon see a small opening in the cave ceiling. I keep searching the cave ceiling only to see a larger oval shaped opening that leaves and branches can clearly be seen.

Fallen tree by B A Bowen Photography

Intrigued with these openings, I leave the cave and follow the path up a steep hill to the top of the cave. Here I see a fallen tree that has been uprooted. Either the fallen tree had created the hole in the cave or the weakened cave ceiling caused the tree to fall I surmised. I cannot help but think what intriguing place this is as I continue my journey back down the trail.

Below is a video taken while exploring inside of this cave.

It was mid-week before I was certain I could make the trip to the panhandle for Wild Azalea Hike along the winding Sopchoppy River. I called the Leader of this electronically organized Meet-up event to see if I could join the Apalachee Chapter of the Florida Trail Association on this coveted hike. George was pleasant, accommodating, and quick to give me direction. I expressed that I was surprised this trip was not full….”Oh it is.” He quickly corrected my thinking “I just do not like to turn anyone away.” I thanked him and hung up the phone excited and eternally grateful that I was able to get the opportunity to see the Pink Wild Azalea’s in bloom. Flowers have always been a passion of mine and seeing a rare species is always a treat. And I was also grateful for our Section Leader, George, for taking on extra hikers and leading us under his expertise down this wondrous piece of the Florida Trail.

We convened promptly at 10:00 AM in the Publix Parking lot in the little town of Crawfordville. Introductions were made, waivers signed, and carpools were organized. In no time at all we formed a caravan and headed down the bumpy unpredictable forest roads of the Apalachicola National Forest. Despite a feisty fuel pump on one of the vans, our journey to the Monkey Creek Trail-head car went fairly smooth. Here we gathered as our leader gave a brief overview complete with photos of native plants and flowers characteristic to this trail. The few volunteers that agreed to participate in the car shuttle then left our group to position their cars at the other end of the Day’s hike. The rest of this 33 man group passed the time through light chatter, storytelling, and sharing of hiking adventures.

Soon George returned with his team of car poolers and we fell into an almost endless single line as we entered this narrow single track along the river bluff. I was excited about seeing the pink blossoms but was not expecting to see very many…only single scraggly bushes scattered about. Well it was not long before we encountered our first Wild Azalea bush….desperate for a photo of this rare beauty….I climbed through a thicket of saw palmetto to get a close up. As we persisted, I was able to relax as the Wild Azales bushes were becoming more prevalent, the flowers fuller, and closer to the trail.

(Click here to view this photo on Fine Art America)

As hard as we tried to keep up with our informative leader, the groups soon split up and I found myself back with the slow dawdlers…the hikers who enjoy taking their time to appreciate the subtleties that nature has to offer. Although this was a beautiful sandhill riverbluff habitat bordered by pine uplands, we earned our keep as we traversed up and down steep ravines formed by the side creeks that feed the Sopchoppy.

It was nice to regroup along the riverbank for a short rest and again at the Bridge over Monkey Creek for lunch. From here the trail soon left the river bluff and our legs enjoyed the flat terrain while our feet deeply appreciated the soft carpet of pine needles. Candyweed added splashes of color to the forest floor and the air was fragrant with the sweet smell of Ti-Ti blooms that seem to fence the pine forest off from the riverbluff. Ti-Ti bushes are a natural fire break as they can stop a controlled burn in its track and can be considered a nuisance if they encroach on our fire dependent pine forests. The trail then led us through a small stint of hardwood forest with a nice canopy of shade overhead and lush ferns at our feet. Soon we crossed through more TiTi bushes and found ourselves back out on hilly riverbluffs. The views of the river became more scenic as they were lined with the oddly shaped knees of the Cypress Trees protruding from the banks.

(Click here to view this photo on Fine Art America)

The group has spread apart again and I found myself alone for a stint but enjoying the solidarity. As I looked over the bank, I heard a local gal shouting out in delight as she reeled in a brightly colored fish from the shallow tanic waters. “Nice catch! Can I get a photo?” I called out to her. She held up her catch gleaming with pride and delight. She called it a “Sparkle Fish” and I could not question her expertise as I had never heard of nor seen a fish like this before.

I check my GPS for mileage and noticed that I was not too far from the hikes endpoint. I stepped up my pace and concentrated on following the orange blazes. Soon I emerged from the forest into a clearing to join the others as they had already dropped thier packs to relax and enjoy a cold drink. I could not help but to reflect on the sights I enjoyed today and thankful we have a National Scenic Trail to allow us to immerse ourselves into this unique place of Florida natural beauty.

Sopchoppy River Trail map by B A Bowen Photography

This past weekend I hiked the North loop at Annutteliga Hammock. There are several location of this broken land and easy to get confused.  The State of Florida plans on buying lands from 491 down to 476 (Centralia Road) over to US 19. The State of Florida envisions a wildlife corridor that connects Chassahowitzka WMA to the Withlacoochee State Forest and eventually to the Green Swamp.  A wonderful plan indeed for the naturalist…but realistically an ambitious one when dealing with the pressures of development and growth in these areas.  This small parcel of the Annutteliga Hammock lies off 491 in Hernando County just south of 480 and the Citrus County line. This tract contains hilly pine ridges and karst features of the Brooksville Ridge including large sinks, small terrestrial caves, and limestone outcroppings.  There are two 2 mile hiking trails and three primitive campsites only one half mile from the parking area.  It is like hiking the Citrus loops without the grueling commitment of hiking 12-14 mile loops in a tough terrain.  It is a Citrus Sampler Platter!  All the joys of Citrus, the caves, sinks, sand hill ridges, sweet smelling pine forests, and lush oak hammocks in a 4 mile loop! The primitive campsites are located 1/2 mile down the center trail that both the North and South loops share.  There are picnic tables and fire rings but not much else.  Backpacking your equipment in is a must but you really only have to hike 1/2 mile, set up camp, and continue on exploring the area at your leisure with a much lighter load.

This past Saturday, I hiked the north loop.  The 3 miles gave my legs quite a work out while I enjoyed the giant sink just past the camp.  This large sink was steep on one side and had shallow walls on the other.    Since it is currently Florida’s dry season, I ventured down into this limestone crater to explore.  To my delight I found delicate Southern Maiden Hair ferns lushly protruding from the lime-rock walls and cabbage palms inhabiting the bottom-land.  Some of the lime-rock was solid and hard while other pieces crumbled like chalk.  The chalky section seemed to mostly be underneath a large hardwood tree and appeared to be held together by the tree roots. Erosion by the elements was apparent here and it was matter of time before the lime rock disappeared taking away the trees support system.  Yes that tree will eventually uproot and fall over….but only time will tell….it could be next rainy season…it could be in 20 rainy seasons.  Satisfied with my geologic find, I keep my eyes open for more clues as I am careful to scan each side of the trail.  As I follow the loop around the back I begin to notice a pile of loose rocks and a dome shape over near a small Cedar Tree.  I walk over only to find a small well that penetrates at least 15 feet down. The hole is lined by rocks with tree roots growing through the opening allowing enough room for only a small animal to fall.  I use my headlamp to study the walls and floor.  The walls are smooth solid limestone rock with periodic ripples and the floor is covered with oak leaves.  I did not see any remnants of animal bones but I am certain that there are some hidden below the debris.  This well is dry right now.  Is it deep enough to access the water table in the summer or was it made just to catch and hold rainwater?  Those are questions I ponder as I inspect the hole and its surroundings.  I did not see any obvious remnants of a homestead so I continue on back down the trail.  Was this the work of early white settlers or was it an archaeological find left behind from our native Americans?

Not 2oo yards from the first well, I spot another well on the opposite side of the trail.  It was built almost identical to the last one.  Down a little further I believe I spot a third one…but it appears that a large rock was pushed over to cover the cavity….or was this just a piece of limestone sitting in a shallow hole.  I needed to explore the area more but the sun was beginning to set.  I finish the back leg and turn back to the south to finish the loop happy with the finds I had while out exploring today. Annutteliga is thought to be Muskogee for “obstacle..sitting there.. ” and hopefully the State can overcome these obstacles and realize their dream of a wildlife corridor…but for now it is an intriguing piece to explore!

Annutteliga Hammock North google map by B A Bowen Photography

Annutteliga Hammock South google map by B A Bowen Photography

To view more photos on Flick click on Withlacoochee Annetteliga Hammock photo album.

Blog Post related to the Brooksville Ridge include:

Florida Trail: Citrus A Loop

Florida Trail: Citrus C Loop

Florida Trail: Citrus D Loop

I needed to test my new hiking socks so I was looking for a long and challenging hike.  What better location than hiking the pine covered sand hills of the Withlacoochee State Forest.  The Citrus C Loop is a 13 mile trek located in the heart of the karst cartography of the Brooksville Ridge boasting large sinks and at least one known cave entrance. There is parking available at the Mine Holder Campground, just a 1.5 mile hike off the loop.  I chose to save a few steps and park where Forest Road 17 intersects the B Loop and hike down to the connector.  The west side of the trail has challenging pine ridges that gave my legs a good workout as I ascended and descended the hills numerous times.  I made my way past the B-C connector loop and entered an area that had been recently burned.  There was not a pine needle left on the ground! As scorched as the Forest looked, Fire is a necessity for the survival of the protected gopher tortoise, endangered Red Cockaded Wood Pecker, and reproduction of the Long Leaf Pine trees.  Fire clears the understorey of invasive plants and forces the pine cones to open and spread seedlings for the next generation.  Here the hills became more gently sloped.  I pass a group of youths with their leader toting overstuffed backpacks making their way from Mine Holder Camp to the primitive Youngblood Camp off the western leg. I pause to exchange hellos and briefly listen to their chatter. They are excited about this little adventure and what the night holds for them at camp. I continue on my trek in the opposite direction observing the results of the planned forest fire but ready to immerse myself in green foliage again. I was relieved to see a log bench where the Mind Holder spur trail meets the Loop C.  I am at mile 8 and my new socks are still holding up well.  I cut my rest short because GPS tells me I have 7 miles left of trail and only 3 hours of Daylight.  I continue on following the trail south until it connects with the Lower D Loop, then east along the connector trail. After I reach the C-D Loop intersection along the West leg, my tired legs tighten with each step as the slopes becomes steeper.  I was delighted to notice a large sink and stopped to enter this geological wonder and take a few photos.  Another mile past the sink, the trail leads me past a small cave opening framed with limestone rocks.  I inspect the cave for critters with a flashlight, but do not enter.  This would be a fun adventure if I had a hiking buddy to watch over in case I got into trouble. The hole was plenty big enough to fit an average sized person easily.

After spending a few moments inspecting the cave, I step up my pace. The sun is starting to set and I have 4 more miles to go. Soon I hear the noisy party as I near the Youngblood camp of the youths I passed earlier in the day. I enjoy the noise as it sounds like they are all relieved to be at their destination and are having fun. What a great experience in self reliance for these youths and fond memories to take with them. The sun falls below the horizon just as I completed the C loop, but I had one more mile retracing my steps back to me truck. The call of the hawk and hoot of an owl can be heard in the tree tops. My last mile takes 45 minutes, as hike cautiously with only a dim flashlight to help find the orange blazes. Relieved to be back at my truck, I am overcome with a sense of calming satisfaction as I sit and hoist my tired legs over to the foot board. I drive off with a smile picturing the day I had with hills of evergreen pine trees against the deep blue sky.

Related Hikes in this blog: Citrus A Loop and Citrus D Loop

Citrus C Loop google map by B A Bowen Photography

The trail is maintained by the Florida Trail Association and is well marked and well maintained. The C Loop is one of four stacked loops totaling 43 miles of hiking in the Withlcacoochee State Forest- Citrus Tract. This trail offers primitive back country camping at the Youngblood Campsite or designated primitive campsites at the Mine Holder and Mutual Mine Recreational Campsites located just of 581 south of Inverness. Permits for back country camping can be obtained from the Division of Forestry.

Landbridge sign2 by B A Bowen Photography

The Landbridge was the first of its kind in Florida to provide a natural passageway over a major interstate highway (I-75) to ensure continuity of the 110 mile recreational trail that crosses the State from the Atlantic Coast to the Gulf Coast. This trail is known as the Marjorie Harris Cross Florida Greenway and provides a mile wide continuous trail that is shared by hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, birders, and trail runners. The Cross Florida Greenway is government land that was once set aside for the Cross Florida Barge Canal that due a series of unfortunate incidents and the hard work of Ecologist Marjorie Harris to save the Oklawaha River did not prevail.  For more insight to this historic blunder read Digging Ourselves in a Hole by Craig Pittman from the 1999 St. Petersburg Times.

Follow the orange blazes from the Landbridge Trailhead off CR 475A for a 1.1 mile trek through the natural sand hill habitat common to Marion County.  The trail to this historical bridge is maintained by the Florida Trail Association and is designated as part of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a continuous hiking trail that traverses the state.  Expect to be in awe as you wander past several giant Live Sand Oaks, some of the largest in the state, dripping with grey Spanish mosses and Old Man’s Beard lichen.  Enjoy the cool climate as the trail leads you through the high shady canopy of the towering oak trees. Keep an eye on the ground for a variety of mushrooms including purple port, yellow Coral Fungus, and rusty colored Chanterelles.  Soon the hiking trail merges with the mountain bike and equestrian trails at the base of the ramp to share this unique man-made bridge covered with dirt and foilage that links the natural lands of the East and West side of a major Interstate.  The bridge has an Old English appeal as it is lined with stone covered planters and Iron rails.  At the top of the bridge, peak through the iron bars to watch the traffic zipping down I-75 at 75 MPH well below this pseudo natural trail.

For a longer hike, follow the orange blazes as the trails splits apart to send the diverse recreational activities in their seperate ways on the west side of the bridge.  Continue 2.5 miles on to the trailhead at 49th street on more strenuous terrain as the trail leads you up and down sandhills over karst limestone and through Pine forest ridges.

Click here to view more photos from the Landbridge Trail on flickr.

Landbridge Trail by B A Bowen Photography