Riverbanks Adventure Forum

Paddle/Hike Caladesi Island State Park for Summer Fun and Adventure!

// July 22nd, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Florida, Hiking, Kayaking

Caladesi Island Beach by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

 The weather was perfect on this typical Florida summer morning as I drove into Honeymoon Island State Park with an excited anticipation of the day ahead. I was looking forward to another fun day of adventure with my friends, Jeanene of Not-a-Clue-Adventures and Robin of Good Time Kayaking. This adventure was to be a multi-sport hiking/ kayaking to Caladesi Island State Park.

As I pulled up to the Group, they were busy unloading the kayaks. We had some quick introductions in with the others outdoor adventurist and then quickly back to unloading as there was a lot to be done prior to launch. There was a buzz of nervous excitement in the air as the group remained chatty getting to know each other prior to the days launch.

And we are off!

After a short but informative class on safety and paddling techniques, we launched our kayaks from the north beach of Honeymoon Island and pointed our bows to Caladesi Island. The morning waters were warm and calm which made for a nice paddle. Above us were Para-sailors decorating the sky with vibrant colors. As we neared Caladesi we were delighted to encounter large variety of shorebirds in a cluster. There were Willets, Marbled Godwits, Oyster Catchers, terns, and gulls mingling on the beach together and flying overhead.

We arrived at the Marina in hardly anytime at all. Robin, Jeanene and crew were very helpful with us as we dismounted our kayaks. We hung out in a picnic shelter as everyone re-grouped and prepared for the 2.5 mile hike along the Island Trail. After a short break we were off again to see the Island from the inside. The trail led us past remnants of the 1880’s Old Homestead of Henry Scharrer and his daughter Myrtle that once occupied the island before it becoming a state park. Myrtle Scharrer Betz later wrote a book of her life on the island, I Lived in Paradise. The trail then leads you through scrub habitat lined with cabbage palms and saw palmetto. Delicate pink Salt Marsh Mallows and canary yellow Partridge Peas add spots of color worth admiring along the

The beautiful Pine Forest along the Island Trail

trail. Soon we reach a sweat smelling pine forest offering beauty and much welcome shade. We enjoyed this part of the hike seeing a fresh water pond, an occasional Osprey Nest, and several Golden Orb spiders. There was even evidence of turpentine harvesting as a few of the pines still displayed cat faced scars from the early 1900’s. The pine forest gave way to a hardwood forest mainly of live oak trees then soon to mangroves as the trail took us out to the beach. Here we enthusiastically dropped our packs and jumped into the water for a much needed cool down. Willets could be seen pecking along the waters edge for food and the pink flowers of the blooming cross vines seem to carpet the beach while the sea oats gently waved behind them in the breeze.

Blooming Cross Vines

After a while we picked up our sacks and headed down the beach for a half mile stroll to return to the shelter. We took a break to enjoy lunch and each other as we re-grouped before our hearty return paddle.

Paddling the mangrove tunnel

For the return paddle, we were to enjoy a small stint through a tunnel created by the mangroves commonly referred to as a “mangle“. Reducing your paddle to one side seemed to be the most effective method for this tight but intriguing space. We were fortunate to see a Yellow-Crested night heron and his young hiding from the sweltering midday heat. They appeared unthreatened by our large colorful boats and noisy chatter as we made our way through this maze. Finally out into the Gulf, we were headed home! Now the waters were rougher and the weekend boaters were whizzing past as if in a hurry to take in the scenery before the days end. We spotted dolphins playing in the distance and pelicans diving into the water for food. Our biggest challenge was to cross the Boat channel safely. Finding an opening was as challenging as crossing a busy street. Patience paid off and once we past the channel it was smooth sailing from there. Now our only challenge was to avoid the occasional swimmer as the beach at Honeymoon Island had become crowded on this hot summer day with locals looking to escape the heat.

We arrived back at our launching spot around 4:30 PM exhausted but satisfied from a full day. What GREAT Adventure this turned out to be!

Caladesi State Park is a pristine Island is located just west of the shores of Dunedin and is only accessible by boat, Ferry, or paddling. It is 3 miles of beach to enjoy that was rated the #1 Beach in America (2008) and is consistently in the top 10.

View more photos of Caladesi Island State Park on flickr.

Vidoes on YouTube: Caladesi Island Kayak and Hike.

Take a stroll through Wild Florida on Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand

// July 21st, 2010 // No Comments » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Everglades, Florida, Hiking, Nature Photography

After a spending a day hiking and photographing in South Florida, I had just enough daylight left to fit in this small trail.  I came across Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk earlier that day while researching Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park and felt walking a boardwalk into the Strand would be the perfect ending to a great day.

Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, also referred to as the “Window to Fakahatchee Strand”, is a 1/2 mile boardwalk into a virgin Bald Cypress swamp where you can experience the wild swamps of Florida from a safe dry boardwalk. I was in awe as I strolled past Giant Bald Cypress trees encased by the boardwalk that were easily over 100 years old.  “If only they could talk, what tales would they have to tell about this mystical swamp?” I thought to myself.  I spotted rare air-plants in a hanging garden on several Cypress limbs 20 ft above the boardwalk as well as some at eye level.  I could spend hours in here trying to see everything.  Giant Leather Leaf ferns thriving amongst the Cypress Trees and a Bald Eagles nest can be seen up high in the branches of a dead Cypress tree.  An erie Strangler Fig can be a sobering sight seen growing over the boardwalk as you stroll underneath. Over decades of time this erie plant has slowly squeezed and suffocated its host plant, a bald cypress,  only to grow roots and, for no other reason, to take its place in the wilderness.  My mood lightens as I spot the fallen tree log covered with ferns and epiphytes.  We would not have this beautiful log hosted garden had it not been for the Strangler Fig….the “circle of life” continues on….

The boardwalk is located off US 41 west of SR 29 and is wheelchair accessible with two resting places along the way trek. The Boardwalk ends with a viewing/resting area overlooking a Swamp pond. Take a moment to take in the scene as the tanic waters reflect the pretty bald cypress, swamp ferns, and Giant Alligator Flag outlining the pond. Be still and watch for wading birds and alligators to appear.

100+ year Giant Cypress Tree Duo

Red Shouldered Hawk

Beauty is not without its price, be sure take plenty of mosquito repellent!
This boardwalk is built and maintained by Friends of Fakahatchee Stand, a non-profit, and donations are appreciated.
For more information about the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk of Fakahatchee Strand contact Friends of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve.

To view more photos visit Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk on Flickr

Find Seclusion and Shore Birds while hiking the Sand Spit Beach Trail!

// July 12th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Adventure Vacations, Florida, Hiking, Nature Photography, wildlife photography

Resting place by Riverbanksoutdoorstore

Sand Spit Beach Trail

The Sand Spit Beach trail is a 2.5 mile linear trail that follows the shoreline of the Sand Spit peninsula off the north end of Honeymoon Island State Park. I found it to be a nice summer hike with cool breezes off the water. It was low tide with the smooth wet sand tempting me to almost walk the beaches in my bare-feet!  The Coastal side of the beach was lined with blooming beach grasses waving in the breeze while blooming pink flowers from the crawling cross vines added a splash of color to the carpet of green covering the sand.  As I made my way down the beach the people became more scarce and the shore bird activity seem to increase.  The most common bird seemed to be the Willet.  They seemed territorial and when one decided he wanted that territory, he would fly in and drive the other further down the beach. The Pelicans were busy off the shoreline, hovering and diving for fish. 

Black Skimmer skimming for food

Reddish Egret nabs a fish!

Skimmers  would fly by from the north end of island, skim the water right at the shore and then circle over to the other side in counter-clockwise fashion.  I was fortunate to have them fly right by me on three separate occasions.  After two miles of trekking down the beach and enjoying the scenery in the warm evening daylight, I came upon a Reddish Egret dancing in a side pool.  I watched him run around in a circle and jump up in the air as if to fly while the breeze blew through his plumage to make is stand on end. Then he stopped for a moment to take a stab at the shallow water.  I felt the excitement of success as up he came with a small white fish in his bill!

  I watched this bird for several moments as he was very entertaining to watch.  His ritual was almost like watching a graceful dance.  I continued on to the end of the island delighted to find a diverse group of the smaller shorebirds clustered together.  Amongst the common Seagull were Wilsons Plover, Ruddy Ternstone, Gull Tern and Sandpipers.  I watched in amusement as they bathed and preened in the nearby puddle of water. 

After a bath!

“What a satisfying day!”  Were my thoughts as I retraced my steps back down the trail toward the parking lot.  I took my time as the evening sun was setting rich warm glow on the sandy beach, the waving grasses, and on the white puffs of clouds above.  I stopped periodically to snap few shots as the sun was setting fast.  With a fast stride and one mile left to go, I see a bird near a resting bench on the side of the trail.  He saw me but was too preoccupied with eating this whole crab to pay me much mind.  Wanting to savor this moment, I watched as the night heron wrestled with the crab… swallow…. regurgitate…. swallow…. regurgitate.. and finally swallow again! 

Dark crested Crowned Night Heron (immature) catches a crab!

Dusk was slowly turning to nighttime as I made my way back to the parking lot.  This was a GREAT Summer hike but all good things must come to an end.  I was satisfied with my adventure and knowing that stored in my camera are moments with nature I can cherish and share with others.

To view more photos on Flicker click on the Sand Spit Trail.

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River for Summer Family Fun!

// June 24th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Canoeing, Florida, Kayaking

Immature Little Blue Heron

Paddling the Weeki Wachee River

The weather was absolutely gorgeous last Thursday as I headed out early morning to paddle the Weeki Wachee River. Being a spring fed river, the water was a crystal clear blue and a refreshing 74 degree temperature.  A virtual paradise for any river runner! I had paddled this river before but this time was different. I was excited about meeting up with some new found friends, Jeanene from Not -a-Clue-Adventures and Robin of Good Time Kayaking, and they promised me some new adventure down this crooked winding river.

Well we all met and introduced ourselves. Then we quickly got busy unloading boats and gear. The girls were great with the guests, especially the little ones, making sure everyone was comfortable and had what they needed before we headed on out. The excitement started not too far down the river when one of the guides, Josh, took a spill. Of course we all laughed and poked fun, but I still believe in my heart that he did it on purpose to cool off. After all, Josh worked hard unloading those boats in the hot sun this morning and I am sure that clear cool water looked very inviting to him.

Dive into the swimming hole

Not long after that, we ran into a female Wood ducks with little wood ducklings following close behind. I was the most excited of the bunch for that was a first for me! The crew was very courteous as they tried not to disturb the wildlife while I took some photos. We carried on down the river having fun and running in to our share of trees along the swift bends. There were a few stops along the 7 mile trip for swimming, taking snack breaks, and for filling up water guns for the next round of water wars!  A few of the swimming holes come with preinstalled ladders and ropes by the locals. The ladders are scrap boards simply nailed to the tree closest to the water to allow climbing up to 30 feet for a thrilling plunge into the water. Or you can use a rope and swing out over the water for a fun filled splash!

The guides were flexible as not everyone had to stop at each swimming hole. I didn’t mind swimming a little but I was there to enjoy the scenery and wildlife and hopefully catch some of it on camera.

Lip smaking lunch at the Upper Deck

Around 2:00 PM we were happy to see Rogers Park and the Upper Deck Restaurant. The paddle was fun but the physical morning had our appetites raving. The rustic bar and grill is very accommodating to boaters and paddlers alike. We simply paddled up to the dock, got out of our boats and then tied them to the dock. Since we were two hours past the lunch rush, was had no problem getting seated or quick service. The food was hearty and the conversation entertaining as we shared our mornings experiences along the river. I had a delicious chicken sandwich smothered in cheese, mushrooms, onions and a creamy special sauce and washed it down with a tasty raspberry iced-tea.
The weather was still great so we had the option to paddle toward the Gulf with a small detour to mud springs before taking out at Bayport Park.

Paddling out to the Gulf

This part of the paddle was fun but was work.  As the river took us out into the salt marshes, it widened and we were more susceptible to winds and the incoming tide. A few of the young paddlers had to be towed to finish this less forgiving run of the river. The wildlife seemed more abundant in these salt marshes as we saw several Great Blue heron, Little Blue Heron with and immature blue heron, cormorants fishing, and an occasional white ibis flying over head.
We even spotted a river otter poking his head out of the water at us as we were pulling our kayaks on shore at Bayport Park.  Here the skies started turning dark with a typical Florida thunder shower…. but that was ok…we had full day of fun and adventure!

View more of our photos from the Weeki Wachee Paddle on flickr.

View videos of from Not-A-Clue-Adventure on Youtube.

     Jumping into the river,  Paddling down the river,  Sea Turtle

Breathtaking Scenery in the untouched Salt Marshes of the Lower Suwannee River Basin!

// May 12th, 2010 // 1 Comment » // Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Florida, Florida Canoe Trail, Great Florida Birding Trail, Hiking, Nature Photography

I had a great day hiking and exploring the 53,000 acre Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge this past weekend. This refuge was established in 1979 to protect one of the largest undeveloped and most scenic river-delta estuarine systems in the United States. The numerous off-shore islands, salt marshes and tidal creeks create an excellent wildlife habitat.

As I set out to hike the Dennis Creek trail, I am amused at how the Fiddler crabs run abundant as they quickly scatter from my seemingly giant footsteps.  I veer from the main trail to explore the trail created by Fisherman along Dennis Creek.  To my surprise I see several oyster bars and two great white egrets feeding across the creek and a few fishing traps. The marshes explode with color as the lime green of the perennial glasswort and the brown cord grasses contrast with the blue water and sky. I cross one of several boardwalks over a salt flat to an island inundated by pine trees.  This offers a welcome shady relief from the hot sun while day hiking this scenic trail. I notice one tree has a CatFace….a scar cut over 70 years ago to drain the tree of its sap.  I spot a Pileated Woodpecker and pause to watch as he flys from tree to tree in search of insects.  The trail leads me back over the salt marshes of Dennis Creek. Again the view is breathtaking today with the white fluffy clouds hovering over the treeline in the distance.  This side of the trail is lined with hardwoods.  The Red Cedars really stand out from the oaks as they are filled with baby-blue berries.   This trail leads me back to my truck.  A short hike but breathtaking scenery in these untouched lands!  One can only hope these lands are spared from the tragic Gulf oil spill that is haunting the Gulf Coasts……

 This refuge was established in 1979 to protect one of the largest undeveloped and most scenic river-delta estuarine systems in the United States. The numerous off-shore islands, salt marshes and tidal creeks create an excellent wildlife habitat.  The refuge is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and also the FWC Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail.  The FWC Paddling trail has maps and GPS coordinates for designated campsites.   For day paddling, there are several Canoe put ins through out the Refuge to allow for paddling shallow salt marshes and along the designated Canoe Trails.

Click here to view more photos of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge on Flickr.

Guide Books: Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State, Author Sandra Friend