Tag Archives: Backpacking

Spelunking along the Florida Trail, Citrus County.

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.” Continue reading

Posted in Adventures, Backpacking, Florida, Florida Trail Adventures, Hiking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Florida Trail: Hike the river bluffs of the Sopchoppy River in March to see wild azalea put on a show.

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… Continue reading

Posted in Adventure Vacations, Backpacking, Camping, Florida, Florida Trail Adventures, Hiking, Nature Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Hike Withlacoochee State Forest Annutteliga Hammock loops for a sampling of the challenging Brooksville Ridge

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. Continue reading

Posted in Backpacking, Camping, Florida, Hiking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Hiking the Citrus C loop offers challenging pine ridges with caves and large sinks.

The Citrus C Loop is a 13 mile trek located in the heart of the karst cartography of the Brooksville Ridgeboasting 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! Continue reading

Posted in Adventures, Backpacking, Camping, Florida, Florida Trail Adventures, Hiking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hike Paynes Prairie Preserve to see Wild Horses, Bison, and a Pleasing Diversity of Birds.

Paynes Prairie Bolen Bluff Trail by B A Bowen Photography  Paynes Prairie was a treasure trove of wildlife this past Saturday as we enjoyed the LaChua and Bolen Bluff Trails with friends. Upon entering Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, my out … Continue reading

Posted in Adventure Vacations, Adventures, Backpacking, Camping, Florida, Great Florida Birding Trail, Hiking, Nature Photography, wildlife photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment