Ichetucknee Springs

It was a rather cool Saturday in White Springs and we had no special plans.  Why not take the time to explore?

Blue Hole Spring
near the head spring of the Ichetucknee

It had been years since either of us had visited Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a park known for tubing down the crystal clear 72° river.  But today with not a tubing day, with a projected high of 65° you'd not find me in the water!  It was a hiking day.

Ichetucknee Springs swimming hole
the head spring

There are three main trails in the park:  Blue Hole Trail, Trestle Point Trail, and Pine Ridge Trail. The first two are about a half-mile and tend to follow the river, Pine Ridge is a two mile trail through the woods.  You can also walk the tram road which is ideal in the winter as the tram is not operational.

Cypress in winter foleage
on the Ichetucknee

Now don't think you can avoid the river and springs areas entirely... well you could but why miss these precious treasures?  So our first walk along the tram road from the mid-launch tube launch area along the river to the take-out area at Dampiers Landing.  

Cave along the river

Yes, there were people on the river, mostly in canoes and kayaks, and several brave northerners in tubes.  Well, I assumed they were from the north as the air temperature, winter sun, and water temperature strikes fear into the heart of most Floridians... we simply wait until summer before tubing the Ichetucknee.

Fall foliage at the head spring

Walking the Blue Hole Trail allows beautiful views of both Blue Hole Spring and Ichetucknee Spring, the head spring of the river.  It is a short walk over varied terrain so I recommend wearing sturdy shoes and perhaps waterproof would be wise.

An old Drag Line and
tree stump which seems to have grown
through the antique bale

On to the Tressle Point Trail, which winds along the river and through the woods.   Along the way you may find relics from the phosphate mining era.  Yes, the park was formerly owned by the Loncala Phosphate Corporation which sold the property in 1970 to the State of Florida for $1,850,000.  In my opinion, the citizens of Florida were the winners in this deal.

Sink hole

The park has a long history, from the original native American settlers to the present day life as a state park.  Along the way it served as mission for Spanish (Catholic) missionaries in the 1600's, farming communities after the Civil War, logging and turpentine in the early 1900's, followed by phosphate mining in the mid-1900s.  Yes, the residents of Florida are indeed fortunate.

The beautiful Ichetucknee River
home to many people and activities
for hundreds (thousands?) of years

White Springs, FL: Discovering nature in nature...

Have you ever though about what nature is trying to tell you? 

A fall afternoon
at Stephen Foster FCC State Park

Well, you might find a few answers if you are open to the experiences.  Sometimes, it is simply taking the time to look beneath your feet.

Signs of winter approaching
Pine cones, acorns, and discarded leaves

Ever feel like you can't see the snake for the bush?

This handsome fellow was
hiding in full sight

As Jackie and I watched the snake we marveled at the dexterity as it wound around the bush.  There was a caterpillar near by but the snake appeared to wind in another direction.  Then quickly it recoiled, reached out, and swallowed the caterpillar.  One can only surmise this was it's hunting technique because it seemed to work.

Snake after eating the caterpillar
Which didn't see the snake either!

But not everything is hidden in plain view and here at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, some critters are easy to spot.

A beautiful grasshopper on the wall

While others do try for a disguise, or maybe it just comes naturally.

Kitty Anna on an early morning walk

Keeping your head in the clouds is not always bad as sometimes visions appear...

The moon rising over the tower
this is always a special sight

And sometimes you need to play Sherlock Holmes, like the case of the Missing Laundry.  I carted the clothes to the washing machine but arrived to discover I was missing half of the original load.  Turns out, I had left a dirty clothes trail as it fell from my basket as it followed me on my hand cart.

The rare missing laundry

But it is all good fun and prompts you to stay open and alert

Looking for clues in nature!

White Springs, FL: The growth cycle of a Holiday Pole Tree

This is our second year working on the holiday light show at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park.  And, it is difficult to say what is the most fun: building pole trees, decorating the grounds, greeting guests, or simply enjoying the light show called the Festival of Lights.  Anyway you look at it, this volunteer gig is a win-win situation.

Festival of Lights Promo Picture

One of the fun decorations is building the pole trees.  Well, this year we built about ten trees from 6' to 27' in height.  The operation is basically the same regardless of the size... except with trees over 10' it is best to have a high lift or bucket truck.

Pole trees are not much different from other bare root stock plants.  You plant the bare root bulb, water it, wait, and after a short time it sprouts leaves which result in dense foliage and perhaps fruit.  Same with pole trees.

First you "plant" the tree

So, the first step is to decide on the appropriate location which involves considering the space and electrical capacity available, tree height, and other near by decorations.  Next you gather the tools into a truck before heading to the build site.  The tools include: rope, stakes, pole, level, shovel, post hole digger, lights, extension cords, power cords, ladder or high lift.  

Here Bill works on the 27' tree

At the site you dig the hole and plant the bare root stock.  Then tamp it down as you fill in the hole while verifying the tree is straight, use the level for this job.  Next step is to pound stakes into the earth at somewhat equidistant locations from the base in a circle. 

Mark the perimeter and install stakes

Now were are making progress.  You connect the power cord to the electrical outlet, drag it to the base of the tree, and then add an extension chord or three-way plug.  Now you re-check the light strands to insure they work as you connect about four into a long strand.  Be certain to secure the connected ends with a loop or knot so they will not slip loose.  After you assemble a couple of strands it is time to build the tree.   

After several days the tree sprouts

Wrap one end of the light strand around a stake, feet the line to the top where you wrap the light strand around the pole and pass it down the opposite site to another stake.  Then wind the light strand to the next stake and repeat the process.  After a bit you have a completed pole tree and the bare root has sprouted leaves.  Wait until evening, turn on the lights and you will find an amazing display as the tree blooms.

And eventually it blooms

There you have it, the growth cycle of a pole tree.

Live Oak: Entertaining at the Raid on the Suwannee

The Raid on the Suwannee is an annual event in the Live Oak Florida area.  It is a historical re-enactment of a Civil War battle that could have, but did not, occur.

Getting ready for the battle that didn't occur(photo from Suwannee Democrat)

From an interview in the Suwannee Democrat:
“It’s a ‘what-if’ event,” said Bo Hancock, one of the organizers. “But it’s still part of history.” 
If the Confederates had lost at Olustee, Hancock said, the next step for the Union would have led them into Suwannee County as they marched the railroad line to destroy transportation infrastructure. 

This is history at it's best, living history.  Leading up to the weekend event there were several history presentations at the Suwannee River Regional Library.  The presentation on 'Edmund Kirby-Smith Florida born Confederate General and his wife' caught my interest as we were both born in St. Augustine.  Then too, I spent many hours at the Public Library which was housed in his childhood home.  

Reenactors bring history to life
(photo from Raid website)

On Thursday night we learned about E. Kirby-Smith in a presentation by Wayne and Jane Simms with their appropriately named "All's Fair in Love and War" program which tells of the romance between General Edmund Kirby Smith, a Civil War general born in the city, and Cassie Selden, a Virginian who became his wife.

Wayne and Jane Sims
Storytellers

Saturday was a volunteer day, notice it is not a work day, supporting the Dulcimer Retreat at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park.  However, Sunday we were 'off' and volunteering at the Raid on the Suwannee as musicians for the 10:05 AM music set.  It was chilly that morning but the show must go on and so we headed to Live Oak on a beautiful crisp fall day. 

Dressed for the 1860s
bringing period music to the festival

We arrived in plenty of time and began to set-up for the performance.  The band '7 Lbs of Bacon' provided the sound system and one of the band members adjusted the sound. However, shortly into the performance there was a problem with the system that required some reorganization.  Now, Bill is a good sound man but it is difficult to handle both sound and perform using your own system much less an unknown sound system.  

Fellow Park Service volunteers came for the day
Stephanie and Carl (helping with the sound)

Fortunately, park volunteers Stephanie and Carl were in the crowd and Carl can run sound!  You guessed it, we asked him to assist.  Yes, Carl does understand sound managed to get us up and running in no time.  Thank you Carl.

Norm McDonald, wonderful storyteller and musician
good friend who suggested us for the event

Now, we never applied as musicians for this event but our good friend Norm McDonald introduced us to the director with a good recommendation.  So, when an opening occurred we were first on his list to complete the show.  Can't say I know many Civil War tunes but we have a long list of songs and dance tunes from the era, 1840-1870, plus several of our Florida Folk songs were appropriate for this event.  It was a lovely day with an appreciative audience, living history, friends, good food, and happy memories.  What else can you ask?

Participants taking a break from the festivities
to enjoy the vendor's fare

Stephen Foster State Park: Ranger Brownie's Campfire Program

Among my favorite memories of state and national parks are the ranger programs. 

Campfire Program!

The team at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park has a rather full schedule of programs for which I am glad.  Yes, you may recall that we have hosted a few of the programs sharing Florida Songs and Stories.  

Ranger Pete (foreground)
Bob Ellis & Ranger Brownie (rear)

This Saturday evening it was Ranger Brownie Akers turn to host the campfire program.  Lo and behold it was about the Different Faces of Florida Music.  Brownie covered a wide range of artists from the traditional fiddle tunes brought by the Crackers to the recent past with songs from Arlo Guthrie and Jimmy Buffet.  I write the recent past because he didn't include any rap...

Bob Ellis fiddling while
Ranger Brownie sings Stephen Foster

Shortly after arriving in White Springs, Ranger Brownie met Bob Ellis who plays both fiddle and whistle.  They formed a band and began providing entertainment for local events.  Together they treated the audience to many traditional tunes from the 1850s to the 1970s. 

Ranger Brownie treating us to a Stephen C Foster song

Being a resourceful man and knowing there were several talented volunteers and park rangers,  Brownie found a way to include Florida folk artists (volunteers Marg and Bill, and Ranger Kim), Canadian Bluegrass pickers (volunteers Margo and Robert), and budding musicians (volunteer Alan).  He spun magic throughout the program by weaving an interesting story of Florida music to invite others up for a cameo appearance to illustrate his points..

Ranger Brownie accompanied by
Ranger Kim, on harmonica.

Bill and I were delighted to share a couple of Florida Folk songs composed by contemporary Florida folk artists.  We considered using our originally songs but friends have written songs of this area that were more appropriate. (Sorry, no pictures of our long set)

Ranger Brownie and Ranger Kim

Not only did Ranger Brownie think of music and history, he asked Ranger Pete to provide insect control.  Now Ranger Pete is a back to nature type of person, thus insect control must be natural and what is better than smoke.  The solution more than chemical.

Ranger Pete
Providing mosquito control!

Ranger Pete's solution was to find a somewhat dry log, cut an X in center of one cut end and start a file.  This scheme creates a smoke stream that repels most insects.  The fire starts on the top and then moves down into the green center creating a wall of smoke that did the job.

The ultimate Pest Control

Yes, it was a fun program that ran a bit overtime; however, no one seemed to care and many felt the show could have gone longer.  But as every artist knows the secret is to "Leave them wanting more."  So, when you enter a park, inquire at the ranger station about programs and events. 

Big Shoals State Park: Bicycling the Woodpecker Trail

On a beautiful day in White Springs FL there are many outdoor activity options:  hike the parks and natural areas, bicycle the town or parks, canoe the river, stroll the town, or sit on the river bank. 

Suwannee River at Big Shoals State Park

Canoeing the Suwannee River is always fun but the river is just over 51 feet so the rocks and logs would require a bit of portage... forget that idea.

Time tested guidelines for canoeing
on the Suwannee River

So, we selected my favorite mode of transportation, the bicycle.  Sometimes I believe I was born on a bicycle but it was my buddy from the age of three when my grandmother gave me my first tricycle.  Wheels... let's go!

The Suwannee is quite tame now

Big Shoals State Park it is!  Off to ride the Woodpecker Trail, a 3.5 mile one way paved trail between the Little Shoals entrance and the Big Shoals picnic area.  We bicycled from Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park down CR 135 to the Little Shoals entrance. Taking the small road into Little Shoals we crossed into the State Park Property  and road the paved Woodpecker Trail, no vehicle traffic, to Big Shoals.  

Trail to the canoe launch and river overlook

This is a lovely ride through oaks, restored pine forest, logged pine forest, and scrub.  Along the way you cross a few bridges which still had some water flow in the creeks.  After exploring the trails near the picnic area we hiked down to the canoe launch for a better view of the river.  And then returned by the same route.  It was a perfect day for a bicycle trip.

Hard to believe six months ago this river was raging!
And two years ago it was out of the banks

Citra FL: Orange Creek Restoration Area

So here we are in Citra performing miscellaneous tasks and Bill says, "I'd like to check out the public lands on Hwy 318."  Using our phones we locate the area and learn the name is Orange Creek Restoration Area, gotta love Google Maps.  

Entry Kiosk

The area is a joint management between St. Johns River Water Management and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

Entry Trail

The area contains many miles of multi-access trails and the south entrance is less than 10 miles away.  It is now 3:30 PM in early November so we'd best boogie as the days are short.

Lovely old oak along the trail

With over eight miles of trails at the South Entrance there is something for every able bodied person.  There are three loop trails that intersect so you can adjust the hike for the available time.  Now, I do not recommend this as a leisurely stroll due to the varied walking surfaces and bugs. 

A hammock along the way

Swampy area as we return to the trail head

 Walking surface varies from sugar sand to muck with various types of grassy and swampy paths.

Mucky area as the trail turns
from the lake area

The area has been altered over time to control the water flow.  In recent history, the land was used for farming from the 1940s.  As farming changed Water Management purchased the land in 1998 and began to restore the area to the original vegetation.

Restoration area includes
plantings of pines

Today the 3,542 acre property includes a variety of habitats:  wetlands, timberlands, pastures, and wet prairies, and what I call a swamp. However, the district calls them marsh areas.

Orange Creek and pond

Marsh to lake

The water flows from Orange Lake down Orange Creek into the Ocklawaha River then to the St. Johns River and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean.  Got that? 

Interesting Flower along the trail

Now in this varied terrain you would expect to find a variety of plant communities, as evidenced by my photos.  These plant communities allow a varied wildlife habitat and sure enough we saw deer, ducks, a northern harrier hawk, pilated woodpeckers, small brown birds, coots, blue heron, and more.  There were a few variety of lizards and skink along with butterflies.  

Trail through the native palms

And, I almost forgot the squirel, owl, doves and evidence of armadillo and hogs.  Naturally, most of these were too fast for my inexperienced photography and the cell phone.

Looking across the prairie

When in the Citra area I highly recommend a hiking trip to the Orange Creek Restoration Area.   I can vouch for the South entrance off Hwy 318.  Next time I want to check the North entrance off Hwy 325.  You'll find trail maps, directions, and additional information on the web site (http://floridaswater.com/recreationguide/orangecreek/).

Yellow flowers dot the drier grass
on the prairie