The Festival of Lights 2014

After several months of preparation the "Festival of Lights" was held from December 5th through December 31st in 2014.  I must say this was a fun event which we enjoyed almost every night of the event... we did take a couple of nights off but not many.

Beautiful display, the Red Tree,
greets guests as they enter the park

November was spent working on the light displays, described in another post.  During that time volunteers and park staff were busy with hanging lights and decorations.  We personally hung lights, built pole trees, erected "The Bears", and helped with the light tunnel.  Among other odd jobs we helped with Santa's Village and the 'ugly' tree placed in the new Seminole Village.  I say new, because in 2014 the Seminole Tribe of South Florida built a village in a location near the Craft Square.  

For Christmas I want...
(Marg with Santa)

Of course during the festival in the 'off' hours we collected trash, repaired light strands (reported to be over 5 million lights!), and adjusted displays.  

One view from the bonfire
Bill & I hung the globes in this tree

At night we became 'elves' to work the festival.  There were volunteers everywhere who came from the resident volunteers, local residents, and Citizen Support Organization members.  It was fun to spend time with new and old friends.

Volunteer "Elves" on a cool rainy evening
Dennis & Bill on bonfires
Dottie on Smores

Bill was the king of the Bonfire and kept the fires going most evenings with Dennis taking several shifts each week.  

Great fire for roasting marshmallows

I became the switch hitter working where needed.  The variety was wonderful as I learned new skills along with simply having fun.  I sold tickets at the front gate.  In the Gift Shop area I made hot cocoa, played and sang with Betty the violinist. and worked the upstairs gift room.  In the Craft Area there were different skills needed as the popcorn maker, fire tender at the bonfire, smore's and marshmallow keeper, break giver, musician, and trash collector.  For me the variety was wonderful and each job brought new friends, smiling faces, and happy times.

All worthwhile for these happy guests

I plan on returning for the 2015 Festival of Lights at Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park.  Yes that is in White Springs FL. Hope to see you 2015 Festival of Lights.

Ya'll come back now
Ya hear?

Hiking the trails with "The Cats"

 People are often amazed that our cats are leash trained.  Well the truth is we are leash trained to the cats.   You really don't walk cats, they walk you.  

Slippery in the lead
Anna in the rear

Now, they usually respond to a gentle tug on the lead if interested in your suggestion.  But when they have a specific direction in mind there is no budging them towards your suggestion.  You had best wait, suggest going home, or carrying them to another area... careful here as even loving cats can unleash the claws if they are frightened or threatened.

Slipjig is usually easy to walk
but she is now seven

The oldest cat was over five years old when we began the harness and leash training.  Her name is Slipjig, after an Irish music form, with a shortened version of Slip or Slippery.  You guessed it, she lives up to her name and easily escapes the halter when threatened.  However, until I ordered the Lupine H-loop harness her aversion to the harness and rapid escape was legend.  With the Lupine harness the situation changed and she escapes only when she fees threatened.  Warning, always follow the cat as getting in-front of a cat enables the escape artist.

Let's see what is in this hole

Yes, they still try to hunt with you in tow.  

Anna resting on a log
But alert for the 'hunt'

The photos in this article were from two walks on the trails at Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park: Foster's Hammock Trail and the Florida Trail.

Adventure on the trail!
Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park

Cats typically prefer tree canopy and protected areas when walking and lounging.  On lead they feel unprotected and often walk only trails or during the dark hours.  So, during dark hours they have led us through most of the light displays at the "Festival of Lights"... 

The Belle of the Suwannee
a nightly favorite for the cats

...through the light tunnel, past the small pole trees, around the steam boat.  We have strolled around the Museum, Bell Tower, Nelly Bly's kitchen, and the Auditorium.   

Along their favorite trees
on the nightly walks

Another difference from a dog, they walk on roads after dark as there is too much traffic on roads during the day.  Perhaps cats are wiser than humans and dogs with their caution about roads, daylight, and open spaces...

That was fun
When can we go again?

Cypress Lane: The Swampy Area of Stephen Foster

So avid reader, you know the Suwannee River is adjacent to the park (Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park).  And by now you are probably aware of the Spring House, cycling the back woods, Florida Folk Festival, Festival of Lights, and other events. 

Cypress at the Spring House

 Let me introduce you to the Swamps of Stephen Foster! (See the map at http://floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster/doc/additionalinformation/stf-sffcc-trailsmap.pdf)

Notice the cypress and pines
in this swampy area

One of the back roads is named "Cypress Lane" and for good reason.  Cypress trees like wet feet... meaning mucky soil, rivers, swamps, and similar habitat. 

Cypress Lane with palmettos
A sure sign that water is not far away!

Well we found it on a recent bicycle ride when we ventured down Cypress Lane after a lengthy dry spell.  You must remember that Florida is a swamp!

Billy tackles the swamp!

At one point we came upon a flock of nine immature White Ibis which was quite a treat.  It took a few minutes to determine the birds were White Ibis as we had not expected to see them so far north in the winter.  It was also amazing to see only the immature birds without any adults.  Needless to say by the time we recovered our senses the birds had waded further into the swamp precluding a photo.  Next time!  

Leaves adding to the tannin which
eventually flows into the Suwannee River

You will find Cypress Lane and the swamp at the far end of the park.  From the main entrance head to the campground and follow the signs to the Primitive Camping area.  Continue on until you find Camp Road and turn right (http://floridastateparks.org/stephenfoster/doc/additionalinformation/stf-sffcc-trailsmap.pdf)  At some point you will find a sign for Cypress Lane and that is your turn.  Don't miss this scenic spot.

Bicycling the Trails at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park

Most people associate the Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park with the folk arts... you know quilting, blacksmiths,  spinning, weaving, music, instrument building, corn grinding.  Or perhaps with the events and festivals: Wild Azalea Festival, Tractor Show, Florida Folk Festival, Rural Folk Life Days, Festival of Lights, and more!

Museum decked out for Christmas

Some think of the Suwannee River and the canoe launch, the Carillon Tower, or perhaps Stephen Foster for whom the park is named.  But few give long thought to the fantastic back country trails including the Florida Trail which traverses the park.

Suwannee River
base of Spring House view

Well, on a brisk December afternoon I opted for a bike ride on the off-road trails.  The shadows were already becoming long at 2 PM when I started down the trail so it was obvious this would be a shorter ride.

Winter afternoon sunlight
at the trail head

It appeared that no one had traveled the trail in some time as the leaves were several inches thick.  This was probably a good thing because I couldn't see all the roots.  And as the roots were not visible I simply sailed over them!

Leaf carpeted trail

The more than 33 miles of back trails are beautiful and excellent for hiking or riding.  The 8 mile Hammock Loop trail tends to be somewhat narrow, you know the type treasured by serious off-road cyclists and hikers.  It can be a challenging trail so I tend to take it a little slower.

Trails can twist, turn, and
quickly climb or drop in elevation

For a break you can cycle (or hike) the back roads which offer a wider trail along with varied riding surfaces, beautiful scenery, and many of the same challenges as the narrower trails.

An inviting road
from the campground to the river

Next time you visit the park, take an extra day or two to investigate both Stephen Foster and Big Shoals trails.  Now both parks are adjacent to the Suwannee River and the trails will collect water so check with the rangers regarding trail condition and water level as one never knows what is passable.

See you on the road!

Bicycling Little Shoals and Big Shoals State Park

It is a cool and overcast north Florida day... you know, the kind where you want to stay inside and read a book.  But we had planned to bicycle the trails in Little Shoals and Big Shoals State Park.  It is a short bicycle ride from Stephen Foster State Park, our current home, so why let the mist stop us when the prediction was for mid-day sun.

Beautiful fall colors
from maples, palmetto, pine, and oak

Off we cycled through White Springs and down Hwy 135 to the Little Shoals entrance (map), about 6 miles on country roads.  The ride was extremely quiet despite the fact it was 11 AM on a Sunday morning. With no humans to bee seen with found only a few dogs in the yards and one car on the road.  Guess it was a day to sleep-in, watch TV, read books, and bake cookies.

Signs of winter in Big Shoals

Upon arriving at the trail head in Little Shoals we encountered a couple from Lake City on their Sunday back-roads adventure.  The folks had experience with hiking/biking trails in the White Springs Tract so it was good to trade information.  Then we headed down the Mossy Ravine Trail to the Suwannee River and Little Shoals.

Adventure awaits
on the
Mossy Ravine Trail

The hike/bike trail lives up to it's name with multiple river crossings, hills, and trees to negotiate.

Fungi along the way

 The trail winds through the brightly colored woods to the river.  Along the way we forded a few streams, riding through the shallow streams that occasionally crossed the trails.  There are several bridges along the trail but who can predict where the water will pool when nature changes the terrain.

Rivers to cross
this on had a bridge
but some you simply must ford

As we neared the Little Shoals you could hear the babble of water flowing over the rocks.  This trip was so different from the spring trip where we could only hike due to the high water levels and both Big Shoals and Little Shoals were under 40 feet of water.  Approaching the Suwannee River we were treated to the rapids of Little Shoals.

Little Shoals

Mid-river at Little Shoals
this would be a tough paddle
in either direction

Mossy rock outcroppings
along the Little Shoals shore

From this point we change trails to Palmetto Ridge Trail which is appropriately named as it winds along the ridge above the Suwanee River.  You cycle through pines, palmettos, and oaks with occasional views of the river.  

Palmetto Ridge Trail
Big Shoals

Eventually you come to the Big Shoals which is quite a treat.  Big Shoals has been called "one of Florida's greatest natural wonders" by American White Water with justice because who expects to find a Class III White Water Rapids in Florida?

Imagine finding this on the Suwanee River.

Are you sure we are still in Florida?

At Big Shoals we encountered a family from Jacksonville who stopped on their return from a weekend at Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park and the Festival of Lights.  They were as amazed as us at the power of the river washing over the rocks.  

Yes, it was a cool overcast day
but perfect for a bike ride.

Decorating for the "Festival of Lights"

Our 'job' at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park is getting ready for the annual "Festival of Lights".  

From the Stephen Foster CSO website
http://www.stephenfostercso.org/

which is an amazing celebration that occurrs each December, this year December 5-31, 2014.  

Replacing a broken light strand
on a rather chilly morning

This is the 20th annual "Festival of Lights" but our first... so we are learning what to expect.  The anticipation is for light displays, winter scenes, bonfires, roving musicians, hot cider, hot chocolate, pop-corn, songs, stories, and cool weather.  

Repairing the bears!

Now for this to happen requires 4-5 million lights, many feet of extension chord, more power cords than you can imagine.  

Marg in the high lift
building the red pole tree

To get ready for the event we have been hanging lights in trees, building pole light trees, making a light tunnel, helping with the ugly tree, moving log seats, cleaning the grounds, setting up light displays, setting timers, and replacing light bulbs.  

Bill prepping light strands for the tree

The pole trees are a blast to build and to date we built one jumbo tree (red tree), four big trees, and four small trees.  The first five require the high lift while small trees are manageable from the ground or with a short ladder.   

Michelle in casual attire
as she approves of the Red Pole Tree

Then we need fire wood, bonfires, candy canes and more.  And it all starts with the park manager, Michelle Waterman, who coordinates this massive effort to make the park "pretty".

Craft Area, Sponsor's Reception

Adventures around Jacksonville FL: Hanna Park

In mid-November we opted to help our friend Phil at the Jacksonville Celtic Festival, November 22-23. This adventure provided the perfect opportunity to stay in Hanna Park, renowned for the beach, lake, and off-road bicycling. Count us in!

Boardwalk to the Beach at Hanna Park

Work was slow at our volunteer job at Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park and once our morning duties were complete it was time to roll. A call to the park confirmed there were vacant camp sites for the night facilitating a 4-day get away. Once packed we headed east on I-10, through downtown Jacksonville, and to the beach.

Let's ride those trails!

The 450 acre park has a long history. In the last century it was known as Manhattan beach and frequented by African Americans or should I say they were restricted to this beach. The beach was popular and the crowds supported businesses offering lodging, dining, and bars. (Wikipedia reference). Around 1940, land was donated for a park to be named for Kathryn Abbey Hanna, a dedicated educator and author. The park was finally developed when Jacksonville annexed the entire county. (Summary from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanna_Park)

Sea oats on the Dunes
Ships and Jacksonville Beach on the horizon

The park offers well shaded campsites with sufficient woods to give privacy to most of the 300 sites. The sites have been updated with water, electric, and sewer service. Unfortunately this cannot be said for the support structures, the bath houses and meeting rooms would benefit from a remodel. Some sites are adjacent to the lake and the remaining are a short walk or bicycle ride to the lake. The roar of the ocean fills the park beckoning you to steal away for a beach walk.

Wooded campsite
Ready to ride the trails

Don't forget the lake for a canoe trip,fishing, or a fresh water swim. Being November, rainy, and overcast, and cool we saved the water activities for the next trip. However, the cats enjoyed walking the trails from our campsite to the lake, especially late in the evening when the area was quite. Another favorite cat walk time is early morning, say 5-6 AM, but this trip we kept late hours so the early morning walks were limited.

One view of the 60 acre lake
from the trails...

Off-road bicycling is a huge draw for this park. There are interlocking trails of moderate to difficult rating. The trails wind through the woods, around the lake, and along the ocean but don't expect views as the trails are nestled in the hammocks filled with pines, oaks, and hickory. It is wise to start on an easier trail to acclimate your bicycling skills to the sand, roots, dips, and hills. Trails are one way and alternate direction each day. The trails intersect so you can construct a ride from .2 miles to 20 miles (or so).

Wonderful trails for
bicycling and hiking

The 1.5-2 miles of beach lie between the Mayport Naval Station and Jacksonville Beach. The boundary to the Naval Station is known as the 'Poles' and easy to recognize by the poles in the ocean and fence in the dunes. 

The "Poles" where the park meets
Mayport Naval Station
Legend has the surfing is good at the Poles

On the southern boundary the end of the park is heralded by the high-rise dwellings above the dune line. For some reason, the tide was always high when I visited the beach, and probably higher than normal due to the winter storm. Thus the soft sand extended to the water-line which was dotted with seaweed, shells, sea-glass, and driftwood. The beach seemed remarkably clean considering it fronted a major inlet and the open ocean. Monday while walking the beach I discovered the reason, a park truck bearing trash bags and collectors.  

Trail to the beach

Having explored several of the trails, the beach and lake, touring the park by bicycle, and meeting the staff, we left with a desire to return when we have more time to explore the park.