Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk - Gopher Tortoise

We found this fine fellow as we hiked along the Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk in New Smyrna Beach, FL

yesterday. We were re-doing our Hike #10 in our book 25 More Central Florida Hiking Trails. He is a land-based Gopher Tortoise, not to be confused with his water dwelling counterpart, the Turtle. The Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk is a great place to enjoy the ocean, the beach and the dunes and all of the wildlife they hold. And we've got lots of other places for you to enjoy in Central and Northeast Florida. Check out all of our titles at: www.RogerFulton.com

And Happy New Year to all of our friends and followers!

Santa escaping!

While he was supposed to be hard at work in his shop at the North Pole, we caught him escaping from a golf course at Little Ocmulgee State Park in Georgia on December 20th. Our paths just happened to cross, and we had a camera to catch him in the act of escaping.
We don't begrudge him a round of golf as a respite prior to his trek around the world, but just thought you should know.
Merry Christmas!
www.Rogerfulton.com

A compass reading to the SOUTH?

Normally the red needle on a compass points north. But apparently this compass is also temperature sensitve and is telling me to head SOUTH. I'm a compass kinda guy and you should never second-guess your compass. So I'll be headed south in the next few days. We'll all be hiking by New Years! See y'all soon.
www.RogerFulton.com

Rock cairns as trail markers

This photo looks like a simple pile of rocks to the average person. But to others it is a "confidence builder," assuring them that they are on the trail! We're working on a book titled Safe in the Woods to help you learn these little tidbits to help you enjoy the great outdoors even more and, most importantly, safely.  By the way, "cairn" is pronounced "Kern." More on them in the book.
www.RogerFulton.com

Juniper Run Kyaking and Fishing

From co-author Susan Young in sunny Florida: Juniper Run is one of those wilderness places that many paddle, but few fish.The sometimes-swift, clear water and brushy banks make it a serious challenge. And it's a four-hour, seven-mile run down the spring, human-powered craft only. Airboats and powerboats are not allowed to come up past the Wayside take-out and habitat restoration area. But besides the hungry sunfish, big gamefish swim up from Lake George, too. Anglers are not allowed in the actual spring boil, the launch area, the boardwalk, nor in the rental canoes. But most of the Run is available for fishing under Ocala National Forest's and FWC's rules. The lower half is "fishier." Lures that mimic brightly-colored bream, or fingerling mullet, might tempt a bass out from under his log.
Sunshine bass, bowfin, gar, and catfish could all swim 'way up the Run. They are looking for the usual fishy things: cover under banks, warm water, and food. Learn more about the Juniper Wildersness Run in the book we co-authored titled: 25 Kayak & Canoe Trips in East-Central Florida. Check it out at:

www.RogerFulton.com or www.Commonmanbooks.com

Thanks for checking in.

Tick Alert for Florida

My hiking buddy Peter has warned me that ticks are tough this year in Florida. so be careful. Take what precautions you can when in the field, try to stay on the trails and definitely check yourself for ticks aftrer a hot, soapy shower when you return home. Throw your clothes in the washing machine on arrivsl. The Tick alert sign is from The Alliance for Natural health USA of Bethesda, Maryland. www.anh-usa.org.
And I am at: www.RogerFulton.com
Be careful out there. See you soon,
Roger
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