On the way back from the North Shore, we passed Sugarloaf Mountain. It's one of the highest points in Florida (at 312 feet) and has some beautiful views.
There were a few sightseers and a couple cyclists (It's a popular spot because of the incline/difficulty). A house near the top had a water cooler out to stop for a break.
July 26, 2015
Minneola, Florida
Filmed with DJI Phantom 3 Pro
"Not Me" by Silent Partner - Youtube Audio Library
This is the first time I've ever heard of a trail you drive through. But, with all the rain lately, we thought it would be a good idea to check it out (since we would be in/near the car the whole time).
We got there a little after 10AM Sunday. I didn't see any signage directing how to get there off of 429 so we just drove down Lust Rd. until we reached the end (there is a gate with a sign at the beginning of the drive).
It's a one-way, 11 mile drive with sections to pull over if you want to stop. There is a narrow canal on one side and a swamp on the other.
Historic Pump House
After four miles, there's a rest area with an old pump house, restrooms, and picnic tables. It has a nice view over the lake also. The hiking/biking trail and the driving trail intersect at this point.
July 26, 2015
Apopka, Florida
Along the way, there are a number of "do not feed the alligators" signs. I've seen them in plenty of places (including retention ponds within cities). I never realized so many people wanted to feed them. Anyway, I had never actually seen one outside of a zoo (I promise I am from Florida).
Before we reached the pump house, we could hear them. Then we saw one swimming in the canal. Two more outside of the pump house. And a couple more along the trail out.
It ended up being clear all day so we also got to see a variety of birds.
Last year, we went to the Showcase of Citrus and picked oranges. Turns out, we're not very good at picking oranges. However, the place is really neat. They have a country store where you can buy things like pre-picked citrus, slushies, jams, wine, and alligator meat (because Florida).
So we decided to go back on Saturday and try again.
Unfortunately, it's off-season to pick pretty much everything, but the store and Swamp Safari were up and running.
"Comfortably ride on the world’s largest 4×4 for about an hour through the 2500 acre Estate and learn about Native Florida trees, plants, and animals, as well as the history of the Citrus Estate. Guests may also have the opportunity to interact and feed the wildlife."
"Clermont, Florida, is known as the “Choice of Champions” and is located about 20 miles west of Orlando and major theme parks. Clermont was named one of the Top 20 Cities in America “Leading the Way” in economic development and quality of life."
There are hills in Florida! (Hills by Florida standards, but awesome nonetheless). We've been here for a couple years now and I still appreciate the scenery. Clermont is rapidly growing and provides a great alternative for those who want the convenience of larger cities nearby, but with all the comforts of a small town feel.
Outdoor lifestyles are popular and easy to accomplish with all the options available. There are many nature parks and activities (often free!) outside of the theme parks. There seems to be a large conservation effort here and it shows.
Years ago, Clermont was just a little town of orange groves and lakes.
The Historic Village Museum is located near downtown Clermont on Lake Minneola, right down the trail from Waterfront Park. I've heard of it before, but had never seen it.
Unfortunately, we made it a little too late for the guided tour, but got to see the outside of the buildings and surrounding area.
The Village consists of two houses, a schoolhouse, a train depot, a library, and a Quonset Hut (WWII museum). Dates built range from 1885 and up.
It's a very short walking area because most of the buildings were moved to this location from other places within Clermont.
July 18, 2015
Clermont, Florida
"The mission of the South Lake County Historical Society is to preserve, maintain, and share the history of the pioneering families of South Lake County. We cover the period from the eighteen hundreds to the end of World War II. The SLCHS continues to uphold the dreams of the original members to have a Historic Village where people of all ages, especially young students, can learn about the lifestyle of times gone by."
Admission is free and the tour is a suggested $2 donation. Their hours are Friday (1-3PM) and Saturday/Sunday (1-4PM). The Village is maintained by cooperation between the City of Clermont and the South Lake Historical Society and relies heavily on membership/donations/volunteers for upkeep and future projects. The map on their website lists a designated spot behind the Train Depot titled "future home of historic buildings" so it will be interesting to see it grow.
This was a worthwhile visit and you could even make a whole afternoon out of it if you visit the Farmer's Market on Montrose St. (every Sunday until 2 or 3PM.) beforehand.
Filmed withDJI Phantom 3 Pro
"Cupid's Revenge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Flat Island has been my favorite hiking park so far. It is the most untouched while still being (beginner) hiker-friendly. There was no outside noise and it felt very remote.
We stayed mostly on the main trail that loops around the park, but there are several crosstrails along the way. We saw the canoe boardwalk (only way to Magnolia Island) and the primitive campsite. Restrooms are next to parking at the traillhead.
The trail was mostly shaded and we ran into a few friendly spiders locals.
Boardwalk
July 11, 2015 Leesburg, Florida
There are 3 campsites: Main Loop, Magnolia Island, and the group site at the entrance.
Main Loop Primitive Campsite
"This property safeguards an impressive and relatively undisturbed natural area consisting of marshes, hardwood swamps, and upland hardwood hammocks. The members of the Florida Trail Association have donated over 1,000 volunteer hours to construct and maintain 4 1/2 miles of foot trails that now provide public access throughout the property." LCWA
Filmed with DJI Phantom 3 Pro "Dubakupado" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
We arrived at the Bourlay Park on Saturday morning and were the only ones there. The trails were wide and easy to navigate.
There's a two-story historic home and pole barn along the way. However, the property is still occupied so we didn't get pictures of the house.
The Lake County Water Authority calls it a "passive recreational park." Buddy's Bounty Trail offers a 10-station fitness course, but we didn't go down that trail (the grass was a little high).
The welcome center at the trailhead is a renovated 80-year old home that has some information on the history of the park/Bourlay family.
July 11, 2015
Leesburg, Florida
Chickee and Amphitheatre
Barn
Filmed with DJI Phantom 3 Pro
"Drankin Song" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
On Sunday afternoon, we ran over to this preserve. It's nestled between a neighborhood and the Palatlakaha River.
The terrain varies from wetland to sandy. It's fairly quiet, but does run along Lake Louisa Road for part of the trail. There are two sinkholes (one is across Lake Louisa Road and is not accessible from the trail), which were filled with water when we went.
In true Florida fashion, the weather turned from sunny to a thunderstorm within minutes. We saw these clouds and made it out before the storm was fully unleashed. We saw most of the trail and it was a good short visit.
Although not a remote park, it was a worth the visit. It's a nice break among the new growth in the area.
July 5, 2015
Clermont, Florida
"Located in the rapidly-growing south end of Lake County, this 64-acre preserve now protects a beautiful undisturbed section of waterfront on Lake Louisa, as well as frontage along the Palatlakaha River as it flows north from the lake. A parking area/trailhead and trails allow for passive recreation and exploration of the remnant sandhill plant community and wetlands. "
While driving through Leesburg, we stumbled on this beautiful park! It has winding waterways with bridges, benches, gazebos, grills, and plenty of open space to spread a blanket.
July 3, 2015
Leesburg, Florida
"Gazebo(rental - available for weddings), regulation size pool w/bathhouse, 7 islands with fantastic landscaping, Ski Beach, parking, Pat Thomas Stadium."
We spent the 4th of July in Clermont at the Waterfront Park. There was a massive downpour (Florida!) right when the festivities were supposed to begin. We waited out the storm and everything started up a couple hours before the fireworks. There was a show (best Patriotic dress, pie eating contest, etc.) and food trucks. The sunset on the water made up for the weather.
The park itself stretches around Lake Minneola and has a paved trail, picnic areas, playground, and swimming/fishing spots. Bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks can be rented from Waterfront Bikes and Boards. There's also a splash park for the kids which runs $2 for general admission (Champions Splash Park).
It's located near downtown and features frequent events, including festivals and triathlons.
July 4, 2015
Clermont, Florida
"Waterfront Park is located along Lake Minneola, between East Avenue and Eighth Street. The park is home to almost weekly festivals, such as Pig on the Pond, and a host of triathlons and new water competitions, such as the Champions’ Dragon Boat Festival and Leader of the Lake Regatta. A fitness trail that is part of a 30-mile system, and will be part of the coast-to-coast trail, runs through the park."
Lake Louisa State Park is the first park we visited when moving to Central Florida. It offers a variety of things to do like hiking, biking (hiking trails and paved road), horseback riding, boating, canoeing, camping (primitive and cabins), grilling, fishing, and swimming. It is well maintained and the trails aren't too difficult. The boardwalk area has bathrooms and a playground and hosts events occasionally. And it's Fido-friendly (on a leash, of course)!
It is well worth the $2-5 entrance fee. Open 8AM to sundown, 365 days a year.
" The park is home to 11 distinct natural plant communities and lies within the eastern most boundary of the Green Swamp (Area of Critical State Concern) and the northern most boundary of the Lake Wales Ridge. The presence of white-tail deer, bobcat, fox squirrel, raccoon, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, osprey and cypress fringed lakes makes nature study a great pastime. The park is located on US Highway 27, seven miles south of State Road 50 in Clermont."
