Ormond Beach (Daytona)

It was a beach sunrise sort of day today.

We decided to go to Ormond Beach near Daytona. It's been forever since we've been to any beach and have never been to the Atlantic side. So we woke up at 4AM, got gas, coffee and bagels, and drove the nearly two hours in the dark (no traffic though!).

We waited for the sun at Andy Romano Beachfront Park. It's in a great location with direct beach access, restrooms, outdoor showers, and seating.  Plus, the people we spoke to here were all friendly.

The whole street is lined with smaller hotels so it didn't feel too crowded or overbearing either. 

August 16, 2015

Ormond Beach, Florida

After we left the beach, we headed to Rockefeller Gardens Park.  It's a beautifully landscaped riverfront park/trail located in The Casements. Rockefeller purchased The Casements in 1918 as a winter house and now it's open to visitors Monday-Saturday. The park also hosts "Movies on the Halifax" and a farmers' markets, among other events. To read about the history here, see tour times, or check upcoming events, visit The Casements website. We walked part of the trail that leads under the bridge to Fortunato Park on the other side.  The picture below shows the view facing The Casements on the right and Fortunato  Park on the left.
Although there are now newer houses and boat slips surrounding here, there was still an old charm that I liked. It would be interesting to go back and take the tour of the home.

Bridge over Halifax River leading to Ormond Beach

We drove part of the way back on the Scenic Loop Trail. It's a 30 mile double loop that passes three state parks, two rivers, beachfront, as well as city parks.

Coming from The Casements, we pulled off into Seabridge Park on John Anderson Drive. It's a short trail with a boardwalk over the Halifax where you can fish.

That's where we saw:

This guy and this other larger (and grumpier) guy. And tons of their friends. The crabs would run back into their holes on the side of the trail as we walked by.

This road curves through some canopy trees with a lot of cyclists and fishermen on the sides, so be careful driving it. It was a good reason to drive slowly and take in the view anyway.

Next we stopped at the North Peninsula State Park entrance on High Bridge Road, leading inland. The park is free and we started to walk into it, but the mosquitoes were quite bad along the river trail. We hadn't planned on hiking today so we didn't prepare for it. The website says there's two miles of untouched beach at the end of the trail. So next time, we'll bring bug spray and watch out for the gators! (Or drive to the main entrance off of Ocean Shore).

Knox Memorial Bridge

There's a drawbridge here, but we didn't get to see it raise. Across the road is a bait and tackle store and there were several small fishing boats in the water. 

Our last stop was supposed to be Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park. However, when we arrived at the gate, we didn't have the $4 entrance fee in cash (honor system). We talked to the ranger and she informed us they only take cash or check. So, that concluded our day and we came home!

Based on our morning trip, Ormond Beach seems like a laid-back beach town. I liked that is was low key, had some charm, nice walking areas, and the people seemed friendly. It turned out to be a very pleasant Sunday morning.




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"Octagon" by Silent Partner - Youtube Audio Library

Lake Eola- Downtown Orlando

Lake Eola Park is a nice break among the buildings of downtown Orlando. There are several art pieces around the lake, benches, an amphitheater, and foliage.

August 8, 2015

Orlando, Florida

It was a clear Saturday morning with joggers, dog walkers, and those just watching the fountain. It was still quiet though.
There's roadside parking with meters ($0.25/15 minutes), but pretty much all were open that morning. I would imagine nighttime is a whole different story.
The fountain has a nightly show of music/light coordination. There are also paddle boats available for rent, park rentals, the Eola House, a Sunday market, and other events. Visit the City of Orlando for information on prices, times, etc.

*I couldn't help but notice the homeless population there. It's summer in Florida and close to 100 degrees daily and many storms lately. If you'd like information or to help (or need help yourself), check out the Shelter Directory.*





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"Pedro Versus the World" by Jingle Punks - Youtube Audio Library

Colt Creek State Park

It was dark out Sunday morning, but we decided to head out to Colt Creek anyway. It was quite a drive on a remote road through the Green Swamp (partially because we weren't sure where exactly we were going). When we got there, the ranger wasn't in the station and the entrance fee was paid by envelope. We dug out various change, but managed to make it (sorry for the coins!). There was a phone to call the ranger, but we didn't want to hassle him/her to use a card.

August 2, 2015

Lakeland, Florida

The pavilion area around Mac Lake has a pier for fishing, restrooms (which were clean!), and kayaks available.

We walked the short trail by the lake. With all the rain, it was very swampy. There were signs along the way describing plants, animal tracks, etc. Bring bug spray for this one!
We went to the equestrian trailhead after (off to the right when you first enter the park). There's a small lake, pavilion, and picnic tables. I wouldn't recommend choosing the table in the right picture- there was definitely an alligator somewhere around there.

Parking is by the rocks and the trail begins straight past the lake from there. It leads to another lakeview. This is where we stopped. There was marsh all around that area (and a gator we could hear, but not see). 

On the way out, we saw two deer. 

 

Overall, the park is mostly made up of trails and camping, which we couldn't/wouldn't do because of the weather. I think on a clear day it would be a good hike. There were several people fishing so it must be a good spot for that also. 

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"Ever Felt pt. 2" by Otis McDonald - Youtube Audio Library

Sugarloaf Mountain

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

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"Not Me" by Silent Partner - Youtube Audio Library

Lake Apopka North Shore- Wildlife Drive

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. 

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"Turn On" by RW Smith - Youtube Audio Library

The Showcase of Citrus

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."

Swamp Safari

We waited out the rain, got strawberry/lemonade and orange slushies, and hung out for a while.

July 25, 2015

Clermont, Florida

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"Calgary Hill" by Silent Partner - Youtube Audio Library

City of Clermont

"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."

City of Clermont

Clermont, Florida

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. 

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory www.floridamemory.com

Now, amid the groves, the city is developing. 

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"Orange" by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena - Youtube Audio Library