Ocean to Lake Trail: DuPuis Main Grade Road to Western edge
Pictures and videos of hikes exploring the Ocean to Lake Trail in the DuPuis section
Parking off the Main Grade Road just past the trail crossing, hiking West from towards the edge of DuPuis (and back)
This is a great short hike (in and back around 2 miles) for anyone who wants to experience the Ocean to Lake Trail without hiking long miles. There are tall pines to provide some shade and benches at the end for resting.
DuPuis can be a little soggy after heavy rains and in the wet season.
Highlights of this hike were the Rein Toothpetal Orchids adn seeing a gator in the watering hole.
Views of the trail
Rein Toothpetal Orchids
I love rainy day hikes!
The Western edge of Dupuis
Thanks for hiking with me!
Follow along as I section hike the Ocean to Lake (OTL) hiking trail.
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Ocean to Lake Trail: LOST/NENA Trailhead to Western edge of DuPuis
Pictures and videos of hikes exploring the Ocean to Lake Trail in the DuPuis section
Parking at the LOST/NENA Trailhead on US 98, hiking East from Lake Okeechobee towards DuPuis (and back)
The majority of this section of the Ocean to Lake Trail hike is “road walk” adjacent to farmland. While it was not a main road, it was dirt and gravel and I was passed by many large dump trucks.
This section of the Ocean to Lake Trail is full sun until you enter DuPuis.
Views of the trail head
Crossing US 98 into a brief tropical hammock
Road walk along farm land
Enjoying the shade and benches on the Western edge of Dupuis
Follow along as I section hike the Ocean to Lake (OTL) hiking trail.
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Fort George Island: March 2023 Retreat
Pictures and videos of hikes and exploring at Fort George Island during my March 2023 Retreat.
My first visit (of several) to Fort George Island, I made a quick stop at Fort George Island Cultural State Park at the Ribault Club, walked along the ruins at Kingsley Plantation, and delighted in the drive through the island forest.
Views of the marsh
Ribault Club
Island drive
Kingsley Plantation
As I visit state and national parks, I get the opportunity to critically think about historical events, the misuse of power and control, and reflect on what it must have been like and what lessons I can learn from it.
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Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park: March 2023 Retreat
Pictures and video of short hike at Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park during my March 2023 Retreat.
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park is a Florida State Park in Northeast Florida near Jacksonville on the North bank of the St Johns River. According to the sign in the park, it was a: Confederate earthworks designed and located by General Robert E. Lee as one of a series of forts for the defense of the Saint Johns River. This fort was occupied by both Confederate and Union forces during the course of the war and is today in its original state.
As I visit state parks, I get the opportunity to critically think about historical events, the misuse of power and control, and reflect on what it must have been like and what lessons I can learn from it.
Video Transcript
Yellow Bluff (I think it's called) Historic State Park. This is like high up, kind of overlooking the St. Johns, which is over that away (points). You can see the 295 bridge over there (pointing at bridge). There aren't any good views of the river, but if you are in the neighborhood it is work a visit. There are really pretty oak trees.
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Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park: December 2022 Retreat
Pictures and videos of short hikes and the gardens at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park during my December 2022 Retreat.
Drive into Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park, to the garden parking area
Stop and visit Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park
December blooms at Maclay Gardens State Park
Photos of pink flowers.
Hike with me along a flower lined path at Maclay Gardens
Accessibility at Maclay Gardens State Park
Pictures of brick paved path. It might be accessible to some with mobility devices, however there are still steps, it doesn’t reach all of the garden areas, and there are hills and steep inclines.
Secret garden at Maclay Gardens
Pictures of circular garden enclosed by a vine covered wall, overlooking a reflection pond with palm tress on either side, and a lake in the distance. A picture of Darby having to duck to enter the garden. A white bloom.
Turtle sunning itself at Black Pond at Maclay Gardens
Old growth oak at Maclay Gardens
Picture of Darby standing in front of a large oak tree. Darby is 6 feet tall for comparison. Diameter of tree is approximately 8-10 feet across.
Wildlife at Maclay Gardens
baby gator (same in both images, one is zoomed in)
Wandering aimlessly at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
picture of my meandering around the garden area of Maclay Gardens
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Manatee Springs State Park: December 2022 Retreat
Pictures and videos of short hikes and my campsite at Manatee Springs State Park during my December 2022 Retreat.
Drive into Manatee Springs State Park, past the camping areas to the spring head parking area.
Hike with me: a view of the cypress swamp from the boardwalk at Manatee Springs State Park
The Boardwalk Trail along the spring run at Manatee Springs State Park
Photos of a short hike along the boardwalk along the spring to the Suwannee River. Pictures include a trail map, spring water, cypress trees, and cold front clouds.
The Sink Loop Trail at Manatee Springs State Park
Hike a portion of the Sink Trail with me. Sinks are indentations in the ground that can open up into the water table, resulting in a spring. The sinks I saw along this trail were all dry. Further down in the photos are pictures of a sink full of water behind my campsite.
Sink Trail pictures include trail maps (one from Florida State Parks website) and pictures of flora along sink trail, and examples of sinks.
Camping at Manatee Springs State Park in the tent camping loop
Pictures from my campsite from the night. I slept in my vehicle because it was cold. Picture of my typical meal for the week, grading math tests into the evening, and a sink with spring water behind the campsite.
Parting thoughts on Manatee Springs State Park
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Hike with me: Jonathan Dickinson State Park Southern portion of green trail
A walk along the Southern portion of the green trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, FL. This short section of hiking trail is near the entrance to the park, and is surrounded by mountain biking trails. It is on the edge of a lake (Gator Hole?). If you are lucky you will see scrub jays. Lupine were blooming on today's hike!
A walk along the Southern portion of the green trail at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, FL. This short section of hiking trail is near the entrance to the park, and is surrounded by mountain biking trails. It is on the edge of a lake (Gator Hole?). If you are lucky you will see scrub jays. Lupine were blooming on today's hike!
Support my work
Hey there! If you find what I do helpful and would like to support my work so that I can make it more affordable and accessible to others, please consider making a donation.