hike with me, Ocean to Lake Trail Darby Calm hike with me, Ocean to Lake Trail Darby Calm

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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hike with me, retreat, Florida State Parks Darby Calm hike with me, retreat, Florida State Parks Darby Calm

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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hike with me, retreat, Florida State Parks Darby Calm hike with me, retreat, Florida State Parks Darby Calm

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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