tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39340472939468605832024-03-13T09:41:22.385-07:00A-Walk-On-The-BeachWalking along the East coast of FloridaTamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-21111221438302296822009-01-01T14:42:00.000-08:002009-01-01T18:56:37.836-08:00Happy New Year- 2009January 1, 2009<br /><br />Well, it's time to get caught up! Finally. For the holidays I've been walking a couple of miles most days at "my" beach. The last couple of days I've been able to actually ride my bike on the hard packed sand. It felt like heaven. Riding mainly in the late afternoon, the colors from the setting sun reflected over the rolling waves...it doesn't get much better than this.<br /><br />I realize that proper blog etiquette probably means one needs to write and entertain fairly soon after events happen...well, I was terribly negligent on doing that writing. I filled you in on the trail in the Smokies but I really didn't think I was accomplishing much after that anyway. Now, as I put them to text, I see that I really have done some walking from summer through the end of this year. Here are the comments (slightly abbreviated), photos and links to prove it!<br /><br />The missing posts:<br />Indiana <span style="font-size:130%;">June 21-25</span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1TxQlLDJI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/gFhOEZ6Rsss/s1600-h/IMG_2256.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286473643332406418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1TxQlLDJI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/gFhOEZ6Rsss/s200/IMG_2256.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hiked on Indiana trails in at <a href="http://www.in.gov/ism/StateHistoricSites/T.C.SteeleHome/index.aspx" target="two">TC Steele's State Historic Site</a> , <a href="http://www.browncountystatepark.com/" target="two">Brown Co</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1Q_uhYa9I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/zxWXfzLfORo/s1600-h/IMG_2258.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.browncountystatepark.com/" target="two">unty State Park</a> and <a href="http://www.browncountystatepark.com/yellowwood/forest.htmltarget=">Yellowwood State Forest</a>. I was hiking with my parents who usually go out 3-4 days a week. Brown County Indiana, where I grew up, is a lovely area with rolling hills and many paths for a green stroll.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1ScYQ0a-I/AAAAAAAAAKA/pTB7MVP56xM/s1600-h/IMG_2300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286472185105640418" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1ScYQ0a-I/AAAAAAAAAKA/pTB7MVP56xM/s200/IMG_2300.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><div><span style="font-size:130%;">July 4-6</span> I walked on East coast beaches of Florida with my sister in Osprey/Sarasota. The Gulf side of Florida is very different than the Atlantic. In Sarasota the public beaches are incredibly crowded (not what I'm used to) but they are very pleasant, flat and certainly gives one lots to sightsee. Just look at that sky!<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;">July 23</span> - Walked on Cocoa Beach North toward Jetty Maritime Park. I had to walk a round trip starting off at a condo where my daughter was staying with friends. I walked about 8 miles in relatively nice conditions. At the Jetty Park I was able see across the Canavarel Barge Canal and way in the distance locate the launch pads for the Kennedy Space center. I don't think I'll be walking through that area...maybe if I visit the Space Center? One of the highlights of the day was having lunch in my bikini at the Jetty Park snack shop- the popcorn shrimp was delicious! </div><br /><br /><div>Sometime during the week of <span style="font-size:130%;">July 28-August 1</span>? Okay, I can sort of remember<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1VYwRyoTI/AAAAAAAAAKY/pRfqMu0dkpA/s1600-h/IMG_2330.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286475421367574834" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1VYwRyoTI/AAAAAAAAAKY/pRfqMu0dkpA/s200/IMG_2330.jpg" border="0" /></a> this walk. It was actually a long and important one, so I'll probably have to update this when I really figure it out! My daughter was meeting friends at the Riverside Park beach in Vero, so I asked her to drop me off and then when she was ready to leave we would connect and she could pick me up. What an excellent plan...I could really get some miles down and not have to back track. Well...the day was great, skirting clouds, flat sand. Two hours or so later my ride was ready but I didn't know how to get off the beach. You see traveling north from the Riverside Park there are only a few beaches with public access. I passed Jaycee Park and then I was passing lovely homes on John's Island. The walking wasn't getting any easier because it was mountains of seashells. The sound of tinkling shells was incredible but how was I going to get off the beach? My ride was waiting, not so patiently, at a small park outside of Wabasso Beach. My feet were not happy and the going was rough. Forty-five more minutes, thirty more minutes...finally I arrived at what I hoped was the exit park. A very productive 8-9 miles had been achieved but not without some drama and trauma.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1awdfumqI/AAAAAAAAAKo/aR119tKxYVw/s1600-h/IMG_2344.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286481326200756898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1awdfumqI/AAAAAAAAAKo/aR119tKxYVw/s200/IMG_2344.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">August 4</span> - A visiting cousin, Sasha, needed a ride to the Miami airport. What a great opportunity to go to South beach. I found a small park (I think it was called Collins Park), changed into my suit and traveled South to Miami beach. Again, a little more crowded for my taste and there was a lot of be<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1cNYpPriI/AAAAAAAAAKw/8f3T9Hrxie4/s1600-h/IMG_2346.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286482922626330146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1cNYpPriI/AAAAAAAAAKw/8f3T9Hrxie4/s200/IMG_2346.jpg" border="0" /></a>ach "construction" going on. The walking was a little difficult due to higher tide and erosion. I did take a swim at the South Pointe Park, because it was too hot; the water was glorious. I walked around 8 miles round trip but on the return tried a little sidewalk strolling to look at all the lovely people and restaurants. The art deco buildings <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SV1awGSytmI/AAAAAAAAAKg/9crTZci9qoU/s1600-h/IMG_2346.jpg"></a>were fun too.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><span style="font-size:130%;">September 27</span> - Remember <a href="http://a-walk-on-the-beach.blogspot.com/2008/04/return-from-bed.html”target=">Juno Beach Pier</a>? Back in April, 2008 I walked from the Pier South. This time I walked North, and returned, for about 6 miles. It was supposed to be low tide but...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">October 18</span>- I spent the morning helping out our local Reading Council by reading to young children on the sidewalk benches. Then it was off to Jensen Beach to walk and return by bike. Unfortunately this day is a bit of a blur- thus the reason to write about it immediately (or at least write something down) I think I parked my bike at the Jensen Beach Park and drove to Waveland to park and walked South. I believe I walked around 4 miles but I do remember having deja vue; had I traveled this path before? Better record keeping for this year? Stay posted ;-D</div></div></div></div></div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-45553677053960331802008-06-17T19:37:00.000-07:002008-07-30T19:22:26.317-07:00Clingmans Dome- A day of rest<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SJEgfMfvhkI/AAAAAAAAAG4/FQQ65pTmaTg/s1600-h/IMG_2223.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228996362656253506" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SJEgfMfvhkI/AAAAAAAAAG4/FQQ65pTmaTg/s200/IMG_2223.jpg" border="0" /></a> June 17, 2008 Tuesday<br /><div><div></div><br /><div>I did the touristy thing and went to the top of Clingman's Dome (6643 ft) It was windy and it was chilly but the panaramic view was fabulous. I walked, maybe, 100 yards down the Appalachian Trail and then I did a very lazy thing. I popped out my foldable chair, had a picnic lunch and watched the mountains for the rest of the afternoon.</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SJEfrkTQkAI/AAAAAAAAAGw/f0-mKbTMFI8/s1600-h/IMG_2235.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228995475693146114" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SJEfrkTQkAI/AAAAAAAAAGw/f0-mKbTMFI8/s200/IMG_2235.jpg" border="0" /></a>Because I had not used very much energy in the afternoon, I decided I needed to do something for exercise so I drove to Laurel Falls which offered a 2.5 mile round trip hike. Again, 1 mile up is still some work in the mountains. But there were loads of people at the top and the peaceful waterfalls wasn't very peaceful. Going down was a breeze.<br /><br /><div></div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-54194084526043282752008-06-16T19:27:00.000-07:002008-07-30T19:08:33.743-07:00Russell Field Trail to Cades Cove- Day 3<div>June 16, 2008 Monday<br /><br />Jack, Liz and I exited the Appalachian Trail and heading west on the Russell Field Trail which would take us into Cades Cove and our ride back to Fontana Dam. Debbie and Phillis were heading on for a couple more days to Newfound Gap (5045 ft) which will take them past Clingmans Dome (6643 ft) the highest point in the park.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226031818302692402" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIaYQALSHDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Bu5dTPBua0o/s200/IMG_2183.jpg" border="0" />This was an easy day. It was to be 6+ miles. We headed down, down, down, past azeala trees and the dying <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/hemlock-woolly-adelgid.htm" target="two">Eastern hemlocks</a>. Jack and Liz had hiked this trail years before and the section had greatly changed. Many of the giant hemlocks were lying, crashed to the forest floor. This allowed for other species to catch the sunlight and grow; changing the make up of the plants along the trail. There wasn't as much canopy, therefore the sun filtered through and it was much warmer, which is not beneficial to a hiker. Jack was bothered, most of the day, by gnats.<br /></div><div>We arrived into the picnic area of Cades Cove right after lunch and utilized their picnic tables for a pleasant sit down dinner. Jack and Liz shared their tuna and baby bell cheese with me and while Jack relaxed Liz and I went to find the car.</div><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SI_QpS32sOI/AAAAAAAAAGo/dhVPijdZzeU/s1600-h/IMG_2198.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228627100259758306" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SI_QpS32sOI/AAAAAAAAAGo/dhVPijdZzeU/s200/IMG_2198.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our goal, to exit the park, was to take the car down one way Parson Branch road . To get to the road we had to travel through the one-way Cades Cove Loop. We stopped with the other tourists to take pictures of vistas and deers, and then we ran into a major traffic jam. People were leaping from their cars, with their cameras at the ready, to try to capture...what? A small bear was running through the woods, desperately trying to escape the throngs of tourists who were trying to capture it's photo. Sorry, no physical images here, only mental ones.<br /><br />Parson Branch road came with a caution. It was dirt, it would have rough patches, and it was not suggested for cars that were low to the ground. Supposedly it would save us time? It turned into yet another adventure. We forded, what was it Jack? at least twenty areas with running water. The road was windy and steep; the driving was slow and we were surrounded by woods. It was with great pleasure that we arrived at route 129 (remember the Tail of the Dragon) Route 129 was at least paved.</div><div> </div><div>Shortly afterwards we arrived back at Fontana Dam, transfered all belongings and the Great Smoky Mountain hike 2008 was at an end.</div><div> </div><div><br /><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIaYQALSHDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Bu5dTPBua0o/s1600-h/IMG_2183.jpg"></a>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-1209955038012741122008-06-15T09:24:00.000-07:002008-07-29T18:55:14.712-07:00Great Smoky Appalachian Trail-Day TwoJune 15, Sunday<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>Up, UP, UP, back to the top of my Long Trail, in an attempt to catch up with the other hikers on the Appalachian Trail. I woke up at 6:30am and was on my way by 7:30am. There was no rain, no bears and no snakes. I was moving pretty quickly (for me), at a steady pace...UP, UP, UP. I think I found the bear's rock cave, but they may have been sleeping. I tiptoed past. </div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIaQKsTdDaI/AAAAAAAAAGA/aA4r0ghf4IU/s1600-h/IMG_2169.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226022930975886754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIaQKsTdDaI/AAAAAAAAAGA/aA4r0ghf4IU/s200/IMG_2169.jpg" border="0" /></a>It took me two hours to get out of my "valley" and then when I passed the Birch Spring Gap I found a stick arrow "sign" on the path to indicate the other hikers were on their way. I picked up the pace, determined to at least walk with them some of the day. Because I was moving so quickly, I developed a blister on my left heel and had to stop for some maintenance. </div><div><br /></div><div>On my climb up Doe Knob (4520 ft) I ran across a ridge runner. He was out checking and trimming the trail and had crossed paths with the other hikers and predicted that I would catch up with them at their lunch stop, perhaps Ekaneetlee Gap (3,842 ft). Sure enough the troop was supine, relaxing or eating their lunch when I arrived. They were happy that I was able to catch up with them, and I was glad to continue at a more reasonable pace. Jack and Liz were amazing with their knowledge of plants and flowers. This slowed us down even more because we stopped often to identify species. My goal was to try to remember at least one.</div><div><br />We made a brief pause at Mollies Ridge Shelter before continuing up to 4,775 feet on Devils Tater Patch. We were headed for Russell Field Shelter where we all had a reservation for the night. I would be trekking about 9 miles on this second day. I thought I would have a tough time managing this mileage but, besides the blister, I was doing great. We briefly left Jack behind as he stopped to rest more often, but we could hear him singing through the woods and knew he wasn't far behind.</div><div><br />Russell Field Shelter...was crowded...with women. Jack was the only male and the shelter was almost full. Supposedly if you are booked at a shelter you must stay in the shelter and aren't to use tents. This is probably to help with the maintenance of the camping area and to protect you from bears, who know that shelters sometimes means food. The shelter did have a fenced front, but smart bears (Yogi) would probably just open the gate ;-D</div><div><br />The shelter had two tiers, and getting up on the top bunk area wasn't a simple task. There were four ladies on the top and at least 7 people on the bottom. Before we even went to sleep the mice were running. They scurried along the sides and climbed around on the fenced front. Some of the ladies had hung their packs from the fence AND forgot to put away one piece of food. (my food and back-you got it- up the bear cables) As soon as the food was taken away, the mice settled down for a nice sleep. We attempted to do the same. Sleeping in the shelter just doesn't have the same comfort as your tent.</div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-5156229008663691812008-06-14T18:36:00.000-07:002008-07-29T18:53:44.927-07:00Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIU6pMjYbyI/AAAAAAAAAFY/kOAzEgb1_LY/s1600-h/IMG_2202.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225647422052003618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIU6pMjYbyI/AAAAAAAAAFY/kOAzEgb1_LY/s200/IMG_2202.jpg" border="0" /></a> June 14, Saturday<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Getting up after a late night wasn't too difficult. We were excited to get going and had about 6+ miles to hike. Granted it was going to be up to 3680 thousand feet. We made it the trail head at Fontana Dam and had a lovely morning hike, pacing ourselves and having a look at all the flora and fauna.</div><div>It threatened to rain most of the day. We watched the thunderhead clouds moving just out of reach through the trees. There were mainly just trail and trees and a few vistas. Later in the afternoon it started to rain fairly steady. We weren't to concerned because we weren't getting cold and our packs were covered. My back was very light. Since I hadn't backpacked for at least 4 years I did my best to make sure the pack was maybe 30 pounds. There was only a few extras...I did bring my ipod but no book. I didn't have a water filter, I was going to use the tablets to purify the water, just for a couple of days. There were PJ's but no change of clothing. I always bring my fleece jacket because in the mountains, after dark, I'm usually cold. Three days of food included peanut butter, bagels, noodles, rice, gatorade, breakfast bars and dried fruit.</div><br /><div>Four of the party were trekking up to the Birch Spring Gap Shelter (campsite 113). When you backpack into the Smokies you must have reservations and register to camp. They only allow a few campers at each location and I was unable to stay with the others. I was assigned to campsite 91, which took me off the Appalachian trail about a mile. I discovered that it was the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/upload/Trail%20map%2008.pdf" target="two">Lost Cove Trail</a> which follows along the <a href="http://www.bmta.org/" target="two">Benton MacKaye Trail</a>. The rain slacked off a little and it's nearing 5pm when I have to veer off, by myself, on to a misty side trail. Hmmm...I'm okay with this, right? I'd had such a good day, I was feeling pretty good. I waved good-bye, calling cheerfully I <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIVDnZsFO9I/AAAAAAAAAFg/qRaifWcSrUM/s1600-h/IMG_2136.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225657286823066578" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIVDnZsFO9I/AAAAAAAAAFg/qRaifWcSrUM/s200/IMG_2136.jpg" border="0" /></a>would see them tomorrow. </div></div><br />And then it started to rain again and harder. Wait, I was traveling....down hill? You know what happens when you go down? Yes, in the morning I would have to retrace my steps back UP the mountain. Slipping and sliding down the slippery slope that seemed to go on forever. Really it was more like 1.5 miles than 1 mile to the campsite. On the beach 1 mile takes me 20 minutes or less. It took me two hours to get to the campsite. It did finally stop raining and I had plenty of fresh babbling water to drink and <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIVFTL7nEdI/AAAAAAAAAFo/wk_iqcrhkg0/s1600-h/IMG_2170.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225659138555974098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIVFTL7nEdI/AAAAAAAAAFo/wk_iqcrhkg0/s200/IMG_2170.jpg" border="0" /></a>traverse. The campsite was lovely but there wasn't anyone else there. I was all alone, with bear cables. Well, at least I didn't have to try my hand at finding a good limb and use my non-existent throwing arm, achieve a perfect throw 25 feet up. Luckily the sign on the left was NOT near my campsite, but it felt as though I could have a furry visitor at any moment. </div><br /><div>I set up my hammock tent and arranged my area. A small brightly colored snake stuck it's head out from under a rock on which I had perched my backpack, and then retreated to clear out of my way. I made dinner of rice and some fruit, stowed everything into the backpack and hung it from the bear cable, all before sunset. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIVH4dRdroI/AAAAAAAAAFw/d-tK0j12nUc/s1600-h/IMG_2149.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225661977889451650" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIVH4dRdroI/AAAAAAAAAFw/d-tK0j12nUc/s200/IMG_2149.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIVIEzssu4I/AAAAAAAAAF4/mYVv-a1_rQo/s1600-h/IMG_2144.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225662190067694466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SIVIEzssu4I/AAAAAAAAAF4/mYVv-a1_rQo/s200/IMG_2144.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My hammock tent is comfortable, just not too roomy. I listened to my ipod, relaxing into sleep, listening for rain and rustling in the bushes. </div></div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-23059604610104824082008-06-13T15:26:00.000-07:002008-07-30T19:22:05.227-07:00Appalachian in the Smokies<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SHqEJhx87NI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/rT7n8rNmX8Q/s1600-h/Blood+mountain,+GA.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222632017111084242" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SHqEJhx87NI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/rT7n8rNmX8Q/s200/Blood+mountain,+GA.jpg" border="0" /></a> June 13, 2008<br /><br />In June of 2004 Frank and I trekked on the Appalachian trail from Springer Mountain to Fontana Dam. We traveled for three weeks, stopping every 3-4 days to recoup. On the second stop in Hiawassee, GA, where we stayed 24 hours with my friend Pat, I almost wanted to stop but we continued and covered maybe 172 miles. The photo above is on our 2nd day in Blood Mountain, GA.<br /><br />I belong to the <a href="http://www.floridatrails.org/" target="two">Florida trails</a> (though not actively) and a few people were going to hike on the Appalachian Trail from Fontana Dam. (They had been backpacking for at least a week before I joined them) The plan was to meet at <a href="http://www.noc.com/" target="two">Nantahala</a>, drive to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsm/" target="two">Great Smoky Mountains National Park</a> to drop off my car, return to Nantahala and start walking on Saturday from Fontana Dam. This way we could walk for three days, camping for two and return by my car to Fontana on Monday.<br />The only thing that we didn't plan for was the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqtdJKM5Mfk" target="two">Tail of the Dragon</a>. The Smokies have two main entrances. It took us 2 1/2 hours, one way, to get to the West entrance, most of it on Route 129, which is the Dragon. It was crazy and we didn't get back until 11pm. We have to get up early and get to Fontana Dam?<br /><br />Nantahala has these cute, if you don't mind sharing, cabins with bunkbeds. I was in a room with two Florida ladies, a mother and daughter. They had been on the Appalachian trail for 3-4 days prior, and slept soundly, despite my late night return.Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-26135297090155896102008-06-09T13:57:00.000-07:002008-07-13T18:00:50.568-07:00Florida State University<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222628208924808194" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SHqAr3Ll1AI/AAAAAAAAAFA/lDTB3IBPpDg/s200/IMG_2114.jpg" border="0" />June 9, 10, 11, 12, 2008<br /><br /><div>What a great campus. <em>I</em> want to go back to school.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SHqA6_E9IaI/AAAAAAAAAFI/erPrDOPsgKY/s1600-h/IMG_2106.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222628468742496674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SHqA6_E9IaI/AAAAAAAAAFI/erPrDOPsgKY/s200/IMG_2106.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-58526475286914629142008-06-04T13:08:00.000-07:002008-07-21T18:36:05.382-07:00School's Out for Summer!June 4, 2008 <div><div><br />Last day of school for students and teachers. Beach going will definitely improve now. Beach walking? Yes, short distances in the neighborhood. And then it will be off to the Smokies.<br /><br />Last week I ran out of steam and desire to continue practice with the backpacking but today I was determined to get out for a little <a href="http://www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow/" target="two">Oxbow Eco-Center</a> . I finished with my classroom, turned in my key and put on my backpack. Boy, it was hot and almost everyone else was out of the parking lot, starting their summer vacation. What are they doing now? Shopping, studying, traveling away in their loaded RV?<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SHprFaL0cqI/AAAAAAAAAE4/6UqA2X37raU/s1600-h/IMG_2083.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222604458561925794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SHprFaL0cqI/AAAAAAAAAE4/6UqA2X37raU/s200/IMG_2083.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I only made 3-4 miles, around the Oxbow and retraced my steps along the Otter trail by the river. The tree cover and cooling river water made it more appealing. I saw a gopher turtle and about 6-7 black snakes. Two were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">intertwined</span> right on the Otter trail and I almost stepped on them. One slithered away and the other kept his head in a hole. Did he not know his backside was sticking out? There has to be a saying that would signify his dilemma. Who can come up with that?<br /><br />Next week I'll be walking around <a href="http://www.fsu.edu/" target="two">Florida State University</a>. (without my loaded backpack-because that would really <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">embarrass</span> the teenager)<br /></div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-58996095083974348252008-05-28T14:12:00.000-07:002008-07-10T14:20:50.201-07:00"Hiking" in the OxbowMay 28, 2008 Wednesday<br />It's the end of the school year and everyone is winding down. Getting classes cleaned, booked stored and students ready for the summer. I asked other teachers if they wanted to take a walk into the Oxbow after work but had only one taker. Cathy joined me for the second day into my "practice". She didn't mind the heat, the pace or the length! She probably could have continued walking, even after 6 miles, but she was sans 30 pound backpack.<br /><br />We had a lovely chat and good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">camaraderie</span>. Those other people don't know what they're missing!Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-13387811875553960332008-05-27T19:52:00.000-07:002008-07-01T08:01:31.464-07:00Walking along the RiverTuesday, May 27, 2008<br /><div><div><div>This past weekend was High School graduation and very little walking was accomplished. A little bit of biking was done and a lot of socializing.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I do have an opportunity to join a small Florida Trails group which will be hiking on the AT into the Great Smokey Mountains starting June 14. I've pulled out my pack and equipment, and now I need to get ready. Walking on the soft, flat, sandy beaches just won't get me ready<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SGpCuE_5gTI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/DAcGO1Kd1ho/s1600-h/IMG_2080.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218056477645308210" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SGpCuE_5gTI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/DAcGO1Kd1ho/s200/IMG_2080.jpg" border="0" /></a> for the 4,000 foot+ mountains. I needed to get a little challenge, so I headed for the <a href="http://www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow/" target="two">Oxbow Eco-Center</a> after work. I have a lovely route that takes me around the elementary school into the back entrance of the Oxbow. This trail is a rolli<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SGpE8hB1zlI/AAAAAAAAAEo/6JRYtzIGYvE/s1600-h/IMG_2081.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218058924711071314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SGpE8hB1zlI/AAAAAAAAAEo/6JRYtzIGYvE/s200/IMG_2081.jpg" border="0" /></a>ng, root infested path along the St. Lucie River. </div><div> </div><div>I then walk out the other end of the Oxbow to the Riverpark complex which has a wide chip covered path around the perimeter. After completing the loop around the neighborhood, I return back to the Oxbow and heading straight through the middle come out next to the canel close to where I have my car.<br /></div><div>5-6 miles<br /></div><div>2 black snakes</div></div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-81684032197556355912008-05-18T18:09:00.000-07:002008-06-03T13:42:37.017-07:00Sunrise on the Beach<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SDN22XS9CwI/AAAAAAAAAEI/Olzy2Kt24fY/s1600-h/IMG_2031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202632670881581826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SDN22XS9CwI/AAAAAAAAAEI/Olzy2Kt24fY/s200/IMG_2031.jpg" border="0" /></a> Sunday, May 18, 2008<br /><div>Today I woke up early and when I looked outside the sky was amazing, so without waking up the other inhabitants of the house, I grabbed my camera and hightailed it to the beach. I didn't even stop to put in my contact lenses. 6:30am</div><br /><div>As I started across A1A, I waved to the elderly gentleman who rides his three wheeler down the sidewalk at least two times a day. He yelled at me to be careful; I looked both ways and trotted over to out run the bugs. There was no one on the beach and the colours were phenomenal. The air was cool. I played around with the camera for a little while and the best and most interesting photo, above, includes our boardwalk, where all our neighbors meet for evening chats and comaraderie. I then discovered that I actually knew how to take a video, sorta, kinda. So in the spirit of Roxie, I tried to present my first beach video. You're going to love the end. But, alas, I couldn't get it to download. I'll have to work on that.</div><br /><p>Later in the morning I did get a short walk to Avalon Park and a short swim. There were very few people on the beach. The water was cool and fairly flat. Lounging after my swim, I didn't have a book or a person to talk to. It's called relaxing.</p><p>In the afternoon Tatiana had her final piano recital as a young girl. If Boris makes a video of the pieces, I think it will be something you will thoroughly enjoy. Maybe someday I'll learn how to combine Tatiana's music with beach videos.</p><br /><p></p>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-3508202930763569492008-05-17T13:44:00.000-07:002008-05-21T13:43:12.149-07:00A Hawaiian Beach walkSaturday, May 17, 2008<br />This time of year gets really hectic and not much beach walking is getting accomplished. Today I had a end of school year training class on using technology in the classroom, how apropo is that?<br /><br />Earlier in the week I found a really cool website that I'm going to keep my eye on. <a href="http://www.beachwalks.tv/2008/05/14/beach-walk-635-love-your-feet-go-barefoot/" target="two">Beachwalk with Rox </a>at first seems to be a commericial site because she is promoting herself as a motivational speaker (and successful podcaster, blogger) BUT what a fun way to do it. Every couple of days she, her dog, Lexi, and her husband, the Secret cameraman, put together a video podcast of Roxanne discussing something as she walks on a beach in Hawaii. Interesting topics, beautiful scenery and what an inspiration! If you love dogs, you'll really like Lexi.<br /><br />Roxanne says,<em> "...most every day that I am here in Hawaii, I go to the beach to walk and swim with our dog Lexi, and Secret Cameraman comes along so we can share it with you. (Other days I am on the road or we do something special here in Hawaii!) We've had over 2 million downloads and have some of the smartest and kindest people in the world watching our show - which was started by accident, by the way!"</em><br /><br />They also have a blog at <a href="http://www.barefeetstudios.com/" target="two">barefeetstudios.com</a>, which I have yet to investigate.<br /><br />Don't spend too much time on line, you here? And do let me know what you think about "A Walk On the Beach".<br /><br />As neighbor Wallace says,<span style="color:#3333ff;"> <em>"It's better to live life than write about it."</em></span><br /><br />Section: To the beach and return...I did ride my bike to Fort Pierce North bridge and back, swimming in the pool.<br />Water temperature: 74<br />UV: 10 at noon<br />Wind: From the South<br />Tide: Working toward high<br />Time: Boardwalk time, before sunset<br />Length: 1/2 hour at the boardwalk/beach, 10 miles on the bike<br />Marine animals: none, but the mosquitos are out and so were the no-see-ums<br />People: Neighbors are Great!<br />Beach litter: very little<a href="http://www.barefeetstudios.com/"></a>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-77350377674577988142008-05-11T13:40:00.000-07:002008-05-21T13:47:39.134-07:00Swimming the beach?Sunday, May 11, 2008<br /><br />Another lazy day, though I did walk south less than a mile and back. There was hardly anyone on the beach, where are all the people? After the short walk I went into the water to swim. Normally when I walk longer distances I haven't been going in the water because sometimes it's not so comfortable to walk while you're wet. But after I started to swim I realize swimming, of course, is another form of moving down the beach. For me it would be tedious to swim longer distances; I went about 1/2 mile, breast stroke, crawl, side stroke. Mixing it up with back swim, underwater, running. Other people have been known to swim the english channel and additional large bodies of water. I think I'll stick to walking. The water was almost crystal clear and only a little choppy.<br /><br />As I was swimming I could see a few neighbors arriving to enjoy the beauty and I thought to appear out of the water as close to Kerryane as possible, to give her a surprise. I don't realize people on the beach are very aware of people swimming in the water. Mary (another walking neighbor) returned from her walk and pointed out to the water, like she was watching something. I swam closer to shore and suddenly...<br /><br />"Get out of the water!" yells Kerryane, practically throwing her phone (she was talking to her mother).<br /><br />I was already close, so a few quick steps took me out. There was a large ominious dark shape, moving rather quickly through the water. Then the whiskery nose rose to the surface. It was a manatee.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SCtd0nS9CvI/AAAAAAAAAEA/E6qec57TCDk/s1600-h/manateeb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200353353212431090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SCtd0nS9CvI/AAAAAAAAAEA/E6qec57TCDk/s200/manateeb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Later, after lounging and talking, Kerryane and I watched two larger fish swimming quickly south in the clear water. And then a fin broke the surface. Yes, there are sharks. These sharks were small. Watch for bait fish and cloudy water, that's when there is more danger.<br /><br />Today and yesterday the outside temperature was soaring! It was at least 93 or 94. Blasts of hot air hit me in the face as I rode my bike to the north bridge in Fort Pierce. Florida summer is getting closer!<br /><br />Section: Home- Breaker's Landing<br />Water temperature: 74<br />UV: 9 at noon<br />Wind: From the southwest<br />Tide: high Time: 12:00p-3pm<br />Length: to the home beach and back<br />Marine animals: fish, manatee, and baby shark<br />People: a few<br />Beach litter: very little<br />photo credit: <a href="http://www.manatees.net/" target="two">http://www.manatees.net/</a>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-67267245356660586862008-05-10T14:35:00.000-07:002008-05-14T14:39:30.157-07:00Mother's WeekendSaturday, May 10, 2008<br /><br /><div>Not much walking today because I spent the morning at a Mother's Brunch and tea party with my Girl Scout buddies (and my daughter).<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SCpD_XS9CuI/AAAAAAAAAD4/uoredfVe1Hw/s1600-h/scan0003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200043475616991970" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SCpD_XS9CuI/AAAAAAAAAD4/uoredfVe1Hw/s200/scan0003.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>Afterward I went on a short walk <em>to </em>the beach, with the beach chair. I spent the rest of the afternoon lounging, enjoying the water and sand, talking to Marco and Boris, and swimming. The wind grew more fierce as the day progressed, and the water became more choppy. I did find a tiny seahorse while swimming. (This photo is NOT the seahorse but rather another found years ago-thus the quality of the photo. Today's seahorse was also half this size) Doesn't he look like a piece of seaweed?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Section: Home- Breaker's Landing<br />Water temperature: 74<br />UV: 10 at noon<br />Wind: From the South<br />Tide: high<br />Time: 2:00p-4:45p<br />Length: to the home beach and back</div><div>Marine animals: fish and a seahorse<br />People: a few<br />Beach litter: very little</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-16800325639257972612008-05-04T14:26:00.001-07:002008-05-07T14:56:54.513-07:00Sunday Saunter with a FriendMay 4, 2008 Sunday<br /><br />I had planned to travel north to Sebastian for two days in a row but received and unexpected phone call from my friend Lee, who was finished with her college final exams and was ready to do some walking. She lives close to the north Fort Pierce Inlet, so I headed over to her house on my bicycle, and we walked to the beach entry. The tide was low and the beach was wide. It was just like summer with tidal pools filled with clear, warm water. It was fairly busy with people walking, surfing, and playing. We hadn’t seen each other for months and we had plenty to talk about: school, classes, children, summer plans and future plans. We went at a leisurely pace, without time restraints or worries. Lee has on her agenda to hit the beach more often this summer, taking her young son to become more comfortable with the ocean waves.<br /><br />Upon returning to Lee’s house I continued on my bike to the north bridge. The bridge gives a view of the Indian River Lagoon, South Bridge, Fort Pierce and north, on a clear day, the 17th ST Bridge in Vero. I count it a very lucky day if you see a dolphin or two. (But I didn’t see any today)<br /><br />Section: Access off of south to south Fort Pierce Inlet, Inlet Park<br />Water temperature: 76<br />UV:9 at noon<br />Wind: From the South<br />Tide: low<br />Time: 2:00p-4:00p<br />Length: Marine animals: none<br />People: Many<br />Beach litter: very littleTamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-82255205882943360902008-05-03T14:26:00.000-07:002009-01-01T17:13:02.641-08:00Beautiful May DayMay 2, 2008<br /><br /><br />Back to Sebastian Inlet and another set of long private beaches. I went north over the Sebastian bridge and counted miles from my last Archie Carr beach access, which held mainly surfers. I kept driving and driving, looking for public beach access. Well, I finally found a couple of spots but panicked as large rain clouds scooted overhead. I needed something not too long in miles, but not too short for the time I spent getting here. I attached my bike to the Archie Carr Beach sign at the start of the path to the beach, then drove back to the surfer's beach.<br /><br /><br />I attempted to park at the surfer’s beach access but it was massively full, so I drove a mile north to Bonseller Park, which had plenty of spaces and a toilet. I felt like I was racing the storm clouds but it was nice to have a little relief from the sun. The wind was to my back and<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SCIkKMz1aTI/AAAAAAAAADI/J8DHTH0jQ0s/s1600-h/IMG_2027.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197756677594900786" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SCIkKMz1aTI/AAAAAAAAADI/J8DHTH0jQ0s/s200/IMG_2027.jpg" border="0" /></a> pushed me along the flat, open beach. There were hardly any people due to the “privacy” of the beaches for the next 4 miles. The sand was fine beneath my feet. I observed the lovely beach houses as I marched by, daydreaming about their owner’s and who took care of their gardens. I passed an appealing beach hut that enticed one to lounge in the two available chairs, but I didn’t stop; it was too early in the game and I was still eyeing the storm clouds. The clouds did eventually dissipate, moving faster and further north. I didn’t think I would have much trouble locating the beach entry where I had positioned my bike because there just weren’t any other entry places.<br /><br />When I came to the entry I really wasn’t ready to stop walking but I had another 2 miles to make up on the other end, since I hadn’t been able to park at the surfer’s access. On the path away from the beach, which wound around the vegetation, I passed a tiny tortoise. He wasn’t happy for the interference and literally ran away from the paparazzi and the camera. Look at the cute little fellow!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SCIkKcz1aUI/AAAAAAAAADQ/AcW-Qwobqw4/s1600-h/IMG_2029.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197756681889868098" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SCIkKcz1aUI/AAAAAAAAADQ/AcW-Qwobqw4/s200/IMG_2029.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The return four miles on the bicycle route passed through Floridana and Sunnyvale. The mailboxes were a treat. Two manatees (one without his head), two seashells, we’re talking big mailboxes, and a barrel. The barrel mailbox had numerous other keg type barrels outside the house, which had barrel shaped turrets attached to its walls. It was very unique house theme.<br /><br />As I approached the Bonseller Park, I heard a familiar chirping sound. Could it be? It was my car alarm, disturbing the peace! I managed to turn it off and packed up the bike but the chirping started up again, and though I wasn’t completely finished walking, I high tailed it out of there. I will return to this part of the beach soon.<br /><br />Section: Bonseller Park(? forgot to write down the name-I'll get it next time) north to another Archie Carr beach access<br />Water temperature: 76<br />UV: 10 at noon<br />Wind: From the South<br />Tide: low<br />Time: 12:45p-2:35<br />Length: Marine animals: none<br />People: a few<br />Beach litter: very littleTamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-71559014058914361622008-04-27T19:23:00.000-07:002008-05-21T13:49:51.064-07:00Low Tide Afternoon Stroll<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194119294654549922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SBU3-pbjD6I/AAAAAAAAAC4/M8Duw_zC5cc/s200/IMG_2018.jpg" border="0" />April 27, 2008<br /><br />Low tide, the best time to stroll. Late Afternoon, even better. The lighting is perfect, the hard packed sand makes for a quick, brisk walk. My mister helped me out today by driving up to North Beach Park at 17th ST. I parked my car and he drove me to my drop off point-Reef Rd, The Moorings.<br />There were young kite surfers wielding their sails and a few other walkers. I traveled north into private beach area. There was barely anyone on the beach. It was deserted and it was glorious. Where were all the people from the lovely beach homes?<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SBU4SZbjD7I/AAAAAAAAADA/9Tis3ldiClQ/s1600-h/IMG_2024.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194119633956966322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SBU4SZbjD7I/AAAAAAAAADA/9Tis3ldiClQ/s200/IMG_2024.jpg" border="0" /></a>To the left is NOT one of the lovely beach homes but an inviting tiki hut, which led to a private path heading inland. What fun to have a relaxing bit of shade. But I was on some sort of schedule; I needed to get home for supper. A few more people appeared as I approached the public beach access. They were out for a leisurely evening stroll.<br /><br /><br /><br />Section: Reef RD, The Moorings north to North Beach Park<br />Water temperature: 76<br />UV: 10 at noon<br />Wind: From the South<br />Tide: low<br />Time: 5:30pm-7:15pm<br />Length: Marine animals: none<br />People: very few<br />Beach litter: very little<br />(Mister verbiage courtsey of my new blog friend Mo <a href="http://mosmind.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20Mister" target="two">http://mosmind.blogspot.com/search/label/the%20Mister</a>)Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-73039849223775093802008-04-26T14:07:00.000-07:002009-01-01T16:56:22.642-08:00Relay for Life and then some BeachApril 26, 2008<br /><br /><br />My energy level started out extremely low today; I'm sure due to some over-indulgence. This morning I did a symbolic one mile walk around a track because I missed being with my school's <a href="http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/" target="two">Relay for Life</a> "team" on Friday night.<br /><br />I've brought my bicycle again and traveling south of Jensen Beach Park I found beach parking at which to lock my bike. I then drove back to Jensen Beach Park and started a short four mile hike. Well, it would have be short if it hadn't been HIGH tide. Oh, it was step, sink, step, sink, step, sink. Not the best time to walk but I was there and already I was feeling better.<br /><br /><em>"Steven instructed the boy in his own peculiar gait. The slanting beach made the distance lower to put down one foot than the other, and the walking took this into account, so that there was no tiring from the difference. The trick was to be just a little quicker with the right foot going south, and quicker with the left foot going north. Jesse had taught him that, proclaiming him a true beach walkist when he accomplished it." </em><br /><em>The Barefoot Mailman, Theodore Pratt (1943)</em><br /><br />I'm not sure I'll ever be a "true beach walkist". I guess I do push off harder with the foot on the up slope. It is still slow going, more time consuming, requires more concentration and extremely tiring. I realized, as I had traveled half way, that I might not recognize the entry to my no name beach access. So the odd feeling of not really knowing where you are came into play. If I watch the time I can usually guess how far I've gone. Walking 3 miles in one hour is normal for me, but today I was slowing down due to squishy sand. Would I pass by my bike? Of course not, it was right were I left it. I was feeling much more energetic, and tooling back on the street was relaxing and fun, today the wind was too my back. I rode through a nice green golf course (Ocean Club) and past the <a href="http://elliottmuseumfl.org/" target="two">Elliot Museum</a>. I'm already planning for another great day tomorrow.<br /><br />Section: Jensen beach Park South to Beach access (MacArthur) before Bathtub reef<br />Water temperature: 76<br />UV: 7 at noon<br />Wind: From the South<br />Tide: high, going to low?<br />Time: 9:30am-11am<br />Length: 4 miles, return by bike 4 miles<br />Marine animals: none<br />People: a few happy beach goers... crowded at the beach entries.<br />Beach litter: very littleTamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-50238333718408947142008-04-20T13:03:00.000-07:002009-01-01T16:55:52.393-08:00Walk and Ride<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SBUy95bjD3I/AAAAAAAAACg/urzDKfxybLs/s1600-h/IMG_1993.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194113784211509106" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SBUy95bjD3I/AAAAAAAAACg/urzDKfxybLs/s200/IMG_1993.jpg" border="0" /></a>April 20, 2008 Sunday<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>And now for something completely different...<br /></div><div>I'm a little tired of all the backtracking over the same sand, since I'm really on a "mission" now. I thought to try combining walking and biking, because when I'm not walking I am biking. Dropping and locking my bike at the Fort Pierce Inlet, I drove to Blind Creek. Kerryane and I used Blind Creek as a destination when we did our car to car walk. </div><div><br /></div><div>Parking the car at Blind Creek, I headed North. The beach was fairly flat and open. I knew I was going to be on the beach for an extended time so I filled my fanny pack with snacks, water, camera, phone, suntan lotion, bicycle pants, gloves, and bicycle paraphernalia. It was too heavy! I could feel it tight against my hips. Not completely comfortable, but I got used to it. The views were beautiful and the day fabulous; I was distracted. I was happy.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>At Middle Cove I had to limbo under numerous fishing lines. I'm not sure if they were catching any fish or just having a relaxed day at the beach. There were a couple of display of garbage “art”, which I’ve thought about constructing myself, but now will re-think because they weren’t particularly attractive. Further North I caught a whiff of horse manure. I was getting close to Fredrick Douglas park. They bring <a href="http://www.visitstluciefla.com/beaches_horseback_riding.html" target="two">horses</a> for a beach ride once or twice a month. I followed the horse tracks to the park and took a little break. My barefeet were getting a little tired and the slope of the beach was no longer flat. The sand in this section was coarse and starting to wear on me. The sun had been at my back and I was feeling a little sunburned. Four more miles to go?? And I wasn't even finished because I had to get back to my car.<br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SBU0cJbjD5I/AAAAAAAAACw/IFK-MUfXYow/s1600-h/IMG_2003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194115403414179730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SBU0cJbjD5I/AAAAAAAAACw/IFK-MUfXYow/s200/IMG_2003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Finally I arrived at the Fort Pierce Inlet and my bicycle was ready to roll. I was looking forward to a change of pace. My timing was off, the walking took longer than I had anticipated. I still had 8+ miles to get back to the car, usually a breeze...but the breeze was against me, slowing me down. I traveled along HWY A1A. This was still better than retracing my steps. I will be using this "walk and bike" strategy again. I was extremely tired but had covered a lot of ground.</div><div></div><div>Section: Blind Creek North to Fort Pierce Inlet </div><div>Water temperature: 72</div><div>UV: 9 at noon<br />Wind: From the South<br />Tide: low going high </div><div>Time: 12:00noon-4pm<br />Length: 8 miles walking, 8 miles return biking<br />Marine animals: none </div><div>People: plenty at each beach access, very few otherwise...<br />Beach litter: very little</div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-485166858985087292008-04-19T07:46:00.000-07:002008-07-01T08:01:59.201-07:00Earth Day Celebration and a short Full Moon WalkApril 19, 2008 Saturday<br /><br />Today was the "Living Green" Earth Day Festival at our local <a href="http://www.stlucieco.gov/erd/oxbow/" target="two">Oxbow Eco-Center</a>. I volunteered to work at the welcome booth and my daughter got creative at face painting. The celebration was hopping with tons of people learning about the earth and walking through the grounds. The Oxbow is one of my favorite places to walk, off the beach. The most enjoyable walk is a trail that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">parallels the St Lucie River. It actually has ups and downs, which is rare in Florida. The flora and flauna are wonderful.</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Later Saturday evening we were able to get over to the beach to look at the full moon. It was gorgeous, lighting up the sand, allowing for a short stroll in the coolness. </span>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-77145471819140229292008-04-13T14:44:00.000-07:002009-01-01T18:27:23.054-08:00Weekend Traveling MadnessApril 13, 2008 Sunday<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPRi7GJScI/AAAAAAAAAB0/89CO8DapjBE/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+061.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189221593570167234" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPRi7GJScI/AAAAAAAAAB0/89CO8DapjBE/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+061.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Traveled 25 miles North today and early! I headed toward Sebastian Inlet and hoped for low tide. I was off by one hour and the tide was coming up fast. Parking at a tiny turn off, I topped the dune and saw Surfers. Boy, they were happy and looked like they were having a grand time. I never took up that sport. I'm more low impact. The thought of getting hit in the head, staying under too long and the slicing of the fin don't appeal to me.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPRkbGJSdI/AAAAAAAAAB8/017p9bsh-SQ/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+064.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189221619339971026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPRkbGJSdI/AAAAAAAAAB8/017p9bsh-SQ/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+064.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />There were lovely bungalow houses all along the water (some still with hurricane damage). The people had their coffee cups, newspapers and were working on a relaxing Sunday morning. I could see the inlet on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">horizon</span> and despite the rising tide the walk was pleasant. The clouds were dark and moving, but patches of sunlight often found holes and transversed across the sand.<br /><br />By 11:00am I even saw someone with a beer. As I made my return I also saw a standing surfer. (I realize this is redundant but he was standing ALL the time, never lay on his belly once) He used a paddle to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">maneuver</span> and rode those waves with the best of them. People have such fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPRnbGJSfI/AAAAAAAAACM/yiN93JppvkQ/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+067.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPRl7GJSeI/AAAAAAAAACE/xtggHueo2o4/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+066.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189221645109774818" style="WIDTH: 139px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px" height="141" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPRl7GJSeI/AAAAAAAAACE/xtggHueo2o4/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+066.jpg" width="139" border="0" /></a> Sebastian Inlet<br /><br />Section: Archie Carr Wildlife Refugue South to Sebastian Inlet<br />Water temperature: 76<br />UV: 7 at noon<br />Wind: From the South<br />Tide: low going high<br />Time: 9:30am-11am<br />Length: 2 miles give or take (4 miles, RT)<br />Marine animals: none<br />People: surfers and happy Sunday beach goers<br />Beach litter: very littleTamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-47665186941780808412008-04-12T14:27:00.000-07:002008-09-30T17:26:23.025-07:00Return from the Bed<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPNbrGJSbI/AAAAAAAAABs/h3ryKf64pjQ/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+059.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189217070969604530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPNbrGJSbI/AAAAAAAAABs/h3ryKf64pjQ/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+059.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>April 12, 2008 Saturday</div><div><br /></div><div>Hooray! I'm outside and walking again. I was so happy to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">relatively</span> healthy I took another <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">adventurous</span> drive and headed South 65 miles. I ended up at Juno Beach Pier Park. It was crowded with people, and high tide, but lovely clouds and beautiful colors surrounded me. All of the photos I publish are taken with a Canon A550. I didn't go walking on the pier, I'll do that next time when I walk North from there.</div><br /><div>I had only a slight idea of where I was walking, so I headed South. The tide had been much earlier, and as always, I wasn't. The walking was difficult. The sand was fine and squishy. But still there were great stretches without buildings or people. </div><div></div><div>I not sure what I was thinking about today. My mind seems blank. Rosemary Mahoney, in her book <a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Down-the-Nile/Rosemary-Mahoney/e/9780316107457/?itm=1" target="two">Down the Nile: Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff</a>,</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>felt the same way. Because of the physical repetition of the task (walking or rowing) if you relax, you feel good and your thoughts wander. Section: Juno Beach Pier South to a nice parking lot close to the Juno Police Department</div><div>Water temperature: 76 </div><div>UV: 9 at noon </div><div>Wind: From the South </div><div>Tide: high </div><div>Time: 11:00am-1pm</div><div>Length: 2 miles give or take (4 miles, RT) </div><div>Marine animals: none</div><div>People: crowds, but sometimes there wasn't anybody</div><div>Beach litter: medium</div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-35798120241753317562008-04-04T10:05:00.000-07:002008-05-21T14:03:01.348-07:00Off the Beach and into the bedApril 3-5.2008 Thursday-Friday-Saturday<br /><br />I have been knocked to the bed by a flu. After driving to the Orlando airport to pick up my daughter, suddenly I had a raging fever, chills and sore throat. I couldn't even sleep because I felt so badly. My skin, muscles, and joints ached. I rarely get ill; this was very disappointing. I have beaches to walk on and spring break is the time to do it. I'm so sad.<br /><br />My neighbors, however, are truely wonderful, they're making me turkey/chicken soup and I believe it's really working wonders. I'll feeling a bit like the character of the book "<a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Oblomov/Ivan-Goncharov/e/9780140449877/?itm=1" target="two">Oblomov</a>" by Ivan Aleksandrovich Goncharov. Oblomov can't be bothered to get out of bed.Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-6265920376863340652008-04-02T08:18:00.000-07:002009-01-01T17:12:07.738-08:00Walking on the beach with a friend<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPLAbGJSaI/AAAAAAAAABk/xdDdXtd3fIs/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189214403794913698" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPLAbGJSaI/AAAAAAAAABk/xdDdXtd3fIs/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div>April 2. 2008 Wednesday<br /><br /><br /><p>Usually I love to walk by myself. It is reflective and calming. Today we tried som<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPKRbGJSVI/AAAAAAAAAA8/5wtsuEfNhzA/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+047.jpg"></a>ething new. My friend Kerryane walked with me. It did take a little bit of coordination to get the two of us headed in the correct direction (sort of) at the correct time (late again) but we had other things to accomplish so...we drove about 19 miles South with two cars and put one car at Blind Creek then drove to Herman's Bay and walked North. Aren't we clever? No backtracking! and doing it twice. Not that doing it twice is really a pain, but when you're working on mileage it does seem wasteful.</p>Almost the first thing we saw, after walking off the boardwalk at Herman's Bay, were shells. We're talking mounds of different, near perfect shells, a sheller's paradise. It was enough to slow a walker down to standing still. Which we did until our feet hurt; we're barefoot again. We picked a few shells to carry until we put them down. I did take pictures...which will soon be posted. A small thunderhead pushed quickly (and quietly) past us. Most of the clouds were luminous.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189213600636029282" style="CURSOR: hand" height="110" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPKRrGJSWI/AAAAAAAAABE/K1zbPqb0_2Y/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+049.jpg" width="138" border="0" />The beach soon broadened and flattened, and with only one condo in sight, was quite pleasant. We chatted and walked. Kerryane really walks faster than I, so I had to work to keep up. Sometimes we were quiet. We passed Ocean Bay park and then Walton Rocks, where a fisherwomen confirmed we knew where we were. There are many paths into the dunes and none of the parks are marked beach side. We debated if we would actually be able to find the car at Blind Creek. Just a silly thought.<br /></p><br /><br /><p>Once back to Blink Creek, Kerryane departed for another appointment, but I wasn't ready to stop. I took the car South to Normandy Beach. In the parking lot I watched as a car backed out over the remains of their lunch. We're proud to Americans but why no pride in community or self? As I picked up the garabage, depositing it in the trash ten feet away, I wondered how these people could be so lazy and in my eyes disresptful. The aroma of french fries and hamburgers waffed up through the heavy broken bag. My mind went to wastefulness as well as laziness, then quickly to <a href="http://www.freegan.info/" target="two">freegan</a>, which I had just read about. Oh my, I'm not sure I can take you to all the places that I go when I walk on the beach. Besides it might not really connect in your mind; it would be a situation where you really had to be there.<br /></p><p>To the beach I walked, with my shoes in my hand, North to Herman's Bay. The shoes came in handy since my feet were already sensitive to the cutting shells. On the shoes went when the shells were thick, off again as the sand smoothed out. This was only a little time consuming, besides I had the camera out taking pictures of the numerous birds that flocked on this section.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPKTrGJSZI/AAAAAAAAABc/rgcmV5vgr_s/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+053.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189213634995767698" style="WIDTH: 156px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px" height="137" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPKTrGJSZI/AAAAAAAAABc/rgcmV5vgr_s/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+053.jpg" width="175" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPKS7GJSYI/AAAAAAAAABU/yulhXYcETjM/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+055.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189213622110865794" style="WIDTH: 201px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px" height="146" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPKS7GJSYI/AAAAAAAAABU/yulhXYcETjM/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+055.jpg" width="171" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPKSbGJSXI/AAAAAAAAABM/L5i2vD4Qx_c/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+048.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189213613520931186" style="WIDTH: 164px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" height="140" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPKSbGJSXI/AAAAAAAAABM/L5i2vD4Qx_c/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+048.jpg" width="182" border="0" /></a><br />Section: Part 1: Herman's Bay, St Lucie County North to Blink Creek park</p><br /><br /><p>Part 2: Normandy Beach North to Herman's Bay and return<br /></p><br /><br /><p>Water temperature: 72 </p><br />UV: 7 at noon<br /><br />Wind: From the South<br /><br />Tide: low toward high<br /><br />Time: 2:00pm-3:20p North<br />3:30pm-4:15pm North-South return<br /><br />Length: 3.5-4 miles 1st leg<br /><br />1 mile (2 round trip) 2nd leg<br /><br />Marine animals: a few tiny jelly fish babies, there were a few dead birds but plenty of live ones<br /><br />People: a few<br /><br />Beach litter: medium, I didn't pick up anything. Again the items were too big. Way, way too big. We couldn't figure out some of the stuff, except I did recognize a TV.</div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3934047293946860583.post-48818910928430918682008-04-01T16:09:00.000-07:002008-04-14T14:13:54.974-07:00Driving to the Beach...<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPHOrGJSSI/AAAAAAAAAAk/za90bOeq9cE/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+042.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189210250561538338" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPHOrGJSSI/AAAAAAAAAAk/za90bOeq9cE/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+042.jpg" border="0" /></a> April 1. 2008<br />Okay, I had a late start this morning but remember I am on Spring Break. I've decided this week I need to drive to walk because when I go back to work I will only be able to walk close to home. I drove <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">approx</span> 46.8 miles to Jupiter Inlet Colony. I found a park called Coral Cove. The beach was completely different than our lovely beach on North Hutchinson Island. At the park area this beach had ROCKS. Big rocks; the waves were crashing through them. The waves on both days have been wild but today, on this section, they were even <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">harsher</span>. I took pictures this time but you'll have to wait for me to figure out what I'm doing with the layout.<br /><br />I think that they had shipped in sand because it was not cool, white and snowy soft but black gritty and contained many shells. The slope and sand were heavy due to my late arrival after low tide. I was walking South into the wind today; my hat wouldn't stay put. The clouds surrounded the area and looked like rain but they just flew around and didn't put out. The sand quality did improve a bit as I walked along, and the tall condos turned to large beachfront houses.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPHrrGJSUI/AAAAAAAAAA0/b1Twtl5wOc4/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+046.jpg"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPHq7GJSTI/AAAAAAAAAAs/ax2ox3tUggg/s1600-h/A+walk+on+the+beach+043.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189210735892842802" style="WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" height="115" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wjxLF6yzPEM/SAPHq7GJSTI/AAAAAAAAAAs/ax2ox3tUggg/s200/A+walk+on+the+beach+043.jpg" width="189" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><p>As I'm walking along what was I thinking about? The laundry was done and the toilets weren't that dirty. Today I was thinking about what to write, what to tell you, what would be of interest. I have been barefoot for two days but today I could have used shoes. I did <em>find</em> two separate shoes but I decided to continue without. The walking was difficult and really gave me a workout. I did a lot of concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. I didn't accomplish as much distance on the beach, more distance on the road, but now I have a better plan for this section.<br /><br />As I was driving through Hobe Sound, on the way home, I saw an appropriate bumper sticker, "The Ocean is My Playground"<br /><br />Section: Coral Cove Park, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jupiter Island</span> South to Inlet</p>Water temperature: 72<br /><br />UV: 7 at noon<br /><br />Wind: From the South<br /><br />Tide: low toward <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">high</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Time</span>: 1.15 hours (round trip) 1:00pm-2:15pm<br /><br />Length: 1.5 miles give or take (3 miles, RT)<br /><br />Marine animals: a few tiny jelly fish babies<br /><br />People: a few<br /><br />Beach litter: medium, I didn't pick up anything. I was already working hard and the items were too big.</div></div>Tamelasrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02042905650056205646noreply@blogger.com0