School's Out for Summer!

June 4, 2008

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.

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 Oxbow Eco-Center . 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?

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 intertwined 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?

Next week I'll be walking around Florida State University. (without my loaded backpack-because that would really embarrass the teenager)

"Hiking" in the Oxbow

May 28, 2008 Wednesday
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.

We had a lovely chat and good camaraderie. Those other people don't know what they're missing!

Walking along the River

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

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.

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 for the 4,000 foot+ mountains. I needed to get a little challenge, so I headed for the Oxbow Eco-Center 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 rolling, root infested path along the St. Lucie River.

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.

5-6 miles

2 black snakes

Earth Day Celebration and a short Full Moon Walk

April 19, 2008 Saturday

Today was the "Living Green" Earth Day Festival at our local Oxbow Eco-Center. 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 parallels the St Lucie River. It actually has ups and downs, which is rare in Florida. The flora and flauna are wonderful.

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.