by Michael Warren on August 17, 2008
Hiking Juniper Prairie
As the sun rises over the tall grass and scrub pines of Juniper Prairie Wilderness, lighting up the mist on Hidden Pond, the only sound is the gentle breeze in the trees and the occasional call of scrub jays or the echo of woodpeckers. Here in the nation’s southernmost wilderness, six miles by trail from the nearest road, dawn comes quietly and reveals a landscape barely changed by the passage of time.
Located in deep in the heart of Ocala National Forest, about half an hour east of Silver Springs, the wilderness if strictly off-limits to motor vehicles. So to experience this untouched corner of Florida, you’re limited to walking or paddling. Either way, it’s worth the effort. [click to continue…]
by Michael Warren on April 6, 2009
When the perfect vacation consists merely of a book and a beach, the ideal location is necessarily defined by way of negation. Such a place would not have crowds, noise or congestion; it would not have nearby attractions that demand inordinate time and attention; it would not require unusual effort in travel or expense. If this destination could not be found on some maps (which is sometimes true of Palm Coast, incorporated in 1999) this last negative attribute would be best of all.
When friends ask why we enjoy Palm Coast, our enthusiastic answer is that it’s not Daytona, Orlando or even St. Augustine. We found the place by accident a few years back while looking in vain for a last-minute vacation rental near St. Augustine. Our only option was a new condo development called Cinnamon Beach in the planned community of Palm Coast.
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