Judy Grillo
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Inland Explorations

3/19/2017

3 Comments

 
My travel plans were to mosey my way up the coast from Central Florida while watching the weather report to the north. As I started searching for a camping spot within my usual two-week window, I was taken by surprise. There was absolutely nothing available within a two-hour radius of the Palm Coast, so I started frantically making phone calls. A conversation with an Ocala National Forest ranger set me straight -- it was Bike Week in Daytona (no, not bicycles), and there was not a spot to be had within 100 miles. Thanks to this same gal, I found Rodman Campground, just south of the nondescript town of Palatka. 

My first 36 hours were drenched in rain, followed by sunny days and cold nights (yes, below freezing) but the campground was a very pleasant place with new facilities and a very cordial staff. While I biked very little this week, I did walk nearly 25 miles of trails, and made a great discovery. 

Did you know that there's a Florida National Scenic Trail? I certainly did not, and it's a 1,400 mile, non-motorized hiking trail that was conceived in the 1960's, and stretches the length of Florida. It begins to the south at Big Cypress National Preserve near Miami and ends to the north at the Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola. You can backpack and camp straight through the middle of the entire state. I'm game! 

Sidebar: I'd love to tell the story of Marjorie Harris Carr of Boston, but instead I'll send you here for details well worth reading. 
​
3 Comments
Barb
3/29/2017 12:07:53 am

Hey Judy -- finally got caught up on my blog reading. Feel your tears at the Space center and what was a dream and a frontier. Reading JFK's words in the context of 45 is tragic. And love Majorie Carr. Plotting my summer moves that likely do not include Russia. Would love to meet up in June or July.

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Judy
3/29/2017 02:33:36 pm

Barb, Have been sending you vibes the past few days so happy to hear from you! Was wondering about Russia once again for you. My summer is currently up in the air but I'm tossing around three possibilities. Inching my way out of Florida and watching the weather. Drop me a line when you can; I'll keep you posted on my direction! j.

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Sue
4/5/2017 10:37:43 am

Judy,
I hear bad storms are in the works. I hope you are safe and dry down south. What are your travel plans this year?
Two GREAT books you must read; Untamed, by Will Harlan and The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. I couldn't put them down.
I am headed out for my first organized ride, post surgery, this weekend. So excited. I have the Bethany Beach ride to look forward to at the end of the month as well!

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