Life In Lake

Hiking the Hidden Waters Preserve

admin — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:25:12 +0000

Florida is not known for it’s mountains. Or foothills. Or even particularly majestic wrinkles in the landscape. But what we do have is some pretty big holes! Elevation changes abound if you know where to look. Sinks and quarries are scattered throughout the state, and we even have a few caverns.

A particularly pretty example of a sink is Hidden Waters Preserve. Tucked between East Crooked Lake and Lake Joanna in Eustis the 90-acre natural preserve is managed by the Lake County Water Authority. Miles of trail bend and twist around the sink – through long-leaf pine on the rim and transitioning as the stream cuts a fissure to the marshland below. The location receives moderate foot traffic so trails are well marked, and you’ll likely run into other hikers appreciating the 105-foot elevation change.

Keep an eye out for Prickly Pear Cactus (there is quite a lot) and scores of gopher tortoise dens (that might have new residents). This is a preserve, so visitors are encourage to take only pictures.

Parking is available on Country Club Road. Park hours are 8a-Sunset. For more information, call the Lake County Water Authority at 352-343-3777 or visit http://www.lcwa.org.

View Hiking – Hidden Waters Preserve in a larger map

Where do you enjoy your favorite Lake County activities? Share in the comments below.

Hiking the Florida Trail at Juniper Springs The Florida Trail crosses north/south through the Ocala National Forest....

Boating in Lake County, Florida

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:27:21 +0000

Some of the friendliest people you will ever meet will be on the water. So much so, most every time your ride by another boat on the lake you’ll get a friendly wave or nod.
Lake County is so named for a reason. From spring-fed lakes, to former mines, to huge chains of lakes; there’s not reason to not get on the water.

If you don’t have a watercraft of your own, don’t fret. There are plenty of informative tours and rentals to help.

RENTALS:

TOURS:
Captain Doolittle’s Eco-Tours from Mount Dora
Mon thru Fri 10am & 2pm — Sat & Sun 11am & 2pm
(352)-434-8040 or (352) 383-6414
premierboattours@vol.com

Adventure Tours, LLC – Kayak tours
20510 County Road 561
Clermont, FL 34715
(352) 406-3775

Central Florida Nature Adventures
35830 County Road 439
Eustis, FL 32726
(352) 589-7899

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Kayaking to Primitive Camping on the Nature Coast

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:00:40 +0000

Shell Island just a short paddle away from the beautiful Fort DeSoto Park (Pinellas County) is a great place to get away for the day … or the weekend. Sorry, but dogs and alcohol are no longer allowed on the beach. The crescent-shaped beach at the inlet is a popular hangout for daytrippers and fishermen with charters. A permit from the county is required for overnight camping.

View Paddle – Fort DeSoto Boat Ramp to Shell Key in a larger map

Paddling the Suwannee River (4 miles) The Suwannee is a beautiful river, so much so they...

Paddling the Suwannee River (4 miles)

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:35:51 +0000

The Suwannee is a beautiful river, so much so they wrote a song about it. This is a short float down the Suwannee from Hart Springs to Otter Springs (both county-owned campgrounds). Total paddle time is about 2 hours.

Harts Springs has great facilities. They are currently repairing the nature path boardwalk.
Otter Springs, also owned by the county, has great facilities (an indoor pool that’s great during the winter!).

View Paddle – Hart Springs to Otter Springs in a larger map

Kayaking to Primitive Camping on the Nature Coast Shell Island just a short paddle away from the beautiful...
Hiking the Florida Trail at Juniper Springs The Florida Trail crosses north/south through the Ocala National Forest....

Hiking the Florida Trail at Juniper Springs

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:22:39 +0000

The Florida Trail crosses north/south through the Ocala National Forest. A convenient access point (and safe to leave your car overnight) is at the Juniper Springs entrance.

View Hiking – Juniper Springs On The Florida Trail in a larger map

Paddling the Suwannee River (4 miles) The Suwannee is a beautiful river, so much so they...
Hiking the Hidden Waters Preserve Florida is not known for it’s mountains. Or foothills....
Kayaking to Primitive Camping on the Nature Coast Shell Island just a short paddle away from the beautiful...

Coffee Shops Out & About

admin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:44:35 +0000

Ever out and about in Mount Dora? Pick a coffee shop and take a break for some people-watching.
Sure, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from around town, and they all serve coffee. But why not live a little and pick somewhere fun for that special cup?
Pop in and out at the Village Coffeepot if you’re on the go, grab a bite to eat with your java down a lovely back alley at Mount Dora Coffee, or watch the sunset while on the upstairs porch overlooking Donnelly Street at One Flight Up.

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Mount Dora Art Festival – February 6th and 7th, 2010

admin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:42:28 +0000

35th MOUNT DORA ART FESTIVAL
“Ranked in the Top 100 art show’s in the nation!”
-Sunshine Artist

This Fine Arts Festival features some of the nation’s leading artists selected by a panel of jurors from nearly 900 applicants. These Artists provide the quaint, historic downtown streets with a colorful array of fine art! Over $21,000 in awards is handed out to artists earning honors for best of show, judge’s choice awards and best of category. This event is the premiere cultural event in the region. Local B&B’s book early for this event – be sure to reserve your room in one of the many wonderful B&B’s in town.

Please note: Sorry, but pets are not allowed within the festival perimeter.

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Rails to Trails

admin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 13:41:24 +0000

Rails to Trails history and map

West Orange Trailhead just east of Clermont, runs back through minneola
Van Fleet Trail in Mascotte

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food post1

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:09:50 +0000

test for food post1

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Daytripping to Juniper Run

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:46:54 +0000

Switchbacks, current, and some of the most beautiful scenery in Florida. All from the seat of your kayak.  Sure, it can be a challenge keeping your boat pointed the right way, particularly when you’re in a group. But no matter the way you’re looking it’s sure to be mesmerizing. Related posts:Paddling the Suwannee River (4 miles) The [...] Related posts:

Paddling the Suwannee River (4 miles) The Suwannee is a beautiful river, so much so they...