Meet the Gator Boys

January 11, 2012

After a busy Sunday I slid onto our leather sofa with the intent of finding a thirty minute show to watch for mindless entertainment. What I found instead was a reality type show called Gator Boys.

Animal Planet's Gator Boys in Action

Nuisance alligators in South Florida neighborhoods are not new and, although I’ve seen other shows where gutsy individuals go out and capture them, this one was different.  

When one of the Gator Boys donned a  wetsuit, snorkel and mask and entered the water in the Sunday night episode, I was truly taken aback. I have never seen or heard of anyone going underwater to trap an alligator. What if that gator is 10 feet or more? He can eat you, or rather clamp on to you and take you on a death roll that I’m pretty sure you won’t survive; that is unless he has clamped on to a limb and rips it off during the roll, and you manage to get away and receive medical attention pronto!

The Gator Boys capture these nuisance alligators then take them back to their park where they perform shows for visitors.  I don’t know about everyone else, but I think taunting alligators for a live audience (and for money) is pathetic.  Maybe you can learn something about the creatures this way, but why not learn from biologists out in the field, or in a natural habitat for “lost” gators? Why should animals be slaves to humans thirst for entertainment?

Since development has so encroached on nature that we have alligators in our backyards, it’s no wonder we need services like those offered by the Gator Boys.  Now if only they would find a place to release those  beloved gators, I might become a true fan.

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Posted by wanderingfloridian

Herculean Cures

October 12, 2011

It has been called a natural oddity, and I find it fascinating.

I’m referring to a tree I discovered on a hike recently, but not just any tree, the spiny Hercules Club, sometimes called a prickly ash (or more formally a Zanthoxylum clara-herculis).

This tree can only be found in the Southeast; in areas marked in green on the map below.

Source: Wikipedia

The most useful part of the tree is its bark which serves as a circulatory stimulant and is said to relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as strengthen digestion. Some even say it’s an efficient blood and gastrointestinal cleanser.

My favorite fact about this tree, however, is that it is often referred to as the toothache tree. As someone who has had more than her fair share of toothaches, this is the second thing, after its dinosaur like spiny protrusions, that fascinates me the most.  Apparently chewing on its bark numbs the mouth, teeth and tongue. 

I wouldn’t mind having this oddity growing in my backyard.

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Enchanted Forest

October 5, 2011

With the first hint of Fall in the air, hiking has become a desirable activity once again.  And the first hiking of the season took place in an Enchanted Forest. 

The Enchanted Forest Sanctuary in Titusville that is.

The 462-acre forest is part of the Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Land (EEL) Program.  This EEL Program consists not just of one designated location but several. According to their website, an EEL Sanctuary is:

  • A place of wonder, contemplation and discovery
  • A resource for environmental education
  • A preserve to protect biodiversity and natural resources
  • An opportunity to experience Florida as the early inhabitants did

I agree with all of these, and more. For several years I lived in apartments and my only sanctuary was out in nature, mostly in parks. So I’m a strong advocate of outdoor areas being preserved, yet open to the public.

The hiking around the Enchanted Forest Sanctuary is more of a walk than a hike, as the trails are easy, and if taken separately, relatively short. We explored five of the trails, walking a total of just over 3 miles. 

Our Titusville Forest

Near the intersection of two trails, we came across this unhurried soul, fresh from his underground abode (if the sand on his back is any indication).

The Education Center located at the Sanctuary provides interactive exhibits on the  biodiversity that makes up this small pocket of Florida. In one, you choose an object and place it under a microscope. In others, you test your knowledge with trivia.

This is a new find, and I’m excited to explore the rest of the locations being preserved by the Brevard County EEL Program.  It seems there really is more to Florida than just concrete jungles full of flashy rides and rows and rows of junk food.  Floridians do care about what’s in their back yard. Brevard County is proving just that.

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Posted by wanderingfloridian

Fall in Florida

September 28, 2011

Now that it’s officially Fall (at least on the calendar), what does it mean for Florida?

FESTIVALS

Starting this weekend, festivals abound across the state. Not all seem Fall-related, but are festivals none-the-less.  These include the Central Florida Peanut Festival (Williston), Rattlesnake Festival (San Antonio), Fantasy Fest 2011 (Key West), McIntosh 1890s Festival, Mount Dora Craft Festival, and the Miconopy Fall Harvest Festival.

FALL LANDSCAPING

Blooming Oakleaf Hydrangea

There are certain plants that react to the Florida Fall by changing colors, producing berries or flowering.  These include Goldenrod, Beach Sunflower, Cigar Plant, Lion’s Tail, BeautyBerry, Muhly Grass, Mexican Sage, Forsythia Sage, and Silver-Leaved Aster.  Another, the Oakleaf Hydrangea, sounds perfect for a shady spot in our backyard where nothing ever seems to grow.

FALL GARDENING

I’m  a big fan of Fall vegetables, including beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, kale, mustard greens, onions, radishes, squash and turnips. Floridians can plant them for themselves, or hold out for the bounty at a local Farmers Market.  Apparently Fall is also the best time to plant strawberries in Florida.  As for the flower garden, it’s time for chrysanthemums and marigolds.  And, if you live in South Florida and are up for the challenge, it’s time to plant those high-maintenance rose bushes.

FALL HUNTING

I’m not a hunter, and rarely think of hunters inhabiting Florida.  But Florida apparently does have hunting seasons.  It appears to start with Fall Archery Season (Sept. - October), followed by Crossbow, Muzzle Loader, and General Gun seasons.  There’s even a time for hunting alligator, which is something you won’t find me participating in.

LEGO MY LEGO

Another event taking place this Fall in Florida is the opening of the LEGOLAND park on October 15th.  Although I’m not a fan of theme parks, for a kid (big or small), this one might be worth at least a visit.

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Posted by wanderingfloridian

Swamps, Surfers, Cheeseburgers and Politics

August 31, 2011

Labor Day weekend is always synonymous with the end of summer, although that’s highly debatable here in Florida.

So, what’s going on around the state  this holiday weekend? Here are a few events that caught my eye.

Swamp Walks:  Take a swamp walk into The Big Cypress Swamp with nature photographer Clyde Butcher.  The walk begins behind Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery in the Everglades. All you have to bring with you is a pair of long pants, a hat, old shoes and a sense of adventure.  Oh, and be prepared to get wet.

Pioneer Florida Days Festival 2011:  Check out the celebration at the Pioneer Florida Museum in Dade City,where you can experience early Florida history.

26th Annual NKF Pro Am Surf Festival:  Cocoa Beach is the place, National Kidney Foundation is the cause.

Jimmy Buffet-Style Music in Jacksonville:  Throughout the Labor Day weekend, the “margarita-flavored tunes” of Jimmy Buffett can be heard at The Jacksonville Landing courtyard.  On Saturday, come “decked out like your favorite Buffet song.” (Cheeseburger in Paradise anyone?)

Flashback, the Classic Rock Experience:  Experience the re-creation of the classic performances of  Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and many more, by Mystic Orchestra, a group comprised of 14 rock musicians and singers, and an 11-piece string and horn section.

Spirit of the Suwannee River Music Park: Pull out the tent, or pack up the RV, and head to this music park just north of Live Oak for a weekend of musical celebration. Listen to Southern Ruckus on Friday and Honkeytonk Hitman on Saturday and Sunday.

Fight for Florida:  Apparently a new movement is organizing here in Florida and its called the Working Families Movement. The movement will be hosting Labor Day weekend events across the state, including ones in Palm Beach, Ft. Myers, Tampa, Orlando, Daytona, Ocala, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and Pensacola. If you’re looking for “a little fun, a little politics” and want to build the camaraderie needed for “the struggles that lie ahead,” check out one of these events.

It’s a great weekend to get out and do something a little different.

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Posted by wanderingfloridian

Florida Land Lubber

July 20, 2011

What is it with the grasshoppers?  I remember them being much smaller and blander than what I’ve encountered lately here in Florida. These Florida jumpers are big, colorful, and bold.

The Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

This large, uniquely colored grasshopper is known as the Eastern Lubber Grasshopper and it’s rampant here in the southeast. It won’t be winning any Olympic gold medals for its long jump ability, however.  These Lubbers are quite clumsy and apparently can only jump short distances.

On a recent hike I saw so many of these grasshoppers that I finally stopped counting. I did my best not to crunch them beneath my feet, and many times just barely managed to dodge them.

Here are a few bits of information on these land lubbers:

  • The Eastern Lubber grasshopper only appears in the southeastern to south central parts of the United States, including Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas.
  • The highest number of adults can be seen in July and August
  • That bright coloring is eye-catching in more than one way. It serves as a warning to predators that the Lubber contains toxic substances. (If you come across a vomiting opossum, it might just have failed to heed the warning and dined on a Lubber for lunch.)
  • This particular grasshopper has been known to cause quite a bit of damage to crops in Florida. 
  • Lubbers are known to occupy residential neighborhoods and feast on such ornamental plants as Amaryllis. If they become too numerous the best way to control them is to “hand-pick and kill them.” How exactly are you supposed to kill them once you catch them? Try throwing them into a bucket of soapy water or a trash bag.

Just yesterday I spotted one above the garage door.  Even though we don’t have Amaryllis, I’m wondering if they’re moving in anyway, just like the armadillos.

For more information on these grasshoppers, check out University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Department of Entomology and Nematology or the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. 

 
 
 
 

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Florida Springs IV: Manatee Watching at Blue Spring

May 25, 2011

One of the most popular springs in Florida is Blue Spring State Park, located in Orange City. Although a popular swimming, picnicing and camping area throughout most of the year, it’s the manatees that are the main attraction November through March.

We’ve visited Blue Spring a few times now, including a day when the manatees were still enjoying the warm, 72 degree water. I handed my camera over to my 7-year-old niece Rilee and this is what she captured.

It’s fun to explore Blue Spring State Park any time of the year but the manatees add something special. Rarely can you see so many manatees in one location at the same time. This is definitely a unique Florida treat!

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Florida Springs III: Gemini

May 18, 2011

Sometimes we come across a hidden treasure. Gemini Springs is one of them.

Gemini Springs: A Hidden Treasure

Gemini Springs, a lesser known Florida Spring, is a 210 acre park tucked in between the towns of Enterprise and DeBary, just northeast of Orlando.

Gemini Springs

This area is less crowded; less popular it seems. Swimming isn’t allowed so that might make it less inviting to many people. It does have its faithful followers however. These appear to be mostly fishing enthusiasts who occupy the pier every weekend, and the families and groups who throw celebrations in the large, air-conditioned shelter, which also has lights, a fireplace, and a great view.

The park’s understated beauty, peacefulness, and unhurried followers  make it an idea place to enjoy any day of the week. And it’s a great place to observe the Florida wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and birds.

Here are a few we saw on our most recent outing to Gemini Springs:

This is one of those places you tend to forget about for a while, but eventually remember and return to with a smile.

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Florida Springs II: Wekiva

May 11, 2011

Wekiva Springs: A Family Affair

Over Easter we finally visited Wekiva Springs, located in Apopka. The parking lots were full, the picnic tables were covered with food,, the Spring  was filled with laughing children, and canoes and kayaks crowded the waterway.  No doubt this is a very popular spot! 

Wekiva Springs

It was obvious from the moment we entered the parking area that this is a fantastic family getaway location.  All ages, wrapped in towels, weaved their way in and out between the cars. And the roar of the voices hit us the minute we opened the car doors.

We leisurely walked around the park, observing both nature and  people alike. I had to wonder about the sustainability of the springs and the nature that surrounds it though. The crowding, which I hear is common all summer, no doubt takes a tremendous toll on the area. 

A short ways away from the Springs is a small, quiet lake, perfect for fishing (and alligator spying). As we began our walk towards it, we spotted a young deer roaming in the grassy area near the sidewalk. It stared straight at us, but didn’t run. After about five minutes of standing still, we continued our walk, passing within three feet or so of the doe. Odd she didn’t run off. Apparently she is used to humans, and somehow does not have the inherent instinct to run. Although I was glad to see her close up, I was conflicted about her lack of a flight instinct.  Did she lose her mother? Do the park employees know about her?  Will visitors treat her kindly?

There are a few hiking trails near the lake that look  promising, but we decided to save them for another day. Although I don’t see us visiting Wekiva Springs too often, at least we know what’s there now.

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Florida Springs I: Diving at Ginnie Springs

May 4, 2011

Florida claims to have over 700 freshwater springs, many of which are accessible to the general public.  So far I have explored five of them, including Ginnie Springs located just northwest of Gainesville in High Springs.

 
 
Since Ginnie Springs is recognized as one of the best freshwater scuba diving locations in the state, we grabbed our scuba gear and made the 140-mile drive over. Not being cave divers, we avoided the overhead environments and did a simple dive into the main Spring.  At the back of the Spring’s cavern there is a grill that blocks the entrance into the massive Florida cave system beyond. Here you can feel the sheer force and pull of the water as it escapes deeper into the underwater caves.  
 
While not a long or particularly exciting dive, it is one I will always remember because of the overwhelming sensation it provided.  The water was so clear that I temporarily forgot I was underwater, and at one point reached up to remove my mask. Somehow though, I came to my senses before ripping it off. No wonder Jacques Cousteau once called Ginnie Springs the clearest water in the world!  
 
Speaking of underwater sensations, only one beats this one out for first place in my diving experiences so far. While diving a cenote in Mexico I entered a halocline (point where fresh water and salt water meet, causing a change in density) and my vision blurred to such a level that I was sure I was blacking out.  Two totally opposite sensations, yet each remembered strongly as if they just happened yesterday.
 
But back to Ginnie Springs. After diving the Springs, we ventured into the nearby Santa Fe River for a drift dive, cruising with the current and careful not to overshoot our exit point. Here we experienced the total opposite of the Spring – incredibly low visibility. Not to mention high grass and odd-looking fish.  How I forgot about the alligators in the area I’ll never know.
 
For anyone who dives, or who would just like to watch as divers gear up, either for a simple dive or a complicated cave dive, Ginnie Springs is a great place to do just that.
 
 

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