Hiking into Christmas
One of the delights of the Florida Trail is that it passes through Christmas, Florida, a beloved stop for postmarks during this holiday season and cheery all year round.
Among the Palms
Of all of Florida's habitats, the one that truly sings "Florida" is the palm hammock, a richly textured riot of green and fronds, of mosses and lichens, of light and shadow perfectly balanced. Enjoy it on the Taylor Creek Loop.
Spiderwebs and fog
On a cool, crisp morning in Central Florida, fog billows in long streamers across rural landscapes. It's time to visit Pine Lily Preserve in the mist.
Hiking in Moonshadows
Hiking in the moonlight? This trek through Hal Scott Preserve after dark is a regular offering of the Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Trail Association.
Swamp sunflowers at Lake Lotus Park
Swamp sunflowers (Helianthus angustifolius) are one of the delights of fall in Florida when they bloom en masse.
Friends Along the Way
What makes the Big O Hike stand out from all other hiking events is the friendships that you make - good, deep friendships born out of traveling together at a walking pace for nine days around Lake Okeechobee.
Cross Florida Greenway History: Bridge to the Future
The history of the Cross Florida Greenway's birth and the building the Land Bridge - and the Florida Trail - across this new stretch of public land in Central Florida in 1999.
Out of Time
Breaking away from the everyday for nine days to immerse yourself in the goal of walking around Lake Okeechobee brings on a certain sense of calm, a time out of the normal pace of time, despite time framing each day.
Everglades, Interrupted
When you're traveling at the speed of feet, it's easy to spend hours reflecting on the Everglades that once was, the vast wilds erased by the agro-industrial complex that brought sugar cane to Lake Okeechobee.
Turtle Time
In hiking and in life, there are tortoises and hares. On the Big O Hike, the Loxahatchee - "River of the Turtles" - Chapter participants walk at all speeds, but the speediest of our hikers are known as rabbits.
O Okeechobee
It's a tradition at the Big O Hike to share your talent at Thanksgiving Day dinner. Mine is a poem commemorating the hike and our friends who've gone before us.
Braising Cane
As I hike the Florida Trail past Moore Haven, a sugar cane field bursts out in flame after my discussion with my friend Steve, a sign from above that he's along for the walk.