Bob Deakin Short Stories

A family heads down one of the loops of the Sand Hill Nature Trail. Photo by Bob Deakin

If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind that little dirt parking lot at the intersection of S.R. 46 and Longwood/Markham Rd. in Sanford, FL, it’s the Sand Hill Nature Trail, part of the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, about a mile west of I 4 (Exit 101C). For runners it serves as a usable location for a quick, off-road run in the non-summer months or during hot weather if you can take it.

It would be fun to describe the vistas, the waterfowl and the wide-open spaces awaiting walkers and runners but this isn’t the place for that. The Sand Hill Nature Trail is a series of narrow foot trails through the jungle. I went there for one reason: because it’s there.

The state of Florida is not required to provide a scintillating run for you or me in their state parks but they do provide access here, for free. With the current trends of “muscle confusion” in getting a good workout using different runs, bikes and other workouts, this is definitely another track to run to test the legs for short bursts and quick turns.

It’s a beautiful park and only part of the much larger parcel comprising the Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, found through a different entrance, but not a runner’s destination unless you like keeping your head down, making lots of turns and stops and stepping over uneven sand and vegetation.

For walks and educational tours of the plants and wildlife the Sand Hill Nature Trail is a great resource for the state and the community. On a recent Saturday morning the Department of Environmental Protection was hosting an interpretive hike of the property for nearly two dozen botanical enthusiasts enthralled with the property and its inhabitants – moving and not moving.

The trails are well cleared and clean and wide enough for two people walking in tandem. This is obviously a problem for runners as it’s hard to be subtle when you run upon a stranger or two in the middle of the jungle at full speed with no warning. The park is not usually crowded but with one-plus-mile loops, if it’s distance you want and comfort you covet this will be a tough place to get it.

The three trails range from .06 to 1.1 miles long, interlocking with one another leading back to the parking lot. It is possible to get some mileage in running the service road around the park (about 3.5 miles) but the scenery is dull and the footing difficult with worn down vehicle tracks creating shallow ditches the whole way. Not good for the ankles with running shoes on.

If it is a long, scenic run through a jungle setting that is desired, drive another nine miles northwest to the Lake Norris Conservation Area in Eustis for an incredible experience or head back to the I 4 and head north to the Hontoon Island State Park in Deland for a Florida island all to yourself.

If you’re curious, horses are not allowed nor are mountain bikes, regardless of the photos in the slide show provided. Pets are allowed. This is a secluded area and prepare accordingly. The trail maps at the kiosk at the entrance are very simple and the trails are not well-marked. The only online reference to the trail is at the Hiking/Nature Trail icon at the link provided for the park web site.

The Lower Wekiva Preserve is a destination for hikers and walkers that don’t want to go a long distance. If you’re used to running more than three miles at a clip go to the Lake Norris Conservation Area. It is also wise to visit the Sand Hill Nature Trail from November through April as the hot weather months will make it challenging with the bugs, humidity and other moving things.

Sand Hill Nature Trail Slide Show

Originally published on Examiner.com in April 2011

Copyright 2011

The Orange County Courthouse prominently perched in the Downtown Orlando skyline. Photo by Bob Deakin

After more than a year of documenting running and biking trails in and around Orlando — more recently in distant, rural surrounding towns — I had a yearning to take a run right through the middle of downtown Orlando. Granted, it would be congested with traffic lights, cars and pedestrians but I always wanted to take a run around the tall buildings to give myself a different perspective and a current view of the general state of affairs in the “City Beautiful.”

There is no trail, so to speak, but I noticed a 4.37-mile “Around Downtown Run” mapped on the www.run.com website. It takes a very basic circular path around the most well-known streets of downtown Orlando and passes right by Lake Eola Park, which has a one-mile loop of its own to add more distance and some open space in which to relax by the water.

I parked (for free) on the east side of the lake on North Eola Drive near Panera Bread, worked my way east through Thornton Park and south on Summerlin Ave. then west on Central Blvd. This was easily the most serene section of the loop with cobblestone streets through residential neighborhoods with small, trendy restaurants, shady trees and sparse traffic.

The loop continues across Rosalind Ave., past the Orlando Public Library, the Orange County Regional History Center, Wall Street Plaza and onto Orange Ave. south near the SunTrust Center then west onto Church Street.

The once thriving Church Street area now seems desolate with numerous closed restaurants, most promising a new opening, and the giant 55 West building sporting a huge “now leasing” banner across the upper floors on the north and south sides. While this area has always been conspicuously quiet during the day, it’s even more so now, and the vacant Cheyenne Saloon looks almost ghostly overlooking the lonely railroad tracks.

From there the loop travels past the tracks and north on Garland Ave. with the new Amway Center visible on the other side of I-4. This area is marked throughout with construction signs, barriers and equipment as the Amway Center prepares to open next month. That is an exciting event for Orlando but the urge was to pick up the pace and get out of this area and onto the next section as it is ugly and noisy yet seemingly forgotten, considering the dusty parking areas, dirty streets and signs in all directions warning “stay out,” “permit only” or “don’t walk.”

Maybe one day a “Welcome to the City Beautiful” sign will grace the area.

Then it’s east on Washington St. back to Orange Ave. to the north. This is the favorite stretch to run as it passes the Bank of America Building and the Orange County Courthouse. While both, as institutions, may serve as reminders of some of the worst things that happen in people’s lives, as structures they represent some of the best downtown, forming the northern outline of the Orlando skyline with the most distinctive designs and nearly the highest peaks.

The run itself along Orange Ave. is fraught with obvious interruptions, most notably the traffic lights and pedestrians, yet it is surprisingly quiet on most days as most of the restaurants and retail establishments are concentrated in the Wall Street area.

The journey continues north on Orange Ave. then right on East Marks St. all the way to Mills Ave. before heading south again to East Robinson St. then back to Summerlin Ave. to complete the loop. The upper Orange Ave. to E. Marks to Mills is not an exciting stretch of the trail but it’s a great way to get a comprehensive feel of downtown Orlando, and Lake Eola is a nice place to end the run with facilities and restaurants available. Those who know downtown also have the option of creating their own loop to see what they want and run as far as they please. Be advised that parking anywhere in the center of town has a two to three hour limit on week days from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The downtown Orlando loop is a daytime trek and not advisable after dark, and a good route for those yearning for a good look at downtown Orlando. It’s not great place to run by any stretch, but an interesting sight to see.

Downtown Orlando Loop Slide Show

Copyright 2010

The Apopka Amphitheater at the Northwest Recreation Complex in Apopka, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

Who would expect to find a shiny new amphitheater in the middle of an athletic complex in Apopka when out for a run? That’s just what happened this past week and what a nice complex it is, hidden where no one would ever find it.

The Northwest Recreation Complex is on Jason Dwelley Parkway off Ponkan Road, about a mile west of Rock Springs Road. It encompasses approximately 185 acres including six baseball fields, six softball fields, six soccer fields, a football field, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, lacrosse fields and other multi-purpose fields, all in pristine condition with a full complement of restroom, parking and concession facilities.

The initial draw was the one-mile (actually nine-tenths) paved track winding around a lake in the middle of the complex. The track and fields sit beside enormous parking lots and the complex office in a sparkling clean environment, surrounded by trees and complete with a lightening warning system. If it’s a grass path or a much longer street run one desires, there are endless possibilities in and around the complex, which sits in a sparsely populated area behind Wolf Lake Middle School.

This is an excellent area to run, offering a wide diversity of surfaces for those who desire to venture off the track for a bit more variety. Runners who choose to take the sidewalk out of the park may proceed up either direction of the Jason Dwelley Parkway for a much longer run on newly-paved roadway. Be advised, running on Ponkan Road or the nearby Plymouth Sorrento Road (437) is extremely dangerous for runners or bikers, with fast-moving traffic and blind curves.

The Apopka Amphitheater is located next to the running track and has seating (chairs and lawn combined) for 1,500. It is a great place to take a break after the run, get out of the rain, or just sit and take in the sights. Construction of the amphitheater was completed just six months ago and it will be used for various events for the town and local schools. The Northwest Recreation Complex track is used for the annual Spring Fling 5K Fun Run and the Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run, and other events will be held at the complex throughout the year.

The parkway is named in honor of Jason Dwelley, an Apopka High School graduate and decorated Navy veteran who died serving his country in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004.

The Northwest Recreation Complex “Fields of Fame” is open to the public and not likely to be crowded given its location, although it is heavily used on most weeknights and weekends. It is an ideal destination for runners in the Apopka area, especially those attending an athletic event with a friend or family member. The entire length of track has night lighting and water fountains. The track is smooth and flat but pets and rollerblading are not allowed.

The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the only thing the facility is lacking is a web site. For information and directions go to the City of Apopka web site or call 407-703-1784.

Northwest Recreation Complex Slide Show

Copyright 2010

A spider seems to walk on the clouds at the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area in Leesburg, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

Once deep in the Florida country in August, it’s a battle of conditioning versus nature. Armed with just a bottle of water and a cell phone, six-mile runs seem longer if there is no real scenery or adventure to enjoy, and such was the case with the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area in Leesburg, Florida, this past week.

No slight on the Emeralda Marsh – millions of years of evolution were not intended for the entertainment of a runner on a Friday afternoon – but it was quite the effort to get through the trails on this property maintaining sanity and direction. Path after tree-lined path looked the same and with a heat index of 105 degrees, humidity at 90 percent and bugs circling, just waiting for the bug repellent (Off) to be sweated off, it became even more of a mental, as well as physical, test of endurance.

There are numerous entrances to the Emeralda Marsh but only three are marked, regardless of what maps of the area may show. The “Interpretive Drive” entrance on the southern end of Emeralda Island Road is one, another one is a mile or so further north on the same road as well as the boat launch on C.R. 452, which, unless on a boat, goes no further than the parking lot. With some preparation, one can find the alternative entrances (look for the metal gates) but be weary of maps provided online or in the park. They are very general and do not always correlate to markers or directions as indicated.

Get the picture? This is not an area to experiment with direction and assume that a circuitous path will end up back at the trail head. There are no facilities, maps, water, people or anything once out on these trails on most days, and the areas with parking lots are not near the most scenic spots, which are along the Yale-Griffin Canal.

All that said, the paths – a combination of hard-packed sand, worn grass or crushed sea shells and fill – make for a good running surface. With nearly ten miles of trail there is no shortage of distance if one knows the way around, and in the cooler months this is a setting for spectacular scenery. In summer, the oncoming storms contain their own evil beauty, just make sure there is shelter to be found nearby as it’s likely a long run back to the car.

The Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area encompasses more than 7,000 acres and includes a 4.3-mile Wildlife Drive through the wetland marsh and filtration system, which was created in 1994 to improve the water quality in Lake Griffin. The Wildlife Drive is open to four-wheel drive vehicles on weekends during the spring. A map of the area can be downloaded from the Lake County Web site, and more information is available from the St. Johns River Water Management District.

This has been a summer in search of new places to run, particularly off-road and way off the beaten path within an hour drive of the greater Orlando area. In that respect it has been a successful summer. Virtually unspoiled central Florida marsh is a sight to behold in many ways. There is a stunning presence of exotic birds, mammals and reptiles, depending on the time of year, and a wide variety of classic Florida creatures on foot, depending on the time of day. Go early or go late, watch out for the approaching storms, and go for a run along the Yale-Griffin Canal to see the best of the Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area.

Emeralda Marsh Conservation Area Slide Show

Copyright 2010

The main pool pumping 42 million gallons of fresh water each day at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

The Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, Florida provides as unlikely a location for an off-road distance run as any in the Orlando area. The 7,000-acre state park contains four interweaving trails of varying distances for a total of 13.5 miles of running, hiking, biking and horse trails. It all begins at the 20-foot deep natural spring pool pumping 42 million gallons of water per day as the head water of the Wekiva River (yes, one Wekiwa has a ‘w’ and the other a ‘v’) and centerpiece of the park.

The water stays a constant 72 degrees year round and the park, once owned by the Wilson Cypress Company and later purchased by a group of hunters incorporated as the Apopka Sportsmen’s Club. The state purchased the property in 1969, opened it to the public in 1970 and it has been popular with overnight campers, canoeists and equestrians ever since, with approximately 185,000 visitors each year.

The run along the Volksmarch Trail (orange blaze) was the choice for a run at Wekiwa Springs on a recent August morning. This trail runs 5.3 miles through a combination of damp shaded woods and open dry scrub in direct sunlight over hard and soft sand footing. It begins near the main entrance on the top of the hill at the popular swimming area.

Right away this was a tough run with necessary hops and skips over uneven soft sand trail. Temps in the mid-90s and a heat index over 100 with high humidity added to the challenge. About a half-mile in, the trail passes the “Family Campground” and one wonders why anyone would camp way the heck out here in August in Florida. Unless they are part of a “Save the Mosquitoes” watchdog organization or just like sweating a lot, it seems a curious getaway.

Nonetheless, the trail gets drier and drier from that point on, evolving into desert-like settings for the next mile, alternating between saw palmetto-covered scrub to thin pine forest up to Lake Prevatt, barely visible to the south but a sign of life in an otherwise sun-dried lifeless environment. Shady oak and pine forest take over from there, leading to an interchange of all of the trails in the lower third section of Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Along the trails, no water is available so preparation is a must. Cell phone coverage is good throughout, so taking note of the park ranger’s number is a good idea. Maps are generously provided at the trail head and trails are well-marked throughout, both on trees and numbered wooden markers corresponding to the map. As with any trail in Florida in summer, come prepared with water and a sensible knowledge of endurance.

This is a tough 5.3 miles for a runner. It feels longer than that, especially in summer, and the finish line will be a very welcome sight. It will be heard long before it is seen, with kids screaming in the main spring pool at the entrance with a hill full of sun bathers, weekend football quarterbacks and Frisbee players ringing the swimming area. What may have seemed like an irritating, crowded pool at the outset of the run will be a welcome splash in the cool, cool water at the end.

There are a number of trail options for runners at Wekiwa Springs, short and long, as well as bikers and equestrians. Even if one wishes to run on pavement, there are miles of road to traverse, with plenty of opportunities to step off onto paths or at various camps. In addition to the main spring pool, swimming is available in the Rock Springs Run, used by tubers, which leads directly to the main pool. Keep in mind that snakes and gators also use this water path but it is typically safe because of the number of people in the water, but it is Florida, so caution must be exercised. Rock Springs Run is quite a distance from most points of the hiking trails, so if runners reach it they are likely to be more focused on cooling of than anything else.

Once again, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has done a wonderful job of providing and maintaining a beautiful park for all to enjoy, and most will likely never see the majority of the park. It is a treasure but it is dry Florida scrub forest with very little water seen throughout so prepare accordingly and enjoy.

Wekiwa Springs State Park Slide Show

Copyright 2010

My Nikes after collapsing on the observation deck following the escape from the lightening storm.

The Sunnyhill Restoration Area in Weirsdale, Florida is about as far as one can go into the wilderness for an off-road run within an hour of Orlando. This place is out there, and once at the site, it’s a long run into the property to pick up the trails. Adding to the seclusion, it’s one way in and one way out, with no sign of humanity anywhere to be found.

This is another one of the alluring properties under the auspices of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) – 4,400 acres of forest and wetlands alongside the Ocklawaha River flood plain at the southern end of the Ocala National Forest. The park is found off C.R. 42, about 10 miles west of S.R. 19 in Umatilla, northwest of Eustis.

In what has been a long summer of off-road running trails deep into the wild of Central Florida, the Sunny Hill Restoration Area is as deep as it has gotten thus far. In retrospect, visiting these trails in the cool weather months would have been a much better idea as the areas would have been drier, not so overgrown with vegetation and safer to travel without the threat of rain, lightening, bugs and reptiles. At least the photos are more colorful as well as the tales to tell.

Going for a run at the Sunnyhill Restoration proved much more of a challenge than expected upon entering the parking lot/trail-head. The maps of the trails are fairly simple as is the topography – flat with very wide, grass paths and plenty of visibility. Upon setting off for the run, it was a jaunt through heavy oak forest to a cross section of paths where it was necessary to choose between a safe-looking unpaved road or a more challenging grass path with no markings: The grass path it was.

A mile or so in an observation deck appeared in the middle of a wide stretch overlooking a lake and the surrounding wetlands. A mental note and check of the map confirmed the location, then it was follow the yellow grass road. Soon after it was apparent that summer is not the best time to be here as the road became increasingly wet with aggressive horse flies and angry birds circling overhead. After much hopping and leaping over water, the scenic tour began.

It was a stunning display of wildlife thereafter, with gators splashing in a canal, water moccasins slithering about and lots of butterflies and birds of all colors and types. The pine forest of the Ocala National Forest appeared and it was long, wide grass trail from there on. More checking with the map confirmed that it would be about three miles in to the edge of the forest, a mile or so in the other direction to see the Ocklawaha River then a different trail back to the parking lot.

The plan was being followed, with all sorts of wildlife peeking out of the bush and water along the way, when it started to get a little cloudy. Once at the National Forest it was back toward the parking lot, and that was going to be about eight miles of running and walking when it was all done. On the way back the clouds quickly grew thick, the thunder started rumbling and it was decided to take a path west to another observation deck located near the river on the west side of the property.

Once near where that observation deck was supposed to be it turns out that the deck was actually on the other side of the river, some 100-feet across and no way to get there. Just then, the lightening started with reckless abandon and as a sitting duck, there was no choice but to hop into the brush alongside a ditch as the lightening was so close and so loud. More disturbing than the lightening was the rustling in the ditch. Plenty of snakes and gators were seen along the way and preparations were made to bolt if necessary. Faced with the choice of lightening bolts and reptiles, it would be back into the open to take the odds of the lightening.

After a few minutes the lightening moved a bit further away and it was out of the ditch for an urgent run back toward the parking lot, which was still three miles away. The pace was accelerated but it was time to ditch it again because of the bolts, suddenly feeling like the only person in the world. Eventually it was time to get up and start running again and finally the wet path originally crossed at the outset of the journey appeared, now filled with mud. This time there was no concern for the mud as the shoes were already soaked, sprinting through it like it wasn’t there. The observation deck was getting closer and closer but it was so exhausting, the urge was to stop and walk a bit, but the lightening kept the legs moving.

Eventually the observation deck was reached, a dash up two flights of stairs and a collapse from exhaustion at the top of the deck and a wait for the storm to pass. It suddenly felt safe and never had such a relaxing break occurred after a run.

After about an hour wait for the storm to pass and the legs and lungs to recover, it was down the stairs and back onto the trail back to the parking lot – about a mile and a half away. The run quickly turned into a walk, glad to not have been the victim of a lightening strike, a reptile attack miles into the wilderness or a heart attack from the run.

All in all, the Sunnyhill Restoration Area is a wonder, spectacularly preserved by the SJRWMD as a wetlands and wildlife preserve, and a treasure for Central Florida. Just a couple of tips: explore it on a mountain bike or a horse, or go in December.

Sunnyhill Restoration Area Slide Show

Copyright 2010

The view from an observation deck at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

If it is a secluded nature preserve in impeccable condition with smooth, hard, sand trails and tantalizing scenery that a runner desires, the Orlando Wetlands Park is the place to go. Located in Christmas, Florida, the park is under the ownership and management of the Wastewater Division of the Orlando Public Works and includes an educational center, pavilions, maps and displays of wildlife to be found.

This could be the perfect place for runners – off-road or not – for the sheer uniqueness and solitude, and options of short or long stretches to run. The overriding feeling upon arrival at the Orlando Wetlands Park is peace. It is a long drive and so seemingly far away from the city streets of Orlando that to enter the parking lot is to enter another world.

The park is 1,650 acres of woods, marshes and lakes including 20 miles of roads and trails. There is one way in and one way out so trails should be selected carefully, especially on foot. Bicycles are allowed on the unpaved, elevated berm roads but boating, fishing, swimming, pets and horses are prohibited.

Once deep in the park, regardless of the trail, it is as quiet as can be imagined. The only sounds are birds or the occasional splashing gator. This is a rural setting, to say the least, and only those in excellent physical condition should run the trails as there are no facilities and no respite from the sun and elements once out on the trails, and it’s a long run in and out.

There are small paths off the main trails throughout the park, but they are overgrown in hot weather months and a scary prospect for travel. One look and it’s a wonder what is crawling, flying and slithering within that brush.

Visitors to the park on Saturdays and Sundays may have the pleasure of a free golf cart tour of the park by a park official. Friends of the Wetlands, a volunteer group, also provides tours, usually on Mondays. Upon entering the park, observe several buildings and shelters on either side, including permanent restroom facilities and water fountains. Staff members are on hand during normal business hours.

The park was created as a wetlands preserve in the late 1980s and the water is divided into an intricate flow of several pathways for maximum environmental benefit. It is a haven for bird watchers and a habitat for an immense variety of wildlife.

Sunscreen and water are a must at the Orlando Wetlands Park as there is absolutely no shade throughout. The elevated berm road is covered with grass and packed sand, smooth enough to make this an easy mountain bike ride with excellent footing for runners. The roads and trails are well-marked, and maps, brochures and a site plan can be downloaded here.

The Orlando Xtreme race series is held at the park each February, organized by renowned triathlon champion, Zahid Buttar. The park is located at 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas off S.R. 420.

Orlando Wetlands Park Slide Show

Copyright 2010

Bettie at the drawing board at Wise Owl Tutoring. 26.2 X 50 = 1,300. Photo by Bob Deakin

It takes exceptional runners to complete a marathon. A select few have completed 50 marathons in fifty states and it’s an even more exclusive group that have done it at age 65 as a great-grandmother. Bettie Wailes of Winter Park claims membership in all three groups and has a book on the way to describe the steps and strides she has made along the way in her never-ending 26-mile tour of the United States.

Ms. Wailes, a writer, tutor, teacher and former software engineer, has been running marathons since 1993. She started running at 30 and found the health benefits revitalizing and the friendships gained even more so. A decade later she entered her first 5-Kilometer (5K) road race and gradually increased distances before joining a marathon training program with the Track Shack of Orlando.

She ran her first marathon in 1993 and last month completed the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio, the last of the 50 states in which she has run a marathon.

“I had done a few marathons and had a few friends who were in the 50 States Club so I figured what better way to see the country,” Ms. Wailes said, referring to the initial inspiration following an invitation to Kentucky. “I thought Louisville is a nice little town but what else would have brought me here. Then it was St. George, Utah, and the run was absolutely breathtaking.”

She adheres to the Galloway Training Method, employing occasional breaks to walk in order to maintain strength and endurance and runs at least three days a week, incorporating five or more miles, speed work and hills. On weekends it’s a long (10-26-mile), slow run. Still working full-time with a busy schedule beyond that, she trains to finish, not compete, and to avoid injury from over-training.

What is her most memorable race in the 50 states?

“I have to say two,” she said. “There is nothing to compare with New York. The entire city is filled with cheerleaders and there is nothing like the excitement of running through the five boroughs.

“The most charming was Taos, New Mexico. Eighty-three marathoners and we met at the convenience store at the edge of town. We get there and the race director led us to this cattle guard nearby and said, ‘looks like everybody’s here, okay, go!’”

Adding to the charm in Taos was exemplary course support and medals handmade by local school children.

Originally from Ferriday, LA, Bettie Wailes has lived in Winter Park, FL since 1974. She was first a teacher, then a software engineer at Martin Marietta and a few other companies before founding her own local company, Wise Owl Tutoring.

“I was getting old and cranky and wanted to do something that made me feel better at the end of the day,” she remembers. “I went out and started doing tutoring myself and rediscovered my love of teaching.”

She now has more that a half dozen tutors working with her in a full-time operation. She is also a mother of two children, a grandmother of five and great-grandmother of one and one on the way, and leads the Florida Writers Association Maitland Writers Group each month.

Ms. Wailes is competitive in her age group although there are many women her age with faster times. She won her division (Female Age Group 65 – 69) at The Flying Pig. Her times for marathons are typically between 5 and 6 hours, with the fastest at 4:26.

How does she handle the mental grind of a marathon?

“It’s hard to fight the boredom,” she said. “On one long run some years ago I realized that I was getting bored and the only thing I could think of was the ABC song, so I was singing that in my head, but that didn’t last.”

She resorted to other, more sophisticated songs and in recent years got herself an iPod and took to listening to pod-casts of “A Prairie Home Companion” and other NPR shows for more stimulating entertainment.

Her next goal is to complete 100 marathons and possibly go around the country for 50 more. Reassuringly, she can count on familiar faces wherever she runs, whether it be Hawaii, Oregon, Texas or Maine. She and others utilize the 50 States Marathon Club Web site to keep in touch, and often collaborate to share car rentals, living arrangements and other necessities to save expenses. She is known and recognized locally and nationally as ‘the woman in the hot pink hat.’

“The people I meet at the marathons have sort of become my extended family,” she says with reverence. “It would be sad to think that I wouldn’t continue to see them. The events become as much social as the running.”

As well as a unique tour of the U.S., the running has provided obvious health benefits. Her resting pulse rate is about 51 and her cardiovascular system reflects the finely conditioned athlete that she is.

“My doctor encourages me to keep doing it. He says it will keep me healthy, and at 65 I take no prescription drugs of any kind, which is something not many people can say.”

For local training areas, she uses the Cady Way Trail in Winter Park and recommends parking garages for getting used to hills surely to be encountered in other states.

“Running in a parking garage is pretty darn good hill work,” she says, enthusiastically. “And running downhill stresses your body nearly as much as going up. You need practice doing both if you’re going to run a marathon.”

Ms. Wailes wrote a story about running (tentatively) titled, “The Finish Line,” which was recently accepted for the Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners book, slated for release in July 2010. The tremendously successful “Chicken Soup” franchise promises to present her story to an international audience as both a runner and a writer.

She has completed the first draft of her book, currently titled “A View From The Back of the Pack,” and is deciding between publishers. The title is derived from her marathon experience, which is typically from the back of the pack of younger, expert runners.

The most poignant tale the book expounds upon is the love story and subsequent engagement to Paul Quinlan that began at a road race in 1988. Sadly, Mr. Quinlan passed away from cancer in 1994 before the marriage, leaving her forever heartbroken yet uniquely inspired, which constitutes the essence of the book.

“He was my biggest cheerleader,” she says with fond remorse. “His story is interwoven with the running because that became an important part of why I carry on. Whenever I ran it made me feel close to him and it still does.”

To keep an eye on her upcoming stories, book, business or running, visit the Bettie Wails or Wise Owl Tutoring Web sites.

Bettie Wailes Marathon Slide Show

Copyright 2010

Flowers along the Marl Bed Slough at the Lake Jesup Conservation Area in Sanford, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

(Part I of II in the Lake Jesup Conservation Area Series)

For off-road runners, the Lake Jesup trails offer a step into Seminole County marsh and a glimpse into inscrutable Florida swamp. These short journeys offer a more of a challenge to character and curiosity than to legs and lungs. It’s an opportunity to see the unfamiliar up close, but to be weary of getting too close to the unfamiliar, including the terrain and its inhabitants.

The Lake Jesup Conservation Area in Sanford and Oviedo consists of three separate trails, including two on the west side of the lake and the East Lake Jesup Tract. For runners, each area has a hard enough packed sand trail to get in a couple miles, but only without a significant amount of recent rain. Forget it if there has been, whether in sneakers, hiking boots or waders. These are narrow trails (approximately 6 feet) framed in thick brush at the entrances but spanning out to completely open areas after the first few hundred yards.

The Marl Bed Flats Tract holds one of the unique visions of Florida landscape available in Seminole County. Thick, dark woods with very creepy old oaks line the trails leading to the marsh of the Marl Bed Slough on the edge of Lake Jesup. A foot-wide horse path leads to the edge of the lake, across tall grass and through several areas of pure mud, but dry enough in late-May to navigate on foot. There are acres and acres of land to run across, with a line of palms leading to S.R. 417 toward Orlando visible far off in the distance.

The entrance at the parking area of the Marl Bed Flats tract is about as uninviting as possible. It is in an unlikely spot at the end of Oakway Lane, the vegetation overgrown, the area unattractive and it gets worse the first couple hundred yards until the Red Trail (to the left) opens into the marsh area. The Yellow Trail (to the right) is a short circular path to the Red Trail. The Red and Yellow combine to cover 1.3 miles but that does not include the endless acreage of the marsh leading to the lake, which is the main attraction here. Both trails are short, circular links back to the parking lot.

The Lake Jesup Trail Guide mentions designated camping sites in each of the tracts but to imagine a camp out there during hot weather months is inconceivable. If the bugs didn’t chase everyone into their tents in short order much of the wildlife would see to it. This area is crawling with snakes, alligators, giant tortoises, hawks and plenty of other critters, not to mention the heat, vegetation and the danger of torrential downpours. Hunting is also permitted in certain areas throughout the year.

Animal and plant life are protected at the Lake Jesup Conservation Area and the Trail Guide advises to not “kill, trap or molest any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian,” which of course is vital to the success of the project. Most of the animals on the property seem acutely aware of this and take matters into their own hands. They are willing to chase intruders off of the property, particularly one rambunctious water moccasin and a pair of large egrets, whose screeches were enough to keep anyone at bay.

The best running area of the three is the North Cameron Tract as it has mostly open trail the whole way with good footing, is least likely to flood and has a simple, circular route near the parking area measuring 1.2 miles. The gate at the southern end is usually locked but it’s an easy climb-over to continue on the trail. It’s a long way to the water – through high grass – from this tract, with cattle in the distance, and not a terribly scenic area, but easy to walk or run.

Speaking of continuing on the trails, each of these tracts are poorly-marked, if at all. It is necessary to bring a map, printable at this link, to know the way around. The North Cameron Tract has a small kiosk with maps, the other two do not – and it is difficult to even see where those trails begin. Keep in mind too that most road maps to these areas do not indicate that the Orlando Sanford International Airport cuts Cameron Ave. in half and that one must take Lake Mary Blvd. around it to get to both tracts from S.R. 46. GPS devices do not realize this either.

The approximately 6,000 acres of preserved land surrounding Lake Jesup is managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District and owned by the District and local municipalities. The properties were acquired for conservation purposes and as part of the Central Florida Beltway Project beginning in 1990.

Lake Jessup Conservation Area Slide Show

Copyright 2010

A squirrel keeping an eye on runners along the Van Fleet Trail in Central Florida. Photo by Bob Deakin

The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail in Central Florida is what distance runners and bicyclists in most parts of the world dream of; a 30 mile-long, ten foot-wide paved path with no hills, no turns, no interruptions and year-round warm weather. This is a trail for expert runners and cyclists used to distance and conditions, as well as novices properly prepared with reliable equipment. It also includes a horse trail bordering the pavement for the entire stretch.

Upon reading about the Van Fleet Trail before making the trek, it appeared to run through absolute Florida wilderness, with no signs of human life along the way. Not the case. It certainly is a rural trail, and it’s possible to travel the entire stretch without seeing a soul, but it runs through the 560,000-acre Green Swamp, as well as farmlands with many small, private homesteads along the way. Florida Department of Transportation employees working in trucks or on tractors are occasionally visible, and offer assistance in the event of an emergency, as evidence last week on two visits to the trail, one which included a bicycle tire blowout.

The Van Fleet Trail, approximately 30 miles west of Orlando, is a former railroad line converted to a trail as part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy program. It is named in honor of General James Alward Van Fleet, the distinguished commanding General of the U.S. Army and United Nations forces during the Korean War. He had a ranch in Polk City, FL, at the south end of the trail, and died there in 1992 at the age of 100.

The trail is a straight shot from S.R. 50 in Mabel, FL to S.R. 33 in Polk City near the I-4 overpass, passing through Sumter, Lake and Polk counties, with only a barely-noticeable curve near the southern end. It is shrouded in trees and bush on either side of the entire stretch, with no respite from the sun overhead or horse flies in the wet areas. This is important to consider for runners in that the flies swarm in certain areas and are impervious to most bug sprays and clothing.

If it’s solitude that is desired, the Van Fleet is the perfect trail. One can travel for miles and not see another soul except for the exotic wildlife, including gopher tortoises, snakes, deer, otter and much more, even an alpaca farm along the way. After a few hours on the trail, other trail goers are a welcome site and the camaraderie is evident. To pull off the trail to adjust equipment or take a swig of water is to be greeted by passersby with an “are you alright” more often than not.

This is a beautiful trail to run or ride, and the freedom of space and interruption is uncommon on public trails, making the Van Fleet Trail a unique experience and one to cherish and remember. The sound of nature alone is amazing as the birds provide the musical score with accompaniment from the rustling of animals and reptiles trudging through the brush and the occasional splash of a fish or alligator in the swamps. It is not the most visually scenic trail, as the trees buttressing it block out much of the surroundings, and there are no great stretches along the water, but it is a glimpse into the unimpeded Central Florida landscape.

To take full advantage of this trail, be prepared. Bring water, food, good equipment and a Cell phone. 30 miles might not seem like a long stretch on a bicycle, but a flat tire and a botched fix becomes a long, long walk in a matter of seconds. There are four evenly-spaced trail heads with parking along the way, three that have a water fountain and restrooms, and the rest is pure Florida farmland and swamp.

For bicyclists, as opposed to most public trails in Central Florida, this is one where they can let it all out. Speed is not a concern as there is nothing in the way, virtually no one to watch out for and enough distance to satisfy the greatest tests of endurance. It might not be the most scenic, but it leaves no excuse for getting in the best possible workout.

The complete stretch of the Van Fleet Trail is for the serious runner, cyclist and equestrian. It’s not necessary to traverse the entire trail, so picking a trail head and making a short route is a great way to experience the setting, and a nice way to see a part of central Florida otherwise unnoticed. Do not expect a department store or bike shop anywhere near this trail, so plan accordingly. The simplest route to find it is Exit 44 off I-4 heading toward the Fantasy of Flight attraction.

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A family coasts along the western shore of Hontoon Island State Park in Deland, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

A five minute ferry ride avails off-road runners in Central Florida with a 1,650-acre island virtually all to themselves. Not many would expect to find scenic island wilderness in Deland, but that is just what’s awaiting a few miles off State Road (SR) 44.

Hontoon Island State Park is surrounded by the St. Johns River and Lake Beresford to the north and east, and Hontoon Dead River to the south and west. The island was, of course, first inhabited by Native Americans with the most noted evidence being enormous snail shell mounds on the western end near a bend in the St. Johns. It was also a popular stopover for steamboats in the mid 19th Century, and was later connected to the mainland near the marina by a bridge, which no longer exists.

The park has approximately six miles of smooth, grass-covered trails ideal for runners of all skills and terrain preferences, and the mile-long Hammock Hiking Nature Trail for those who like a run through the jungle, and don’t mind a swampy path in the wet seasons.

The main trails are perfect for mountain/hybrid bicyclists and although it is no test of endurance, the trails branch off in various directions with a wide enough path to avoid other cyclists, runners and walkers. The island is as quiet as can be and the scenery spectacular. Endless vistas of grasses, saw palmettos, pines and oaks cover the landscape with free-range armadillos, turtles and wild turkeys amidst a bird watcher’s paradise.

Overnight camping is available on the island either in tents or by renting one of the little bungalows a quarter mile or so from the main entrance/marina. The island is also accessible by private boats, including the many rented or chartered variety that cruise the St. Johns on a daily basis.

Numerous picnic areas, a ranger station, gift shop, small museum, vending machines and public restrooms are available at the marina, however, no facilities of any sort are available once past the entrance and camping areas, and that’s a good thing. Once inside the depths of the park, no sign of human inhabitants exist other than well worn paths and the occasional sign or trail marker.

Several small landings are hidden around the perimeter of Hontoon Island, mostly covered by thick vegetation and guarded by stealthy little creatures. The adventurous runner or hiker can spend an entire day exploring the trails, catching some sun along the waterways, observing wildlife or fishing. Keep in mind that the last ferry off the island departs an hour before sunset.

Free parking is provided across the river from the marina, and visitors need only to stand ready on the dock for the electric ferry boat to suddenly appear for the short ride across. There is no fee for parking, the ferry ride or the visit, but donations are gladly accepted at the ranger station.

Hontoon Island State Park is maintained by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks. It was purchased by the state in 1967 when still a privately-owned property visited by enterprising adventurers and campers via private boat or canoe, as it still is today. For directions, maps, reservations and volunteer information go to the Reserve America Web site. For a larger map go to the DEP’s Greenways & Trails page.

As with most of the parks under the auspices of the DEP, Hontoon Island State Park is a quick getaway to a beautiful land virtually untouched by human intrusion, and a welcome opportunity for the public to get … The Real Florida experience – as the sign on the ranger station states – away from the highways, lights and theme parks.

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The Cross Seminole Trail cuts through Central Winds Park in Winter Springs, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

The Cross Seminole Trail links Orange County to Seminole County, Winter Park to Sanford, as part of the Seminole County Trails & Greenways master plan connecting parks, schools, protected land and neighborhoods within Seminole County and beyond. This is a predominantly urban trail, fraught with intersections and traffic to the south, ebbing into a peaceful, continuous trail in Oviedo and Winter Springs, and back to congested, urban areas to the north in Lake Mary.

The Cross Seminole Trail is not yet completed as planned, with wide-paved trails, signs and facilities, but just short. The links still missing on the trail are from Lake Mary High School in Lake Mary to Ronald Reagan Blvd. in Longwood, a short stretch near the intersection of State Roads 419 and 434 in Winter Springs, and a link in the area of Aloma Ave. and Mitchell-Hammock Rd. in Oviedo. Although trail construction in these areas is not complete because of property rights issues, the entire length from Winter Park to Sanford is easily passable on wheels or foot.

From the south, the Cross Seminole Trail begins at the end of the Cady Way Trail at the intersection of Aloma Ave., Howell Branch and Hall Roads in Winter Park, and runs northeast toward Oviedo High School.

To run or bike the trail from Winter Park to Oviedo is a test of patience as well as endurance. There are busy intersections to navigate, countless business and residential entrances to cross, and the missing link of trail where it is necessary to ride in the road or run on the sidewalk. It is a congested area, and with the exception of a peaceful rural stretch underneath S.R. 417, not particularly enjoyable because of the constant interference.

Oviedo to Longwood is a pleasure. The wide, paved path runs continuously with numerous areas to take a break in the shade, and placid suburban scenery along the way. It crosses back under S.R. 417 with a conveniently-located stop at the Black Hammock Trail Head, and eventually crosses S.R. 434 on a pedestrian overpass, past Winter Springs High School and into Central Winds Park, which provides an ideal stop or meeting place with restroom facilities, water, shade, picnic benches and parking.

From there, the trail heads north along S.R. 434 where the wide-paved path ends for a short stretch before resuming and heading north parallel to S.R. 419 to the Spring Hammock Preserve, which includes the Seminole County Environmental Studies Center and the Osprey Trail, directly across the street from Soldiers Creek Park. This is another respite for parking, hiking the nature trails and getting out of the sun. The trail then crosses S.R. 419 and ends up near the intersection of S.R. 17/92 where it crosses a modern, winding pedestrian bridge offering stunning views of the road below and the forest to the west. Big Tree Park is just a mile or so heading north, home of “The Senator,” a 3,500 year-old bald cypress. The park includes restroom facilities, water, picnic areas, parking, playgrounds and a rustic wooden foot bridge to The Senator with accompanying signs and educational information.

Continuing northwest the trail ends at the intersection of Longwood Lake Mary Rd. and Ronald Reagan Blvd., where it becomes the Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail, the current name until the entire stretch becomes known as the Cross Seminole Trail. The Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail is one of the missing links within the chain of contiguous Seminole County Trails & Greenways from Sanford through Lake Mary. It connects to the Seminole Wekiva Trail in Heathrow via the pedestrian suspension bridge over I-4 covering approximately seven miles.

The Seminole County Trails & Greenways Program works in concert with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Recreation and Parks, as well as the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Recreation and Land management plans to preserve and protect land throughout Florida and provide recreation and enjoyment for its residents.

All in all, the Cross Seminole Trail from Winter Park to Big Tree Park covers approximately 24 miles and provides an excellent opportunity for bicyclists looking to get to know their surrounding towns in a more intimate way, particularly those looking to visit nature trails. The trail is typically populated, even on weekdays, and never far from a main road. Regardless of a few missing links, one can travel from Winter Park to Sanford in a surprisingly short amount of time, and see a lot of their neighbors on the trail along the way.

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The White Loop trail winds around the bend at the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park in Orange County, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

An off-road distance runner’s dream, the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park is as rural a setting as imaginable just outside the Orlando city limits, yet as far away as possible, environmentally speaking. There are no phones, restroom facilities or drinking water on the property, just lots of trees, grass, wet prairie, ponds and canals.

Three separate trails ring the park, each laid out in rough circles, joined in the center near the park entrance. There is a 6.3-mile yellow loop, a 6.1-mile red loop and a 4.3-mile white loop, each approximately 15 feet wide and covered with worn grass or hard-packed sand. Considering the distances, it is ideal for a distance runner looking to break away from the confines of city streets and pounding concrete, or a mountain biker looking for an easy ride in the middle of nowhere. As long as the trails are, they cover a mere fraction of the 9,515 acres of park property along the Econlockhatchee River.

The park has several designated camping areas, which are open year-round and popular with school groups and equestrian clubs, as motorized vehicles and hunting are not permitted. The camping areas are little more than clearings alongside the trail, but for a group with plans to ride, hike or explore, the park is expansive and holds a variety of landscapes. Wildlife includes bobcat, gopher tortoise, river otter and indigo snake, and the area has protected zones for endangered species including the red-cockaded woodpecker.

Serenity defines the Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park. Even the drive to get there is quiet once outside Orlando. It is not a place to travel alone for most, as safety in numbers is advisable. A few minutes into a run or ride and one is in the middle of deep Florida bush, with only the birds flying overhead having any view of civilization. The only other sign of human interference along the trails is an occasional opening through the forest revealing a glimpse of smoke trails from the nearby Stanton Energy Center, which is quite a stark contrast of images on a clear day.

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Division of Land Management is the primary owner and overseer of the property, in cooperation with Orange County. The Hal Scott Regional Park and Preserve was originally purchased in separate parcels from private landowners from 1992 to 1998 with assistance from the Florida Department of Transportation, Orange County and the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority. The park is named in honor of the late Hal Scott, former president of the Florida Audubon Society (now Audubon of Florida) from 1971 through 1980, a partner in the former Herndon, Iles & Scott insurance agency in Orlando and a long-time advocate of the preservation of land along the Econlockhatchee River.

The park is located at 5150 Dallas Boulevard in east Orange County outside Orlando city limits and at least a half-hour drive from downtown. It is located south of Bithlo approximately ten miles southwest of East Colonial Drive (S.R.50) and five miles north of the Beachline Expressway (S.R.528). According to the St. Johns River Water Management District, the park will eventually contain restroom facilities and connect with Long Branch Park to the north.

As running or biking areas in Central Florida go, Hal Scott is not among the most spectacular – such
as Hontoon Island State Park or the Lake Norris Conservation Area – but beautiful nonetheless, more so for those interested in plants and wildlife, which is, of course, the purpose of the preserve. There is little shade to be had and barely any waterfront areas to sit and relax or take in the sights. Many of the trail areas are also not passable in wet weather, and once off the trail it’s bushwhacking through the wilderness.

These are trails for strong runners or novice mountain bikers. In respect to the natural setting, lack of facilities and spotty Cell phone coverage, bring lots of water, sun block, and alert someone before using the trails, particularly in extreme heat.

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A couple winds down after a run in the morning fog on New Smyrna Beach. Photo by Bob Deakin

Runners lucky enough to live in Florida have the luxury of being able to run on the beach year round, and few places are more gentle on the feet than New Smyrna Beach, about an hour drive from Downtown Orlando.

The main drag of New Smyrna Beach is covered with a fine-grain soft sand that packs down perfectly on the wet shoreline for runners. The texture becomes almost rubbery, yet hard enough to allow the feet to stay above the surface, enabling runners to go their normal distances without tiring from climbing out of the sand with each stride.

For those who prefer a barefoot run, New Smyrna is the place to be. Not only is the track wide enough and long enough for real distance and plenty of freedom, but it continues uninterrupted for miles and miles to the south, with plenty of public access and facilities along the way.

Running barefoot on the beach is one of the pure pleasures for many runners, offering the natural benefits of cleansing the feet with saltwater and sand while working out muscles normally constricted or padded under the confines of running shoes. In addition to that, a long walk after a vigorous run on the beach is like no other feeling a runner can get on the street, trail, or certainly on the treadmill.

A recent morning at New Smyrna Beach saw an endless, heavy fog rolling in off the Atlantic in a continuous wave, blocking the view of everything more than a few feet away. It was disorienting, slightly disturbing and completely beautiful. The fog lasted throughout the morning and into the afternoon, giving the beach a hazy view even after the heavy stuff burned off.

Running on the beach in a thick fog is an experience to remember forever, and the moist air provides a constant refresher to the skin and lungs, not to mention the salty breeze completing the ultimate tropical seascape. Adding to the sultry setting is the comfort of being able to just plop down in the sand or the water once the run is done, the exhaustion making for a cool down like none other.

New Smyrna Beach covers 13 miles of beach, with only the northernmost couple of miles open to vehicle traffic and populated on busy days. South of the city limits are another 24 miles of coastline encompassing the Canaveral National Seashore, which is under the auspices of the U.S. National Park Service. Be advised that the southernmost section of New Smyrna Beach is a coarser, darker, deeper sand with a more sudden drop-off into the water, making it a much more arduous workout for runners.

Parking in the Canaveral National Seashore area is much tougher to find as the drivable area of the park contains only five small lots along the way, which are a long walk from the beach. Within the New Smyrna Beach city limits, parking is available in lots along the way as well as on the beach when the tides are right. It is a $5 charge to drive on the beach during most of the year. The beach is also ideal for mountain biking.

Copyright 2010

A time of reflection along the trail at Cranes Roost park in Altamonte Springs, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

Cranes Roost Park in the Uptown Altamonte section of Altamonte Springs is the quintessential destination for the beginning or novice runner. It is a one-mile loop around picturesque North Lake, dotted throughout with places to sit, stroll, reflect, and even lie down to take a break.

Uptown Altamonte, for first-timers, is just off SR 436 between the Altamonte Mall and I-4. It is a modern facility throughout, all built within the last 20 years around what was overlooked lake shore and disconnected parking lots. The 45-acre development is lined with palms, decorative lighting and a sound system around the entire lake.

The one-mile loop is paved with a 7 foot-wide smooth path featuring two long foot bridges over lily-strewn waters with lots of hungry fish, turtles and ducks awaiting a treat. The path is narrow and usually bustling, making it troublesome for avid runners, but ideal for walkers and trotters that don’t need a passing lane.

The most appealing aspects of the park are its serenity, cleanliness and countless locations to stop and take a break. Benches are provided all along the trail, both covered and sun-splashed, as well as hundreds of seating areas on the terraced stadium of the Eddie Rose Amphitheater.

The park is a prime destination for a date or gathering with friends, as it is within a short walk of the AMC Altamonte Mall 18 movie theater, the Altamonte Mall and dozens of shops and eateries at the park entrance on SR 436. Cafe Murano is right inside the park next to the lake as an excellent rendezvous for dinner or drinks, indoors or al fresco. The restaurant is spacious and noisy but the perfect launching pad for dinner and a movie and a walk to talk about it afterward.

Summer brings free jazz concerts on the weekends, usually held on the sidewalk of the Amphitheater, named for former City Commissioner Eddie Rose. Unfortunately the immense floating stage in the lake is almost never used, which is a shame considering the visual allure of its architecture and increased visibility of patrons. Throughout the year there are numerous festivals, walks and runs for charity and a nightly schedule of events. Huge fireworks displays are set off on the Fourth of July and at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The south end of Cranes Roost Park features a particularly attractive European-style plaza with well-maintained flower gardens, picnic areas, gazebos and the water fountain entertaining visitors with hydraulically-choreographed ten-minute shows at night, synchronized with musical themes. It is a great location to take the kids for a stroll and photo opportunities in front of the many dynamic backdrops.

The Uptown Altamonte development is the result of a partnership between the City of Altamonte Springs and several private entities. The trendy Lofts Apartments “urban oasis” building has been completed, which will complement the luxury, mixed-use condominium complex slated for construction in the near future directly behind the plaza and fountain area.

Parking is free and plentiful at Cranes Roost Park and throughout Uptown Altamonte, and the area is well patrolled by the Altamonte Springs Police Department. Dogs are allowed on the trail around the lake although bicycles and roller blades are not. On a warm Florida night there are few places more pleasant, easy to get to or more memorable than Cranes Roost Park. For that the City of Altamonte Springs should be proud of its leaders’ foresight back in the 1980s.

Originally published on Examiner.com Orlando in 2010

Copyright 2010