Bob Deakin Short Stories

A long view of clouds over Lake Norris Rd. in Eustis, FL. Photo by Bob Deakin

For those looking for a long, straight and sunny run or ride, free of traffic, intersections or the need for trail directions, Lake Norris Road in Eustis, Florida is just the thing.

Located off State Road (SR) 44A near the Black Bear Golf Club, Lake Norris Rd. is approximately four miles long in the most rural section of Eustis that was formerly an orange grove, and still is at the north end.

Serenity and quiet dominate this landscape that is dotted with homes for the first mile then spreads out into untouched farmland, swampland and forest, leading to Lake Norris, a virtually pristine body of water inaccessible to the general public, except for those who live on the lake or are willing to make a mile-long trek on foot to get to it.

Public parking is available at the Lake Norris Conservation Area, about two thirds of the way down Lake Norris Rd. It is a grass-covered lot, used mostly by horse-toting pickup trucks and equestrians parking for their ride through miles of the conservation area. The public is welcome to use the horse trails on foot or on hooved creatures, and the area is a peaceful respite after a long run or bike ride. Take a look at the wildlife in the adjacent Blackwater Creek, hike it to Lake Norris or just sit back and watch the birds, planes and ultra lite crafts fly overhead on a warm sunny day.

Lake Norris Rd. is two lanes with a 45 mph speed limit, a couple sharp curves and long straight stretches with little more than black cows, cactus and wide open stretches of grass. At the north end, a well-tended orange grove offers fragrant blossoms in the spring and the ultimate Florida scent of oranges in winter. Traffic is light, mostly commuters heading to and from Ebersole Road at the north end, but unobtrusive, and those on the road can see them coming for nearly a mile at most points.

With all of the finely manicured trails and parks available in the greater Orlando area, a rural location such as this is a welcome change to those looking to put in some miles without interruption. The long-distance cyclist can simply use this area as a launching pad for a 100-mile ride if that’s what they’re into. Just head left or right at the intersection of Lake Norris and 44A and pick a route for the day. SR 44A – just off SR 44 – is no cakewalk as cars and tractor trailers travel at speeds well over 65 mph on winding roads, but expert cyclists are used to such risks, and the long-stretches of road are seemingly endless in this part of the state.

The Lake Norris Conservation Area is also a hub of other activities including canoe tours, kayaking, equestrian trails, hiking and bird watching. For maps and details, go to the St. John’s River Water Management District Web site.

Lake Norris Rd. also offers plenty of accessory areas for meandering bike tours, such as the development around Black Bear Golf Club, or Ebersole Rd. and its tributaries, which is a circular section of peaceful rural roadway. There are no traffic lights for miles around, no noise and no industry, and simply doubling back from the original starting point will facilitate as many miles as one wants to go – in peace and quiet. Just bring plenty of water and sunblock.

Originally published on Examiner.com Orlando in 2010

Copyright 2010

The Cross Seminole pedestrian bridge over I-4 in Lake Mary

The Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail in Lake Mary is currently one of the missing links within the chain of contiguous Seminole County Trails & Greenways from Sanford to Oviedo. This trail connects with the Seminole Wekiva Trail in Heathrow and ends near Lake Mary High School, covering approximately seven miles. It will eventually extend east to the Orange County line at Howell Branch Road in Winter Park and become the Cross Seminole Trail.

The trail is another of the 12 foot-wide two-lane paved paths that travel through urban settings throughout the greater Orlando area as part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Office of Greenways & Trails program. The Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail begins on Rinehart Road in Lake Mary then splits to the south toward Longwood and north toward Sanford, where it ends approximately a mile away. The trail is connected to the Seminole Wekiva Trail via the pedestrian suspension bridge over I-4 , which continues between office buildings to International Parkway in Heathrow.

The initial stretch of the trail is rife with busy intersections across and along heavily-traveled Rinehart Road. About two miles south and it’s across the massive pedestrian bridge over Lake Mary Blvd. at Greenwood Blvd. At that point the traffic thins out and it cuts through residential areas to Greenway Blvd. From here the trail travels east past the public library and the Greenwood Lakes Middle School to Greenwood Lakes Park, which serves as an appropriate spot for a break with rest rooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, parking and even a roller hockey rink. From there the trail continues east and ends at Lake Mary High School on Longwood Lake Mary Rd.

The next stretch of the trail has yet to be completed, although there is a wide sidewalk all the way to Ronald Reagan Blvd. The path, however, is not as wide as the previous stretches and is covered with cracks and occasional debris. The only remaining indication that the trail exists from this point southeast is a sign identifying the trail at the intersection of Longwood Lake Mary Rd. and Ronald Reagan Blvd.

It is only advisable to continue the trail on bicycle any further than Lake Mary High School if one doesn’t mind riding in the road. Once at Ronald Reagan Blvd. take a left then a quick right where the paved trail begins once again on General Hutchinson Pkwy as the Cross Seminole Trail.

For those crossing the pedestrian bridge over I-4 and traveling north on Rinehart Road, the trail ends approximately a mile away at H. E. Thomas Jr. Pkwy, with many business entrances along the way, making for an arduous journey. This stretch will eventually connect with U.S. Highway 17-92 along Lake Monroe in Sanford, and portions of the trail have been paved and marked intermittently.

One thing to keep in mind is the big picture: The Cross Seminole Trail, as with many others in the DEP’s trails program, is a work in progress. While some stretches are seemingly short and difficult to navigate, the paths and signage will eventually be improved, with additional facilities such as rest areas and welcome kiosks added. The state and local municipalities have accomplished an amazing task to date, undertaking what often seems to be impossible projects over major highways and through intensely congested urban and residential areas.

Along the Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail are a number of interesting features such as the two bridges, and the tunnel under Greenwood Blvd. Near the Lake Mary Blvd. bridge (the bridge has no official name) are a host of eateries, shops, and every conceivable fast-food restaurant and large retail outlet. Underneath the bridge is Smitty’s Chicago Style, serving Chicago Hot Dogs, ice cream and other treats with public rest rooms and a picnic area.

It was here that this reporter’s bicycle suffered a blowout and got to test the emergency flat repair canister: Grade F. Did not work on the thin tires of the road bike but fortunately the car was parked on the other side of the bridge.

All in all, the journey of the incomplete Rinehart Road/Crossings Trail was interesting if not exhilarating. It is not a scenic trail other than the trip across the bridge over I-4 (built in 2003), which is spectacular for the sheer architectural marvel. Running or biking the trail is worth the effort if it’s an investigative effort one desires. If it’s a good workout or a scenic journey near Orlando that one is after however, make another choice such as the West Orange Trail or the lower half of the Seminole Wekiva Trail.

Map of the entire proposed Cross Seminole Trail.

Originally published on Examiner.com Orlando in 2010

Copyright 2010