Durbin Creek: A Kayaker's Dream

Durbin Creek is a beautiful kayak/canoe spot that is conveniently located near my house. It is a part of the Bartram Canoe Trail, where the environmentalist William Bartram traveled and discovered new species, one of which I write about below. I wrote this entry the day after I got back and posted it on a kayaking website, and I have decided to share it with you.

Sunday, March 19th, 2006
HIGHLIGHTS
Historic bridge, portaging, two close encounters with water moccasins, Great Blue Heron, Ibis, Bartram's Ixia, 12-15 Foot Alligator, Naked girl

One of my favorite places in the world is Durbin Creek, a tributary of the St. Johns River that runs through St. Johns and Duval Counties in northeast Florida. It originates in a swamp just east of US 1 in Duval County and wanders for around 20 miles through fairly old-growth cypress forest. It is a blackwater creek filled with many fallen logs and snags for about the first half of its course. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful and interesting paddles in northeast Florida, and I highly recommend it to any moderately experienced kayaker or canoer. I say moderately experienced because some of the snags can be a little tricky to navigate around, and, as you are about to see, nearly impossible in low water.
When my dad and I decided to make a trip down Durbin Creek this weekend, we were a little worred about the low water level. We have not had a significant rain in over two weeks, and as a result, we feared that the water level would be too low for easy passage. Nevertheless we decided to take the full trip from Racetrack Road to Clark's Fish Camp (Hood Landing boat ramp), and hoped to get some lunch at Clark's after a long day of paddling. When we arrived at the launch (the north side of Racetrack Road, NOT ACCESSIBLE TO MOTOR BOATS), our fears were confirmed. The water level was so low that what is usually a two-foot deep swamp was completely dry, and there were numerous exposed snags that we had never seen before. The low water also provided a rare look at a piece of old Florida history: As we scouted out the ramp and checked the water level, we saw posts in a straight line sticking about a foot out of the water, and some wood planking leading up to it near the bank. It did not lake us long to realize that those posts and the planks were the remnants of the old bridge that used to cross the creek way back when the road was a simple wagon trail. Being history buffs, we marveled at the site for a moment, but quickly got back to business, as we were on somewhat of a time constraint. We got all of our gear loaded and tied down and set off from the muddy bank at around 11:45 AM. It did not take long (about 5 minutes) before we reached our first obstacle. A log, halfway submerged completely blocked our path from bank to bank. We had some reservations about getting out of the kayak and stepping onto the slippery log, risking an undesirable swim in the creek. So we looked around and did something that you can NEVER do on Durbin Creek (due to the fact that it's usually completely flanked by swamp): PORTAGE! We pulled the kayak out, weaved it though some trees, slipped in some mud, and put back in 100 yards downstream, beyond the fallen log. Right then I knew that this would be a looong trip. For the next mile, there were uncountable snags that we really had to work to get over...fortunately, our kayak has a very shallow draft and we can get over logs only a couple inches below the water.
There is this cypress tree on Durbin Creek (well, actually there's thousands on the creek, but I'm only speaking of one in particular). A tree that my father and I have estimated to be somewhere along the lines of 2,000 years old (by comparing to other trees that we know the diameter and age of) and 9 feet in diameter. This tree is HUGE...Bigger than most people have seen or ever will see in their entire life. I have been wanting to get my picture taken in front of this tree for months, but it has constantly been eluding me for one reason after the next. I thought that today would be the perfect day to do it because the water level is so low, and I can get out and stand in front of it for the sake of perspective (you ought to see how this thing dwarfs me). As we got within about ten feet of it, I was preparing to get out when I saw a commotion right where I was about to step out. I saw a long, black, tubular body. We made eye contact. "Water moccasin! Go back!" I yelled to my dad, and we both quickly paddled backward. I'm not too worried about alligators and bears and panthers...but I don't go near a poisonous snake. Needless to say, I decided that maybe today wasn't the day to get my picture taken with the tree (grin). After that experience, I sweared I would be more careful about watching out for snakes on this creek.....10 minutes later.....As we ducked under yet another log against the left bank of the creek, I turned around to push back and drown some spider brush that was menacingly close to my arachniphobic self. (Spider brush is a term that I have given to branches and twigs that grow over the water in our path. When you run into them, five or six spiders, some quite large, jump onto you and into the boat...never fails) As I turned, I saw it. Another tubular body curled up in the tree that we had just ducked under. We were well within striking range. "Oh crap, dad. Look. Rattler." I sat there (stupidly withing strinking range) for a moment, secondthinking my classification of the snake. "That's a moccasin, paddle us out!" my dad said...I agreed. Now that it is spring it is very important that I, and all other paddlers, be sure to check very carefully when your are walking on the bank or moving around logs, to be sure you don't get that potentially fatal bite that we all dread.
As we moved farther down the creek, we began to see palm trees, palmettos, and more grasses back where the swamp usually stands. I also began to notice blue-purple flowers set farther back in the woods...As a I got a closer look, I realized what it was: BARTRAM'S IXIA! Bartram's Ixia is an endangered flower that only grows in localized areas in northeast Florida, and fortunately for me, one of those areas is Durbin Creek. I'm surprised to see them blooming so early in the Spring, but I am sure that's what they were. I was very excited to finally see this rare flower in the wild.
A few miles down the creek, high voltage power lines cross over in a straight line, forming a wide, wet, grassy area; prime territory for 'gators. The last trip we made, we had seen what my dad estimated to be a 15-foot gator here. As we came up on the power lines, we were as quiet as possible, and sure enough, there we was. He sat, like a mammoth, on the left side of the creek, right at the edge of the grass. Our kayak is 13 feet long...he is longer than it. He turned around and stared at us. We stared back at his monstrously huge head. As we approached, he quietly slipped into the water. "I've never been so nervous on this creek before," I said with a chatter. "Well maybe it's because of the 15-foot alligator that you're on top of right now," my dad responded wryly. If you ever make this trip...You will round a left bend and you will see the clearing and the lines crossing the river. Be really quiet, move slowly, and look at the left bank. He'll be laying there sunning himself, 90% guaranteed.
Continuing farther down the creek, it begins to widen considerably and you start to see the first sign of civilization in the form of docks and boats more expensive than my house. As we rounded a corner, we saw a very large boat filled with around 10 teenagers, one quite entertaining (grin). I glanced to the side and quickly turned away. My dad sneezed. She turned around. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry," she said climbing back into the boat." For some strange reason, she was climbing around the outside on the side of the boat....in the buff. Not quite sure what the idea was there, but one of her friends summed it up quite well, "KODAK MOMENT!" (grin).
After passing them, there really is not much to speak of in this creek. We paddled for about another 1-2 miles and turned into Julington Creek, where we took out about 1/4 mile upsteam on that creek. After putting away all of our gear, we went into Clark's Fish Camp and had ourselves a good lunch of Fried Shrimp, Green Beans, and Grits, while overlooking the creek. I meant to give the manager hell about the $0.25 alligator feed vending machine he had set up out front (angers me very much that they encourage alligator feeding), but I was in a hurry to get to a church meeting, so I didn't...but I'll be back Clark...I'll be back (evil grin)
For those of you who want to make this trip, I would highly recommend that you take it in higher water, when most of the snags are submerged. But if you like a challenge, Durbin Creek at low water certainly is the place to be, and it doesn't get much more beautiful either. HAPPY PADDLING!


At the beginning part of the paddle, the water is dark brown, stained by tannin from the abundant trees. There are a lot of snags like you see on the left and a lot of submerged logs that can be some trouble. At these upper portions of the creek, you will see a lot of otters, birds, racoons, and a few gators...If you are quiet. Also, don't touch any of the branches or snags if you don't like spiders.


There are many little branches (the body of water, not the part of the tree) that extend back into the swamp surrounding, but be careful if you decide to explore one, for it is easy to get turned around in the broad expanse of trees. I wouldn't recommend anybody do this unless they are an experienced navigator or have a GPS. Here, we are coming out of one that we named "The Loop," as it loops around in the swamp and comes back into the creek about a quarter mile later. (Yes, that is a part of my back on the left...The first photo of me you have seen :-D)

Water Hyacinths are one of the few problems that plague Durbin Creek and almost every other creek or river in Florida. I once heard that the non-native species was brought to America by a woman who thought they would look good in her private pond. They quickly took it over and grew all across the surface. Frutrated, she pulled them out and threw them into the St. Johns River, where they spread like wildfire. It is a more likely scenario, though, that they came along on a shipment into one of Florida's ports...Quite possibly JAXPORT in Jacksonville. No matter how they got here, they clog up parts of many creeks, rivers and backwaters as you can see here, and sometimes completely halt boat traffic. Fortunately, many of the larger bodies of water are under "maintenance" that controls their growth.

As you continue further downstream, the water opens up a little bit, and the paddle becomes easier, as you will no longer have to compete with snags. Your last snag at average water level should be soon after the power lines. This, in my opinion, begins the most beautiful part of the creek.

As Durbin Creek continues, it later joins Julington Creek, which then joins into the St. Johns River as one of its largest tributaries. At its latter portions, it opens up wider than a 100 yards and is dotten with houses...sickening in my opinion. But nothing can be taken from the upper portions of this mysterious and beautiful creek.

-HT

Julington-Durbin Preserve

Julington-Durbin Preserve is a brand new, 2000-acre protected point of land between Julington Creek and Durbin Creek in north Florida. This very diverse piece of land consists of natural longleaf pine forests, sandhill, and swamp. All three times I have been out there, I have seen bear and deer tracks in the road and some monster armadillos feeding in the bushes. The land was originally slated to be a golf course and gated community by the sickos developing the Bartram Park development in southern Duval County (on land from which gopher tortoises mysteriously disappeared.) Fortunately, a deal was worked out with the state of Florida and the St. Johns River Water Management District, and the land was bought for a public park.

My friend, Phil, and I went out to the preserve two weeks ago to walk a portion of the nine miles of trails blazed through the park. The following is a photo essay of our experience. As you read, try to picture this beautiful piece of land as a golf course and a gated community full of manicured lawns and rich people.

Most of the trails lead through the quickly disappearing Longleaf Pine ecosystem that is unique to north Florida and south Georgia. This naturally beautiful ecosystem is home to many endangered animals such as gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, and red cockaded woodpeckers. In some areas, you may be lucky enough to spot hooded pitcher plants with their long, carniverous flowers or the bright fruit of the beautyberry bush. It is not unusual to hear armadillos, raccoons, and deer rummaging around in the palmettos and wiregrass off the trail.

This intriguing wild animal followed me all along the trail. He seemed curious...

This is part of the red-blazed trail. In my opinion, it is the most scenic one in the park. It leads back through the swamp along an old logging road down to Durbin Creek.

This is Durbin Creek about a half-mile downstream from the power lines and the huge gator. Almost the entire stretch of this creek is completely pristine. But look across the creek in this picture. Enjoy the undisturbed swamp while it lasts, because in a few years there will be big docks lining that bank, all thanks to my favorite people in the world, the developers of Bartram Park.


A timber company used to own part of the land the preserve sits on, and there was a cultivated forest of Slash Pines on here. The park managers have taken out the un-natural Slash Pines and have planted Longleaf Pines in their place. In 50 years this forest will be an oasis of natural beauty in a land filled with cookie-cutter houses, rich people, and transplants..."Progress"

Julington Creek: "This ain't gonna last long"

I've posted so much about kayaking on this blog that it would probably be more accurate to title it with a name pertaining to paddling rather than my heritage. However, I believe it is in part my heritage that makes me enjoy kayaking and nature so much. Therefore, HurricaneTeen's blog will still be called "The Minorcan Factor" :-D

I've written about Julington Creek briefly in my previous posts about Durbin Creek. It is similar to Durbin Creek, but has more development (you can thank Duval County for that) on its banks. It remains a very beautiful and relaxing trip, though, and I always look forward to wetting a paddle in its dark brown, tannin-stained water. We set off from the Hood Landing Boat Ramp near Clark's Fish Camp (I referred to the alligator feed vending machines here, and they still remain. I need to get in contact with the game department and ask some questions.) It was early in the morning (about 7:15, I think) and it was relatively cool for the Florida summer, which made for some nice steam wafting from the glassy surface of the water.

Paddling downstream, the creek narrowed out and the houses on the noth bank gradually disappeared.

After a while, we came upon a house that caught my eye. This was a beautiful house that I thought looked like an old fish camp from the looks of the architecture and layout. A man was feeding some fish in the creek and we stopped and talked for about 5 minutes. As we spoke, the distinctive rapping of a Pileated Woodpecker echoed through the swamp. He told us that he had just retired from the military and was getting his life back together back at home. He spoke of how much the area has changed in the time he was gone (trust me, I noticed) and about his website, FishPile.com When I commented on how nice his house was, he informed me that it was in fact an old fish camp that he had bought for a very low price a while back. He said that he loved it, too, but unfortunately he was going to take it out and build something higher off the creek, because if a flood were to come, he would suffer great losses. I can understand his concern and can't blame him for protecting his property, but I view it as yet another sign of old Florida being destroyed. As we said our goodbyes, he invited us to come back and visit him again. Next time I make this paddle I will be sure to do so, and also to get some pictures of his beautiful house.
As we passed by some other nice backwoods-looking homes (a rarity in this part of town) a couple of men sat and played banjo and fiddle in a bluegrass tune I could listen to for hours. Soon after, we passed under the St. Augustine Road bridge and continued on until a log blocked our path.
Here's some more pictures of this beautiful creek:

Blogger's being stubborn again and it won't let me post pictures. I'll post the rest of the pictures tomorrow.

Some More Durbin Creek Pictues

These are some pictures of Durbin Creek that I just uncovered. They were taken Easter Sunday. Very interesting pictures that I though I had lost.


These are the bridge pilings I wrote about in my prior post about Durbin Creek. I'm not sure how old these are, but it seems that these are leftovers from the old wooden bride that used to cross here a good long time ago. There is also some wood planking leading up to the water that cannot be seen in the picture. These posts are usually completely submerged (which would explain why they are so well preserved and why we have never seen them before this year), which gives an example of how bad the drought is right now. Since this picture was taken, the water level has dropped another few inches, and is showing no signs of rising.

If we were to take this picture at normal water level from this spot, we would be up to our knees in the creek. It has been completely impassible since March. It's a shame that nobody can get back there and enjoy it this summer.


This is the smaller of the two huge cypress trees that sit within a stone's throw of the creek. This one is set a little bit back into the woods and is visible from the canoe launch. It is 6 feet in diameter, which we estimate would make it at least 1000 years old...Amazing. Unfortunately, this one has graffiti written on the side facing the road, undoubtedly done by somebody who doesn't have the least care about Florida or its wild. Sick...And of yes, about the larger of the two huge cypress trees...there is one farther downstream that we estimate to be 9 feet in diameter (haven't measured it, but it looks about like 9 feet). That one has no graffiti on it because it's set back in the woods where no suburbanite would dare to go...except us. A perfect example of how isolation helps to preserve old-growth trees. It's amazing to see such huge trees back here, and it amazes me even more how they escaped the logging that swept through Florida in the 18 and 1900s. BTW...yes this is the first picture you've seen of me. And it's a horrible one at that. My sincerest apologies :-D.

Hope ya'll are enjoying the blog...And um...*grunts*...feel free to leave some comments.

The Sense of Exploration

Note: So Blogger is being stubborn once again, and I cannot post the photos that go along with this story. I will soon, though. Also, this story has a really negative twist at the end. I did not mean for it to turn out that way, but it just did. I just stated what was on my mind. Thanks for reading!

I wrote a while back about my intentions to take a hike through the woods to see about some ruins I had spotted on a topographical map. And I told you I would post about it....And I never did...But here it is! I actually wrote this post a while back , but I just never got around to posting it......

Note: I apologize for the poor quality of these pictures...I just snapped them while I was walking, and didn't pay much attention to them. More pictures will be coming soon from my father, who is a professional photographer. Needless to say, those pictures will be considerably better. Now, sit back and enjoy the story.

A couple months ago, while studying a map of the northern St. Johns County area, I took a close look at what my loyal readers now know as one of my favorite kayaking spots (Durbin Creek.) I was very surprised when I found the mark "ruins" back in the woods off the creek. I did some research and found....absolutely nothing. So I did the only thing a true Florida boy could do: go and see for myself...After all, what's better than spending a day out in the swamp?! After months of continuous nagging aimed at my dad, I finally convinced him to go trudgin' with me. You see, he was raised in Steeltown USA (Pittsburgh,) and he did not have many up close natural encounters when he was younger. As a result, he is not too big on the idea of walking around in a muddy, wild, smelly, nasty swamp that harbors many poisonous snakes and gators. (It's funny because all of those reasons that he hates the swamp are the exact reasons why I love it!!)
I rounded up two other people, my friend Ben and my history teacher Mr. Sarcasm (no, that's not his real name :-D) both of whom seemed very eager to go on a little discovery mission. Unfortunately, Ben had to drop out due to other commitments, so it was left up to me, my dad, and Mr. Sarcasm.
We met Mr. Sarcasm at the Racetrack Road bridge over Durbin Creek at 12:30, and set up all our gear and other accessories, whether necessary or not. My dad and I set off in the kayak to scout out a good place to start our walk, and found it...only about 100-200 yards downstream...We would have been better off walking across the creek.

No matter, the plan was already underway, so we decided not to deviate from it. I dropped my dad off on the bank (well, really just a muddy quagmire between two snags at the water's edge,) and paddled back upstream to pick up Mr. Sarcasm.

After tying the 'yak to a tree, we set off into the deep, dark cypress swamp.

The walk was easier and much drier than usual due to the lack of rainfall this year, and I believe we were all thankful for that. We blew right through that swamp with no problems at all.

On our way to the ruins site, we came across this very interesting "fanned-out" cypress tree. It is hard to see in this picture, but the tree is at least 5 feet (maybe closer to 6) at the base. What could cause this? Current? When would there have been a current sustained long enough to cause this? I think we're all "stumped" by it :-D.

Soon after passing Fanny the Cypress, we came upon a noticeable rise in the land, along with a noticeable increase in the density of the vegetation. We pushed ourselves through branches and vines for about 50-100 yards or so, and came upon a piece of cleared land.

I know this land has been cleared within the last couple of years, because not long ago, it was heavily forested. There was evidence of tractors...but no evidence of ruins. We were all disappointed. After a good walk around, we decided that there was no way anything standing there would have remained after the tractors had destroyed the land. Who knows what could have been there? Maybe it wasn't that old...but what if it was? No matter what, it was just another piece of Florida history gone. And the land in much of these pictures you see here will be permanently disturbed or destroyed by the great "progress" of the Bartram Park development that is overtaking much of southern Duval county as we speak. I find it laughable that many of these developers like to name their wildlife-destroying business ventures after naturalists (William Bartram) and places in natural literarure (Walden Pond.) William Bartram and Henry David Thoreau are rolling over in their graves. And I will be too, when I die surrounded by yankees and condos, remembering what this state used to be like. Oh well, just another disappointment from South New York.

An Brief Evening on Julington Creek

My mom has never been out on our kayak before, and, thinking that she would enjoy it, we decided to go out to Julington Creek for a short trip along the bank. Julington Creek is a tributary to the St. Johns that I mentioned in my Durbin Creek trip report, and it is generally a very nice creek. I had planned to cast a few plastic lures into the cyress on the bank to try my luck with the bass...which, I am not afraid to admit, is never usually very good. After shoving my mom and dad off on their way, I tromped through some knee-deep grass in shorts and sandals....Stop right here....I never recommend doing this, because you can easily step on a rattlesnake or water moccasin and be in baaad shape. Not to mention the fact that you're probably going to end up picking tics out of your legs...and some other undesirable places...that night. Please don't be stupid like me. Wear boots and jeans, and snake leggings are recommended too. I found a nice mud flat up on the creek with a lot of cypress knees and snags, and was just fixing to set up my gear when I saw my mom and dad floating back up toward the launch site. Apparently, my mom had not enjoyed it quite as much as she though we would and wanted out. For some reason the same water that she waded out waist deep into when she was a kid just struck a nervous chord in her today. I did, however, have the time to snap a couple pictures...


I found this plant growing alone set back on the high tide mark...Some kind of orchid maybe?? I have no idea.
UPDATE: Thanks to FloridaCracker, I now know that this plant is Swamp Lily. I feel kind of stupid living here all my life and not knowing what type of flower this is. But thanks, FC.


This storm was brewing across the river as the sun set. Didn't bring anything but a little thunder to us.

Well, we're taking another trip out to Kendall's Prairie tomorrow, so be on the lookout for a story and pictures.

Why isn't there ever any good news???

This is going to be a really long, emotional rant. So brace yourself.

I was riding home with my parents after visiting my family in St. Augustine, when my dad and I got into yet another discussion about Florida...Naturally this led to depression and a little anger with me, as it always does. My mom cut in and said, "You two are always so pessimistic." And I couldn't help but say "Mom, what's there to be optimistic about? Florida's gone.....It's dying." There was no response from her, and I know that she feels overwhelmed by the destruction also. And the last couple days has been just full of emotional depression for me, because I am seeing something I truly love being destroyed by outsiders....and even some of our own people...my fellow Floridians. How can they do this to our land?? I just don't see how our leaders, specifically at the county level where I live, can allow this devestation to happen. I have recently read the Durbin DRI and Isles at Bartram Park DRI submissions, two developments that hit particularly close to home for me, as it will promote further destruction of my favorite place in the world, Durbin Creek. Not to mention the fact the William Bartram, a naturalist, would be horrified by the fact that a devlopment was being named after him. Florida's gone forever. Forever. And I never even got to see the half of it.
Thanks for reading my rant.

Now, for the lighter side, I'm going down to Ocala tomorrow to kayak Juniper Creek, a place I've wanted to go for a long time now. It looks like it will be extrememly nice, as it passes through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. I'll have some pictures and a story, I'm sure.

Well thank you for reading, and I hope to post tomorrow with my creek pictures.
-HT

Hmm, so this year...

After having "Looking Back on 2006" themes stuffed in our face for the past week or two...It seems appropriate for me to add to it :-D. This year has certainly had its ups and downs, but, heck, life's good. You may not be interested in reading about my life, but...well...I need to post something for the new year. Keep in mind I did not start my blog till June.

My dad and I kicked off 2006 with our first big trip on our Pelican kayak, an 8-mile trip on Durbin Creek and Julington Creek on New Years Day.

I made my annual camping trip (7th year there, I believe) at the Battle of Olustee Reenactment in February. My dad and I drove into Lake City on Saturday night to eat at the Cracker Barrell restaurant. I intentionally wore my period dress, because I knew that Cracker Barrells in north Florida are always filled with culturally clueless tourists passing through to Disney World. Seeing the place filled with men dressed in uniforms, they must have thought They really DO think The War's still being fought! (and it is...just not with weapons.)

June brought a new chapter in my life, as I got into the whole blogger craze with the creation of The Minorcan Factor. I have discovered that there really are other people outside of my family who care about true Florida...however, I have yet to find another person my age who cares...but there's got to be one out there somewhere. It really has been, and still is, a great experience to (sort of) come into the lives of a few bloggers.

June also brought castnet knitting into my life. Though I have yet to post on this yet (darnit, no pictures), I have been slowly learning the traditional technique to create these tools that were so vitally important to my ancestors. One of my favorite old fools, Mr. Stuart Pacetti, has welcomed me into his life and home (well he is a distant cousin, I guess), to learn this valuable skill. I have been told by many that he is the master castnet knitter in Florida (he ties EVERY knot himself, unlike others who just knit together pieces of machine-made mesh.) It is an honor learning from the best. Not to mention the fact that his is one of the best story tellers I have ever met. A true Cracker, indeed.

July brought Camp Hope, which is always a great experience.

June, July, August, September, October, and November brought an unusually inactive hurricane season. Bummer. Unfortunately, it has not quieted down all this global warming *&%& like I had hoped it would.

August brought my birthday and a very memorable trip on Juniper Creek.

December brought my brother Andy back down from Chicago. When I turned the country music station on the night he got home, he asked me to turn it off...Too much of a culture shock. I fear he has been Yankeeized. (And now he'll quit griping about how I have not mentioned him on here yet.)

Well, I have rambled enough for tonight...only about 2 and a half hours till 2007. I will miss 2006, but I know 2007 has a lot to offer me too (such as my sister-in-law coming down from Chicago.) :-D

Have a good night, everyone...I don't really have a sly way to end off this post as I usually do, so I will have to resort to my Bag of Randomness (see below.)Hopefully the new year will bring back my dry humor...and take away this dry weather.

Short Swamp Spulunkering

After school yesterday, I went out into the swamp for a little relaxation time and to break in my new (used :-D) pair of Civil War Reenactor's boots. The green is starting to come back on the trees, and the flowering plants are starting to pop up! It has always been my philosophy to look down at the smaller things in order to see the real beauty in nature. Sometimes while we're out searching for that big cypress tree, or that huge gator, or some other big thing, we pass by the beauty right under our noses. That is what I often like to focus on in these swamp trips, so that is what you will see here...Things we may otherwise overlook, but still hold great beauty. (NOTE: If I am mistaken in my identification of some of these plants, PLEASE tell me. The only way to learn is knowing when you're wrong!!)

Swampbottom Skyscrapers

Net Fern?

Durbin Creek...Still too low for an enjoyable through kayak trip. It's been nearly a year since our last full trip!

There's more pictures...But I am tired...And we are turning forward the clocks tonight...And I am going to church early tomorrow...and then taking a kayak trip on Sixmile Creek. So I must hit the hay. Have a good night!

Humbling

It's a humbling thing standing next to something that was living when Jesus Christ walked this Earth. It is overwhelming to see something so huge, so sprawling, yet so unknown. No, I'm not talking about my former history teacher, Mr. Sarcasm, I am talking about this cypress tree on Durbin Creek. This huge tree stands as a silent sentinel of old Florida, of a time before European man (yes, this includes my ancestors) came and wreaked havoc upon this land. It stands above all around it, even though its height has been nearly cut in half by a lightning strike. It has weathered hurricanes, been spared from logging operations, seen floods and droughts, and towered over the "development" threatening its very existence. How humbling and what an honor it is to have seen something few people here even know exists. But after all it's been through, a quick push of a developer's bulldozer or a few minute's cut with a chainsaw could completely eliminate it. Existing so long, and gone so quickly. This is an unfortunately common theme in my homeland.

Note: That is not me in the picture. That is my former history teacher Mr. Sarcasm.

Pictures from the Phantom Ruins Hike

These are the pictures that go along with the swamp hike I took last month with my dad and history teacher. If you haven't read the written post about this, you can scroll down (it should still be on the front page) or go to my Archives section under November.
















Durbin Creek: Dark brown water and lots of logs. Your typical Floridian swamp run.















This is the fanned-out cypress tree I noted in my story. This is much more impressive to see in real life than in a picture.





















The swamp was completely dry except for a few sloughs that still held slippery muck. This is unusual, and we can thank the recent dry weather for the easy hike.





















Okay, the brush we went through was a lot thicker than this picture makes it seem. It was interesting trying to maneuver myself through all the vines while holding a 6-foot kayak paddle and snapping pictures at the same time. Fortunately, though, Mr. Sarcasm pointed out, we did not run into any briars. Ow.





















This is the open grassy area I was expecting to reach, and where Mr. Sarcasm is standing is nearly exactly where the ruins were supposed to stand.





















We walked the entire area, but there was nothing to be found but knee-high brush. It was an enjoyable walk, though.





















This is the HUGE cypres tree I have been talking about forever, but have never been able to get a picture with (thanks to that water moccasin that one time :-D). And I still didn't...I let Mr. Sarcasm be the perspective-giver in this one. We estimate this thing to have a diameter of 9 FEET, which makes it about 28 FEET around the entire trunk. Wow. This thing is easily thousands of years old. Do ya'll have any age estimates? Cypress trees grow very slowly, and it would take a LONG time for it to get this big. Do ya'll have any age estimates?

My Sowwy...

Wow, it's been over a week since I've posted. I feel bad for any of those phantom readers who have lost their source of reading pleasure. School's back in and this little thing called spare time that I used for blogging over the summer is now non-existant. I want to post really bad about a couple things, but I just haven't found the time. Hopefully I can start up with my daily blogging routine once I get into the gist of things at school. And the water level on Durbin Creek should be rising slowly and steadily as these afternoon t-storms dump their rain into its watershed. I might be able to get the kayak back out there in October or Nobember; we'll just have to wait and see. By the way, FC. That cypress tree you were talking about does have very noticeable protrustions growing in an obvious pattern. They do look like those railroad spikes you were talking about, but have just been covered naturally by the wood of the tree. Now, I wonder what caused those three big protrusions you can see in that picture on here.
Oh well, I have a test or a quiz in ever class today, so I need to get back to studying. I hope to post later; we'll see how much homework I will have to eat up valuable time that I could be using on better things :-D. Thanks for reading.

New Pictures Posted!!!

I've got some new pictures posted now that I fixed that picture posting thing. I ended up having to place the pictures in there by editing the actual HTML of the post insted of just placing them with the "add a picture" feature in the "compose" section. Anyway, the pictures from my Jacksonville kayak trip were taken with my new Kodak EasyShare C315, and the pictures of the Durbin Creek post were taken back when we made the trip. Chem em out!