Woman on Her Way

T. Mabry Carlton Reserve

About 20 miles southeast of Sarasota, the T. Mabry Carlton Reserve is a wonderful midweek wilderness escape. The reserve has over 90 miles of trails and is nearly 40 square miles. We only hiked about 5 miles in the small black rectangle pictured below, following the red and then green trails.

Upon arrival, we hiked a short loop to the restrooms and picnic area. Luckily, Dennis notice this fellow before sitting on the loo. It is as big as his hand, measuring 4 or 5-inches

Spider found T. Mabry Carlton Reserve Men's Room — Spider found T. Mabry Carlton Reserve Men’s Room

Planning a 5- to 6-mile hike, we packed a lunch, carried 3 liters of water and a large bottle of Gatorade. Because the weather was predicted to be around 87° F and sunny, we carried our GoLite UV protection umbrellas, but we did not need to use them—a breeze helped cool us, though Dennis who does not tolerate the heat would have preferred it to be cooler.

Carlton Reserve Dennis Pack — Dennis with hiking umbrellas in backpack

This habitat is similar to that of other local reserves. There are scrub grasses, palmettos (some that might be as much as 10,000 years old according to the website), birds, game, insects, and an occasional tiger lily. We did not see large wildlife, though we did find deer tracks.

Deer Tracks at the T. Mabry Carlton Reserve

There were plenty of insects. Cicadas buzzed, grasshoppers clicked and clacked as they flew around us. There were numerous types of dragonflies and, of course, mosquitos near the boggy areas. Dennis spotted a 3-inch Florida Lubber Grasshopper. Good thing he did not try to pick it up. “When alarmed, lubbers will spread their wings, hiss and secrete foul-smelling froth from their spiracles. They can expel a fine spray of toxic chemicals for a distance of 15 cm,” the UF research states.

The Red Trail (3.0 miles) is mostly a mowed path, with a few muddy places. The Green trail (2.1 miles) had knee-high grasses and more difficult mud patches to cross. Heading south, we followed the Red Trail until it junctions to the Green Trail which we then followed back to the picnic area. After lunch and a nap for Dennis, we headed north on the Red Trail and returned on the other end of the Green trail, thus completing the two loops.

We returned home hot but mellowed. It is refreshing to get away from the noise and worries and spend time out in nature. There are many other trails to hike in the T. Mabry Carlton Reserve. I am sure we will be checking them out.

Rothenbach Park

About 10 miles from our house is a waste management landfill that was converted into Rothenbach Park. This community park at the end of Bee Ridge Road has about five miles of paved trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Since this old landfill is the highest point of the county, about 90 feet above sea level, we were sure our legs would get a workout.

We decided to explore the 2.75 mile Hammer Loop trail. After stopping at the pavilion to put on sunscreen, we proceeded north (turning left) on the loop so we would have the wind to our back. This meant that we were in the sunshine for about a mile before reaching tree cover. A junior high school track team paced by heading in the opposite direction and, since it was after 4 PM and approaching 90° F, they appeared red-faced and winded.

Rothenbach tree-covered path — Tree-covered path

Once we were were under the cover of the moss-laden trees, I removed my hat and glasses. It is amazing how much cooler I felt without that sun protection. On an informational panel, I learned that Spanish moss is an epiphyte (“Epi” meaning “on” and “phyte” meaning “plant”) and is not a true moss, but a member of the bromeliad family.

Though the park has deer, wild boar, bald eagles nesting in the trees, and alligators, we did not see any of these critters. Though, we did see evidence of wild boar activity.

There are many benches where one can pause to enjoy the Rothenbach serenity or a picnic lunch. Every couple of hundred feet there is fitness equipment for doing chin-ups, crunches, leg raises, etc. For me, hiking is sufficient exercise.

After crossing the first bridge, we missed the trail turn and proceeded on the Turkey Trail which lead to the South Access Road. We could see the Hammock Loop across the river and regretted not staying on it. The access road was in full sun.

Once the pandemic is under control and the grandchildren can travel, I am sure we will be taking them to Rothenbach Park. They would enjoy hiking and biking here.

Local hiking: no need to travel far when there is so much to see nearby.

Hello, Everyone.

Much has happened since I last posted. Last fall, I took several trips cruising the Caribbean and even visited the Panama Canal. Since I had previously toured many of the islands, I chose not to write about them again. And then the pandemic arrived and I canceled all travel plans. Though I do walk 6 – 8 miles daily walk around the community, I have been feeling cooped-up.

Recently, I read Travelled Far by Keith Foskett. (For my review, click here.) The book discusses the benefits of local hiking. I immediately decided to do the same and hike trails around Sarasota Florida. Though still flat, these unpaved trails would offer me relief from inner-city environs and the constant pounding on a solid surface.

My first adventure was to Red Bug Slough (pronounced SLOO) a broad, shallow channel filled with flowing water except in periods of extreme drought. In this marsh, there are many forms of wildlife, and my husband and I saw turtles, an alligator, red dragonflies, woodland ducks, egrets, and other waterfowl. Though we only saw shiners at the water’s edge, fishing from shore is permitted.

The preserve is only 72-acres but the hour-long walk was as wonderful as walking in a huge wilderness tract. The birds and bugs replaced the city sounds with soothing background noises. The soft and sometimes muddy earth enticed us to keep going. The oak forest and pine flatwoods provide cooling shade. And all of the “wilderness” within a few miles of home.

Red Bug Slough Oak Tree with Spanish Moss

I will have to return when the summer’s wet season is over to visit some of the trails that were not accessible. For those who do not like walking on the grass and dirt, there is a paver block walkway along the southern boundary of the preserve, though we did not visit that.

Day 5: St. Kitts

St Kitts and Nevis are volcanic islands in the West Indies that constitute one country: the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The west side borders the Caribbean Sea and the east coast faces the Atlantic. About 98% of the residents are literate and the residents call themselves Kittitians.

As we arrived Basseterre, there was a rainbow arching the sea and the black rocks and black sand that characterize this volcanic island. There is a scenic railroad ride that interested us because it would give us an opportunity to see the entire country. This one-of-a-kind narrow gauge railroad was built almost a century ago to deliver sugar cane from the fields to the sugar mills in the capital, Basseterre. It would have been fun riding in the open-air double-deck railcars through the rainforests and through the small villages and farms. Once again, Dennis was not up to the trip. There is a lot to do in St. Kitts and we hope to return to this beautiful island.

Once a week when in port, the ship trains the crew. We watched from our deck as the crew attempted to rescue the dummy or learned how to manipulate the lifeboats. It is a relief to know that everyone undergoes this training.

Our next two days are sea, so there will be little to report. Thank you for following us on this relaxing and restorative cruise.

Day 4: St. John’s Antigua

Happy Thanksgiving! It seems strange celebrating this day of gratitude without friends and family. Though our gathering this year is small, we each have many reasons to give thanks.

We docked at 8 am. From a distance, we could see the white baroque towers of St. John’s Cathedral. Instead of admiring the city’s skyline, Dennis sat on the balcony and listened to amateur radio. We each celebrate in our own way.

St John’s is very poor. The items in the local stores are of inferior quality to the items we find in the discount stores at home. Of course, the tourists’ stores are the same wherever we go.

Dennis is not feeling well enough to take excursions. It seems odd coming to the Caribbean and not going snorkeling a least once. I think we will have to return when we all feel better.

Day 3: Sea Day

Day 3 was a sea day and for us a day of relaxation and recuperation. Mom especially enjoys sitting in the hot tub and sunning herself.

After months of working on houses with little downtime, Dennis and I are having a difficult time to adjusting to the change of pace. Out of sheer exhaustion, we both took naps. Anyone who knows me well knows that this is a rarity for me and one I enjoyed without guilt.

The entertainment was a comedy-juggler routine.

Day 2: Curacao

When we awoke, the ship was docked in Willemstad, Curacao. Since both mom and Dennis have colds, we did not plan any excursion. While Dennis slept, mom and I sat in the Jacuzzi and enjoyed the Caribbean sunshine. Because Dennis and I have been working indoors for the last year, neither of us are tanned and must take precautions not to burn. Fortunately, our balcony is on the shady side of the ship and we can sit there and relax without worry.

In the afternoon, Dennis and I went to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city that reminded us of Copenhagen. We sat at a sidewalk cafe, sipped on Mohitos, and used the internet.

Dennis enjoying a Mojito in Willemstad, Curacao

In town, there is a pontoon bridge that connects the two sides of the city. A warning sounds when the bridge is about to open to let the boats through. You should have seen the tourists scurry to be on the pontoon when it slides open.

The evening entertainment was “The Barricade Boys.” This world leading super-group’s rendition of Queen”s “Bohemian Rhapsody” received a standing ovation.

Everyone is finally starting to relax, though mom and Dennis continue to cough.

Day 1 (actually Day 4): Aruba

I was very anxious as we boarded the plane for Aruba. Once out of customs, we took a taxi to the port. As we saw the ship in the distance, I pinched myself to be sure that this was finally happening. As I looked around Oranjestad, the capital of this tiny Dutch island, I could see Dutch-gabled architecture painted in tropical pastels.

At the ship, the crew was anticipating our arrival. A person from reception greeted us at the gang-plank and escorted us to reception. We were surprised to find out that we were upgraded to a room with a balcony.

After settling in, we unpacked and went for dinner. We toasted our arrival with Pain Killers. Dennis returned to the room to finish unpacking while mom and I went to see the presentation of “What the world needs now,” a musical production showcasing the music of Burt Bacharach.

We were all exhausted from the tension of the last few days and were in bed by 9:30 pm.

Perhaps this time…

Dennis, Aurela, and Jane at a recent party.

After working for about a year on fixing and selling houses, Dennis, Aurela (mom) and I decided it was time for a well-earned Caribbean vacation. It was to start last Friday but, when we got to the port, we discovered that mom’s suitcase with her medications was left at the house. The NCL port supervisor Dayron was most helpful with suggestions that might allow us to board the ship. We contacted Walgreens, but they could only provide an 11-day supply of meds for two of her many prescriptions. Strike one. DHL could not deliver her suitcase to a future port until Thursday, way too long for mom to be without her meds. Strike 2. The other suitcases were already on the ship and would sail without us. Strike three.

Mom is such a trooper. She wanted us to put her on a bus and send her home. I could just imagine sending this 90-year-old woman to the bus station with a sign tagged to her shirt: “Hello, My name is Aurela and I live in Sarasota. Please take me home.”

After spending six hours at the port, we watched the ship sail without us and then we crept along in Friday night traffic for five hours before returning home. It was a long and tiring day, but mom kept her spirits high and took the adventure in stride. The next morning, we tried to book a plane flight to the first port of call, Aruba. Success! At the moment, we are at an airport hotel, waiting to fly out tomorrow. With luck, we should be onboard the NCL Sun by 5 pm, and maybe we will look as happy as we did in the photo above.

I hope you will follow along as we enjoy this now 8-day cruise and to find out if our luggage is waiting for us in the cabin.

Day 7: Final Day in LA

We started our busy day exploring LA at the La Brea Tar Pits. Dennis had wanted to see this ever since he had first learned about it as a child. As we watched the pit bubbled and rippled. At this world famous fossil site, more than one million bones have been recovered representing over 231 species of vertebrates.

Afterward, we explored three pavilions at LACMA (The Los Angeles County Museum of Art). There was a special Picasso and Rivera exhibition at the Broad Contemporary Art Museum that we enjoyed. We also visited the Resnick Pavilion and the Ahmanson Building. Having Tom share his art knowledge with us made the viewings all that more special.

Levitated Mass is the large-scale sculpture by Michael Heizer on the LACMA campus.

We walked beneath Levitated Mass, the 340-ton boulder affixed above a concrete trench. This world-renowned installation caused a ruckus when being transported to the campus.

Bronson Caves. Do you recall seeing the cave in Batman?

We toured several neighborhoods and then visited Griffith Park, a large municipal park at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, In the park are the Bronson Caves which have been used in many movies and TV shows.

Echo Park Lake is in a hip LA neighborhood