local hiking Archives - Woman on Her Way

For our last walk in 2020, we chose Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, FL. This is a 3.5-mile circular path around a man-made 400-acre lake which was initially excavated during the construction of the highway and later enhanced for sprint rowing and regatta games. We usually prefer hiking in natural settings but the overcast and windy weather was perfect for today’s open walk.

The signage is poor and there are no maps. Not knowing which was the better way around the loop, we headed for the observation tower and from there started walking south. The path is wide enough for bidirectional traffic and social distancing.

There is a pebbled path that runs parallel to the paved one. On the west side, it is often under trees and would provide sun coverage. Since I was wearing sandals, I decided to stay on the tarmac. On this side there are bathrooms, but not on the other.

I am glad we went on a weekday because there were only a few bicyclists and joggers on the path. There were many more walkers. I was disappointed to only see a few fishermen and no one on the water.

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.