FW trails

[DisneyRose&Boys]

You know, I've heard of the exercise & nature trails since we first stayed at the Fort, but, to be honest, I've never seen them. Where in the world do they start, are they worth the time (remember, I have 3 teenaged boys who still dig bugs/salamanders/rocks/blah blah blah), and does anyone have any pics?

Hmm... I think those are all of the questions I have.

For now.

Rose & Boys

Moi (38) (DS, 15) (DS 13.5) (DS 12)

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Take a look at the Ft. Wilderness map which is posted as a sticky above.

The Wilderness Swamp trail begins behind the Settlement Trading Post, and goes behind the 300 loop to the canal that you see on the map. This is an unpaved, sand path. There is a bridge over the canal, and then you can continue your walk back for a little way past there. There used to be a boardwalk back here that would take you right along the edge of the lake, but it has been removed.

The Exercise trail begins across the street from the Blacksmith shop by the Tri-Circle-D horse barn in the Settlement Area. It goes for about a mile and ends at the Wilderness Lodge. About 3/4 of the way to the lodge, there is a sand path that veers off toward the lake. This is called a nature path, and it follows along the lake, ending near the WL bike rental building.

Depending on the time of year and time of day that you walk these paths, you could see deer, turkey, or other wildlife. I have never seen a salamander at the Fort, but there are plenty of lizards, bugs, worms, etc.

There are some photos, both new and old, of the Wilderness Swamp trail at the end of this trip report: TCD's Thanksgiving 2008 Trip Report (click on the link to see the photos).

TCD

 

[GOBA Mom Lynn]

Is the exercise trail the only trail that goes between FW and WL? If not, which way is the shortest/easiest for walking?
I don't know if we will try walking between the two places, but you never know....

Thanks

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Is the exercise trail the only trail that goes between FW and WL? If not, which way is the shortest/easiest for walking?
I don't know if we will try walking between the two places, but you never know....

Thanks

Yes, the exercise trail is the only trail.

Since the trail is paved, it is perfect for bikes.

You can also take a bus or boat.

TCD

 

[DisneyRose&Boys]

Tri-Circle,

Thanks for the info. We may just give it a try (with liberal amounts of OFF!, thank you very much).

And I don't know if those reptile-y amphibians are knewts, salamanders, lizards, geckos (I know for SURE they're not GEICOs), or Godzillas. All I know is they're small, furless, featherless, and four-legged.

And they don't belong in my bed.

Ta!

Rose, et al

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Tri-Circle,

Thanks for the info. We may just give it a try (with liberal amounts of OFF!, thank you very much).

And I don't know if those reptile-y amphibians are knewts, salamanders, lizards, geckos (I know for SURE they're not GEICOs), or Godzillas. All I know is they're small, furless, featherless, and four-legged.

And they don't belong in my bed.

Ta!

Rose, et al

LOL!

I was only blessed with daughters, so I have not had to endure any stupid lizard tricks. But, have your boys ever done the trick where they catch the lizard, and then have him bite onto their earlobes for a nice set of lizard earrings? It is a rite of passage for Florida boys. Really impresses the chicks, too.

TCD

 

[DisneyRose&Boys]

LOL!

I was only blessed with daughters, so I have not had to endure any stupid lizard tricks. But, have your boys ever done the trick where they catch the lizard, and then have him bite onto their earlobes for a nice set of lizard earrings? It is a rite of passage for Florida boys. Really impresses the chicks, too.

TCD

Okay, having raised these three fine, upstanding young men of mine, I've seen it all so far.

Except that. That would be PRICELESS to see them with those poor, unsuspecting innocent lizards hanging from their ears.

The best I've seen with my guys and those reptiles is the year they caught a big one and tied a piece of clothesline around his neck as a "leash".

"DudeMom, it's Fido!!"

"Oh for God's sake, you guys are going to KILL it. Now let the poor thing go!"

They did. In the tent.

Thanks for the suggestion, TCD. I may have to let them discover that one themselves.

Rose

 

[Tiggntaz]

And I don't know if those reptile-y amphibians are knewts, salamanders, lizards, geckos (I know for SURE they're not GEICOs), or Godzillas. All I know is they're small, furless, featherless, and four-legged.

And they don't belong in my bed.

Here is some info that you can tell your boys when they see the lizards. Rember Moms know everything.

There are two types of lizard that are running all over Florida.

(pronounced: uh'no-lee)
Anolis carolinensis - Green Anole
Anolis sagrei sagrei - Cuban Brown Anole

The green ones can sorta change color but you will mostly see the brown ones sicne they are over taking the area and pushing the green ones out. Also they males have a red skin flap in the neck that the boys will found funny. They push it out and start doing push up, and head bobs.

Anole's have many predators since they are so small but I find it funny that children are listed among the top. I know my 4 boys spend hours catching them in the summer.

 

[tungpo1]

I found a trail LOL

 

[DisneyRose&Boys]

Here is some info that you can tell your boys when they see the lizards. Rember Moms know everything.

And how! Thankfully they still believe that, even as old as they are.

There are two types of lizard that are running all over Florida.



The green ones can sorta change color but you will mostly see the brown ones sicne they are over taking the area and pushing the green ones out. Also they males have a red skin flap in the neck that the boys will found funny. They push it out and start doing push up, and head bobs.

You oughta see the boys imitate the brown ones doing the head bob. It's great!

Anole's have many predators since they are so small but I find it funny that children are listed among the top. I know my 4 boys spend hours catching them in the summer.

I believe it, but I insist that no one murders the poor things because that would make me very sad.

And I'd end up having to dispose of the carcass.

Thanks, taz.

Rose