Grab your bike and take a short day trip to bike the Eastern Shore Bike Trail. This is a beautiful trail winding along the banks of Mobile Bay connecting the traveler to unique and charming communities.

We recently packed our bikes and biked a 3.5 mile section of this trail. We parked across from the Grand Beach Hotel located in Point Clear, Alabama. From there, we traveled north on the Eastern Shore Bike Trail. As we biked, we enjoyed the shade from large oaks laced with Spanish moss. It was fun looking at the beautiful houses and unique restaurants, shops and cafes such as Jolly’s Diner and Bay Break.

Jolly's Diner

As we approached Fairhope we saw people walking, biking, and jogging along the breathtaking views from the bluffs. In this section there are a few public piers, park benches, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.

After taking a short stroll out on the Fairhope municipal pier and sitting on the benches overlooking the bluffs, we headed to downtown Fairhope. It was time to eat lunch, so we went to Sandra’s Place which serves great sandwiches. The cafe is located in the center of town and has outdoor seating. We had wonderful Chicken Salad sandwiches served on a croissants with chips and a pickle.

Mr. Gene

The city of Fairhope is one of my favorite southern towns in Alabama. After lunch, we strolled around town with our bikes. We walked through the art gallery which showcases the talents of local artists as well as stopped into Mr. Gene’s Beans. Mr. Gene’s Beans is a fun place for ice cream and coffee. My pick of the day was a delicious refreshing iced coffee beverage.

Our last stop of the day was to Running Wild, a running and triathlon supply store- we introduced the manager to Outdoor Gulf Coast. It was then time to make our way back. Going back was just as nice and fun with the help of some downhills. If you are looking for a fun place to take your bikes, the Eastern Shore Trail should be on your list of places to explore.

Check out the full map of The Eastern Shore Trail.

National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month

What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease which causes the bones to become more brittle. There are many reasons a person gets osteoporosis such as low estrogen levels, having a small frame/bones, calcium intake or absorption and age. Exercise can help prevent osteoporosis, but it can also lower estrogen levels. Your athletic, teenage daughter may like not having periods, but it can mean weak bones later. Her doctor may want to prescribe estrogen pills during sport season. Weight-bearing exercise builds denser, stronger bones. The more bone mass you build before age 25 or 30, the better off you will be during the years of gradual bone loss.

Hiking and biking are great weight-bearing activities that require your muscles to work against gravity and can help keep your bones strong.

Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month

You may feel like you have to skip out on enjoying hikes because of allergies and asthma, but you shouldn’t have to. Try following a few of these tips :

• Pollen counts are highest on hot, dry, windy days. Check the forecast before making plans to go out for a hike. Warm, breezy mornings have the highest pollen counts. Cool, rainy days have the lowest.

• Move your morning hike or walk to evening. Peak pollen and mold time is 5- 10 a.m.

• Where sunglasses when doing outside activities like hiking. Sunglasses not only protect against harmful UV rays, they also keep pollen out of your eyes.

• Start allergy medications a few weeks before pollen season starts. Claritin is available over-the-counter if you cannot get Allegra or the other prescription allergy medications.

• Depending on the severity of your allergies, you may need to carry along your inhaler or EpiPen with you on hikes, but don’t skip the adventures. They can be a refreshing time and great exercise.

Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month

More people get skin cancer than any other cancer. The good news is that it can be taken care of if detected early enough.

There are over 200 types of cancer that can invade skin tissue. The most serious is malignant melanoma. It often arises from or near a mole, so make sure to check your moles for irregular shape.  The best known way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid getting sunburns.

Our bodies need the vitamin D from the sun, so don’t stay inside. Head outside for a nature hike. If you are fair- skinned and burn rather than tan, just wear sunscreen and UV protecting clothing. It is very important that children do not get burns.

Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness. When out in the woods or in grassy areas make sure to use tick repellents with DEET. Also, wear light colored clothing, long sleeves, and long pants with pants’ legs tucked into socks.
Check for ticks on your skin when you get home from outdoor activities.  Rashes and flu-like symptoms can be signs of lyme disease and you should call your doctor immediately.

Blackwater River State Forest and the surrounding area has carved a niche along the Florida panhandle as a one-stop adventure destination. In fact, the town of Milton, located northeast of Pensacola, was designated “Canoe Capital of Florida” by the legislature in 1980 and proudly maintains the title today. The Blackwater area has something for almost everyone: hiking, kayaking, camping, swimming, horseback riding and off-road cycling.

Canoeing and Kayaking

There are several places throughout the Blackwater area for paddlers to find adventure. Prime destinations include Blackwater River, Juniper Creek, Cold Water Creek and the nearby Yellow River. The Blackwater River System including Juniper and Cold Water are pristine sand bottom waterways with numerous large sandbars which are perfect for picnics or camping.

Sweetwater Creek, although still referenced on many paddling maps, is not recommended for paddling due to the number of log jams and poor access at Munson School Bridge. It is a short rambo section that merges with Juniper Creek which is by far the prettiest section of waterway with its towering clay bluffs in the upper section below Red Rock Bridge.

For paddlers who don’t have access to their own kayak or canoe there are several outfitters in the area that provide rentals and shuttle service in the Blackwater area. The two most popular are Adventures Unlimited and Blackwater Canoe Rental and Outpost. Both of which provide trips ranging from $20-$25 per person with a two person minimum.

For canoeists and kayakers looking to do more fishing than paddling there are several large man-made lakes in the area. Hurricane Lake, Karrick Lake and Bear Lake offer fishing, camping and hiking trails. Bone Creek Recreation Area is a day use pond that allows fishing, swimming and canoeing.

Camping, Hiking and Mountain Biking

The Blackwater system covers such a large area that it would take several days to fully explore its wonders. The best way to see the area is to plan a camping trip at one of the many campgrounds and use it as a base camp while exploring the rest of of the local area. The nearby towns of Milton, Munson and Holt provide easy access to supplies should one run low on supplies.

Camping is allowed along the rivers and at designated shelters along some of the area trails such as the Florida Trail and Jackson Redground Trail. Blackwater River State Park offers camping for a small fee, as does Krul Recreation Area, Karick Lake, Hurricane Lake and Bear Lake. More camping opportunities can be found within the Blackwater WMA and the Blackwater Hutton Unit.

Cyclists can test their skills at the six mile Bear Lake mountain bike trail or at the newly constructed Blackwater State Forest MTB trail near the Red Rock Bridge. Currently 8 miles are available with the intention to add more mileage in the future.

Horseback Riding in Blackwater State Forest

Equestrians will enjoy riding the currently 15 miles of open trails along the Coldwater Recreation Area. Recent flooding has the remainder of the trails under repair. Coldwater Recreation Area offers camping, stables and dining facilities, all of which require a Reservations. For reservations call 850-957-6161 weekdays between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm Central Time. As required in Florida, all horses must have proof of current negative Coggins test results when on state lands.

Additional Resources:
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_Forests/blackwater_river_more_info.html
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/paddle.htm
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/panhandlewest/panhandle_west.htm
http://blackwatercanoe.com/
http://www.adventuresunlimited.com/

Looking for a hiking or biking trail you can take the entire family on? Fort Pickens on Pensacola Beach has many trails the family can enjoy. One section of trail we enjoy connects Battery Worth and Fort Pickens. This trail is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and is only .7 miles long.

The landscape is made up of small dunes, sand live oak, slash pines, myrtle oak, fetterbush, rosemary, saw palmetto, Cruise’s golden aster, and more.  A section of trail runs along a few water channels where you can see many turtles and other wildlife. There is also a bridge you cross and is a great place to see turtles and other wildlife.

Trailhead at Battery Worth in Fort Pickens

Trail is made of ground oyster shells

beach shrubs and trees along the trail

Water channels on Fort Pickens along trail

Visitor at the bridge

Want more on Fort Pickens?

Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead

The state of Alabama has created great trails for cyclists, walkers, and joggers in Gulf State Park. Recently my wife and I loaded up our bikes and made the short journey from Pensacola to Gulf Shores to ride the the trails. We discovered the trails on a camping trip we took with our kids at Gulf State Campgrounds. We went a short distance with the kids, but this time we would go further and faster.

We arrived at the trailhead located on State Park Road 2 around 9 am. The trail is a paved walking and cycling trail that winds through hard wood forests and wetlands.

The first leg of the trail is called Gulf Oak Ridge. I’m sure it inherited it’s name from the beautiful oak trees that provide shade and beauty to the surroundings. This is my favorite section of trail for it’s scenery and the small inclines which make for some good fun.

The next section which picks up at the Orange Beach Sports Complex is rightly named Twin Bridges. This section of trail takes you over two raised wooden boardwalks.

Gulf State Park Trails Pavilion

Adjoining Twin Bridge is Catman Road. This section of trail has a very nice screened in pavilion and restroom facilities. We stopped and spent a few minutes here refreshing and taking photos. We also observed some water bowls for walkers to refresh their pets.

Alligator Habitat Sign

Heading on Catman Road intersects a section of trail called Rosemary Dunes. We opted to take the Rosemary Dunes trail. The terrain changes from hills and oaks to marshy wetlands. One sign along the trail reads Alligator habitat. We had hoped to see one but to no avail. This section of trail dead ends to a few sandy trails that connect you to East Beach Blvd (Perdido Beach Road). The sandy trails are a short distance to the road. We were able to ride a small section but had to push our bikes a bit.

We completed our loop by following East Beach Blvd. and then took State Park Road 2. The total distance for this ride was 8.86 miles.

If you’re looking to walk, jog, or go for a ride these trails offer some beatiful scenic views. This is a great place to turn your kids loose on a bike as there is no worry about cars. Not up for an 8 mile ride? No worries. Take a map and go as short or long as you would like. Just have fun… Go Explore!

As I started my morning bike ride from from a parking lot near Portifino on Pensacola Beach, I realized the bike path ends after approximately three miles. This road from Pensacola Beach to Navarre Beach is on a very narrow stretch of land that has often been destroyed by hurricanes. While the path was not completely rebuilt after the multitude of hurricanes it went through, the road was rebuilt with bikers in mind. The road is marked for bikers and makes a smooth, safe ride.

Right about the time I was ready to head back, I discovered I was at the Opal Beach area of Gulf Islands National Seashore. It is well worth all the hard work people have put in to it’s rebuilding. Bathroom facilities are ready with showers and there are multitudes of covered picnic tables.

Opal Beach is another home to our white sands. And, while you won’t see many sand dunes here, there is a beauty here all it’s own. With parking close to the water and the beach now more level, it is a near effortless walk to the clear, blue water of the Gulf of Mexico-a great place to bring your kayak. 

I finished my ride back to my car along the dunes and sea grasses and then returned to Opal Beach for a swim.

To my surprise, there were lots of fish all around. And, they were not the mullet I usually enjoy watching jump. I happened to get nibbled a few times by a school of what look like small Pompano.

The Opal Beach area of Gulf Islands National Seashore is the next place I would like to go with my family. A Sunday afternoon dinner under the covered picnic areas along with swimming, surfing or kayaking would make a great time. If you are looking for a place to relax away from the crowds or would just like to explore somewhere new, this is the place to be. An annual pass is only $25. The pass will also get you into Ft. Pickens and Johnson Beach State Park.

School of Pompano you may see while swimming

Blackwater Heritage Trail

So, it’s 9:00 am. I start riding. The air is a cool 70 degrees. Really. And, wow, it’s August in Florida. It’s the perfect morning for riding. My thoughts start to shift back to my kids, but I remember they went to school happily this morning, so I’m feeling in a good mood. But, I say one more prayer for them and their school before I officially start some much needed “mommy-time”.

After the first two miles, I’m feeling quite refreshed. It’s a flat, paved trail that crosses a couple of creeks and passes by small farm houses. There are goats and horses grazing. My only music is the bird and grasshopper songs. The rays of sun that made their way through treetops glisten on the grasses morning dew.

There are markers every half mile. I get to Mile 4 and exchange greetings with two other riders who are now heading back. After the 5th mile, however, I’m the only rider still out. The houses sit further back from the trail. The trees become fewer and the grasses taller and thicker. I wind my way up a small hill. I stretch a sore quad while staying on my bike. Then, I’m at the end-mile 8.1. I decide to keep going though. The end of the trail is the beginning of a trail along a road. I get to what should be approximately 9 miles and turn around and speed up my pace.

The temperature is rising, but I look up at the blue sky and then at the life all around me and I’m caught up in the moment.

Viceroy Butterfly photo by Rich Leighton

My focus shifts from mile markers and observation to relationships:

Co-existence: exist together in the same time and place or to live in peace with others

As I keep riding, I spot several Viceroys. They are orange and black like a Monarch, but smaller. I set my bike along the fence for no more than 2 minutes while one butterfly lands on my bike. Then, I watch as it flies around me and returns to it’s flowers.

Summer Tanager

I continue riding again and near the parking lot. When I turn around I notice a bright red bird flying away into the woods. My daughter picked out Stan Tekiela’s Birds of Florida field guide at the store in Fort Pickens a few weeks ago. We’ve been reading it, but have not been out bird watching. It seemed too bright to be a Cardinal and the head was smaller. I’ll call him (males are always the colorful ones) Summer Tanager.

I didn’t have to go to the confines of a gym today. I worked my body fairly hard. I feel more relaxed and better able to relate softly with my children and others around me.

• Exploring the fort
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Enjoying the sugar white sands on the Gulf of Mexico
• Swimming
• Camping
• Bird watching

Fort Pickens’s Visitor center is open from 9:30 – 5:00 pm.

View Fort Pickens in a larger map

Fort Pickens

Inside the old fort

The trail crosses little bridges and only has a few small hills making this is a great trip for the whole family or the individual who wants a little get away.

View Blackwater Heritage State Trail in a larger map

Pictures of the Black Water Bike Trail

Blackwater Heritage Trail Goats

Picture from Blackwater Trail