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Begin your day on the uninhabited barrier island of Caladesi. After
taking the shuttle service (no bridges or cars) from Honeymoon Island, head to the western
side of the island. As you walk the shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, watch for signs
that sea turtles spent the night lumbering up the shore, making their nests and laying
their eggs. (Shuttle service is located on the western end of State Highway 586 on the
Dunedin Causeway. For shuttle information: (727) 734-5263.
The Brooker Creek Preserve offers over 8,500 acres of wilderness
area located in the northeastern corner the St. Petersburg area. Perfect for a secluded hike,
the preserve protects the region's great diversity of natural communities. White-tailed deer,
wild turkey, bobcat, and rare species such as Catesby's lily, grass pink orchid, butterfly
orchids, and Bachman's sparrow, thrive within the borders of the Preserve. A new 1.75
unguided nature trail has recently opened, and offers your gate to the wilderness.
The preserve is located 5 miles east of Tarpon Springs in the northeast corner of the St.
Petersburg/Clearwater area off of County Highway 582. Trail head for day hikes is at the
south end of Lora Lane.
With the entire area nearly surrounded by water and sea life of all kinds,
it's no wonder you've returned to the water. Now go for a Dolphin Encounter Cruise. Soon the
captain will have your boat skimming the surface of the water as you count the leaps of playful
dolphin gracefully racing your boat. For more information, call (727) 442-7433.
For many, there's no better way to get in touch with nature than to simply
sit on the beach, letting the balmy Gulf breezes gently caress your skin as the sea oats rustle
in the wind. Head south to Fort DeSoto Park for one of the top-ten beaches in the entire United
States and a park made up of hundreds of preserved acres. Here birders find many coveted species
as many migratories stop on their way across the Gulf.
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