Flagler Insider with Laura Archive

Flagler Green Adventure

This past month I visited with Eric Spingath of Electric Boat Rentals at the Palm Coast Marina (200 Clubhouse Drive, Palm Coast). Like most, I had no clue what his business really entailed. I learned quickly after I boarded, what it was like to ride in a 14-foot Duffy Shamrock electric boat. It is as quiet as a summer breeze blowing by us while riding along the Intracoastal Waterway. Eco-friendly indeed, no gas means no fumes. The boats only take 8 to 10 hours to recharge and they’re ready to go again. The intimate, yet comfortable boat accommodates 10 to 12 guests. Take time to appreciate Flagler’s natural surroundings and I hope you see dolphins playing as I did, along with birds, manatees and beautiful homes along Flagler County’s waterways. Going approximately 5-7 miles per hour and floating on water as shallow as two feet in depth, this is an ideal way to relax with friends, family or a special someone. Be your own captain for the day, with a valid driver license or let Eric show you around. These electric boats are cruising boats so no fishing or diving is intended. With a CD player and small fridge, bring your own music and/or light snack and refreshments along. Kids are allowed, but required to wear life-vests at all times. I encourage anyone who needs an adventure away from everyday life to pack a picnic and take a cruise. Rates vary based on time of rental: All day, half day or by the hour (two hour minimum). For reservations call Eric at 386-569-4907.

Flagler Trail Adventure

I contacted the Museum Director, Bruce Piatek and was able to set up a trail ride for myself and a colleague.

We arrived at the FAM and met up with Cheryl Carl who manages care of the horses and heads up the equestrian trail ride experience.  She has a team of more than 20 volunteers who help her care for the horses.

Cheryl discussed the history of the equestrian experience and shared some information about the horses.  Most  were donated or privately owned, and are Crackers, the Florida state horse, Belgian Drafts and Quarter Horses.

After the staff saddled the horses and gave each rider a helmet for safety, I met my trail partner, a beautiful Quarter Horse named Pocahontas.

Once we all mounted our horses we were off on a one-hour trail ride.  The trails meandered through some of Flagler County’s breathtaking natural surroundings and allowed us to go back in time and catch glimpses of

Florida’s agricultural history laid out before us. With Cheryl leading the way and Pocahontas’ well-mannered behavior, I was left to enjoy the ride and take it all in with ease.  I encourage you to take advantage of this great experience.  Reservations are available seven days per week at a cost of $40 per hour (in saddle) for adult or child. For beginners, a 30 minute ride on ponies is recommended.  Children must be 7 years or older to ride alone.

Private donations, museum funding and devoted volunteers makes this and all other activities possible at the Florida Agricultural Museum.

For reservations contact Cheryl Carl at 386-365-6000 or Trisha Keyser 386-295-1025.

The Florida Agricultural Museum is located at:

1850 Princess Place Road

Palm Coast, FL 32137

http://www.flaglerlibrary.org/history/agrimuseum/agri1.htm

386-446-7630

Kayaking In Flagler

We started off pretty early in the morning, with a thorough but quick lesson on how to hold and use the kayak paddles, proper sitting and steering instruction and water safety tips.  

With life jackets strapped on and kayak paddles in hand, we  were ready to go! It wasn’t difficult at all, the water was calm and weather was perfect. Kayaking is a very relaxing activity. We had an opportunity to view Flagler County nature at its best, seeing a variety of shore birds, crabs and fish playing in the water. We even a saw a snake sunning on the Intracoastal shore line. 

My son and I took an hour kayak tour down the Intracoastal Waterway, which was ample time to get a good feel of what kayaking is all about. We did not take a guided tour but instead explored the waterways on our own. 

Tropical Kayaks features Heritage Tours at Bings Landing or Princess Place Preserve! Friendly staff offer some pointers with each rental and there are a variety of kayaks from fishing kayaks to two person kayaks from which to choose.  Come out and give it a try - you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to bring your camera and a sense of adventure!  

You can reach Tropical Kayaks at 386-445-0506 or visit them on the web at www.tropicalkayaks.com for reservations.

Bullriding in Flagler!

Rediscovering Flagler Beach

Enjoy the REEL Deal

Now you haven't discovered Flagler County until you take the trip to Bull Creek Fish Camp located on the west side of the county, end of county road 2006.

On the drive from Palm Coast, my boss and I were greeted by corn fields, beautiful oak trees with moss hanging down and pastures of all kinds. The fish camp was recently purchased and renovated by the County and offers RV camping.

We met up with Linda Ferguson who operates Linda's Landing Restaurant located at Bull Creek along with the Bull Creek Bait Shack.  Linda's Landing offers breakfast, lunch and dinner but Linda said her claim to fame is the Fried Fish  Sandwich and Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich.  We would have to agree as we munched on a Fried Fish Sandwich while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and view of Dead Lake.  The restaurant offers hours from Wed. 7am-3pm, Thurs. - Sat. 8am-9pm, and Sunday 9am-5pm. 

 

Dead Lake is known as a popular fishing spot for locals and visitors alike, especially during Speckled Perch (Spec) season which usually runs from October - March each year.  Gator season begins in August for all you gator hunters out there.
The hours of the  park are 6:30am - dusk, seven days a week  However you decide to arrive either by boat, rv or sea plane,you're guaranteed a "REEL" adventure.

Biking Through Flagler!

Revisit Native Florida at Washington Oaks

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned how great Washington Oaks is this time of year for exploring. There’s just so much to see and do. Last time I talked about how much I love the formal gardens and the history of the Young family who lived there, but truly my favorite part of the park is that it gives me a glimpse of what Florida must have looked like to natives and explorers hundreds of years ago.

With towering oaks and lush foliage, this park is without a doubt one of Flagler County’s crown jewels. On my last visit, I actually followed a turtle (or maybe it was a tortoise) as she made her way across the path. It was the most incredible experience because not only was she so close that I could have reached out and touched her shell, but she was also running. Yes, running. This turtle was “hauling the mail,” so to speak. I have never seen a turtle move so fast!

I’m always so amazed when I get to see an animal that close up in its natural habitat. I love zoos, but there’s just something about coming across a turtle that might be on her way to dig a nest for her eggs, or maybe she was looking for a good place to rest for a while. Either way, she was completely at home at Washington Oaks.

If you have some time to spend with nature, this park really won’t disappoint you. It’s definitely one of Flagler County’s must-see attractions.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located two miles south of Marineland, on A1A. Admission is just $5 per vehicle and the park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown year-round.

Mastering Fairway Bunker Shots

By Mary Hafeman

PGA & LPGA Professional at the Mary Hafeman Golf Experience located within the Grand Club’s Cypress Club in Palm Coast, Florida.

I always find the most challenging bunker shot to hit is the fairway bunker shot.  The objective is to hit the ball a greater distance than a green side bunker.   A fundamental difference between the two shots is that a greenside bunker, you try to hit the sand first where in a fairway bunker you want to contact the ball first. 

Be sure to select a club that has enough loft to clear the lip of the fairway bunker.  Architect’s design some of the fairway bunkers with a high lip, which inhibits the player to hit the ball high enough to carry the necessary distance.  If you have had the experience of a “fairway pot bunker” you know what I am talking about.  Remember you need to get out of the bunker first before you think about the distance needed.  I’ll list below some of the adjustments you need to make to produce a successful fairway bunker shot.

1. Most importantly check the lie of the ball first.  A good lie that is sitting “up” allows for a normal swing with few adjustments.  A medium lie allows for more of a descending blow and a poor lie which is sitting “down” requires a player to just pitch out into the fairway. 
2. Set your feet in the bunker while addressing the ball.  You have an opportunity to notice how deep the sand is as you set your feet, you also need your feet set for a good base to ensure a consistent swing.
3. Choke or grip down on the club about an inch about the same distance as you have dug your feet into the sand.
4. Position the ball in the middle of your stance.
5. I move my hands a head of the ball slightly as you cannot ground the club in a hazard with out a penalty stroke.
6. Target hitting the ball just above the sand on a good lie.  If you have a poor lie take a more lofted club and hit a traditional green side bunker shot back out to the fairway.
7. Look not at a spot behind the ball like a green side bunker but rather on the front side of the ball or just slightly ahead of the ball to help assure you hit the ball first and not the sand.  It will feel like you “picked the ball” out of the sand.

Fairway bunker shots although may be tricky, the shot becomes easier with confidence and practice.  Remember look at your lie in the bunker and how deep the bunker face is before you select your club.  Getting out of the bunker should be your first thought and if you can get the correct distance you are way ahead of the ball game. 

If you would like to learn more about how to play better golf, contact Mary Hafeman PGA & LPGA Professional at www.maryhafemangolf.com  in Palm Coast, Florida.  Enjoy golf then spend your time on the sandy beaches of Flagler County. Golf Instructional packages are available including beautiful beach condos. Book now you’re your jump start to better golf and a wonderful experience… guaranteed!

New Hiking and Bike Map

Check out the new map below!

Putting Around Palm Harbor

Now that the cooler months are here, what a beautiful time to enjoy some favorite outdoor activities without breaking a sweat! This month I decided to check out the recently re-opened Palm Harbor Golf Course to see what this newly renovated gem has to offer.

Originally opened on September 14, 1971, Palm Harbor was once the center of our planned community. As unfortunate circumstances would have it, the course was closed down in 2006 for renovations, and the project was abandoned in 2007. This left 150 acres of land desolate, and many feared the sound of swinging clubs would not be heard at Palm Harbor again.

Thankfully, Flagler County citizens banned together to create a grassroots organization called “The Friends of Golf”. Through the Friends of Golf, the message about the value of the course, both monetarily and civically, was sent to the City of Palm Coast and the city, in turn, purchased the property. Clifton-Ezell-Clifton Design Company took over the redesign of Palm Harbor and on November 7, 2009 the course reopened.

For three years, this piece of Flagler history had piqued my curiosity. As a kayaker, I had paddled by the abandoned land on my way to Manatee Cove, and again after reconstruction on this treasure had started. When Palm Harbor re-opened, I knew I had to get out there, tee up and see what the newest course in Flagler County had to offer – and I wasn’t disappointed.

Pulling up to the clubhouse I was promptly greeted by a cart attendant who strapped up the bags and helped my partner and I get ready for our adventure. Inside, the clubhouse was clean and organized. The restaurant boasts a delicious lunch menu, accommodating both guests wanting food on the fly and those wishing a more leisurely lunch at table seating inside. I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich “to go” which was made fresh to order and tasted spectacular.

As I headed out to the first tee, I got a knot in my stomach hoping that my play time wouldn’t back anyone up and that my game would not prove to be as horrendous as I remember. To my surprise, I wasn’t as bad as I’d dreaded. I have to admit though the course has some challenging fairways and I may have landed in a bunker … or twelve. While some holes of this 18-hole beauty were forgiving, others gave me a run for my money and all-in-all, I had one heck of a good time.

The undulating greens, oak filled wood lands, and water hazards all played into the exciting time I had expected and received. To top it off, I even saw a red shouldered hawk flying past the 5th tee and was told by passersby that they spotted a bald eagle on 11! No matter your skill set, I highly recommend this challenging and attractive course to golfers of all levels. With four par-3’s, ten par-4’s and four par 5’s Palm Harbor is not too tough and it’s not too easy … it’s just right. I’m already looking forward to my next visit when I’ll try harder to stay out of the woods and the sand!

The Insider Goes Natural

The Month of February proved to be an adventuresome one as I journeyed out to Whitney Laboratory to take part in the month long Florida Master Naturalist program. The coastal systems module was an intensive course that took us on a head first dive into our coastal environment with a look at the creatures large and small that inhabit it. Our gracious hosts, Ripple Effects Ecotours in conjunction with the University of Florida IFAS Extension, took us for a ride through interpretation and exploration in the beautiful and diverse ecosystem of Flagler County.

The first week was full of classroom exercises, videos and note taking; however a few hours in the wet lab brought awe to even the most unsuspecting individuals. It was amazing to view life that is so minuscule that it usually goes unrecognized unless viewed through magnified lenses. In this part of the class we were able to view the plumed worm, a worm that covers itself in tiny particles of shells and debris to make a home and protective layer over their body, and I held a starfish that tickled my hand as it felt its way across my palm.

The second week brought us hiking through the magnificent Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, down old A1A and through the maritime forest full of live oaks and hammock scrub. The history and beauty behind this park should be a part of every agenda of those traveling through Flagler County. Here we learned about native and exotic plants – and the effects these plants have on our present and future. In short, exotic plants like Brazilian Pepper Plant are bad and should be eliminated as they can destroy the native resources we all rely on.

We went from hiking the forest to walking the beach in our third week and learned that the coquina formations on the beach at the River to Sea Preserve are not only amazing but they act as a habitat to a variety of sea life. The beach is a source of preservation for a variety of crustaceans, mammals and reptiles. Ghost crabs make their mark, or should I say hole, to use as a home and a quick place to hide when a big group of students come walking down through their neighborhood. This is an amazing abode for Loggerhead turtles who nest here as well as many shore birds such as the double breasted cormorant.

On the last week – we kayaked! What fun it was to go out for a spin on the intracoastal and the Pellicer Creek. This was my first time kayaking tandem, and my first time using a rudder so I may have spun in a few circles in the beginning, but it was worth the spinning head and a slightly dizzy partner. The paddling excursion was extremely relaxing and informative – making for a very happy crowd. As we moved through the creek we observed a Bald Eagle as it landed on a nearby piling and got up close to the black mangroves. Unfortunately the tide kept us from paddling all the way to Princess Place Preserve, but we were able to explore a bit and view dolphin making their way down the intracoastal. Not bad for a days’ work.

And then came graduation. No caps and gowns here, but we did have lots and lots of food and were awarded our Certificate of Completion as Master Naturalists. This course was an eye opener for me, and has inspired me to investigate more ways to learn about the diverse and beautiful ecosystem I call home.

For more information on the Florida Master Naturalist Program, please visit http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/

Swimming in Style at Marineland

The month of April delivered a very exciting experience to this Flagler Insider – swimming with the dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center. At the northern tip of Flagler County lies the Town of Marineland, home of the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center and a town which houses 13 dolphin and only 9 residents. Originally named Marine Studios in 1938, Marineland was developed for underwater footage for Hollywood films and was known as the “World’s First Oceanarium”.  From there Marineland evolved into a place where you could go feed the dolphins and later pioneered dolphin training. Today’s Marineland is a modern habitat that allows guests, such as myself, to visit up close and personal with dolphins.

I arrived at Marineland roughly 20 minutes early to prepare myself for the Immersion program and to peruse the quaint gift shop filled with stuffed dolphins, unique jewelry and paintings done by the dolphins who prove to be regular Picasso’s as well as spectacular swimmers. Once our trainers were ready for us we were sent on our way to the main show, the dolphin habitat. The walk over was nothing short of amazing. The sidewalk runs adjacent to the Atlantic with views of picturesque beaches and soaring brown pelican on one side and dolphin performing acrobatics on the other.

The first part of the Immersion is dedicated to learning about the dolphins and how to handle them. When “petting” them we are told to keep an open palm and to note that dolphins shed their skin frequently which is why their surface is so smooth and why they may seem slimy at times. The dorsal fin can be used for identification as their ridges are different, much like a finger print and their main veins are located in their tails. Other important facts are that dolphins do not chew their food and while making friends with them in their habitat at Marineland is okay, engaging them in the wild is against the law. In fact, feeding wild dolphin teaches them that boats and humans equate to a food source which is how so many dolphin end up getting maimed by motors. 

Then, the moment I had been waiting for was here. After our instruction we were sized for wet suits and sent to change into our gear. After wrestling with my wet suit, I was ready. The participants were split into groups and off we went to enjoy our adventures. Before I went swimming I got to meet some of the male dolphins, Sunny & Alvin, whom showed off their skills in jumping, hand shaking, hugging and kissing. The dolphins respond to hand signals, whistles and of course fish, which lets them, know they’ve done a good job. After shaking Sunny’s tail and tossing fish in Alvin’s mouth I was off to swim with some of the female dolphin.

Getting into the main pool was intimidating. The water was deep and even though I was wearing a personal floatation device I was thrown off by how far down the habitat actually went.  The group bobbed over to the side of the tank for a demonstration on the speed of dolphins as they glide through the water and the depth of how far down they go when performing jumps. The abilities of these magnificent creatures are amazing. As a finale of sorts I danced with Phebe who spun me around with ease and as I moved back into standing water she promptly splashed me to say goodbye.

I was completely elated as I went to change back into my normal attire. The dolphin trainers and other staff members were extremely informative and enthusiastic, which helped this particular insider gain more appreciation for Marineland and the purpose they serve to educate visitors and locals alike. A Marineland photographer was present during my entire visit capturing memories that were made available for purchase at the end of my excursion. If you want to learn more about the Dolphin Conservation Center, please visit their website www.marineland.net. There are a variety of fun programs for the whole family – whether you wish to immerse yourself, touch & feed the dolphins, be a trainer for a day or have your very own original dolphin painting. Go for the education, the fun and the experience of a lifetime.

From the River to the Sea

Memorial Day is on the horizon as a tried and true sign that summer is upon us and the warmth of vacation season is in the air. What a great time to teach the Leadership Flagler class about tourism in our spectacular county! For those unfamiliar with the program, Leadership Flagler is one of nearly 700 programs nationwide whose goal is to shape high-profile community leaders. The Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and the Alumni Council create the three-month program which focuses on Flagler County’s past, present and future – paving the way for Tomorrow’s Leaders.  As part of the tourism department, this insider was lucky enough to have an “in” to participate in this informative and fun-filled session.

The tourism segment is created to help these individuals learn about the importance of tourism in Flagler County through conversation and a glimpse of what the county has to offer its visitors. This year the group was invited to have breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn at Town Center, with a brief presentation by Milissa Holland, Chair of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) and Peggy Heiser, Vice President of Tourist Development at the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce. Coffee was brewed, pastries were had and the discussion flowed. We then moved on to the River to Sea Preserve for an interpretive nature walk lead by Ripple Effect Ecotours.

The River to Sea Preserve is located on both sides of A1A at Marineland and is a prized addition to Flagler County's unique and beautiful preserves, beginning at the beach of the Atlantic Ocean and reaching west to the Matanzas River. The 90-acre preserve is still under restoration and offers walking trails, nature vistas, and ecological education opportunities as well as public access to the beach. With a beachside boardwalk for a breathtaking view of the beach and ocean and a canoe and kayak launch with access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Matanzas River this preserve has plenty to keep you busy at either side of the barrier island.

The tour began in the parking lot of the preserve and quickly moved across the street to the coquina lined beach. From here the class was taught about the varying ecosystems in the county and how they transition from our local beaches to our estuarine system. As luck would have it, we had the opportunity to view a sea turtle nest and some Least Terns migrating back up north. The diverse ecosystem of the barrier island goes from sandy coquina beach to coastal scrub and the maritime forest.  This is where our journey through the River to Sea Preserve comes into play.

The entrance to the preserve is sandy and the walk is pleasant. Our first stop was the large covered picnic area overlooking a small lake which was once the focal point of the marine land campgrounds. We ventured to the lake and looked on as small and large turtles swam up to the dock in a festive and hopeful manner. It is clear that these particular reptiles are used to seeing humans and even more so, are used to being fed by them.

The walk through the maritime forest was relaxing and covered by a shady hammock of live oak, magnolia and long leaf pine. The trail is comprised of one large loop with a path in the middle dividing the path in two. No matter which way you chose to go, eventually the Matanzas River will be in view. This particular part of the Matanzas River is a manatee zone and my hopes were up to see one of the magnificent sea calves in action. Unfortunately no manatees were seen by this adventurer, but I did have the chance to witness the wonder of nature with the Mimosa Pudica, a sensitive plant that closes its leaves when touched and will reopen minutes later.

Our trek back took us through the trail less traveled which meant ducking under Banana Spiders and the intricate webs they had created amongst the trees. The tour came to an end back at the lake with a guest appearance of the resident alligator wading in the water in hopes of being thrown a treat or two. I watched in awe as the turtles swam around, up and over the gator with ease and without fear of impending doom. Nature never ceases to amaze me. Until next time!

Cache 22 - The Insider Goes Geo

In the world of ecotourism there are so many activities to enjoy. This go around, I delve into the world of geocaching to find out what all of the hype is really about. But first, what is geocaching? Geocaching is a form of high-tech treasure hunting for the whole family. The basic idea behind geocaching is to search outdoors for hidden containers, called geocaches, through a series of hints and GPS coordinates. Once you find the geocache, it’s up to you to write your finding in the log book within (if provided) or go to the website login registered to that geocache to indicate you have located your loot. At this point in time it is also important to note that you are to leave the geocache where you found it so that others may enjoy the same adventure.

This Insider was lucky enough to have a couple of companions join her on the geocaching experience. Peggy Heiser, VP of Tourism Development for the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and Pam Walker, councilmember on the Flagler County Tourist Development Council both joined in on the fun. Our first mission: Princess Place Preserve’s “Green Trail” which is home to a geocache planted by the City of Palm Coast. We followed our clues and attempted to use GPS; alas we did not come across the geocache. On our return back through the park we happened upon a different geocache that is part of Geocaching.com, the Official GPS Cache Hunt site. It was our first cache find (though not necessarily on purpose) and it was exciting!

Next stop: The Florida Agricultural Museum. The clue for the geocache there was a bit vague and it was hidden well, but we did not have to go on much of a walking journey to find it but finding the geocache was like digging up a treasure. We also ventured out to Central Park at Town Center and to Graham Swamp in hot pursuit of additional geocaches planted by the City of Palm Coast. We got plenty of exercise that day and had an amazing time exploring our counties parks … and now I have another excuse to get outdoors.

Why geocaching? This is a fun way to bond with a team, your family or a group of friends while enjoying the vast ecosystem offered in Flagler County. Geocaching turns a regular hike into a journey and it can even inspire some friendly competition. Other upsides to geocaching include “Cache in, Trash out” where geocachers pick up litter while venturing to find the geocache – the ultimate eco friendly and green adventure. And geocaching is the new big thing. There’s even an app for it! Groundspeak’s geocaching application is available in multiple languages making one thing for sure, it’s great for visitors from all over. If you’re not iPhone savvy, GPS units made specifically for geocaching are also available.

So next time you’re looking for something fun to do, try geocaching. All you need is a compass, GPS or any item that provides latitude & longitude coordinates and access to a computer to locate geocaching sites. Currently the City of Palm Coast offers geocaching sites; their geocaches are noted by small blue containers with the City of Palm Coast logo on them and geocaching.com has a myriad of other geocache locations to choose from. The geocache may vary as these ones are put out by a variety of individuals, but the ones I have happened upon have been clear Tupperware containers. Please be sure to leave the geocaches where you found them and be alert of your surroundings. Make sure to pack plenty of water and a snack; wear sunscreen and bug spray; and follow the rules and regulations.