Florida in Winter

[aquaticbiology]

What do you guys do during the winter for fun? I've lived there and it was cold a lot more than it was warm, plus I had to work 24-7 so I had no life while I was there - but now that I have some off time, and I'm not that far away, what's to do there in the dead of winter. Surely its more than mere existing and awaiting spring?

[kurt]

What do you guys do during the winter for fun? I've lived there and it was cold a lot more than it was warm, plus I had to work 24-7 so I had no life while I was there - but now that I have some off time, and I'm not that far away, what's to do there in the dead of winter. Surely its more than mere existing and awaiting spring?

Most of the time Nov - Feb we have many very nice days. Sweater weather warming sometimes to short sleeves. November and December usually are not bad at all. Just chilly in the morning and nights. Today is an example of a perfect day. It will probably get to around 80 today, starting out crisp and cool.

I've caught Pompano in late December wearing nothing but shorts (me, not the Pomps).

I like to walk the beaches and parks even when it is cold. The only time it's not fun is if there is a stiff north wind.

[rogpurf]

What do you guys do during the winter for fun? I've lived there and it was cold a lot more than it was warm, plus I had to work 24-7 so I had no life while I was there - but now that I have some off time, and I'm not that far away, what's to do there in the dead of winter. Surely its more than mere existing and awaiting spring?

This is my 11 year for going to Seagrove Beach from the middle of Nov. to late March. If you golf, get a 10 round pass at Hombre or golf at Wind Swept or Sunny Hills. If you want to meet some people, go to Martini night at 30A restaurant Tuesdays and Thursday--$5 drinks. Their bar menu and the winter menu is great plus a reasonable price. All the restaurants are less crowded than in the summer time. Don't forget about walking the beach. The weather is cooler than the summer time but the only cold days is when the northern U.S. has those days in the 20's.

[OhioBeachBum]

I've caught Pompano in late December wearing nothing but shorts (me, not the Pomps).

...and a good thing, too. pomp would taste funny with shorts

[Paula]

We've been lucky with warm weather in November, January, and February. Warm enough to relax at the beach with shorts (kids will sometimes wear bathing suits but they're northern kids and wear flip flops and shorts when the weather hits about 45 or 50). Our coldest time there was during a little cold snap during a few days in April 2004. Since the mornings are cooler during those months, I like to wait until around noon then take a book down to the beach close to the water and read for a while. In the summer, I do that early in the morning with a cup of tea before the rest of the family wakes up. Soooo relaxing. And, of course, sunsets on the beach are great any time of the year. We go there to relax complete so we're usually not looking for things to do other than see family, friends, beach, relax on the porch, and go out to eat a bit. Kids like to ride bikes.

I'll soon start going for long walks on the beach or along the bike path. I also plan to start walking through some of the communities like Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, and Seaside and explore more (and Alys Beach, too, once it's more built up). Haven't been to places like Eden yet either.

[Donna]

1. Take the dog to the beach. The dog police are not driving around
when it's raining down there. But take your pooper bags along.

2. Spend an afternoon in the little historic library in DeFuniak Springs
after having lunch at The Busy Bee Cafe downtown.

3. Read a book and take a nap...or whatever else .

4. Walk down to the General Store for a NY Times and capaccino or
to Starbucks for same.

5. Buy a stack of magazines and go visiting at the hospital.

6. Do a triple-header at Raven cinemas, with popcorn and lemonade
or one of those revolting tube steaks. (Who dies from one time???)

7. Write a short story about your favorite day on the beach. Put it in a
place where you'll find it years from now.

8. Pick up stuff from the beach and make a collage with a glue gun.

9. Sit on the porch or deck in a rocker, wrapped in a blanket and with
a big mug of something hot and slightly alcoholic.

10. Visit your virtual friends on www.graytonbeach.com!

[CastlesOfSand]

October = bad November, December, January, February = Good! Hmmmm

[Smiling JOe]

October = bad November, December, January, February = Good! Hmmmm

Ever been to Iceland? How about Greenland?

[Beach Runner]

We like to sit on the sofa and watch college football or basketball or DVDs while enjoying the view of the Gulf. We like to put on sweatshirts and walk on the beach. We like to crank up the hot tub to 100 degrees and boil in it. We like eating fresh seafood at the great restaurants in the area, as well as cooking it at home. And the sunsets ...

Love it!

[beachmouse]

Train for marathons and half marathons. Also run some of the local 5K races. It's really good running weather from about October to April.

[CastlesOfSand]

Ever been to Iceland? How about Greenland?

[CastlesOfSand]

We like to sit on the sofa and watch college football or basketball or DVDs while enjoying the view of the Gulf. We like to put on sweatshirts and walk on the beach. We like to crank up the hot tub to 100 degrees and boil in it. We like eating fresh seafood at the great restaurants in the area, as well as cooking it at home. And the sunsets ...

Love it!

Now that's what I'm talking about!!! Sounds perfect!!

[Rita]

Ever been to Iceland? How about Greenland?

Yes (in June though )
No

[aquaticbiology]

I need something more...I don't know...worthwhile, and of course it has to have something to do with water, boats or fish (but no sea turtles ever again ever!), and should be something I feel good about doing, really nice if I would get paid or reimbursed for doing it (enough for gas at least), not take every weekend, or all 24 hours in the day to do - a couple of hours on Saturday once every two weeks, leaving lots of fishing time would be more like it. 2 weekend a month scientist as opposed to 2 weekend a month warrior (no Coastie Auxilliary ever again ever either!).

not much in the panhandle, but there are a few things here and there:

1) work with manatees and their winter environment in Crystal River, Florida - too much driving for a weekend, I'm afraid!

2) another experienced cave diver needed for underwater cave mapping at Blue Hole Springs in Marianna - wonder what happened to the last one?

3) oooh - here's one - mmm, more like a bunch (all volunteer only) at:
http://www.1000fof.org/search.asp?target=volunteer

good thing on beachy living for those that can't reach the beach - http://www.1000fof.org/PUBS/SAND/default.asp

neato - hole in one on the first try!

[aquaticbiology]

and I might just have to buy a waterproof metal detector - check this out that I found while looking for the above:

NORTHWEST FLORIDA TREASURE (as in Spanish Gold and stuff) SITES

http://www.treasuresites.com/nwfl.htm

WALTON COUNTY SITES:

EUCHEE SPRINGS - is also known as the Boy Scout Camp Euchee Springs and has been used by them for years as a recreation facility. The springs are in a forested area and are scattered to the N. end of an impoundment area. The springs are seeps that eventually become the Bishop Branch of Bear Creek. They are located at 30° 43¢ 40² N., 86° 12¢ 23² W., or 3.7 miles W. of Hwy. 187 on Hwy. 90 and then 1 mi. S. to the entrance to Boy Scout Camp Euchee Springs.

MORRISON SPRING - has been described as being "one of the finest freshwater dives in the Florida (DeLoach, 127), attracting so many divers here as to make it profitable for a diving concession. Morrison Spring actually has a pseudo-bottom, as a large limestone ledge lurks below the spring pool, then there is a cliff dive to the spring floor 45 ft. below, a where two cave entrances begin. For a shallow treasure dive, the limestone ledge covers with silt frequently, hiding lost valuables from swimmers and divers alike. Where the ledge mates with the sides of the spring is a good area to begin fanning off the sand, and if the ledge is covered it usually takes a tank-full of air to investigate. The deep dive, to the cave entrances, requires even more air and patience, but the area ahead of the caves (in the light) is the ultimate repository of lost gold jewelry, relics, and spear-points. This is one of the deeper dives, and working consumes much more air and energy than sightseeing, so get in shape, and watch your air!

BEACHES - off US 98 that are well populated, are: Miramar & Tang O' Mar, at Gulf Pines; off SR. 30A the beaches are: Dune Allen Beach, at Beach Highlands; Blue Mountain Beach, at Blue Gulf Beach; and Grayton Beach, in the Grayton Beach State Recreation Area.

BASIN BAYOU - This state recreation area has a beach at Alaqua Pt. Frequented by Elgin AFB personnel. The beach itself is a good place to look for spearheads at low tide.

PLEASANT RIDGE SPRING - I have not been to this spring, but it can be reached by taking Pleasant Ridge Road off SR. 280 to Hewitt Road, go W. 1/4 mi. and look for the spring on your right (North). This location is SW of the town of Defuniak Springs. Good luck!

LAKE ALAQUA -- (N30° 44.092' W86° 12.288) -- W. of the town of Defuniak Springs off Hwy. 90 on Boy Scout Road. Camp Euchee is at the end of Boy Scout Road, and Lake Alaqua gets considerable use from the scouts. There are two diving platforms at opposite ends of the lake to search. The water is extremely clear, as it is in the sister lake to the West of Boy Scout Road. Both of these bodies of water are worth a thorough search, but have some backup locations picked out, because I don't know about access.

LAKE DEFUNIAK -- in the center of the 1800's town of Defuniak Springs. The whole town was centered on this lake. Now it apparently is no longer used for swimming, as the old beach is grown up with weeds, and as old-timers die off, so will the memories that there was a beach! There is a strong possibility that the water off the beach has never been detected. Bound to be some very valuable old gold here!

LAKE SYLVIA -- (N30° 43.705' W86° 11.015') is a spring/sink SW of Defuniak Springs, between US. 10 & Hwy. 90. This appears to be a very deep spring/sink, and was extraordinarily clear from the air.

SPRING LAKES -- (N30° 45.088' W86° 03.71') N.E. of the town of Defuniak Springs, should be good sites to find treasure due to being so close to the Old Spanish Road to Tallahassee & the large number of docks and vacation sites on this large clear lake. To get to Spring Lake #1, take SR. 183/Kidd Road N. of Defuniak Springs to the first road to the right (E.), and a dirt road will take you all the way around the lake to a boat ramp on the W. side. Spring Lake #2 is not populated with homes, has a large number logs in it to contend with.

get me a metal detector, pull my pants up to my chest, find an old NASA hat, black out a few teeth and go lookin for treasure!

priceless - i needed a good belly laugh!

[Smiling JOe]

[aquaticbiology]

check out the kid about to fall into the giant hole they're digging - you think he found something really big? - maybe an old septic tank cover!

[DD]

1. Take the dog to the beach. The dog police are not driving around
when it's raining down there. But take your pooper bags along.

2. Spend an afternoon in the little historic library in DeFuniak Springs
after having lunch at The Busy Bee Cafe downtown.

3. Read a book and take a nap...or whatever else .

4. Walk down to the General Store for a NY Times and capaccino or
to Starbucks for same.

5. Buy a stack of magazines and go visiting at the hospital.

6. Do a triple-header at Raven cinemas, with popcorn and lemonade
or one of those revolting tube steaks. (Who dies from one time???)

7. Write a short story about your favorite day on the beach. Put it in a
place where you'll find it years from now.

8. Pick up stuff from the beach and make a collage with a glue gun.

9. Sit on the porch or deck in a rocker, wrapped in a blanket and with
a big mug of something hot and slightly alcoholic.

10. Visit your virtual friends on www.graytonbeach.com!

I love these! Especially # 7 & 8! Will definitely do these two next time I'm there!

[aquaticbiology]

do something good for the beach or wildlife you love - VOLUNTEER

hint from long experience: be sure to pick something quick and easy!

they're out there - you just have to pick up the phone

like these (this is just a tiny sample of what needs to be done):

http://nature.org/wherewework/northa...r/art5530.html

"Northwest Florida

The Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve is located on the Florida Panhandle, 50 miles west of Tallahassee. Bring your bug spray and:

tend the native plant nursery,
take on administrative tasks,
maintain trails,
monitor rare plants and animals, or
help with ongoing research or create new projects based on your own skills and interests.
A fully-furnished trailer can accommodate one or two volunteers on a space available basis. Please allow plenty of advance notice to process your request and reserve space.

For more information, contact Leigh Brooks at (850) 643-2756 or leigh_brooks@tnc.org.

Sign up to receive our quarterly electronic newsletter.

Volunteer Workdays

Beach Cleanup at Dog Island
Saturday, October 29
There is still work ahead to clean up from Hurricane Dennis's storm surge on Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve. We'll meet at 8:30 a.m. in Carrabelle for a free boat ride to the island, returning by 5 p.m. Full details will be sent to respondents about a week prior to the event. WARNING: Boots will be required of all participants due to safety hazards encountered on the island. Reserve your spot by contacting Leigh Brooks at (850) 643-2756 or leigh_brooks@tnc.org.


Wiregrass Seed Collection/ATV Operators
November 1 through December 16
Don't miss this fun opportunity, even if you have never ridden an ATV. No need to fear, training will be provided, and the ATVs are run at slow speeds (not to exceed 5 mph). We have two ATVs equipped with Flail-vac seed collectors and would like to run them both daily to collect as much native groundcover seed as possible for our sandhill restoration work. Staff person Bryan Kreiter will run one seed collection vehicle, and a volunteer the other. Must be available for 8 hour shift and be willing to participate outdoors in cold weather. Weekdays preferable. For more information or to sign up, contact Leigh Brooks at (850) 643-2756 or leigh_brooks@tnc.org.


Trail Workday at Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve
Sunday, November 13
Trail maintenance on the Garden of Eden Trail. Meet trail boss Jay Kamke at the preserve office at 9:30 a.m., work until mid-afternoon. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Wear long pants and boots or sturdy footwear. Work gloves, hat, bug goop and sunscreen are recommended. Tools will be provided. Sign up by contacting Leigh Brooks at (850) 643-2756 or leigh_brooks@tnc.org.

Volunteer Positions

Surveyor
10-hour project
If you have professional survey skills, we could use your expertise in locating some corner boundaries at Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. Legal description and survey map provided. Identifying corners will allow us to post boundary signs along the river and other low-lying areas to protect the preserve. Contact David Printiss at (850) 643-2756 or dprintiss@tnc.org for more information."

[Miss Kitty]

Wow AB...lots of good works going on! Have you chosen one yet?

[aquaticbiology]

Wow AB...lots of good works going on! Have you chosen one yet?

"help with ongoing research "

I called yesterday and it looks like fun (and somewhat easy) - should be fast to do too so I get to go to the ocean and get in some fishing for some of those 20" pompano!

[Miss Kitty]

"help with ongoing research "

I called yesterday and it looks like fun (and somewhat easy) - should be fast to do too so I get to go to the ocean and get in some fishing for some of those 20" pompano!

It's a win-win in the winter for AB and FL!!!

[graytonrbust]

Anytime - Winter, Summer, Spring or Fall - is a great time at Grayton