New Blog

I am currently posting to a new blog you can find all of my new posts here - www.floridatrailblazer.wordpress.com  I will occasionally update this one but the majority of my posts will be on that site.

You can still keep up with my videos weekly at www.youtube.com/fltrailblazer

Old Railroad Trestle at Rice Creek

Railroad Trestle

On the north end of Rice Creek Conservation Area by Hwy 100 I found this old railroad trestle. I believe this was part of a railroad line that was formerly run by The Georgia Southern and Florida Railroad Company in the late 1800's. 

Today it is abandoned and is actually utilized as part of The Florida Trail out of Rice Creek Conservation Area. If you continue following this railroad grade it eventually leads into the Palatka Lake Butler State Trail.

I explored around the trestle and down by the creek, it is such a beautiful place. I couldn't help but envision the past when the trains crossed the creek here over 100 years ago.

My Videos

Rice Creek Railroad Trestle 

Abandoned Railroad Trestle 
Crossing Rice Creek Railroad Trestle

Resources

Rice Creek Conservation Area 

Rice Creek

Railroad Trestle

On The Trestle

Hike to Old Farm Silo and More in H‏álpata Tastanaki Preserve

Trailhead

On this adventure I hiked out to an old silo deep in Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve. Initially that was the plan but on the way there I came across an old fish hatchery. It has clearly been abandoned for sometime and I found some paperwork from 1991 laying on the floor indicating that they raised Triploid Grass Carp here. That particular carp was genetically altered so it could not reproduce. It is an asian exotic imported because it eats aquatic plants. They are released to control aquatic plants in lakes and rivers.

Abandoned Fish Hatchery

After exploring around at the hatchery I continued on towards the silo. I remember seeing it towering above the trees on the side of the forest road I was walking down to get to it. I had to find a way back there it appeared to be very old. Most of the surrounding area is overgrown so I had to bushwhack my way back to it.

As I approached the silo I passed by an old cattle feeder, this area was part of a farm or ranch at one time I think. The silo had panels missing at the bottom so I was able to go inside and check it out. That was a really neat experience I've never been inside a farm silo much less find an abandoned one in the woods. You could still see the shaft with a ladder inside but I did not attempt to climb it as it isn't very safe to do so. I spent a good amount of time out here imagining what it must have been like all those years ago. I can't say for sure but I think the silo could be dated somewhere between 1930's-1950's but as I said I really don't know. I am hoping to learn more about this area that is for sure.

Old Farm Silo

I decided to head back towards the trailhead but found another interesting area that appeared to be an old cattle processing site. I could see fence posts piled up and even some bricks and concrete blocks. I also saw a cattle ramp and a piece of farm old farm equipment.

As I returned to the trailhead I thought how nice it was to discover these things while enjoying this scenic wilderness. If you look hard enough you can discover these things and so much more at Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve.

My Videos
Abandoned Fish Hatchery
Old Farm Silo
Cattle Processing Site
Old Farm Equipment
Resources
Preserve Website

Inside the Silo

Looking up into the Shaft

Piece of Machinery

Old Cattle Feeder

Abandoned Plane Crash Site in The Wilderness

Plane Crash Wreckage

This aircraft vanished in April of 2014 when the pilot, Theodore Weiss was last seen taking off from Dunnellon Airport. He never arrived at his destination in Zephyrhills. Officials searched for the plane for months for in the Withlacoochee State Forest where they thought it had crashed. It was never found until several months later by a hiker in a preserve.

I went to the area actually looking for some other sites to check out when I came across the plane wreckage that had been found. As I entered the site I got an overwhelming feeling of sadness. Sure it was exciting finding it but at the same time it is also one of the most unfortunate discoveries I've had on the trails. I've always envisioned finding an abandoned plane on an adventure but never under these circumstances.

I hope that the fact that it was discovered helps to put some closure on this. I know that at least he passed away doing what he loved to do. I read that he had a big passion for flying these planes. He seemed to have been a very experienced pilot as well. Which leads me to wonder how he went down and we may never know.

Theodore Weiss, 74, of Zephyrhills

I found this in an article (In an interview Weiss’ friend, Ted Coberly of Zephyrhills, said Weiss was a retired metal worker from around Rochester, N.Y., where he still has family. Coberly, Weiss’ friend, said he had an outgoing personality and that the men shared a passion for experimental aircraft. “He was a real nice guy, competent pilot and everything,” Coberly said. “We were supposed to go flying together (when Weiss went missing). We had a lot in common, same airplane and everything.”)

I left the site as it was and took some photos and videos which you can see below. From everything I have read on this man he seemed like a good person and that he will be missed by many. I made this post to show my respects and perhaps even a sort of memorial for him. I know he is at peace and flying high somewhere in a much better place now.

Plane Wreckage

Cockpit

My Videos
Plane Crash Wreckage
Abandoned Plane Crash Wreckage

Resources
News Story

Exploring the Trails at Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Exploring An Old Phosphate Mine

When you think of Ichetucknee Springs State Park you may envision the beautiful springs there. But at the North Entrance of the park there are some neat historical trails you can explore. There are three different hiking trails. Blue Hole Trail: A half-mile walk through the Ichetucknee forest and cypress flood plain leads to Blue Hole Spring, the largest spring in the park. Trestle Point Trail: This shaded path winds along the crystal clear waters of the Ichetucknee River. The self-guided trail will take you back in time to the early 1900s, when phosphate ore was mined in the area. Pine Ridge Trail: A frequently overlooked area of the park is the majestic sandhill, with its towering longleaf pine and wide open vistas. View the natural diversity of this unique and vanishing ecosystem.

I particularly enjoyed the Trestle Point trail because of it's history. In the early 1900's they mined for phosphate in this area and you can still see evidence from that period as you walk along the old tram roads which are now part of the nature trail. I found large pits and even an old dragline shovel along the trail. I followed the trails towards the river and found the site where a small trestle used to cross. The phosphate would be hauled out of the mines across the river over the trestle. Here is some history I found on the area from the park website. "Phosphate mining in the park covered two major periods. Exploration mining began prior to the turn of the 20th century, consisting of mule and wheelbarrow-assisted excavation in nearby sinkholes and depressions. Later, the mine used boilers, pumps and steam shovels for ore extraction. A series of narrow-gauge railroads were installed to cart the ore out to local railroad lines. This early phase of mining was never as intrusive as our present-day methods, but many pits were left in the park and are still present today, especially around the Head Spring area. Another relic of the phosphate era is the series of 'tram beds' crisscrossing the park, left behind from the railroad conveyances."

If you plan on visiting the springs at the North entrance don't forget to check out these beautiful and historical trails!

Tram Road

Trestle Point (Where the Trestle Was)

Trails by the Mines

Old Dragline Shovel

My Videos
Old Dragline Bucket
Old Phosphate Mines
Old Tram Road
Trestle Point

Resources
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Park History

Discovering Oriole Mines in Withlacoochee State Forest

Exploring Oriole Mines

In the Withlacoochee State Forest is the site of an old town called "Oriole". It was a small town with a population of around 100 people or so that was established in the early 1880's. The town only lasted until the late 1800's though. I have been exploring where the old town used to be and the surrounding areas. Some evidence can still be found if you look hard enough.

On a recent hike out there I found what looks to be an old mine way back in the woods. I managed to find an old tram road where you can see the areas dug up. These are known as the Oriole Mines and were managed by the Oriole Mining Company. I believe they would mine phosphate back here up until around 1915. Initially I set out not knowing what I would find. Little did I know I would discover yet another connection to history on this old town.

My Videos
Exploring Oriole Mine
Oriole Mines

Resources
Oriole Ghost Town
Withlacoochee State Forest
Hernando County History

Oriole Mine

Looking Down Into Oriole Mines

Oriole Mine

Abandoned Railroad Trestle Over The Steinhatchee River

Abandoned Railroad Trestle

Florida has many abandoned railway tracks in the Suwannee River Valley. In the early 1900s freight and passenger steamships were replaced by trains that carried crops and timber and also made passenger stops in small towns such as Chiefland, Cross City, and Trenton. The Nature Coast Trail follows this historic route which is part of the old railroad. 

I wanted to see what remains I could find from this railway. So I followed a trail back to the Steinhatchee River north of Cross City. It is known as the Steinhatchee Conservation Area. This trail lead me to an abandoned railroad trestle dating back to the early 1900's. I traced the railroad line here on maps and it eventually connects into the Nature Coast Trail.

Abandoned Railroad Trestle Over Steinhatchee River

My Videos

Abandoned Railroad Trestle

Abandoned Railroad Trestle

Resources

Nature Coast Trail

Suwannee River Water Management District

Steinhatchee River

"Etna" Ghost Town in Withlacoochee State Forest

Turpentine Camp Remains

I went out exploring in the Withlacoochee State Forest and found an old ghost town called "Etna". It was a turpentine camp from 1898 to 1915 and has long since vanished. When I arrived at the site the area was heavily wooded.

I explored around the site extensively finding scattered remains all around. Some bricks, herty cups and other evidence from turpentine activity. During it's peak the town had 50 buildings though on this visit I didn't see any remains of buildings but saw a lot of blocks.

I learned that the site was initially discovered back in the early 90's when they surveyed the area for a pipeline. Many of the local historians didn't know of the site either at the time of it's discovery. Now that the site is known we now have a window into the past.

Herty Cup Fragments

                              My Videos
                              Turpentine Site Remains
                              Ruins of Etna
                              Etna Turpentine Site

                              Resources
                              History of Etna
                              Withlacoochee State Forest

Bricks

                                        *As always I leave all artifacts as I find them.                                               

Barrel Ring

Foundation & Blocks

Metal Cup for Collecting Resin from Trees

Relics of Suwannee Springs (Old Spring Water Well)

In Northern Florida along the Suwannee River is an area known as Suwannee Springs. You can visit the area and see the ruins from the old Suwannee Springs resort that was built in the late 1800's. One of the things I saw was the spring water well that the guests used. Back then it was in the center of the resort but today it's in the middle of a wooded area behind the spring where the water was pumped from. I saw old piping coming out of the ground near the well, part an old storage tank and another pit.

As I explored around the woods here I was taken back to a time to a busy resort where people traveled from all around the world to visit. Part of that experience comes from being able to still see remains throughout the area as you venture around. Below I posted a video and helpful links for this place.

Pit by The Well

My Videos
Spring Water Well Remains

Old Well

Resources - History
Suwannee Springs The Resort
Forgotton Suwannee Springs
Suwannee Springs

Old Well

Exploring Cumpressco in The Green Swamp

Trailhead

This is an interesting place to explore in the Green Swamp with lots of history. I've been covering various areas here to see what I can discover. On this adventure I hiked a forest road known as Cumpressco in the East Tract. This used to be an old railroad that went through the old town of Cumpressco. It's long gone and the town site is somewhere along this area. 

The dirt road goes on for miles so I hiked it from the trailhead several miles out and along the way I found railroad spikes embedded into the ground, a giant piece of steel by an area that I think used to be a stop along the railroad. Further down the same dirt road in the woods I found a few small abandoned cabins and I am not sure what they were used for or how old they are. 

I headed back to the trailhead once I was done checking out the cabins. It was a long walk back along the same dirt road I came in on. Surprisingly I found an old abandoned truck that I missed on the way in. It was in brush and I walked back to check it out.

I also saw a lot of wildlife on this hike and that always adds to the experience! I got to see a lot of alligators big ones and baby ones along the swamp. I saw a few deer, a couple of owls in the trees high above and even a bobcat. 

Each time I go this area to explore I come away with something different each time. It's history and beautiful wilderness always draw me back. I posted some photos and videos I did below along with some helpful links to help you find out more about this place. If you have any questions or some insights on this place please feel free to comment to below. 

My Videos

Small Cabins in The Green Swamp

Finding Small Abandoned Cabins in The Green Swamp

Abandoned Truck in The Green Swamp

Resources

Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve 

History of Compressco 

Green Swamp Interactive 

Abandoned Trucks in The Green Swamp

I've always enjoyed hiking in The Green Swamp not only is it a big place to explore but their is a lot that can be found.

On this particular adventure I came across a couple of old abandoned trucks. They were rusting away in the woods off some forest roads. I couldn't make out how old or what kind of trucks they were. One of them was just about all stripped away and the other was more intact but seems to be a popular shooting target for hunters. I posted some photos here and my videos below. Get out there and explore the swamp!

My Videos
Abandoned Truck in The Green Swamp
Finding an Old Truck in The Green Swamp
Old Truck in The Green Swamp

Resources
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve

Abandoned Farmstead in Seminole State Forest

Vacant Wooden House

I had been exploring in a part of the Seminole State Forest where I found this abandoned farmstead area. It seems the place is used more for hunting but I found it is really nice to walk the trails and roam around the place. I just made sure to check that hunting season wasn't going on at the time. I walked through old pastures and pine flatwoods with not a soul around...

Vacant Barn

I hiked back to an area where I found a couple pole barns and a vacant wooden house. Upon entering the area I was a little nervous because I wasn't sure who could be back there. My research indicated that the place should be abandoned and was on wildlife management land but you never know. I entered into a big pasture area where you could see the barns and house in the distance. I scoped it out with my binoculars and saw that it was clearly empty except for a bunch of cows up by the treeline. The area is nice and open surrounded by forests. I thought to myself how nice it must have been to live out here!

Vacant Barn

I first approached the house and began hearing booming sounds coming from inside which spooked me some. Just as I turned off my video camera to go inspect it I saw three baby cows run out of the house! I continued filming and photographing the surrounding area and buildings. There was nothing in the house really just debris from what I could see. It had one bathroom, one bedroom, front room and enclosed porch. Across the way were a couple empty barns and more cows. You could see old telephone poles with ripped out wiring where the place once had power.

The place is vast and you can find all sorts of neat stuff out here in this wilderness! I posted some of my videos and helpful links below.


My Video
Abandoned Farmstead

Resources
Seminole State Forest
Seminole Forest Wildlife Management Area

Old Van in The Woods at Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area

Recently I explored some of Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area. You can roam many miles of trails and see all kinds of neat sites there. One of the most interesting things I saw was an old "Harvester Metro Van" rusting away in the woods. I am not positive if it is that kind of van but looks like it based on other pictures I've seen. It must have been abandoned sometime ago, my best guess is it could be from the 1940's or so but am unsure.

Old Harvester Metro Van

When I found the van I looked around the area and wondered how could this get here out in the middle of the woods? Who drove it and what's the story behind it? I had walked in on an old road by this old ranch site called "Taylor Creek Ranch". The ranch was here going back to at least the 1940's and maybe the van was left there from that time to rust away in the woods. I am unclear but it's mysteries like these that inspire me to learn more about these places.

Taylor Creek Ranch Remains

I posted a couple of my videos

below and a some very informative websites on this place that were very helpful for me when exploring this place. I ask that if you find sites like these that you please leave things as you see them. I find it just as rewarding to take photos and videos rather than artifacts. I always keep in mind that once things like this are gone, they are gone forever. I was very happy to see what was left of this old van in the woods...

My Videos

Old Van in Tosohatchee WMA

Old Van in The Woods

Resources

Florida Hikes and Other Outdoor Information

Out in The Boonies

Tosohatchee and The Florida Trail

Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area

Old Car in The Woods

I found this old car in the woods while hiking at Charles H. Bronson State Forest. This is a vast area to explore and finding this car was a great adventure! I walked a good ways through pasture lands until I eventually reached a small wooded area where I saw this old car. It appears to have been rusting away here for quite sometime.

My Video

Old Car in The Woods

Links

Florida Hikes and Other Outdoor Information