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