nature coast
Nature Coast of Florida
Riding on the Dunnellon Trailhead
It’s hot here. And it’s only going to get hotter—which makes me very grateful to the inventor of air conditioning. But, being outdoor enthusiasts, we still need to get out. Last summer we attempted to ride the entire Withlacoochee State Trail in small sections–a different trailhead every week and eventually we made it to the Ridge Manor trailhead in Hernando County. We concluded that adventure with riding from Inverness to Floral City in the annual Rails to Trails Bike Ride last October.
Terry and I haven’t taken our bikes out on the trails since then, so we decided to go to the newest trailhead in Citrus County just south of Dunnellon. We left quite early since Dunnellon is about a 50 minute drive for us and we were trying to beat the heat. Maggie’s age is starting to slow her down a bit she has a tough time in our hot and humid summer—even riding in Terry’s bike basket. But she likes to go so we got there at about 7:30 am and the temperature was already close to 80.
We started from the CR 39 trailhead in Citrus County which is right off of US 41. There are plenty of parking spaces and the landscaping is very nice. The only thing missing is a real restroom but there is a porta potti. (And that porta potti was NASTY!)
The 2 ½ mile trail is paved, primarily flat and partially shaded. Some areas have wide grassy berms and others run through the forest where we could see cypress trees standing in water—prime alligator territory. (No, Maggie, you have to stay in the basket, you’d be a sweet white meat treat for those hungry gators.)
The trail opened in May 2014 after the bridge over the Withlacoochee River was completed. We were amazed at the bridge—it’s huge.
There are several observation decks to pull onto to admire the river and surrounding forest. It really is a beautiful view.
I love bridges–Maggie not so much. We did offer to let her down out of the basket to walk with us over the bridge, but she politely declined.
Our turnaround was at the trailhead in Marion County—equally as nice as the one in Citrus County with a lot of parking but again, no restroom. (And I didn’t even go near that porta potti)
While the ride was lovely, it was a little short even for us. The Gulf Junction trailhead on the Withlacoochee State Trail is just around the corner from the Dunnellon trailhead and Citrus County has approved a feasibility study to find the best connection for the two trailheads. No time frame yet, but I’ll be eagerly waiting for them to “close the gap”.
Big Weekend in Old Homosassa
Terry and I are in the habit of riding our bicycles down to the public boat ramp in Old Homosassa on weekend mornings. We like to visit with our neighbors and watch the boaters put their vessels into the water. On typical days, experienced captains quickly maneuver their trailers into the water and launch their boats. Calmness ensues.
This Saturday will not be one of those typical days, as we have two popular events taking place in Old Homosassa. The first is the Homosassa River Fireworks Fest and the second is the opening of scalloping season. Usually the season starts on July 1st but Gov. Scott has moved it to this Saturday, June 28th. Both occasions bring masses of people to our little village.
The fun for the festival starts at 8 AM with the poker run registration and the day culminates in a fireworks display scheduled for 9:15 PM. Many of the local bars and restaurants have joined in the festivities with events scheduled throughout the day.
Meanwhile, scallopers will be trying to put their boats in at a public boat ramp then find parking for their vehicle and trailer. We have two county boat ramps, one right in Old Homosassa on Cherokee Way and the other at the end of Mason Creek Road. Neither ramp has adequate parking for the demand.
So now we have trucks with trailers trying to find spaces to park plus the visitors coming in just for the Fireworks Fest. Could be chaos!
There have been plenty of issues in the past—long lines of vehicles with boats blocking the streets; fights at the boat ramp; parking illegally on the sidewalks and private property; and trash thrown about indiscriminately are just a few examples. There is also the impact on the Homosassa River with all these extra boats.
This year is supposed to be different. During scallop season there will be county staff stationed at the boat ramp from 7 AM to 7 PM on weekends and on holidays to keep traffic on the boat ramp flowing and scallop cleaners off of the public dock. In addition, the Sheriff’s department will be patrolling the area.
I love the fun opportunities we have in Old Homosassa and usually try to attend all local events. I think it’s great that the influx from the scalloping helps the local economy, but the local homeowners shouldn’t have to suffer. Optimistically, additional county staff and Sheriff Patrols will help keep things under control.
