If you do happen to see the sign and want to see what Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge is all about, you have to drive several miles down this small, washboard-like dirt/gravel road. Believe me, it will punish your car's suspension system, but keep going anyway.
After you finally reach the Wildlife Refuge's parking area, get out, follow the boardwalk as it slowly gains altitude above the surrounding swampy scrub forest, you reach a viewing pavilion that's about 40 feet (13m or so) above ground and you can see Pelican Island itself, although the Refuge covers many acres of water and swamp that surrounds the actual island called Pelican Island. This is Number One Daughter looking through the viewfinders there so you can see the many birds that live out on the island.
I wrote a post about Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge on my regular blog last year, if you care to read it; there's more pictures there too.
If not, here's the Reader's Digest Condensed Version: Lovely Wife and I got a glimpse of this sign on a drive a few years ago, slammed on the brakes and went down the dirt road pictured above, and discovered this hidden treasure of a place.
Lots of solitude, paths to walk, information on the birds that inhabit the area, and how President Teddy Roosevelt came here and named Pelican Island the United State's first ever National Wildlife Refuge in 1903.
I'm due to go back for a sunset visit. It's been a while.
11 comments:
checked out the sunset pics on the last year's post, John....what a glorious place to watch the sun go down......and lol @ Reader's Digest reference :))))
That really is a hidden treasure. Beautiful and the photos really give a feeling of the beauty and solitude. Thanks for visiting my new site while i was on hols. Cheers Kerrin
Very nice that way trought the trees ^^
Looks interesting. I can almost feel the humidity!
looks like a great place!
Love how those trees are growing over the path in the 2nd photo. It's nice to know about this place if I ever get to visit FL again.
I think this is a definite sunset place. Great commentary and I wish I was close enough to visit myself.
Sounds and looks wonderful John. I really love it when I find something hidden....I can usually keep it to myself for a bit and then I must share it!
Beautiful images.
It does look beautiful!
It sounds like a wonderful place for a visit. I love pelicans!
Pelican Island is a special place--a National Treasure! It is the birthplace of our National Wildlife Refuge System established at the direction of Teddy Roosevelt in 1903. Sadly, the birthplace and the Refuge System are sorely neglected. I encourage anyone interested in National Wildlife Refuges to visit the web site of a relatively new non-profit organization dedicated to improving the System's future. Visit at www.bluegoosealliance.org.
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