Caladesi Island –  An Island Paradise!

In our experience, Caladesi Island is never busy in January. This is our third stop at this state park, we never tire of its beauty. We stayed a few nights, one of only a handful of boats at this time of year. When we tire of walking the virgin pine forest trail around the island to the natural water hole, we take the return route, back to the marina, by way of the beautiful sandy beach.

The updated marina has electrical and water hookups and you can stay for three days for a minimal fee. You can visit the island on your own boat or take the ferry over. The ferry departs for Caladesi Island from nearby Honeymoon Island.

We’ve never seen a snake during our walks on the island, but many birds make their presence known around the island such as the Louisiana heron, reddish egret, snowy egrets, and beautiful roseate spoonbill.

Since our last visit to the island, there must have been a recent fire on the island, it was clearly visible during our walk. These controlled fires are beneficial to plants and wildlife, so the park rangers carefully create a burn every two or three years, if not the pines will be taken over by oaks and other hardwood until they eventually disappear.

We saw evidence of a recent, major fire during our hike through the island. Park Managers regularly conduct controlled fires on the underbrush of the island to preserve the integrity of the palm and pine forests, it’s also beneficial for the wildlife. It’s a good thing.

The island trail will take you to this tannic pond (above/below)—a natural freshwater spring. The pond provides most of the freshwater for the island.

The post Caladesi Island – Trails and a Beautiful Beach! appeared first on Trailer Trawler Life Blog – Cruising USA & Canada.

Lisa and I hiked up the path from the docks so we could spend some time exploring Chatterbox Falls – close enough to be sprayed by the relentless downpouring of water. Peeking through the lush vegetation at the viewing spot, we were mesmerized yet again, not only by the beauty but the power and force of Mother Nature. We walked a few of the trails and noted the danger signs frequently posted around the park, we tried a few of those trails but decided they were a little too gnarly for us. We certainly kept our distance from the top of the falls as the sign pretty much spelled out what could happen. It was a drizzling kind of wet our first day at the falls, but the visuals of the fog and mist made up for our soggy clothing.

We made the hike to the falls several times during our stay, but never felt like we were able to get enough of it.

The inscription on the plaque (above) reads…

James Frederick MacDonald

1889 – 1978

Laird of the Inlet
Gentleman
Friend to all who came here

Whose monument is this place
of beauty given by him to the
yachting fraternity of the Pacific
Northwest so that it will remain
forever unspoiled.

Walking the Beach at Low Tide…

When the tide, which changes by as much as 15 feet, was at its lowest point we ventured out onto the rocky exposed seabed, in front of the falls, in order to get a better direct view.

Back at the Dock…

Back to the boat to dry off and make lunch, something hearty to fill us up after all the hiking and fresh air.

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