Newsletters: January - February 2007
Cedar Pt. Trail
By Crystal Wakoa
Winter is a fabulous time to visit the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Fewer bugs and fewer crowds combine with cool temperatures to provide ideal conditions for nature-watching. Hike the dikes, bike the Lighthouse Road or leisurely cruise the road in your vehicle, then drink in the marshland vistas and fresh ocean air. Whether you're new to the refuge or a regular visitor, you will want to visit the recently completed Cedar Point Trail, a delightful new addition to the refuge.
To get to Cedar Point Trail, turn right at the public boat ramp, just before you reach the lighthouse. The Cedar Point Trail is located just off the rear of the parking area. Less than half of a mile long, the trail makes up in sweetness what it lacks in distance. Winding through cabbage palms, red cedar and yaupon, the trail follows the boater's canal on the south side and opens to gorgeous marsh views to the north.
On the trail, you can reap the benefits of a week-long vacation in just 30 minutes. The voices in your head surrender to the sound of wind rustling through palm trees; your eyes soften to absorb the swaying marsh grass and your lungs revive from the salt-scented air. Walking the trail shortly before sunset, I was lucky enough to spot three dolphins herding mullet in one of the marsh ponds, a stone's throw from the trail. As the dolphins circled around, the fish shot out of the water like popcorn. In a flurry of speed with slapping tails and abrupt twists, the dolphins efficiently secured their evening meal. A great blue heron flew in to get in on the action, and a kingfisher made a pass at one of the jumping fish, announcing his expertise with a kingfisherly rattle.
This little gem of a trail in the grandeur of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is open and available to you. Stay for sunset. Come home happy.
