NORTH RIM HIKE

         We enjoy visits to Paynes Prairie, the wild open space south of Gainesville. Some say it's North Florida's most significant natural feature, 21,000 acres of open savanna surrounded by towering trees and tall bluffs. Walking out on the boardwalk we look east at the far side's 40-foot embankments 

 

 

and wondered, "What's it's like up there?".

      Yesterday we found out. For starters, the view was breathtaking. 

 

 We got to explore this special place with a state park ranger. For the first time in two years the North Rim Trail has opened up for once-a-week tours. 

      It is rarely opened to the public because the hilly, sinkhole-filled landscape is easily damaged by public use.  Our guide explained, "In a way, this place is too cool. The bikers come roaring through and climbers tear up sinkholes by rappelling down the sides."

        These holes were everywhere, some filled with water, some not. We learned a new one is forming nearby as they have here for 15,000 years.

        Sixteen of us threading our way through the woods until we reached the the "the summit", nearly fifty-feet above the lake below.  This, we learned, is where famed naturalist/artist William Bartram set up camp in 1774.  His illustrated book, "Travels"

He described what we were seeing this way,

       It is a level green plain, fifteen miles over, fifty miles in circumference, and scarcely a tree or bush of any kind to be seen on at. It is encircled with high, sloping hills, covered with waving forests and a fragrant Orange grove rising from a exuberantly fertile soil. The towering Magnolia grandiflora and transcendent Palm stand conspicuous among them. Herds of sprightly deer, squadrons of the beautiful fleet Seminole horse, flocks of turkeys, civilized communities of the sonorous watchful crane, mix together, appearing happy and contented in the enjoyment of peace.

      You can meander through this primitive hole-filled topography on any Saturday now through April (even Dec. 25th, gift a friend with a unique hike.) 

A ranger will take the first 25 showing up by 10 a.m. at the La Chua Trail horse barn.  It is easily reached by going south on SE 15 St. until the road ends. Admission is $4 per car.

    We loved it.  We're going again.