Dakota
Well-known member
Face to face with Myakka's branches
By TERRY TOMALIN, Outdoors Editor
Published August 24, 2007
MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK - Standing 80 feet above the subtropical forest floor, the swamps and hardwood hammocks don't look quite so hot and buggy. Still sweating from the short hike and climb, two kids in tow, the gentle breeze makes me forget it's the dead of summer. But that's the beauty of the Myakka Canopy Walkway. Even a short visit will leave you with an elevated perspective.
Another point of view
Ranger Catherine Collins grew up in Illinois, went to college in Iowa, then moved to Florida hoping to put her environmental policy degree to good use.
"This has been a dream job," Collins said. "I can't imagine ever moving back to the cold."
Over the years, Collins has seen most of the 58-square-mile state park. She has hiked the backpacking trails, paddled the river and even cycled the 7-mile scenic drive that follows the shoreline of Upper Myakka Lake.
But whenever she gets the chance, she climbs the 116 steps to the top of the observation platform for a little free entertainment.
"This is a great place to watch the storm cells form off in the distance," she said.
"There is nothing like it."
Read more at http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/24/Sport ... _Mya.shtml
By TERRY TOMALIN, Outdoors Editor
Published August 24, 2007
MYAKKA RIVER STATE PARK - Standing 80 feet above the subtropical forest floor, the swamps and hardwood hammocks don't look quite so hot and buggy. Still sweating from the short hike and climb, two kids in tow, the gentle breeze makes me forget it's the dead of summer. But that's the beauty of the Myakka Canopy Walkway. Even a short visit will leave you with an elevated perspective.
Another point of view
Ranger Catherine Collins grew up in Illinois, went to college in Iowa, then moved to Florida hoping to put her environmental policy degree to good use.
"This has been a dream job," Collins said. "I can't imagine ever moving back to the cold."
Over the years, Collins has seen most of the 58-square-mile state park. She has hiked the backpacking trails, paddled the river and even cycled the 7-mile scenic drive that follows the shoreline of Upper Myakka Lake.
But whenever she gets the chance, she climbs the 116 steps to the top of the observation platform for a little free entertainment.
"This is a great place to watch the storm cells form off in the distance," she said.
"There is nothing like it."
Read more at http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/24/Sport ... _Mya.shtml
