Hey Butt Heads!

I like to find little hidden tranquil places to create, to write and to plan.

As I sat in one of these favorite little spots along the coast, I gazed down to admire the shells and driftwood that had washed ashore.  While I was checking out the cracked oyster shells, the hungry little crabs burrow their way through the moist sand, I noticed an ungodly sight. Within a five foot radius, gently resting on branches, shells, driftwood and other natural wonder were nothing but cigarette butts. Oddly enough, I was writing plans for a community clean up event I am organizing.  So, I immediately packed my belongings and headed for my car, where I happen to keep a trash bag and gloves.  I charged onward to the shore with a mission; Mission Butt Head!


When I reached the head of the shore, to my disgust this is what I found.  

Not only is this very unpleasant to look at, but consider the damage it is doing to the Earth. If you don't think flicking your cigarette butt is a big deal, think about this. The core of most cigarette filters -- the part that looks like white cotton, is actually a form of plastic called cellulose acetate. By itself, cellulose acetate degrades very slowly in our environment. Depending on the conditions of the area the cigarette butt is discarded in, it can take 18 months to 10 years for a cigarette filter to decompose. But that isn't the worst of it. Used cigarette filters are full of toxins known as tar, and those chemicals leach into the ground and waterways, damaging living organisms that contact them. And, most filters are discarded with bits of tobacco still attached to them as well, further polluting our environment with nicotine. So the fish that you eat, could potentially be contaminated by nicotine and other harmful chemicals that are found in cigarette filters. 


The cigarette filters were not the only things that I found tainting this beautiful hide-a-way, other items included, plastic bottles, cigar filters, candy wrappers, napkins, pieces of tires, beer cans, condom wrappers and the one thing I did find nestled in the grass was a fortune.  

It is such a splendid feeling when you run across those little signs letting you know you are on the right path in life. 

I pressed on, filling an entire trash bag of things that could have been recycled and some that should have just been thrown in the proper trash recepticle. This wasn't a very large area either, it was a span of approximately ten feet by about forty yards.  If we all just do our part, we are reducing some very negative effects we are causing on this Earth.

Community clean-up's are held regularly in most communities.  If you choose not to participate in these types of events, at least do your part. Most communities also offer recycling programs as well. Here are some helpful resources on recycling. 


The City of Largo offers a plethora of options, one of which includes curb side recycling. All you have to do is put your recyclables in the container and put it out with your trash - they pick it up.  The bins are free and they will even deliver them at no charge. 
www.largorecycles.com 

1-800-RECYCLING.com  offers a ton of information about recycling programs around the world and different ways you can make a difference by going green! 


St. Pete also offers many recycling options for residents too.  http://www.stpete.org/sanitation/earth_friendly_recycling/


Hillsborough County also offers these programs, which you can check out at www.hillsboroughcountyrecyles.org.

Remember:  Don't just throw it away, recycle!

The Eagle Has Landed - Honeymoon Island State Park

Honeymoon Island State Park got it's name back in 1939 when a New York City developer by the name of Clinton Washburn and LIFE magazine bought the island.  They held a contest where newlywed couples could submit essays for a chance to win a two week, 'Sunny Florida Beach Bungalow Honeymoon". The 50 beach bungalows were made out of palm fronds and the winners were flown in and off the island for their honeymoon.

Honeymoon Isle, Beach Bungalow "Lover's Nook"

Today, Honeymoon Island State Park visitors can enjoy mangrove swamps, sunny beaches, picnics as well as a lovely stretch of lush nature trails.  It is virtually impossible to appreciate mother natures beauty until you meander through Honeymoon Island State Parks appropriately named, Osprey Trail. You will find a variety of plants, animals as well as over 20 active osprey nests.

As you walk through the trail, you can hear these beautiful creatures warding off the other birds trying to steal their catch of the day. Honeymoon Island State Park is also home to two adult American Bald Eagles, which have a nest at the north end of the trail, which is also home to two eaglets.  

The Eagle's nest is protected with a perimeter, however an Eagle watching area has been created to watch this amazing bird in action.  

The trails are lined with the most surreal, Tim Burton like trees, cacti and wildflowers.  

Honeymoon Island State Park is located at the tip of the Dunedin Causeway.  The entrance fee is $8.00, but well worth it.  The Caladesi Island Ferry is also located at Honeymoon Island.  

A Pier with a past! The St. Pete Pier

The Railroad Pier was built in 1889 by the Orange Belt Railway. It was the first privately owned and was an attraction for locals and tourists. The elaborately designed Electric Pier, which was located on Second Avenue North, was erected in 1906. This pier was well known for it's delightful night lights, from about 1914. 



The first Municipal Pier was constructed in 1914 as well, with a $40,000 bond approved by voters. This pier was built on Second Avenue North only about 10 feet from the north side of the Electric Pier.



In 1921, a hurricane destroyed all standing piers and the then 8 year old Municipal Pier was severely crippled, that is when the "Million Dollar Pier" dream was realized. (1925) This would be the first city owned pier.  



The "Dream Pier" or the Million Dollar Pier was opened/Dedicated on Thanksgiving Day in 1926 and over 10,000 people came to watch the dedication ceremonies! 



The landmark of the inverted pyramid pier that stands today is owned by the City of St.Petersburg, which opened in Jan. 1973.  There are still some shops, food, ice-cream and a center floor aquarium, with an over look balcony from the second floor.  (You may want to watch those pesky teenagers from above)
The Pier is opened most of the year, rain or shine!

Dade Battlefield State Park, Bushnell, Florida

Being an avid State Park lover, we decided on our journey to Jacksonville to see Dark Castle, that we would stop at as many State Parks as time would allow us as.  We left a little later than we had inticipated but we were happy to be on the road nonetheless.  Our journey started at approximatley 1130am on Sunday, the 28th.  We started off on the back roads of Florida. We started on US301 NORTH toward Jax.  We adventured off the path to Dade Battlefield State Park, which is exit 314 off of I75 just west of 301. 

2:21pm  Arrived at Dade Battlefield State Park. First thing I notice was there is a lot of Spanish moss on the trees. It made me immediately think of Kristin, who loves the moss.  We had a mission in mind, PASSPORT STAMP!!! So, we parked in the 10 car parking lot and adventured to the visitor center.  We stopped and of course, got the stamp as well as picture of the moment.  We took a short journey through the center and then ventured out to the trail.  It is a very small park, it does have some trails through the flats, I think a 20 mile trail.  We were pressed for time, so we just walked through the historic battle site.
Here is a little bit of history for you. 

On December 28th, 1835, Indian Warriors ambushed 108 soldiers at this site.  Only three soldiers survived.  This site is 80 acres of protected historical site.  The trees are beautiful and the moss is lovely.  Certainly a lot smaller than we had expected, but is still a nice park for a picnic.  ne more stamp in the State Park passport!