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Our stay at Assateague State Park was like an incredible dream. Almost from the time we drove through the park entrance, we began to see wild horses grazing and walking everywhere. Soon after we...
Our stay at Assateague State Park was like an incredible dream. Almost from the time we drove through the park entrance, we began to see wild horses grazing and walking everywhere. Soon after we entered the park, we crossed a steep bridge. We were so awed by the wild horses we'd just seen that my fiancee almost wiped out a large group of horses on the downside of the bridge. Even after 11 years, I am still awed by the wild horses we saw everywhere.
We didn't arrive at Assateague until late in the day. Only primitive camping was available during our stay. This meant no electrical hook-ups and cold water showers in stalls that were barely private. The campsites were only separated from the ocean by the dunes. We saw dozens of horses walking across the dunes and along the beach. They would travel in groups, usually from three to eight horses in a group.
We slept in our van that had a bed in the back. We left the windows (which had screens) open so we could get a breeze and, when we awoke in the morning, there were three horses staring in at us. What a site to wake up to!
The year before we stayed at Assateague State Park, National Geographic Travel magazine has selected it as one of the 10 best state parks in the United States. Neither one of us would argue with that choice.
Due to time constraints, we were only able to spend one night at Assateague State Park, but it's a night I'll never forget.
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Assateague Island is a barrier island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is on the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. My fiancee and I had long...
Assateague Island is a barrier island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland. Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is on the Virginia portion of Assateague Island. My fiancee and I had long heard about the wild ponies of Assateague Island so we decided to stop there on our road trip to see the fall foliage.
Although the most exciting time of year on Chincoteague is July when the pony herding, swim across the channel from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island and auction are held, we were still excited to be going. Perhaps you're familiar with this island through the book, "Misty of Chincoteague" by Marguerite Henry or the movie of the same name.
I have to say we were pretty disappointed in our experience on this southern part of the island. We expected to see wild horses roaming freely all around the island but we only saw a couple. I don't know if it was because the weather was turning cooler or if it's always more difficult to see the wild horses at this end of the island.
I think Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is a better place if you're interested birdwatching. There are dozens of species of them in the natural habitat of the beaches and dunes on this island.
It's important to realize you can't go from one end of Assateague Island to the other. There is a fence at the state line. This is to keep the two herds of ponies separated.
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On our way north to see the fall foliage, my fiancee and I stopped in Myrtle Beach. He had spent several months in Myrtle Beach working on an electrical job and wanted to show me some of the sites...
On our way north to see the fall foliage, my fiancee and I stopped in Myrtle Beach. He had spent several months in Myrtle Beach working on an electrical job and wanted to show me some of the sites he'd learned about while he stayed there. We were driving a camper van so we decided to stay at the Myrtle Beach State Park.
We were surprised to learn that reservations must be made for a minimum of two nights, but this suited our plans so we stayed. Since it was September and getting cooler, there weren't many people staying at the campground while we were there. We choose a site near the bathroom facilities, since we didn't have a shower or toilet in the van. I thought the bathrooms were kept very clean and neat and wished I'd been able to say this about everyplace we camped. Our site had an electrical hookup so we could plug in a fan and electric skillet.
Myrtle Beach State Park was the first state park opened to the public in South Carolina. It is a 312-acre oceanfront park that plays a major role in preserving part of South Carolina’s disappearing natural forest on the Atlantic coast. This preservation takes place on the Sculptured Oak Trail. We enjoyed walking this trail each day we were at the park. It's about a half-mile long and there are grand old oaks, hollies and beautiful magnolias to be seen, as well as a variety of birds.
The beach is not too far from the camping area, although I believe the cabins are closer to the beach. Although it was too cold for us to go in the water, we enjoyed walking the sandy shore. We enjoyed going out on the pier in the evenings and watching the moon shine on the water.
I thought the park rangers, which we deal with at the entrance gate, in the camp store and around the park, were always very friendly and helpful.
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Until she had a heart attack, my mom went to aquabics class at the Jacaranda Hotel swimming pool three times a week. This class is part of the Community Education program at South Florida Community...
Until she had a heart attack, my mom went to aquabics class at the Jacaranda Hotel swimming pool three times a week. This class is part of the Community Education program at South Florida Community College.
SFCC bought the historic Jacaranda Hotel many years ago and refurbished it. In addition to the aquabics and aquacize classes held here, the college's food service classes are given here and student lodging is here. Since the college didn't have a pool at that time, the pool at the Jac was the perfect place for water fitness classes to be held.
My mom felt like she got a great workout in this class. It decreased the pain caused from her arthritis, kept her muscles stretched out so she could move around easier and kept her limber.
It was also a wonderful social gathering for my mom and the other ladies in the class. They got together once a month or so for lunch at various restaurants and Mom hosted an annual Christmas party at her house. Lasting friendships were formed and, although my mom is no longer enrolled in the class, she still attends the luncheons and gets together with several of her classmates.
I attended the aquabics class several times but the pressure of the water against my chest made it too difficult to breathe. Debbie, the fabulous instructor, was very understanding and encouraging. She allowed me to do the exercises I could participate in and let me float and kick when I couldn't do what the other ladies were.
This is a class I highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
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I accompanied my husband to his PT sessions at Ewing and Thomas for over a year. During that time, they moved their business and we saw many therapists come and go. The quality of his care was...
I accompanied my husband to his PT sessions at Ewing and Thomas for over a year. During that time, they moved their business and we saw many therapists come and go. The quality of his care was sporadic, dependent upon which therapist worked on him. They usually applied heat packs, stretched his muscles, had him do exercises and sometimes worked on his muscles with massage. He sometimes felt better after therapy but too many times felt worse.
Almost everyone is very friendly at Ewing and Thomas. Both facilities were comfortable and spotlessly clean. They have a cooler with sparkling cold water that they encourage you to drink after treatment.
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Located in the building that once housed Social Security, The Hand Rehab Center offers physical therapy for both upper and lower extremities, occupational therapy, massage therapy and low vision...
Located in the building that once housed Social Security, The Hand Rehab Center offers physical therapy for both upper and lower extremities, occupational therapy, massage therapy and low vision rehabilitation. However, they do specialize in the treatment and healing of upper extremity injuries such as carpal tunnel, arthritis, hand pain, tendon or nerve injuries, fractures and muscle sprains and strains. Their talented OTs will direct you in exercises for your hands that will aid in the healing process and keep you from further injuring yourself.
The Center gives free screenings for hand, shoulder and back pain problems.
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The Highlands County YMCA is a fitness facility for families. Located at the busy intersection of Hammock and Lakewood Roads, not far off US 27, the YMCA is conveniently located for those living in...
The Highlands County YMCA is a fitness facility for families. Located at the busy intersection of Hammock and Lakewood Roads, not far off US 27, the YMCA is conveniently located for those living in Avon Park and Sebring.
A YMCA membership includes individual fitness evaluations for ages 13 and older, personalized exercise plans, aerobic and fitness classes (including step aerobics, water aerobics and tai chi), ping pong and air hockey. Strength trainers are available to members 5 days a week.
Members may also be entitled to discounts on specialized programs. Free babysitting is available for children from 6 months to 6 years with a family membership.
The YMCA also sponsors community sports programs such as soccer and baseball.
Individuals can purchase a membership for $37.00 per month or $111.00 quarterly. A one-time, nonrefundable joining fee of $50.00 is also required.
A family membership costs $54.00 monthly or $162.00 quarterly, with a $100.00 joining fee.
Youth/Teen memberships cost $32.00 monthly or $96.00 quarterly and require a $25.00 joining fee. This is also the fee schedule for senior citizens.
Student memberships are priced at $20.00 per month or $60.00 per quarter, with a $25.00 joining fee.
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The Ridge Trails Association of Highlands County is committed to developing a network of biking, hiking and equestrian trails throughout the county. They are also responsible for maintaining these...
The Ridge Trails Association of Highlands County is committed to developing a network of biking, hiking and equestrian trails throughout the county. They are also responsible for maintaining these trails.
Highlands County currently has a sizable grid of bikeways, including several routes through Highlands Hammock State Park, as well as routes from 10 to 100 miles long on other scenic roads.
There are also hiking and equestrian trails through Highlands Hammock as well as on the grounds of the Archbold Biological Station, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Avon Park Air Force Range and Royce Preserve. These are all large conservation management areas which encompass thousands of acres.
Completed in the year 2002, the County's Blueways, Greenways, Trails and Bikeways Comprehensive Master Plan plans for expanding and connecting these trails so that they are more accessible to residents and tourists alike.
Excluding the trails mentioned above, nearly 450 miles of trails will have been constructed by the time this project is finished. The 450 miles breaks down into 43 miles of equestrian trails, 30 miles of canoe trails, 195 miles of shared bikeways and 180 miles of separate multi-use trails (for hiking and bicycling).
All these trails will make the physical fitness buffs in central Florida very happy.
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The Kenilworth Lodge is a historic hotel in Highlands County. In 1916, the hotel was built by George Sebring, the town founder. Beautifully restored, it often houses bicycle groups that come to...
The Kenilworth Lodge is a historic hotel in Highlands County. In 1916, the hotel was built by George Sebring, the town founder. Beautifully restored, it often houses bicycle groups that come to town to ride through our quaint cities and beautiful countryside. The Kenilworth also sponsors several bicycling events throughout the year.
From December 8 - December 10, 2006, for example, it will host the ninth annual Highlands Bicycle Festival. During this event, bicyclists may participate in daily 62-, 30- and 12-mile rides. Designed for riders of all levels, the rides will have well-stocked rest stops and there will be sag vehicles, plenty of support staff, great road markings and maps. Continental breakfast and full mid-day meals are included each day.
And from March 24 - March 25, 2007, the Kenilworth Lodge will sponsor the eleventh annual Sebring Tandem Rally. Like the Highlands Bicycle Festival, there will be 62-, 30- and 12-mile rides each day. Continental breakfast each day and a banquet on Saturday night have been a tradition at most tandem rallies.
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Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park offers hiking opportunities through rare natural Florida scrub habitat. Aside from a picnic pavilion and composting toilet, not much has changed in this park. ...
Lake June in Winter Scrub State Park offers hiking opportunities through rare natural Florida scrub habitat. Aside from a picnic pavilion and composting toilet, not much has changed in this park. The short 1/4-mile nature trail along a spring-fed creek is an oasis in this predominantly scrub and scrubby flat woods ecosystem. Another brief walk will afford you beautiful views of Lake June in Winter, a 3,500-acre lake that lies west of the property.
Hikers may enjoy several miles of fire lanes that cross this hot, sunny habitat. From these fire lanes, you might see gopher tortoises, Florida scrub jays, bald eagles, wild turkeys, bobcats, Florida scrub-lizards and more. Rare native plants of the Florida Scrub can be found by those interested in flora and fauna.
Full sun and deep sands should be expected so be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and sunblock. Suitable shoes and a cell phone are also suggested. This park is remote and quiet, which means you'll have a very relaxing and peaceful wilderness experience.
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