This week on Madcaps, join us for an in-depth exploration of the Florida National Scenic Trail. From the southern terminus to the northern terminus and every scenic point in between, we not only cover the trail's geography but also dive into its rich history, providing a comprehensive perspective on this captivating outdoor adventure.Please note that this episode was recorded a few months ago to prepare for Chelsey’s maternity leave.  Trail conditions and closures may change from what is stated here. Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

Charles Bronson State Forest is located near Christmas, Florida has trails and camping.  it also borders a number of other important conservation areas such as Orlando Wetlands Park and Little Big Econ State Forest.  One of the more notable trails is the Joshua Creek Trail Loop which is a bit longer than nine miles, it also traverses a number of different habitats.Charles Bronson State Forest Website:https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Charles-H.-Bronson-State-ForestPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week we discuss how we can help protect Florida's fragile environment when it is under assault from special interests, apathetic regulators, and political greenwashing.   This week we have our first repeat guest.  Ryan Smart is the executive director of the Florida Springs Council which not only engages in legal battles to protect the springs but also directs advocacy efforts.  This week we discuss how we can all get involved to protect the environment in Florida when the upcoming legislative session appears to have some bills that may cause further environmental harm.  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

In the 1950s the Florida Park Service opened a number of Florida State Parks that were segregated.  Some were turned over to other land managers to continue to be recreation areas, and others are still Florida State Parks today.  One segregated park faded into history as it was on borrowed land and was returned to its original land manager a military base called Camp Blanding.  There it was unknown  to all but a few as the infrastructure of the park started to decay.  A local historian, Robert Dews stumbled across some information and led an effort to get the area a historical marker recognizing the park.  In this episode we discuss a hike we took with Robert to the remains of Magnolia Lake State Park and we discuss a new reroute of the Florida National Scenic Trail as well.  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week we discuss Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, her connection to her farm at Cross Creek, and how it can still be visited today.  Below are links to some of the things discussed during the episode.Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Historic Sitehttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/marjorie-kinnan-rawlings-historic-state-parkThe Yearling Restaurant https://www.yearlingrestaurant.net/The Friends of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings State Parkhttps://marjoriekinnanrawlings.org/The Front Porch Back Steppers (Social Media Site)Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week we discuss Koreshan State Park in Estero Florida and touch on a few of the surrounding parks such as Lovers Key, Delnor Wiggins, and Mound Key State Parks. Below are some of the links to the parks discussed.  Please note that some of these parks may not be open or have limited access due to hurricane damage sustained in 2022.Koreshanhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/koreshan-state-parkLovers Keyhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/Lovers-KeyDelnor Wigginshttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/delnor-wiggins-pass-state-parkMound Keyhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/mound-key-archaeological-state-parkPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

Here are some of the areas we discussed:Tates Hell:https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-ForestProspect Bluff:https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recarea/?recid=83634Apalachicola National Foresthttps://www.fs.usda.gov/main/apalachicolaOrmon Househttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/orman-house-historic-state-parkJohn Gorrie Museumhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/john-gorrie-museum-state-parkSt. George Island State Parkhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/dr-julian-g-bruce-st-george-island-state-parkPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week we discuss De Leon Springs, Blue Springs, and Hontoon Island State Parks.  All are relatively close to each other and offer a variety of adventures.  They are perfect to visit alone or bundle them together in a single-day trip.Deleon Springs:https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/de-leon-springs-state-parkBlue Springs State Parkhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/blue-spring-state-parkHontoon Islandhttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/hontoon-island-state-parkPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week we interview our very own Chris Stevens and discuss some of his endeavors as he works with various organizations to update hiking guides and apps on trails around the state of Florida.Florida Hikes is our go-to hiking resource for hiking in Florida:https://floridahikes.com/Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

Palatka is a small town with much to experience that lies just beneath the surface.   Here are some of the places we discussed in this episode:Ravine Gardenshttps://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ravine-gardens-state-parkRice Creek Conservation Areahttps://www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/rice-creek/Angel's Dining Car and the Bardin Booger do not have official websites, an internet search can bring up decent results.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

Cathy Salustri earned her master’s degree in Florida Studies from the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, which, to those who know her, is no great surprise, given her intense passion for all things Florida. Her first book, Backroads of Paradise (UPF, 2016), chronicles Cathy’s more-than-5,000 mile-road trip along Florida’s backroads as she sought forgotten and under-appreciated Florida. Not content to see Florida from a car, she also boats, sails, kayaks, paddleboards, hikes, and bikes the Sunshine State. Cathy writes and speaks (she calls it Florida-splaining) about Florida for a living from her home in Gulfport, Florida, which she shares with her hound dogs, cats, her husband Barry, and more than a few brown anoles who valiantly protect her houseplants from danger. Cathy, Barry, and the dogs leave the cats and anoles to their own devices as they explore Florida in their travel trailer. Contact her at cathy@floridaspectacular.com  follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/cathysalustri), Threads (https://www.threads.net/cathysalustri), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathysalustri/), or X (https://www.threads.net/cathysalustri) as @cathysalustri; or on Facebook (http://facebook.com/SalustriCathy)as @salustricathy. You can read more of her travels and thoughts about why Florida’s better than any other state atfloridaspectacular.com (https://www.floridaspectacular.com./)and listen to her weekly podcast celebrating all things Florida, The Florida Spectacular.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Tomoka Basin is between Ormond and Flagler Beach and the parks in that area are mostly coastal.  A lot of Florida History is in this area from the initial Spanish expeditions to the Seminole Wars.   Today we cover Tomoka State Park, Addison Blockhouse, Bulow State Park,  The Fairchild Oak, and Gamble Rodgers State Park.  Activities include exploring, camping, hiking, history,  swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week the Madcaps discuss the coastal recreation spots from Fernandina to Mayport in the Northeast Florida area.  Fernandina Plaza, Fort Clinch, American Beach, Amelia Island, Big Talbot Island, Pumpkin Hill Preserve, Yellow Bluff, and Little Talbot Island are the state parks covered.  Activities discussed are: camping, hiking, birding, swimming, and history.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

Chesley shares her experience on spending time in the Florida outdoors during her pregnancy.   Special thanks to Misti for suggesting the subject.  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week we discuss the plight of the manatees in Florida during the past, present, and future. Our guest Craig Pittman has written an eye-opening book called Manatee Insanity.  He also has the Welcome to Florida (WTF) podcast with Chadd Scott.Welcome to Florida Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1169570A list of Craig's Books can be found at:https://craigpittman.com/Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week the Madcaps discuss their adventure to Canaveral National Seashore where they enjoyed the beach, Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, and a bioluminescence paddle all in one day.  Activities include swimming, wildlife viewing, and paddleboarding.  Canaveral National Seashorehttps://www.nps.gov/cana/index.htmPlease subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week the Madcaps discuss how to enjoy the springs this summer in a responsible manner so that every recreator can not only enjoy the springs but leave them better than they found them!Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

This week the Florida Madcaps discuss their experiences visiting Florida Caverns State Park and taking the underground tour.  Not only is it a rare natural feature in Florida it is also a Civilian Conservation Corps-era state park.  Here Florida history, underground caves, and many other features are sure to impress.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Madcaps discuss their favorite beach state parks along the Pandhandle/ Emerald Coast/ 30A region. Parks incluide:  Camp Helen, Topsail Hill, Grayton Beach, and Deer Lake State Park.  Activities include: snorkeling, swimming, camping, hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking.  Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/

The Madcaps discuss the state parks located in the Miami/Ft Lauderdale area.  Some of the best beaches and recreation experiences are available at five gems along the coast. This week we cover: The Barnacle, Bill Baggs Cape Florida, Oleta River,  Hugh Taylor Birch, and  Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park.  Activities include hiking, history, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, and much more.Please subscribe! Shares and reviews are much appreciated!Get your FREE sticker from the Florida Springs Council at https://www.floridaspringscouncil.org/madcapsQuestions and comments can be emailed at thefloridamadcaps@gmail.comRyan can be found on Instagram at: the_fl_excursionistChris and Chelsey can be found at https://sunshinestateseekers.com/