{"id":13450,"date":"2021-06-21T17:18:22","date_gmt":"2021-06-21T17:18:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/?page_id=13450"},"modified":"2021-06-21T17:18:22","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T17:18:22","slug":"december-2020-roadtrip-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/december-2020-roadtrip-2\/","title":{"rendered":"December 2020 Roadtrip"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610214283171{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#000000&#8243;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610215159757{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>December 2020 Holiday Roadtrip<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610224958479{padding-top: 10px !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]A three-week 3,500+ mile journey from New York to Florida and back, focusing on exploration in Northern Florida around the panhandle, the Ocala National Forest and the Atlantic coast near St. Augustine. We took the coastal route down, via the Cape May Ferry with a pause to check out Assateague Island before turning inland and making a bee-line south to the Okefenokee Swamp on the Georgia-Florida border where we slowed down and began the overland camping segment of this adventure. The journey was made in our 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and focused on exploring the more pristine wilderness areas of this section of Florida. Follow the links below for field notes from each day of the journey.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column]<style type='text\/css'>#cbpw-wrap88 {margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;}#cbpw-grid88 .cbp-l-caption-title {color:#ffffff;background-color:transparent;font-size:15px;font-family:Open Sans;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;line-height:21px;text-align:center;padding:0px 10px 0px 10px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:capitalize;}#cbpw-grid88 .cbp-l-caption-desc {color:#aaa;background-color:transparent;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:16px;text-align:center;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-grid88 .cbp-caption-activeWrap {background-color:#000000;}#cbpw-filters79 .cbp-filter-item {background-color:transparent;border-color:#313eec;color:#76788a;font-size:13px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:35px;margin:0px 0px 10px 0px;padding:0px 18px 0px 18px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-filters79 .cbp-filter-item:hover {background-color:transparent;border-color:#3288C4;color:#313eec;font-size:13px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:35px;margin:0px 0px 10px 0px;padding:0px 18px 0px 18px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-filters79 .cbp-filter-item.cbp-filter-item-active {background-color:#313eec;border-color:#313eec;color:#FFFFFF;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:35px;margin:0px 0px 10px 0px;padding:0px 18px 0px 18px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-filters79 .cbp-filter-item.cbp-filter-item-active:hover {background-color:#313eec;border-color:#3288C4;color:#FFFFFF;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:35px;margin:0px 0px 10px 0px;padding:0px 18px 0px 18px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore88 .cbp-l-loadMore-link {color:#7E7B7B;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore88 .cbp-l-loadMore-link:hover {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore88 .cbp-l-loadMore-loading {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore88 .cbp-l-loadMore-loading:hover {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore88 .cbp-l-loadMore-stop {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore88 .cbp-l-loadMore-stop:hover {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-singlePage88 .cbp-popup-navigation-wrap {background-color:#000000;}#cbpw-singlePage88 .cbp-popup-singlePage-counter {color:#ffffff;font-size:13px;font-family:Open Sans;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;}<\/style><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Open+Sans:700normal,400normal\" type=\"text\/css\" media=\"all\" property=\"stylesheet\"><div id=\"cbpw-wrap88\"><div id=\"cbpw-grid88\" class=\"cbp-l-grid-masonry cbp\"><div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1207-DE-Sunset_Jeephoodandsunset_IMG_1747_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>7 December 2020:<\/strong> Left New York this morning and headed southbound to Cape May, New Jersey, where we boarded a ferry to Delaware and continued on to Ocean City, Maryland for the night. Though it was cold and windy, took some time to check out the beach along the coast of Cape May before boarding the ferry to continue the crossing \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1207-DE-Sunset_Jeephoodandsunset_IMG_1747_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 1: NY to MD<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Coastal route via Cape May NJ<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1208-MD-Assateague-horses_wildhorseface_DSC_0168_1200w-masonry.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>8 December 2020:<\/strong> It was a beautiful morning to drive the beach at Assateague Island. Took some time to go looking for the reknowned wild horses, but didn\u2019t find any for most of the morning until it was about time to leave. Encountered one grazing over by the marsh and then two more acting \u201cwild\u201d which made for great photo ops \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1208-MD-Assateague-horses_wildhorseface_DSC_0168_1200w-masonry.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 2: MD to SC<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Assateague Island<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1210-GA-Okefenokee-swamp_reflectionskyandcypressspanishmossopeningup_DSCN5147_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>9 December 2020:<\/strong> Drove the rest of the way to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, and arrived in the late afternoon with enough time to do a short hike on the Wetlands Trail. Plenty of wildlife sightings including deer and turkeys right around the area of the cabins \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1210-GA-Okefenokee-swamp_reflectionskyandcypressspanishmossopeningup_DSCN5147_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 3: SC to GA<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Okefenokee Swamp arrival<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1210-GA-Okefenokee-uplandtrail_bearinbusheslookingstraightatme_DSCN5294_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>10 December 2020:<\/strong> Went out on the swamp by boat in the morning, following the route from the launch point at Stephen C. Foster State Park down Minnies Run. Saw some small alligators and a few different birds including small blue herons. Later in the day drove down to the Suwanee Sill where there were some large gators basking in the late afternoon sun, then finished up with a short hike on the Upland Trail and an unexpected bear encounter \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1210-GA-Okefenokee-uplandtrail_bearinbusheslookingstraightatme_DSCN5294_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 4: GA -- Okefenokee<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Okefenokee NWR and Suwanee Sill<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1210-GA-Okefenokee-suwaneesill_gatorreflectionangletreeroot_DSCN5263_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>11 December 2020:<\/strong> Took a last loop around Okefenokee, and another stop at the Suwanee Sill, then got back on the road heading south across the Georgia-Florida border and into Tallahassee for the night \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1210-GA-Okefenokee-suwaneesill_gatorreflectionangletreeroot_DSCN5263_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 5: GA to FL<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Leaving the swamp and continuing south<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1212_FL-BB1-ApalachicolaNF_roadtocamp-jeeponovergrowntrail_IMG_2350_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>12 December 2020:<\/strong> Routed through the Apalachicola National Forest to set up camp at Wright Lake today. It was an \u201cinteresting\u201d drive, starting out on a nice wide graded sandy forest road, where hunters were out in force. Safety orange was the color for the day. Followed the route onto a smaller two track that ran along the administrative border with Tate\u2019s Hell, and soon after picking up that trail, there was a veil of smoke wafting through the trees in an almost literal \u201cwelcome to Tate\u2019s Hell\u201d (of course the smoke was from a proscribed burn but it was eerie). Continued along the planned route until the point where the trail comes to the Mud Swamp New River Wilderness, where both the map and the GPS indicated a bridge, however the bridge had been destroyed and we had to attempt an alternate route through a barely used overgrown trail that ran along the edge of the swamp. Eventually made it to camp just as the sun began to set \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1212_FL-BB1-ApalachicolaNF_roadtocamp-jeeponovergrowntrail_IMG_2350_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 6: FL -- Into Apalachicola NF<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Setting up camp, Apalachicola NF and Wright Lake<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1213_FL-BB2-ApalachicolaNF_coastalroad98-JMFwithgulfcoastbehind-alt_IMG_2448_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>13 December 2020:<\/strong> It was foggy and damp in the morning, and we set off on the \u201clast leg\u201d to the Gulf of Mexico. The sun had broken through by the time we reached the coast and it was incredibly beautiful. Picked up the coastal Highway 98 which runs right next to the edge of the waterway, and followed it into the town of Apalachicola. Apalachicola was historically a working shellfishing town, known for their oysters. The oyster industry has been effected by climate change, and has been struggling, but still hangs on. The town itself has experienced a bit of a tourist-oriented makeover, though with the pandemic, few tourists were to be found \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1213_FL-BB2-ApalachicolaNF_coastalroad98-JMFwithgulfcoastbehind-alt_IMG_2448_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 7: FL -- The Gulf Coast<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Coastal Route 98 to Apalachicola town<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1214_FL-BB3-OchlokoneeRiver_camp-JeepandTent_IMG_2907_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>14 December 2020:<\/strong> Changed campsites today, setting up a new basecamp at Ochlockonee River State Park where we are tucked into an oak hammock that is home to white squirrels, right along the river bank. It is a beautiful spot, and a wonderful destination in its own right, though we are using it as a base to explore beyond. Took some time this afternoon to just check out the hiking trails in the area around camp \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1214_FL-BB3-OchlokoneeRiver_camp-JeepandTent_IMG_2907_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 8: FL -- Ochlockonee River<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Wright Lake to Ochlockonee River<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1215_FL-BB4-StGeorge_JMFdrivinglookingoutwindow_IMG_3230_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>15 December 2020:<\/strong> Spent the day exploring the wilder side of St. George Island, a thin barrier island in the Gulf. While one half is developed with luxury beach homes, the other half is protected park lands, with wild beaches and beautiful dunes intact \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1215_FL-BB4-StGeorge_JMFdrivinglookingoutwindow_IMG_3230_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 9: FL -- St. George Island<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Exploring the wild side of a Gulf island<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1216_FL-BB5-ochlockonee_rainydaywindshieldshot_IMG_3397_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>16 December 2020:<\/strong> Heavy rain this morning and into the afternoon, meant less outdoor activities, but got some important admin stuff done and took some time to scope out some interesting spots in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge to explore tomorrow \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1216_FL-BB5-ochlockonee_rainydaywindshieldshot_IMG_3397_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 10: FL -- Rainy Day<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1217_FL-BB6-stmarks_confluenceofriversthrutrees_IMG_3802_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>17 December 2020:<\/strong> The weather is still un-florida-like cold and damp, but it was possible to get out and explore around the wildlife refuge and the surrounding area, including the small town of St. Marks, where there was once a Spanish fort at the confluence of the rivers, a very beautiful location  \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1217_FL-BB6-stmarks_confluenceofriversthrutrees_IMG_3802_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 11: FL -- St. Marks<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Around St. Marks, the river and the refuge<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1218_FL-StAugustine-Vilano_palmtreesaftersunset_IMG_3924_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>18 December 2020:<\/strong> Broke camp in Ochlockonee and drove east to the St. Augustine area for a few days, settling in at Vilano Beach where familiar palm trees and a beautiful sunset promised a change in the weather for the better \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1218_FL-StAugustine-Vilano_palmtreesaftersunset_IMG_3924_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 12: FL -- The Atlantic coast<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">St. Marks to St. Augustine<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1219_FL-StAugustine-Vilano_beach-pipelineonbeach_IMG_4046_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>19 December 2020:<\/strong> In what has become a typical \u201c2020 curveball\u201d the beautiful beach is now a construction site complete with bulldozers, backhoes, and a big metal pipeline running across the length of the shore. They are installing or repairing a \u201csubmerged pipleline\u201d so the entire area is disturbed. No sense beachcombing for shells and shark teeth. The construction process has literally removed the top layer of beach sand and crushed anything in its path. Oh well, it is still nice to take a long walk alongside the waves and just ignore the construction equipment and rusted pipe laying in the middle of the landscape  \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1219_FL-StAugustine-Vilano_beach-pipelineonbeach_IMG_4046_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 13: FL -- Vilano Beach<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">The beach and the town of St. Augustine<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1220-FL-StAug_ftnofyouth_peacock-intreebushesinfront_IMG_4324_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>20 December 2020:<\/strong> It was a rainy morning, but not coming down heavily, so took some time to visit the \u201cFountain of Youth Archaeological Park,\u201d a touristic attraction in town that focuses on various \u201cchapters\u201d of the region\u2019s history from the Spanish landing by Ponce de Leon, who was looking for the fabled fountain, to traces of the Timucuans who were the areas original inhabitants of the area, with a few other random things thrown in. And peacocks. Not sure what peacocks have to do with any of this, but they are there as part of the \u201cattraction\u201d \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1220-FL-StAug_ftnofyouth_peacock-intreebushesinfront_IMG_4324_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 14: FL -- St. Augustine<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Around the town of St. Augustine<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1220-FL-StAug_sunrise-vilanobeach_Jeepandsunjuststartingtocomeup_DSCN5939_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>21 December 2020:<\/strong> Winter officially starts today and the solstice sun rose up over the horizon on Vilano Beach in a beautiful sunrise as if to mark the occasion. Moved from Vilano Beach to Anastasia Island in the afternoon  \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1220-FL-StAug_sunrise-vilanobeach_Jeepandsunjuststartingtocomeup_DSCN5939_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 15: FL -- Winter Solstice<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Vilano Beach to Anastasia Island<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1221-FL-StAug-Anastasia_beach_tiretracksbetweenduneslandscape_IMG_4407_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>22 December 2020:<\/strong> Took some time to just enjoy exploring the beach dunes and an interesting forest trail along an ancient \u201cCoquina Quarry\u201d where the Spanish sourced the unique shell-stone that was used to build the fortress known as the Castillo de San Marcos \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1221-FL-StAug-Anastasia_beach_tiretracksbetweenduneslandscape_IMG_4407_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 16: FL -- Anastasia Island<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Exploring the beach and some history<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1223-FL-OcalaNF-HopkinsPriarie_establishingcampsiteoverview_IMG_4797_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>23 December 2020:<\/strong> Headed inland today, to the Ocala National Forest to set up \u201cChristmas Camp\u201d at Hopkins Prarie, and was lucky to get \u201ccampsite 17\u201d, which overlooks the prairie and has the most beautiful view of the sunsets. With a weather forecast predicting cold and rain over the holidays there were only a few other campers there, giving a wonderful feeling of solitude in the wilderness. At dusk the \u201cchristmas star\u201d appeared on the horizon \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1223-FL-OcalaNF-HopkinsPriarie_establishingcampsiteoverview_IMG_4797_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 17: FL -- Ocala National Forest<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Anastasia Island to Ocala NF, setting up camp<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1224-FL-OcalaNF-HopkinsPriarie_spanishmossCUgolden_IMG_4991_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>24 December 2020:<\/strong> The rain was predicted to hold off until 8pm, leaving time to prepare a holiday meal for early afternoon before securing the tent for strong winds and gathering enough firewood to be sure to be able to keep warm once the temperatures dropped to below freezing as they are forecast to in the early morning hours. Camp was calm and beautiful until the weather hit, and the spanish moss looked like golden tinsel \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1224-FL-OcalaNF-HopkinsPriarie_spanishmossCUgolden_IMG_4991_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 18: FL -- Ocala NF Christmas Eve<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">The calm before the storm<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1225-FL-OcalaNF-HopkinsPriarie_sunrise-reflectionofsunriseinJeephood_IMG_5123_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>25 December 2020:<\/strong> Christmas morning came with a beautiful sunrise, though it was cold out, and there was just a big sigh of relief on having survived the night. The tent did not blow away even though a gust of wind busted the zipper and sent a blast of rain inside in the middle of the night not just once but three times! Winds reached 28mph and the rain continued until around 1am before easing up, though the wind did not stop until early morning. Yet the morning sun shone brightly and even though it was cold hovering just a little over freezing all morning the fact that it was Christmas made it a good day. Checked out some favorite trails in the afternoon, then prepared a Christmas dinner as the bonfire blazed \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1225-FL-OcalaNF-HopkinsPriarie_sunrise-reflectionofsunriseinJeephood_IMG_5123_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 19: FL -- Ocala NF Christmas Day<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Florida freezing, but beautiful<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1226-FL-OcalaNF-JeepBOHtrail-south_Jeepflexingsandytrailbehindlowangle_IMG_5573_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>26 December 2020:<\/strong> Took some time to practice navigation, plotting the 81-mile \u201cTread Lightly Four Wheel Drive Way,\u201d one of seven trails that was added to the Jeep Badge of Honor program in 2020. It is the only \u201cBadge of Honor\u201d trail in the Ocala National Forest, and is really a route rather than a single \u201ctrail.\u201d Spent today on the \u201csouthern\u201d section of the route, below Florida State Road 40  \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1226-FL-OcalaNF-JeepBOHtrail-south_Jeepflexingsandytrailbehindlowangle_IMG_5573_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 20: FL --  Ocala NF trail day<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Jeep Badge of Honor trail, south sector<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1227-FL-OcalaNF-JeepBOHtrail-north_FR46trench-jeepintrenchCU_IMG_6055_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>27 December 2020:<\/strong>  Covered the northern segment of the Badge of Honor route, and took some time to visit a favorite hiking trail, too. The weather has finally warmed back up to \u201cnormal\u201d Florida temperatures, and the sunset was perfect. Enjoyed a final bonfire at camp late into the evening  \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1227-FL-OcalaNF-JeepBOHtrail-north_FR46trench-jeepintrenchCU_IMG_6055_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 21: FL --  Ocala NF trail day<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Jeep Badge of Honor trail, north sector<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1228-FL-OcalaNF-JMFplottingroutelookingatcamera_iDSCN6257_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>28 December 2020:<\/strong>  Took some time breaking down camp this morning and drying out all the tarps and the bottom of the tent before packing everything away. It was slower than usual because the sun was warm and the prairie was quiet and it just felt good to linger a bit after having toughed it out during the storm and freezing temperatures. Florida was feeling \u201cback to normal\u201d and it was hard to leave. Drove a few more forest roads on the way out to pavement, then began the serious business of marathoning towards home. Got through Florida and Georgia before stopping for the night in South Carolina  \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1228-FL-OcalaNF-JMFplottingroutelookingatcamera_iDSCN6257_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 22: FL to SC<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Leaving Ocala NF and heading north<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1229_VA-Fullmoonthrutrees_DSCN6272_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>29 December 2020:<\/strong>  Driving northbound on the I-95 most of the day, trying to make as many miles towards home as possible to make it back in time to celebrate the New Year there. Had to take a break and get off the highway to stop for a photo when I saw this incredible moon so low in the sky just after dusk, while there was still enough ambient light to get a decent photo without using the tripod. Made it through South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Washington DC before stopping in Maryland just north of Baltimore for the night \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1229_VA-Fullmoonthrutrees_DSCN6272_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 23: SC to MD<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">The road back north<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1230_NY-GWbridge_windshieldviewcrossingbridge_IMG_6328_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>30 December 2020:<\/strong>  Made the last stretch of highway driving where all roads seemed to converge on New York City in a web of bridges and tunnels and heavy traffic. Felt good to be in familiar territory again, and very glad to arrive home a bit early and in daylight  \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1230_NY-GWbridge_windshieldviewcrossingbridge_IMG_6328_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 24: MD to NY<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">The last leg to home<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1231_NY-LI_home-NewYearsEve_champagneandfirepit_IMG_E6373_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>31 December 2020:<\/strong>  Welcomed in the New Year with champagne and a nice warm fire in the backyard fire pit. The temperatures dropped as it got closer to midnight, but the warmth from the blaze made it comfortable, and it felt good to have \u201cescaped\u201d 2020 healthy and ready to take on what we hope will be a gentler year in 2021 \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/holRT_DEC2020_1231_NY-LI_home-NewYearsEve_champagneandfirepit_IMG_E6373_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 25: New Year's Eve<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Happy New Year from home<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">this.initCubePortfolio =  this.initCubePortfolio || []; this.initCubePortfolio.push({id: 88, options: {\"filters\":\"\",\"loadMore\":\"\",\"loadMoreAction\":\"click\",\"search\":\"\",\"layoutMode\":\"grid\",\"sortToPreventGaps\":true,\"drag\":true,\"auto\":false,\"autoTimeout\":5000,\"autoPauseOnHover\":true,\"showNavigation\":true,\"showPagination\":true,\"rewindNav\":true,\"scrollByPage\":false,\"defaultFilter\":\"*\",\"filterDeeplinking\":false,\"animationType\":\"scaleSides\",\"gridAdjustment\":\"responsive\",\"mediaQueries\":[{\"width\":1400,\"cols\":43},{\"width\":1170,\"cols\":3},{\"width\":1024,\"cols\":3},{\"width\":960,\"cols\":3},{\"width\":778,\"cols\":3},{\"width\":640,\"cols\":2},{\"width\":480,\"cols\":1}],\"gapHorizontal\":20,\"gapVertical\":20,\"caption\":\"overlayBottomAlong\",\"displayType\":\"bottomToTop\",\"displayTypeSpeed\":200,\"lightboxDelegate\":\".cbp-lightbox\",\"lightboxGallery\":true,\"lightboxTitleSrc\":\"data-title\",\"lightboxCounter\":\"<div class=\\\"cbp-popup-lightbox-counter\\\">{{current}} of {{total}}<\/div>\",\"singlePageDelegate\":\".cbp-singlePage\",\"singlePageDeeplinking\":true,\"singlePageStickyNavigation\":true,\"singlePageCounter\":\"<div class=\\\"cbp-popup-singlePage-counter\\\">{{current}} of {{total}}<\/div>\",\"singlePageAnimation\":\"middle\",\"singlePageInlineDelegate\":\".cbp-singlePageInline\",\"singlePageInlineDeeplinking\":false,\"singlePageInlinePosition\":\"top\",\"singlePageInlineInFocus\":true,\"plugins\":{},\"cols\":3,\"coverRatio\":\"4:3\"}});<\/script>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610299121889{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;slideInLeft&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">ROUTE<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=&#8221;#E-8_JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbSUyRm1hcHMlMkZkJTJGZW1iZWQlM0ZtaWQlM0QxY0pOb1BCMm55R0tWNTJIMGUzUmxhVWQ1Q25FRi0zSEklMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY0MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjQ4MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610299121889{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;slideInLeft&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">KEY LOCATIONS<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610296030586{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Assateague&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1610295156209-9a99c18d-c902&#8243;][vc_wp_text title=&#8221;Assateague Island National Seashore&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-12949\" src=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/RT_DEC2016_Day02_CHIN_coastguardstationruin_DSCN2226_650w-300x225.jpg\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/RT_DEC2016_Day02_CHIN_coastguardstationruin_DSCN2226_650w-300x225.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/RT_DEC2016_Day02_CHIN_coastguardstationruin_DSCN2226_650w.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>\nThe Assateague Island National Seashore, managed by the National Park Service, stretches for 37 miles along the Atlantic coasts of Maryland and Virginia and is part of a vast chain of barrier islands extending from Maine to Texas. Barrier islands form when offshore sand deposits accumulate sufficiently to break the water surface or when sea level rise causes inland dunes to become separated from the mainland. These islands are highly dynamic constantly reshaped by storms and currents that transport sand south along the coast throughout the year. On a seasonal basis, harsh winter weather pulls sand from dunes and upper beaches, depositing it into offshore sand bars and reducing beach width. This process is reversed during milder summer weather, as gentler wave action acts to restore the shoreline. Assateague is also moving westward as a result of sea-level rise and the force of the surf through a process called \u201cisland rollover.\u201d During severe storm events, sand is eroded from the ocean beaches and carried across the island by flood waters and re-deposited in marshes along the western shore, steadily narrowing the bay that separates the island from the mainland. These events can break through dunes, spilling sand in fanlike deposits or even carving inlets, such as the one that has separated Assateague and Ocean City since 1933. Long shore currents will eventually deposit sediments and close these gaps unless, like the Ocean City inlet, it is maintained with jetties and dredging. Assateague\u2019s terrain includes sandy beaches, salt marshes, maritime forests and coastal bays connected via a series of small bridges and causeways. Assateague is most famous for its resident Wild Ponies. Local legend has it that the ponies escaped from a shipwrecked Spanish galleon and swam to shore. However, historians believe that in the 17th century, settlers used the island for livestock to avoid fencing regulations and taxation. Even though no one is certain how the ponies got to the island, their descendants still live there today \u2026[\/vc_wp_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Okefenokee&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1610295477490-180c4227-ce86&#8243;][vc_wp_text title=&#8221;Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-12952\" src=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/6039658033_e7d42852fc-300x225-1.jpg\" \/> The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refugee conserves the unique qualities of the swamp, protecting and enhancing the wildlife and its habitat to ensure the integrity of the ecological system. The Refuge also sees part of its mission as embracing the grandeur, mystery, and cultural heritage of the area. Native Americans inhabited the swamp for centuries and coined the term \u201cOkefenokee\u201d which means \u201cland that trembles when you walk on it.\u201d The swamp is thought to be 6,000-8,000 years old. It is contained in a saucer-shaped depression that drains toward the south and southwest. Drainage from the swamp forms the headwaters for the St. Marys River and the Suwannee River. Habitats provide for threatened and endangered species, such as red-cockaded woodpecker, wood storks, indigo snakes, and a wide variety of other wildlife species. It is world renowned for its amphibian populations that are bio-indicators of global health. More than 600 plant species have been identified on refuge lands. The Swamp survived an attempt at draining in the late 1800\u2019s and was logged extensively in the early 1900\u2019s before becoming a refuge in 1937 by declaration of Franklin D. Roosevelt. The refuge has 353,981 acres of National Wilderness Area within its boundaries and is a Wetland of International Importance (RAMSAR Convention \u2013 1971) because it is one of the world\u2019s largest intact freshwater ecosystems\u2026[\/vc_wp_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Apalachicola NF&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1610296472562-79b82713-9ac1&#8243;][vc_wp_text title=&#8221;Apalachicola National Forest&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-12955\" src=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/DSCN0930-300x158-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" \/><br \/>\nThe Apalachicola National Forest is the largest U.S. National Forest in the state of Florida. It encompasses 632,890 acres and is the only national forest located in the Florida Panhandle. The National Forest provides water and land-based outdoors activities such as off-road biking, hiking, swimming, boating, hunting, fishing, horse-back riding, and off-roading. The Apalachicola National Forest is in the southeastern conifer forests ecoregion. Areas of the national forest with dry, sandy soils support Florida longleaf pine sandhills and east Gulf coastal plain near-coast pine flatwoods. Sandhills are woodlands dominated by longleaf pine. Pine flatwoods are forests and woodlands on broad, sandy flatlands. Both of these pine communities are sustained by frequent fires. Near the floodplains of spring-fed rivers grow southern coastal plain hydric hammocks, dense forests of evergreen and deciduous hardwood trees. Blackwater rivers support southern coastal plain blackwater river floodplain forests of baldcypress along their banks. Major rivers support diverse east Gulf coastal plain large river floodplain forests. Notable animals that inhabit this forest are red-cockaded woodpecker, fox squirrel, red fox, raccoon, gray fox, bobcat, coyote, black bear, wild turkey and alligator. It is also home to several wetland plant communities. Southern coastal plain nonriverine basin swamps are large, seasonally flooded depressions of baldcypress and swamp tupelo. East Gulf coastal plain savannas and wet prairies are low, flat plains covered in grasses and sedges, which are seasonally flooded and maintained by frequent fires. The Forest contains thousands of acres of old growth Pond Cypress swamps (cypress domes). Apalachicola National Forest contains two specific Wilderness Areas: Bradwell Bay Wilderness and Mud Swamp\/New River Wilderness\u2026[\/vc_wp_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;St. George&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1610296780522-521c42c9-8d3f&#8221;][vc_wp_text title=&#8221;St. George Island&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-12957\" src=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/71Gb-1zZViL._AC_SL1500_-300x164-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"164\" \/><br \/>\nSt. George is a barrier island 28 miles long and 1 mile wide at its widest point. Composed of mostly sand dunes with sea oats and pine trees, the island is connected to the mainland at Eastpoint, Florida by the 4-mile long St. George Island Bridge over Apalachicola Bay. St. George Island is informally divided into three regions: the Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park; a public strip of restaurants, bars, small businesses, homes and public beach; and a private, gated housing community with its own airstrip that includes some of the most expensive multimillion-dollar beach homes along the Gulf of Mexico. The island is known for being quiet and tranquil due to its small size. The State Park occupies the eastern nine miles of the island and has a series of hiking trails, boardwalks and observation platforms, as well as beach access. St. George Island was first inhabited by the Muscogee people between the 10th and 15th centuries. With the arrival of European colonists to the area in the late 18th century came an intense struggle for control. In 1803, the Creek Indians ceded a large tract of land, which included St. George Island, to trader John Forbes and Company, known as the Forbes Grant. In 1823 John Lee Williams sought refuge there. With a shortage of food supplies, his crew depended on the island\u2019s ample store of oysters and crabs. Soon afterwards, the island experienced a surge in trading activities especially along the banks of the Apalachicola River. This led to the construction of the Cape St. George Lighthouse on the island in 1833. The lighthouse was torn down and rebuilt two miles away in 1847\u201348, and rebuilt after being destroyed by a hurricane in 1851. It was taken out of service during the American Civil War, but afterwards served as a navigational tool for incoming ships until it was decommissioned in 1994. Hurricanes in 1995 and 1998 undermined the tower. A new foundation was built under the tower, but it collapsed in 2005. The lighthouse has since been reconstructed\u2026[\/vc_wp_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;St. Marks&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1610297397895-2dece867-4c49&#8243;][vc_wp_text title=&#8221;St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-12959\" src=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/9019_thumbnail-1024-300x194-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"194\" \/><br \/>\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/refuge\/St_Marks\/about.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge<\/a> was established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds. It is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It encompasses over 80,000 acres spread out between Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties, and includes about 43 miles along the Gulf Coast of northwest Florida. It is part of the North Florida Refuges Complex. The refuge includes coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, and is home to a diverse community of plant and animal life. The refuge also has strong ties to a rich cultural past, and is home to the St. Marks Lighthouse, which was built in 1842 (current tower) and is still in use today. \u2026[\/vc_wp_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Vilano Beach&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1610297680638-1146f437-55cf&#8221;][vc_wp_text title=&#8221;Vilano Beach&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-12961\" src=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Screen-Shot-2020-12-31-at-2.10.08-PM-251x300-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"251\" height=\"300\" \/><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitstaugustine.com\/thing-to-do\/vilano-beach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vilano Beach<\/a> is one of St. Augustine\u2019s best-kept secrets. Going for a stroll on the beach is a favorite activity and visitors can enjoy both sunrises and sunsets there. Located just north of downtown St. Augustine\u2019s historic district, on the north side of the Matanzas Inlet, the town of Vilano Beach is a charming surprise. The beach has a steep drop-off, heavier surf, and a strong current due to its location near the inlet, which makes it ideal for surfing (when the tide is coming in) and skimboarding. four-wheel-drive beach access is offered via the Porpoise Point access ramp. Vehicle access in Vilano Beach is restricted to four-wheel-drive vehicles, and may be unavailable on occasion depending on the condition of the sand. A nominal access fee is charged from March 1 through Labor Day to drive on the beach. Rules for driving on the beach are clearly posted and are strictly enforced for the safety of beach goers. For more information on vehicle access to the beach see the county\u2019s Beach Driving <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sjcfl.us\/HCP\/Cars.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">webpage<\/a> \u2026[\/vc_wp_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Anastasia Island&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1610297800786-f084a9b8-5151&#8243;][vc_wp_text]<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-12963\" src=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/b5a40898e3c04cc73ae9181f74cf7907-300x295-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"295\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/b5a40898e3c04cc73ae9181f74cf7907-300x295-1.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/b5a40898e3c04cc73ae9181f74cf7907-300x295-1-80x80.jpg 80w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><br \/>\nAnastasia Island is a barrier island located off the northeast Atlantic coast of Florida. It sits east of St. Augustine, running north\u2013south in a slightly southeastern direction to Matanzas Inlet. The island is about 14 miles long and an average of 1 mile in width. It is separated from the mainland by the Matanzas River, part of the Intracoastal waterway. Juan Ponce de Le\u00f3n may have landed on the barrier island in 1513. Spanish Admiral Pedro Men\u00e9ndez de Avil\u00e9s, founder of St. Augustine, moved his initial settlement to Anastasia Island after a revolt by the Timucuan Indians in 1566. This settlement was short-lived, and the colonists moved back to the mainland at the site of present-day downtown St. Augustine. The Spanish built a wooden watch-tower on the northern end of Anastasia Island to warn the town of approaching vessels by raising signal flags. The Spanish eventually replaced the tower with a coquina structure that was converted into a lighthouse soon after Florida came into the possession of the United States in 1821. Beneath the sandy soil of most of the island lie layers of coquina, a shelly rock in various stages of consolidation. This rock is composed primarily of whole and fragmented shells of the donax, or coquina, clam admixed occasionally with scattered fossils of various marine vertebrates, including sharks\u2019 and rays\u2019 teeth. This deposition is known as the Anastasia Formation, and was formed during the Late Pleistocene epoch, in the period of successive glacial ages from about 110,000 years to 11,700 years ago. It is the only local natural source of stone, and was quarried by the Spanish and later the British to construct many of the buildings in St. Augustine including the Castillo de San Marcos \u2026[\/vc_wp_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Ocala NF&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1610298346976-7029941d-bca3&#8243;][vc_wp_text title=&#8221;Ocala National Forest&#8221;]<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-12967\" src=\"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/d548ee267d98b3947cacbeae35bbdcb3-300x206-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"206\" \/><br \/>\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/ocala\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ocala National Forest<\/a> is the southernmost forest in the continental United States and protects the world\u2019s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Located three miles east of Ocala and 16 miles southeast of Gainesville, it covers 607 square miles of Central Florida. The Ocala National Forest was established in 1908 and is the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. The word Ocala is thought to be a derivative of a Timucuan term meaning \u201cfair land\u201d or \u201cbig hammock\u201d. Dry, sandy areas support Florida longleaf pine sandhills and Florida peninsula inland scrub. Inland scrub consists of sand pines growing amid shrublands of evergreen oaks. The forest contains the largest concentration of sand pine in the world as well as some of the best remaining stands of longleaf pine in central Florida. Where fire is absent, southern coastal plain oak domes and hammocks can grow. These are small stands of thick evergreen oaks. The forest contains several slow-moving rivers and numerous wet \u201cprairies\u201d. The forest\u2019s spring-fed rivers support southern coastal plain hammocks of evergreen and hardwood trees. The prairies are Floridian highlands freshwater marshes. The Ocala Forest is also known for having over 600 natural lakes and ponds. Between the river boundaries of this Forest lie central highlands, coastal lowlands, swamps, springs and hundreds of lakes and ponds. Ocala has a wide variety of wildlife including black bears, alligators, white-tailed deer, wild boar, and numerous small animals, such as squirrels, bats, coyote, gray fox, red fox, opossum, raccoon, river otter, bobcat, skunk, southeastern pocket gopher, and nine-banded armadillo. The United States Navy\u2019s Pinecastle Bombing Range in the Ocala National Forest is the only place on the East Coast where the Navy can do live impact training. The Navy drops nearly 20,000 bombs a year at the site, a few hundred of which are live. F\/A-18 Hornet jet fighters and other aircraft take off from Naval Air Station Jacksonville or from aircraft carriers off the Florida coast, fly low over the forest, and drop their bombs in the middle 450 acres of the range. The Navy has used the area for target practice for 50 years under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service\u2026[\/vc_wp_text][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610214283171{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#000000&#8243;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610215159757{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;] December 2020 Holiday Roadtrip [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610224958479{padding-top: 10px !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]A three-week 3,500+ mile journey from New York to Florida and back, focusing on exploration in Northern Florida around the panhandle, the Ocala National Forest and the Atlantic coast near St. Augustine. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-home.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13450"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13450"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13450\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13451,"href":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13450\/revisions\/13451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}