In 2019, Steve and I had a glorious plan for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner Picnic. We were going to start the day with a hike at Crystal River Preserve and follow that with our picnic at Crystal River Archeological State Park. But then there was that pesky triple bypass and our Thanksgiving plans changed to a quiet day at home – and if you think you need a boost of Thanksgiving spirit, let me tell you, having a loved one undergo triple bypass will make you grateful for every second you can share with them.
Be that as it may, we decided on Saturday to take a run over to the Preserve and hike the Seven Mile Loop trail. That should give you an idea of how well Steve is recovering! We packed some fruit, plenty of water and bug spray. Along the way, we stopped at Publix in Crystal River to pick up Pub Subs for lunch after the hike. We thought it was the perfect plan. It was hot but clear, and as we entered the Preserve area, we immediately happened upon a small pool of water filled with shorebirds, a pretty way to start our experience. When we pulled up to the Ranger Station to get our State Park Passports stamped, there was a splendid breeze coming off the river.
First thing we noticed: Ranger Station was closed due to COVID-19. But that wasn’t a major thing; we explored the native plant garden for a pleasant half hour and then drove to the parking area for the trail and prepared to hike. Steve sprayed himself with bug spray while I changed into my boots. Then I sprayed myself and we ran through our checklist: water, snacks, more bug spray, all the miscellany I think I will need for a hike of several hours (you would not believe how much I can cram into a day pack). We stopped to read the kiosk and then stepped onto the trail, which looked like we would have all to ourselves.
Immediately, we noticed the yellow flies. While I would not say they swarmed us, I will say that there was never a moment during the next mile when one of us did not have at least two flies on our person. Although we saw some lovely wildflowers and an interesting array of crab claws, I would not say we enjoyed this hike, and those fun things are not what we’ll remember about this trip to the Preserve. We made it about a mile in, swatting all the way, before deciding that there was nothing ahead that could be worth dealing with the *#(#(@)!! flies. They were even landing on my glasses! At one point, Steve actually inhaled one – he has decided that yellow flies give a whole new meaning to “invasive” species! They did not bite where we had covered ourselves in spray, but I did get a bite through my socks. The second half of our hike was done in double-time, getting back to the car just in time to warn a family about the flies.
Disappointed, we cooled off in EAV’s wonderful air conditioning and decided to head over to the Archeological State Park. Good decision. This park comprises a series of six mounds built by people so ancient we do not even know how they referred to themselves. There are shell middens, burial mounds, and temple mounds, along with a large plaza area. There is also a very nice museum (closed, of course, due to COVID-19), which I highly recommend touring before walking around the mounds, as it will deepen your understanding of what you’re seeing. We climbed the stairs to the top of the tall temple mound and as we sat on a bench at the top, we imagined how imposing that mound must look from the water. Anyone coming upon this mound unaware, and particularly from the water, would immediately know that the area has great significance. During the winter, Friends of Crystal River State Parks host “Moon over the Mounds,” presenting the opportunity to walk among the mounds on the weekend nights closest to the full moon. It is a moving experience and the volunteers share personal stories and provide expert interpretation.
Walking back to the car, we further modified plan for the day. We decided to have lunch at Beef O’Brady’s in Crystal River (a sentimental favorite) and save the Pub Subs for dinner. We also decided that winter might be a better time to try the Crystal River Preserve hike again. This year, we hope to have Christmas Dinner along the shore of the Crystal River, in the shade of the Temple Mound.