The cache is located in one of the loveliest places I know - an
easy bike ride and not a bad walk. The trail runs basically
north/south so there's good shade on this tree lined trail both
early morning and late afternoon. A fabulous fernery, here you can
witness circinate vernation.
The General James A Van Fleet State Trail follows an old
railroad through the heart of the Green Swamp. It's a great way to
get deep into the swamp without hip waders. The trail runs 29 miles
through SWFWMD property & the Richloam section of the
Withlacoochee State Forest with only one paved cross road - a truly
fine slice of wild Florida.
HISTORY NOTE: I was curious about General Van Fleet. Found a
good biography here A brief
synopsis: graduated West Point in 1915; served under General
Pershing against Pancho Villa; served in World Wars I & II
(commanded the 4th Infantry on Utah Beach D-Day)and in Korea
(commander of the 8th & U.N forces). Retired & was called
back to service by Pres. Eisenhower; retired & was again called
back to service (diplomatic) by Pres. Kennedy. Between WWI&II
he taught military science and was head of the FOOTBALL program
at the University of Florida. I don't want to sound too cynical
a note here, but it did strike me that his name wouldn't be
attached to this State Park without the brief service he gave to
Gator football in addition to the decades of service to his
country.
This cache was placed by a member of the
Florida Geocaching
Association