About 20 miles southeast of Sarasota, the T. Mabry Carlton Reserve is a wonderful midweek wilderness escape. The reserve has over 90 miles of trails and is nearly 40 square miles. We only hiked about 5 miles in the small black rectangle pictured below, following the red and then green trails.
Upon arrival, we hiked a short loop to the restrooms and picnic area. Luckily, Dennis notice this fellow before sitting on the loo. It is as big as his hand, measuring 4 or 5-inches
Planning a 5- to 6-mile hike, we packed a lunch, carried 3 liters of water and a large bottle of Gatorade. Because the weather was predicted to be around 87° F and sunny, we carried our GoLite UV protection umbrellas, but we did not need to use them—a breeze helped cool us, though Dennis who does not tolerate the heat would have preferred it to be cooler.
This habitat is similar to that of other local reserves. There are scrub grasses, palmettos (some that might be as much as 10,000 years old according to the website), birds, game, insects, and an occasional tiger lily. We did not see large wildlife, though we did find deer tracks.
There were plenty of insects. Cicadas buzzed, grasshoppers clicked and clacked as they flew around us. There were numerous types of dragonflies and, of course, mosquitos near the boggy areas. Dennis spotted a 3-inch Florida Lubber Grasshopper. Good thing he did not try to pick it up. “When alarmed, lubbers will spread their wings, hiss and secrete foul-smelling froth from their spiracles. They can expel a fine spray of toxic chemicals for a distance of 15 cm,” the UF research states.
The Red Trail (3.0 miles) is mostly a mowed path, with a few muddy places. The Green trail (2.1 miles) had knee-high grasses and more difficult mud patches to cross. Heading south, we followed the Red Trail until it junctions to the Green Trail which we then followed back to the picnic area. After lunch and a nap for Dennis, we headed north on the Red Trail and returned on the other end of the Green trail, thus completing the two loops.
We returned home hot but mellowed. It is refreshing to get away from the noise and worries and spend time out in nature. There are many other trails to hike in the T. Mabry Carlton Reserve. I am sure we will be checking them out.
