FOLIO
Dear Davi,
Marking the same street corners of my neighborhood — day after day — gets dull. Where can my human and I go to shake up our typical afternoon walks?
Larry the Labrador
Larry,
I totally get it. A change of pace now and then is a good thing. I can think of no better way to shift from your humdrum routine than to dig around places that are literally right under your nose.
Following in the footsteps of local columnist Mark Woods, I’m taking my own walk around Jacksonville, visiting wag-worthy spots along the way, then sharing these hometown adventures with dogs and their humans.
My first stop: Castaway Island Preserve, 2885 San Pablo Rd. S., open daily from sunrise to sundown.
Where is Castaway? Follow the salty scent along San Pablo Road — it’s hidden between Atlantic and Beach boulevards. Dogs and humans will delight in the marshy banks and sandy trails of the nature park. Though I beg to be unleashed, I know staying leashed is for my safety.
My hike begins at the foot of a wooden bridge. I cross and immediately start following painted animal tracks along a one-mile paved walkway. Markers around the path tell us about the island’s wildlife, but I’m too busy sniffing plants and eating dirt to notice. Note: There’s a trail map at the start for direction-followers.
The walkway connects to a nature trail. Charging up sandy dunes and running over barky mulch is no challenge for my short legs — being leashed is my only challenge. I chase a few lizards off the path and then — bam! — suddenly, I can see a gopher tortoise lumbering through the mud. Startled, I bark a little and move to a side trail. It takes me to the head of an elevated boardwalk leading into the salt marsh. The gaps between the planks are evenly spaced, so I walk without worry. Small paws sometimes get stuck in wide cracks.
At the end, there’s an observation deck. Chirping tree frogs remind me it’s not uncommon for creatures like frogs, alligators and especially snakes to lurk along the banks. It’s wise to be prepared for a chance encounter. I look around the area, inhale one final whiff of the marshy breeze, and walk back to the main path. Ibis and herons comb the marshy edges as I pass.
My journey ends where it began — in the park’s picnic area near the visitor’s center. I lap water from the fountain for dogs, rest under a shade tree and have a snack before heading home.
Doggie DOs:
• DO walk on a leash. It’s for your safety and the safety of others.
• DO have your human scoop your poop. Pet Waste Stations are located in the park.
• DO bring plenty of water. Dogs need to be hydrated to stay cool, especially in the summertime. The park provides a water fountain for dogs, but the bowl is slightly elevated, so small dogs might have difficulty reaching the water.
Happy trekking!
Follow FOLIO!