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A quiet oasis is born amid U.S. 19 clamor
By ALEX LEARY, Times Staff Writer
CRYSTAL RIVER -- From the fresh-packed limerock road where Seth Blitch stood Thursday morning, the monotonous hustle of life abounded. Cars and delivery trucks zipped along U.S. 19, some turning into Crystal River Mall.
Two short steps, and it was gone. Blitch stopped beyond the tree line and smiled. "Everything just flows here." He was pointing to the boardwalk gently meandering through the palms, longleaf pine and oak. But the sentiment also neatly summarized the comfortable feel of the surroundings. The boardwalk is the centerpiece of the county's newest recreation area. It may also be the most unique one, given the juxtaposition with the mall and U.S. 19, which is practically synonymous with commercial excess. "It really gives a feel for what this area was probably like 100 years ago," said Blitch, manager of the Crystal River State Buffer Preserve. Looping one-third of a mile through the canopy of trees, the trail, which opens to the public March 22, has been long envisioned. But the state lacked easy access to the property until a few years ago, when it acquired 5 acres fronting U.S. 19 from businessman Ed Tolle.
The facility, including the trail, is accessible to the disabled. It is located directly across from the mall, on the west side of U.S. 19. The area has been named Churchhouse Hammock because there once was a Baptist church nearby. Most of the work is finished except for the raised edge of the boardwalk, which consists of 3,900 pressure-treated boards. Planners wanted the trail to wind casually through the woods, so they avoided sharp curves. That results in a more attractive landscape but more work, as each joint has to be carefully cut. "It's cool, but I hate it right now," joked buffer preserve employee Jerry Smith, kneeling on the ground, sawdust covering his pants. For the more adventurous, a one-mile "primitive" trail is planned. It will branch off from the boardwalk and cut deep into the woods toward Crystal River. A boardwalk will cross a sawgrass marsh and snake along a creek. "You can get to the point where you can't hear U.S. 19 at all," Blitch said. No matter what vantage point, one can see a variety of wildlife. "Birding is terrific," Blitch said, naming warblers, cardinals and chickadees. You might also see armadillos, turtles and snakes. Of course, for some, the sensation of a gentle breeze through the trees and brief escape from modern life may be enough. -- Alex Leary can be reached at 564-3623 or leary@sptimes.com .
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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