Florida Trail Hikes – Bay View Trailhead to Yellow River – February, 2026

Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.

On February 24-26, 2026, my grandson Hunter and I camped at the Gulf Islands National Seashore campgroud – Fort Pickens, and conducted 3 day hikes on area sections of the Florida National Scenic Trail (FT).

On Wednesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 26, we day hiked the section from the East Bay Trailhead located on the west side of SR 87 (3 miles north of Navarre) to the Yellow River Trailhead located on the east side of SR 87.

We broke this section up into two day hikes.

Wednesday, February 25:
Parked at the East Bay Trailhead and hiked north to the first SR 87 crossing,
then returned using the same route (up and back method).
Distance: 11.2 miles (5.6 each way)

Thursday, February 26:
Parked car #1 at trailhead on SR 87 (stoping point for February 25 hike)
Drove north to Yellow River Trailhead to leave car #2
Hiked south to the SR 87 trailhead and car #1
Distance: 8.5 miles

Eglin Reservation:
Much of this section of the trail goes through a portion of the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation (640 square miles, or around 409,000 acres).
Most is used by the military for training.
However, they do allow the FT to pass through the northeast and northwest portions.
In order to walk on this section, one has to obtain a permit to do so.
That can be obtained by going to this web site: https://eglin.isportsman.net/Login.aspx
NOTE: This must be done at least 3 days before hiking.

Here are some views our walks on each day.

February 25: East Bay Trailhead to SR 87 Crossing

Entering the woods after a short road walk.
Note the palmettos on the right, will see many on this hike

Saw these frequently – they’re called “Ground Moss” (as told to me by a lifetime Florida resident)

Did I mention there were some Palmettos? 🙂

Campsites like this can be found all along the Florida Trail
They typically have good spots for tents, some benches, a fire ring, and are normally located near water

The water was crystal clear! We twice filtered some to drink – on the way out and the way back.

A long boardwalk after the bridge would help in times of flooding

Not only did someone dump an old boat here (full of trash), but on the otherside,
there’s what’s left of an old piano (you’ll see what I’m talking about when I make the YouTube video)
How sad!

I enjoyed seeing the different kinds of hardwood trees
Their trunks and limbs often do what is seen here

Another boardwalk section
These are sometimes seen in other sections due to the low areas through which the trail goes

Arriving at the FS 87 crossing where we turned around
This is where we’d end the next day’s hike coming from the north
Tthe parking lot was just to the left of this picture

February 26: Yellow River Trailhead to SR 87 Crossing

This section was different thnt the previous day’s
We walked through at least 4 clear-cut areas
There was also some elevation gain/loss as well

An old boat and piano on the previous section,and now this!

This is what’s left of a former boardwalk

The powerline afforded us our only open view of the day
This section contained some hills which offered easy ups and downs

The former recreation area known as Bucks Pond.
It was accessed by a short side trail down to the area.
At one time, there was fishing and other recreational opportunities.

A nice dropoff to a much lower area
There are hills in northwest Florida 👍🙂

Crossed many old roads in this section, which are used by the military
to access different parts of the Eglin Reservation

An enjoyable two days of hiking on this section of the Florida Trail

I plan to create a movie on my YouTube channel (Ken Brenner) of these hikes in God’s beautiful Creation.
Will update this article with the link when the video is completed and published.

God Bless!!!

Florida Trail Hikes – Dunes Preserve – February, 2026

Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.

On Tuesday, February 24, we hiked the Sand Dunes section, which I’d looked forward to doing for many years. This area is located just east of the condominium buildings located on the eastern side of the Pensacola Beach community.

Here are some views our walk through this very unique part of the Seashore:

The Florida Trail uses Orange 2″x6″ paint blazes to mark the route.
In this section, they had to use tall pvc piping to have something on which to mark the way.

An example of the various “species” of plants that grow on the dunes.
In some cases, they get quite large.

Two blazes indicate a turn in the trail.
Normally, the top one is offset in the direction of the turn.
But here, wasn’t enough room to do so.

Some of the dunes were high enough to offer good views of the area

Look what the rain and wind did to the side of this dune!!

Probably the tallest dune we saw in this section

The trail gives us one last look at the bay

The Dunes Section ends as the trail reaches and crosses the main road.
It then follows the shore for several miles east to the Navarre Beach community.

Very much enjoyed this scenic and unique section of the Florida Trail.

I plan to create a movie on my YouTube channel (Ken Brenner) of this wonderful walk in God’s beautiful Creation.
Will update this article with the link when the video is completed and published.

God Bless!!!

Navarre Beach, Florida – February, 2026 Visit

Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.

While there we also visited and walked on the Navarre Beach Causeway (bridge) and Fishing Pier.

These areas are located on Santa Rosa Island south of Pensacola, Florida.

Navarre Beach Causeway – February 25

The Causeway has a pedestrian area for hikers to use for the Florida Trail when walking between Navarre and Navarre Beach, over the Santa Rosa Sound.
We walked the Causeway bridge from south to north.

Here are some views of the walk on the Causeway:

Looking South to the community of Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach Fishing Pier – February 26

The Fishing Pier is the longest of its kind in Florida, and spans 1,540 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, 30 feet above the water. It offers nice views into the clear waters and surf found in Navarre Beach.

Here are some views of the walk on the Pier:

This walk will go up the right side, and back on the left

Looking back on the west side at the end of the pier

The birds don’t seem to be scared of “Pier People”. Guess they are looking for some fishing scraps.

Very much enjoyed this scenic walk on the long pier over the ocean 🙂

I plan to create a movie on my YouTube channel (Ken Brenner) of these two features of the Navarre Beach area.
Will update this article with the link when the video is completed and published.

God Bless!!!

Walks on the Longleaf Trace – November/December, 2025

Hi. Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.

In November and December, 2025, I did three hikes on the Longleaf Trace.
The November hikes were on the traditional paved bike/walking trail.
The December hike was on the horse trail, which parallels the Trace.

November 15, 2025:

I walked Trace from the Jackson Station north (by trail) 3 miles, then returned to the car. Here are some scenes from that walk:

Milepoint 8 on the Trace.
On this walk, I started at milepoint 7 (Jackson Station and
turned around at milepoint 10 (Eply Station).

There were a few signs of the now-ended Fall season,
as seen in the remaining leaves on these small trees.

These 4 horses trying to find any remaining grass to graze.
The fenced area behind them goes around a pond.

Note the high “wall” next to the Trace.
This bike/walking paved path follows the route of a former train line.
Having a higher area next to the Trace indicates
the original tracks went “through” a small hill.

There are several of these “rest areas” along the Trace.
Sometimes, they offer views (here: the pasture the horses were grazing in)

Always a pleasant time, walking along the Longleaf Trace.

November 28, 2025

I walked the Trace (bike trail) north from Sumrall towards Lott Circle, then returned to the car.
Here are some scenes from that hike:

A “back” entrance to a very scenic ranch.

They’re not real, but they sure looked like it!

December 13, 2025

I walked Longleaf Trace Horse Trail north around 6 miles from the the Lott Circle parking area, then returned to the car. Here are some scenes from that walk:

Had nice weather and skies for this hike, plus views into pastures with cattle.

Pasture is to the right, bike trail to the left.

A scenic look at how the horse trail fits into the Trace trail system.
Trace bike trail above and to the left, scenic woods and pasture to the right.

The bike trail below from the horse trail above.

Thankful for these opportunities to walk in the Lord’s Creation.

God Bless!

Flagg Mountain Alabama – June, 2025

Hi. Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.
On June 12, 2025, I drove to the Sylacauga, Alabama area (Weogufka State Forest) to meet my long-time hiking brother, Tom Booth.
Our goal was to:
1. See Flagg Mountain (1,152 ft.)
2. Find trailheads for the Pinhoti Trail in that area

The mountain is considered one of the southern-most 1,000+ foot peaks of the Appalachian Mountains.
The Pinhoti Trail starts at Flagg Mountain and heads north/northeast in Alabama for 171 miles before entering Georgia.

Here are some views of the mountain and surrounding areas.

The 53 ft. stone tower was built by the CCC in 1935, and has walls that are 2-3 ft. thick.

Views from the top of the tower are very nice
The windows can be opened to provide a clearer look.

Looking down the interior of the tower from near the top.

The Weogufka State Forest is managed by the Alabama Forestry Commission.

The CCC Program did a lot of good for our country, much of which is still enjoyed today!

Later in the day, we drove to Bulls Gap, approximately 43 trail miles north of Flagg Mountain.
Enjoyed nice views of the mountain range to the south!

One day, we hope to return to Flagg Mountain and start our section-hiking of the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama.

I love the beauty and peace found in the Lord’s wonderful Creation.

God Bless!!!

Wonderful Trip to Florida May, 2025

Hi. Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord.
In May, 2025 (05-16 thru 05-20), we went on a special trip to central Florida to attend the wedding of Brady Johnson and Abby Honea – two precious Godly people whom we love.
They were married on May 17 at Little Union Primitive Baptist Church near Lithia, Florida.
We were blessed to be invited to the rehearsal dinner and wedding.
On Sunday, May 18, we attended services at Little Union Church then drove to nearby Walt Disney World for a 2-night stay with one day in the Epcot park.

NOTE: I’ll be making a movie of this trip for my YouTube Channel (Ken Brenner).
Will update this article once that is published.

Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding
Here are a few pictures from this wonderful event for thes dear people.

We love this couple and their families, and appreciate their walk and service in God’s Kingdom.

Had blessed Sunday services and a good fellowship lunch following.

Disney World – Dolphin Hotel

We spent Sunday and Monday nights at the Dolphin Hotel – our favorite at Disney World. It was our 14th stay there and enjoyed the time as always.
Here are some pictures of the hotel:

Sandra and I in front of the iconic fountain in the Dolphin Lobby

Note the crystal chandeliers hanging over the frountain.

Disney World – Crescent Lake Area

The Dolphin Hotel is adjacent to the Crescent Lake area, which includes:
– Boardwalk shopping area and hotel
– Yacht and Beach Club Hotels

The Epcot theme park (our favorite) is located on the other side of Crescent Lake and makes for an enjoyable and easy walk to/from Epcot and the Dolphin.

Here are some views of this area taken the Sunday evening we arrived.

The Boardwalk has shops, eating places, a hotel, and nice views towards Epcot and back to the Dolphin.

I’ve always loved the lighthouse views, whether day or night

Disney World – Epcot

Epcot is one of 4 parks at Walt Disney World, and is my favorite.
It’s Informational theming is uniquie in the “theme park” world.

I was able to enter early and stay late due to our staying at a WDW hotel (Dolphin).
Brought some water and snacks into the park, came back to the hotel around 3 pm to clean up and take Sandra to our favorite restaurant at the Dolphin – The Fountain!
When I returned, I teamed up with a dear Brother and Friend from Little Union Church, Brother Matt Cunningham, and we spent at least 4 hours of good fellowship together at Epcot.

Here are some photos of this wonderful park.

France is one of my favorites.
It includes a movie “Impressions de France”, which I watched twice.
It provides a wonderful 20-minute tour of the country,
with a background montage of French classical music.

The Flower and Garden Festival is always scenic and nice.

Even the characters are mosly made up of flowers!

Canada, with its Circle-Vision movie which I watched.

I’ve always enjoyed the “floating flower baskets”

The Land pavilion includes the fun ride “Soarin” , and a nice boat ride “Living with the Land”.
I did Soarin at least twice, the boat ride once.

Inside the Land – Soarin’ is on the left, Living with the Land on the right,
with plenty of places to eat in between. 🙂

And one of my favories: the iconic Epcot ride “Spaceship Earth”.
I rode it twice.

A view from the front (as when entering from the main entrance)

Mission Space: Another of my favorites.
I went on the easier “flight” of the two offered.

Enjoyed the boat ride which is fun and relaxing.

The dark environment and interesting backdop
makes for a good atmostphere for restaurant.

Always a nice view from the Japan Pavilion.

The China pavilion is nicely landscaped and offers a Circle-Vision movie, “Reflections of China”.

To finish out the day – nightime views.

A great day at my favoite park – Epcot.
Also enjoyed some nice fellowship time with Walt! 🙂👍

Thankful for the blessed trip, the highlight of which was the wedding and services at Little Union Primitive Baptist Church. Praying the Lord will richly bless Brother Brady and Sister Abby Johnson in their marriage and walk together in God’s Kingdom.

God Bless!!!

Hikes with Hunter – March, 2025

Hi. Hope all are well and being blessed of the Lord

On March 24-26, I traveled to central Tennessee to visit with our grandson Hunter.
He is a travel nurse and was working at a hospital in Dickson Tennessee (he now is working on an assignment in Madison, Wisconsin).

We went on three hikes while there:
– Monday, 03-24: Short, afternoon hike to some lakes at Montgomery Bell State Park
– Tuesday, 03-25: Hiked around 11 miles on the perimeter of Montgomery Bell State Park (Montgomery Bell Trail)
– Wednesday: 03-26, Hiked around 11 miles on the Firey Gizzard Trail located in south Tennessee in the Grundy State Forest near Monteagle, TN.

Videos:
I’ve created a video on my YouTube Channel (Ken Brenner) showing the hikes in Montgomery Bell State Park on March 24-25.
Here’s the link:
https://youtu.be/tMhO0_GMj58?si=ayTsqTYz5SZbUxPl

I’ve also created a video showing the hike on the northern section of the Firey Gizzard Trail on March 26.
Here’s the link:
https://youtu.be/Ivnp63_I7Ao?si=bRTbtqb-9hNffrd1

IHere are some highlights of the beauty we saw in God’s wonderful Creation.

Monday, 03-24

Hunter leading the way over one of he many nice foot bridges.
The trails in this par are very well maintained.

Tuesday, 03-25

There are three shelters along the perimeter trail
Makes it more “Appalachian Trail” like

An old style privy for the second shelter

The “greenery” is actually under the clear water.

Encountered a section with many “sinkholes”

Me and a CCC guy, enjoying our time at
Montgomery Bell State Park 🙂

Wednesday, 03-26

Hunter at the start of an 11-mile loop hike on the Firey Gizzard Trail.

This trail features lots of steep ascents and descents, rocks (and rock fields), water (with rapids and falls),
and great scenery.

Note the diversity of this stream: waterfalls in the background, series of “cascades” further down.
To the God the Glory in His Creation!

Thanks for visiting my web site, hope you enjoyed these views into the beauty and glory of God’s Creation.

God Bless!!!

Pensacola Beaches Trip – March, 2005

Hi. Hope you are well and being blessed of the Lord each day.
On March 6-7, we went to Pensacola, Florida as a short getaway and to see the beautiful beaches located just south of town.

The goal was to see the section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore located on Santa Rosa Island south of town. We also visited the community of Pensacola Beach.
We were blessed with good weather and a peaceful and enjoyable time.

I’ve created a movie on my YouTube channel (Ken Brenner) showing more about this trip. Here’s the link:
https://youtu.be/J7Y4hV-CemQ

Here are some pictures from that trip:

A view from behind our hotel at Pensacola Bay and the bridge going out to the island.

There was a nice veteran’s memorial located in that area.

This was the first of two “Areas” we visited in the National Seashore.

Fort Pickens is located at the eastern end of this Area

The beaches in the National Seashore are pristine!

The sand dunes are a nice addition to the beach.

Back in the community of Pensacola Beach as we drive east

The second of two “Areas” in the National Seashore.

A blessed time on the beautiful beaches outside of Pensacola, Florida.

God Bless!!

Christmas Decorations – 2024

Hi. Hope you all are well and being blessed of the Lord.

As I did last year, wanted to share our Christmas decorations with you, both inside and outside.

Inside

First, a look at the traditional “Christmas Village” and other decorations in the “Poppa Cave in the Sky” (actually, a room over the garage 🎅).

The next scenes are of the buildings in the back, going right-to-left
First House and Bakery:

On the right is the first of two multi-story houses.
If you look hard enough, you’ll see someone standing on the balcony of the second floor.
Next, is the town Bakery.
Again, can you see someone standing on the balcony located over the door?
On the right, an employee pushing a cart loaded with baked goods.

Inside the bakery window, Mom and two children buying baked goods.

School and Library:

Inside the school, a teacher with a blackboard and student at their desk.
Looks like a math class.

Second House:

Scenes from the town area in front of the buildings.

With all the snow, why not a second snow man

Not far from the village, a covered bridge, and a team of horses waiting for a load of Christmas trees

The Christmas Village surrounded by the library.

Other Inside Decorations:

Beautiful embroidery by my Aunt Elva.
The diffuser in the middle has a light that can be changed to many colors.
It also can put out a very nice “Christmas Tree” like fragrance!

Even an old lamp has the holiday spirit!

A beautiful ornament on the fireplace mantel

I guess the snowman is in charge of security.

Outside

As the sun starts to set, the nighttime lights come out.

Hoping the Lord richly blesses you in the holiday season.

As much as we enjoy the decorating and celebrating this time of the year, this is really what the Christmas season is all about: Luke 2: 8-14

God Bless!!

Veteran’s Day 2024 – Made Special by Special People!

Hope all of my fellow veterans had an enjoyable and special Veteran’s Day!

We live in south Mississippi and attend a wonderful country church just north of Laurel and west of the small town of Stringer.

The school there – Stringer Attendance Center (grades K – 12) annually has a special program for veterans on Veteran’s Day. Several of the young people from our church attend there, and one member is a teacher. Each year, they graciously invite me to attend the program.

This year’s was the 25th time the school has conducted this program.
It is always very nice and touching, and is preceded or followed by a meal for the veteran and his spouse.

The sidewalk leading to the gym is always lined by flag-waving young students, typically from grades K-2. They greet us with thanks, hand shakes, and sometimes hugs! 🙂

One of those greeting me was Kindergartner Tucker Townsend, a little buddy of mine from our church.

As always, excellent participation by students in the program.

The second grade class did a great job of singing”Thankful for the USA”.
We are thankful for you!!

The kenote speaker this year was Air Force Master Sergeant (Retired) Deborah Pinkham.

School Principal Tony Keys is a veteran of the US Navy Submarine Service.

In the corner near the stage was a display of thank you cards written and signed by students.

Here’s an example of one of the cards:

“Thank you for keeping our country safe, and thank you for loving us all”
Thank you M’Kynleigh, very nice!

There were some nice gifts left on the each vetean’s seat.
One was a bookmark which had a hand-written message on the back.

“We appreciate you for your sacrifices, and serving our country. Love, Zaleah”
Thank you for such a nice message Zaleah!

Another gift was a special Veteran’s Day Card.
It had a message on the inside, and picture on the back.

“Thank you for your service! Love, Braxton 2nd Grade”
Thank you for this nice card Braxton!

That’s a nice drawing Braxton – thank you!

It was another wonderful experience at Stringer School on Veteran’s Day.
It’s obvious each time, how much work and thought has gone into the program.
The participation of, and wonderful messages from the students makes it even more touching and special.
Much thanks to my fellow submarine veteran and school principal Tony Keys, the entire staff at the school, and all the students, for making this Veteran’s Day such a wonderful and touching experience. I and my fellow veterans salute you!

God Bless!!