As the sign says: Caladesi Island is the real Florida. Although it’s just a few minutes north of the buzz of Clearwater Beach, this State Park could be a million miles away. It’s accessible only by ferry from Honeymoon Island and the 20 minute boat trip transitions me to a world of mangrove swamps, hiking trails, and some of the most pristine beaches anywhere in the US. I spent the day with Carl, a Park Ranger who has been on the island over 20 years. Together we explored the trails, spotted tortoise, armadillo and ospreys. To my disappointment we couldn’t find one of the rattlesnakes that are common on the island. Then after a bite to eat at the little café, we took to the water to explore the tidal mangrove trails in a couple of kayaks. These arced tunnels vein the eastern side of the island and are a unique way to get up close and personal to the mangrove ecosystem. With a four hour maximum stay, my visit comes to an end much too soon, but I have been privileged to see this “real Florida”.
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