[TANaples]

Originally Posted by gypsychic

We got oaks and maples that turn colors in the fall. Just not down there in Naples where YOU happen to be. Florida has it all.

when I lived there. I guess that wasn't north enough either, but then we didn't "pick" Naples. It was where the job was.

[TANaples]

Originally Posted by Wilshire81182

The winters are usually dry here. The rain is starting this week so we should be plenty green by the summer. Not to mention most of the US has bare, dry trees in the Winter where I am looking out my office window at plenty of green trees that have stayed in that condition since I started my job 3 years ago.

Palm trees and even whatever "native" trees I have my back yard. The grass is brown though and my lake is about 6 feet from its banks.

[Sunny-Days90]

Originally Posted by TriMT7

If you've had chance to google street map the entire state, you'd better find a new hobby. (Not to mention --- and I'm sure you know --- that google street maps was done almost two years ago in most areas of FL?) Nonetheless, here's "Street View" of the photos I posted:

bridge road, 33455 - Google Maps

and

Park Crossing Trail, 32311 - Google Maps



And a drought? Droughts can and do end. Crappy weather in Minnuhsoda lasts millenia.

I agree. Some people don't even know Google maps are NOT IN REAL TIME....

[JohnVosilla]

Originally Posted by ThinkingTrees

I've lived in Southeastern Florida for more than two decades. I never really liked it. But lately, I've been having dreams about driving through hillsides with cool mountain tree-top canopies, winding roads, and find myself "promising to myself" in my dream that I will never return to Florida again! It's like I am SO happy to breathe fresh air again, that it doesn't smell reptilian -- that the trees provide so much life that the "bushes" here in Florida simply can't compare to! What is wrong with me???

You must take a trip to Cary,North Carolina. Huge shade trees are everywhere. Then check out the tree canopy along the interstate highway and compare it to what you see on the I-95 corridor down here..amazing

[whatnow]

Hi Floridians, I know there are a lot of places I could ask this, but since "trees" are still being discussed it looks like a good place to start.
I live way too far north and want to move to FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, or VA as long as it is near water, within 30 miles is o.k. I DO love trees and am wondering if the NW part of FL is as beautiful as I remember from 25 yrs ago. I see on-line that there is a lot of preserved land such as state parks, which appeals to me. My husband loves to be out in a boat - not a monster boat but small motor or a lot of times he just likes to row or paddle. Is the whole panhandle area (plus AL & MS) good for that?? How about bike trails? On "paper" it looks good, but I'd love to hear your personal experiences. We are also o.k. with St. Augustine, Jax, and north of there. Not too interested in central or southern Florida (no offense ), unless there is something I should consider that I missed. THANK YOU! PS Jobs are not an issue.

[beachmouse]

We're in the Ft. Walton Beach burbs in the Panhandle. Lots of conservation land around us. Most of Eglin AFB (area not too much smaller than Rhode Island) is open to boating, fishing, swimming, hunting, and other recreational use once you pay like $8 for an annual recreation permit. Bike trails are a little hit or miss, but there are some wonderful ones on Santa Rosa Island between Navarre Beach and Pensacola Beach, along CR 30-A in Walton County, and in some of the state forest areas and in the designated mountain bike area on Eglin.

Lots of kayaking/non-motorized boating opportunities in Choctawhatchee Bay, in inland rivers and creeks, and on the coastal dune lakes.

[valicky]

I don't get why if you like the trees from up north that lose their leaves, you can't also like the palm trees in Miami? And yes, birds do nest in palm trees. I have a pair of blue jays who are nesting in one in my backyard right now. I have a 60 x 100 postage stamp sized lot with a pool on it so very little yard but I still have plenty of nature. I've got anoles, lizards, several kinds of snakes, frogs, toads, we have an owl who comes by occasionally (the blue jays showed him to me!), butterflies, mockingbirds, parrots, finches, loggerhead shrikes, and even a bald eagle has paid us a visit! I've seen raccoons, squirrels, opposums. I can't imagine how much more wildlife I could see if I had a bigger yard. I've got plenty of trees too. Queen palms, coconuts, Christmas palms, foxtail palms, copperpod (just starting to bloom again!) and all sorts of plants and flowers. We had rain on Monday and Tuesday and everything's green already too. That's the beauty of the sub-tropics.
That doesn't mean I don't love the Oregonian nature and landscape. I love that too. I loved the mountain drives, the lush forests, the mountains full of snow, the Oregon beaches. I love the Atlantic more because I can actually swim in the water and snorkel and see all the wonderful creatures that live in our waters, but Cannon Beach .... gorgeous! What fun poking around the little tide pools by Haystack.
I also love the desert areas of AZ. Not many trees there but still beautiful. I love their Palo Verdes, the saguaro cactuses. We saw roadrunners, quail, rabbits, coyotes. Luckily I didn't see a rattlesnake! Sedona was amazing. 3 hours north of blazing hot Scottsdale and you're in the cool crisp Flagstaff mountains full of pine trees.
I love the Great Smoky Mountains. Beautiful forests, waterfalls, trees, winding roads, etc.
My son lived in Tallahassee and when I googled street view to see where he lived, the tree cover is sooooo thick, you can't see the homes! Lots and lots of huge old oak trees in Tally with beautiful winding, hilly roads to drive on. Pine trees too, you can even cut your own Christmas tree on the tree farms there.
We went to Bok Tower in March and wow! Spectacular. The orange groves were all packed with oranges, gorgeous hilly country, crisp cool day, and flowers galore! If you haven't been, go! I'd say Feb/March would be the best time. When you get to the tower and walk around back and look out over the countryside you almost feel like your in Europe in wine country. It really is spectacular.
I guess I'm not finicky. I love all sorts of geographical areas. They're all different but they each have their own beauty and none are better than the other.

[TANaples]

Palm trees look like giant pineapples given super growth horomoes. Ugly. When they lose their frawns (?) they look like road kill.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by whatnow

Hi Floridians, I know there are a lot of places I could ask this, but since "trees" are still being discussed it looks like a good place to start.
I live way too far north and want to move to FL, GA, SC, NC, AL, or VA as long as it is near water, within 30 miles is o.k. I DO love trees and am wondering if the NW part of FL is as beautiful as I remember from 25 yrs ago. I see on-line that there is a lot of preserved land such as state parks, which appeals to me. My husband loves to be out in a boat - not a monster boat but small motor or a lot of times he just likes to row or paddle. Is the whole panhandle area (plus AL & MS) good for that?? How about bike trails? On "paper" it looks good, but I'd love to hear your personal experiences. We are also o.k. with St. Augustine, Jax, and north of there. Not too interested in central or southern Florida (no offense ), unless there is something I should consider that I missed. THANK YOU! PS Jobs are not an issue.

Look in the inland areas of the panhandle. We have mostly tall pines here, but also oaks (red and evergreen), maples, hickories, sycamores, etc. Even if you don't like the beach there are still plenty of rivers and lakes.

Main Page - Blackwater River State Park » Florida State Parks

[jojajn]

Originally Posted by TANaples

Palm trees look like giant pineapples given super growth horomoes. Ugly. When they lose their frawns (?) they look like road kill.