Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge

Established in 1979, the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge preserves and protects 53,000 acres of an undeveloped river delta/estuarine ecosystem. The refuge is an excellent wildlife habitat of bottomland hardwood swamp, salt marsh, cypress sloughs, pine forest, tidal creeks and off-shore islands fed by a constant influx of nutrients via the Suwannee River. The preserve is home to and protects bald eagles, swallow-tail kites, Gulf sturgeon, West Indian manatees, eastern wild turkey and whitetailed deer as well as herons, egrets, ibis, alligators, and snakes.

The Suwannee River rises in the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia and meanders mostly south and southwest through northern Florida for 246 miles until the river flows into the Gulf of Mexico just north of Cedar Key. The Suwannee River area has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. By the 16th century, the river was inhabited by the Timucua language speaking Native Americans. One theory of the origin of the name of the river is that the Timucuan Indian word Suwani means Echo River, River of Reeds, Deep Water, or Crooked Black Water.

The 20 mile bike ride from the RV Park to a spot where the Suwannee River can easily be seen took me over an hour and a half as I battled a strong headwind the entire way. Thinking I should have already arrived at my destination, I stopped to check my location on my phone using GPS. I discovered I was only a few miles from the location where the river was visible. I really need to fix the cyclo-computer on the bike so I know how far I’ve ridden. The wind slowed my progress much more than I realized. The road however was wonderful. Although the road did not have a shoulder, the pavement was smooth and in excellent condition. Traffic was extremely light, with a car passing me about every five minutes. Most cars moved all the way to the other lane to pass me, the most polite drivers I have experienced in over 20 years of cycling.

Resting while gazing at the peaceful river for half an hour, I knew I still had 20 miles and about an hour and half of riding to get back home. I also knew that the wind would help push me back. I arrived back at my camp about four hours after I departed feeling quite tired and dehydrated. My tongue seemed to stick to the roof and sides of my mouth despite drinking two 22 oz bottles of water during the ride. A forty mile ride used to be a walk in the park for me, but lately any ride seems to leave me exhausted. I’m not sure why I’m struggling on these rides. Attributing the struggles to getting older would be a convenient excuse. I know I just need to get back in better shape to regain my old form.

Of course, most people have heard of the Suwannee River from the song  “Old Folks at Home” by Stephen Collins Foster, who is considered to the be “the Father of American Music”. Foster actually never lived in the south and visited the south only once. Foster lived most of his life near Pittsburgh where he is buried. This song is the official song of the state of Florida.

“Way down upon the Swanee River, Far, far away
That’s where my heart is yearning ever, That’s where the old folks stay
All up and down the whole creation, Sadly I roam
Still longing for the old plantation, And for the old folks at home”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrEGoQUOSD4