Heritage Trek

When driving northwest Florida backroads, I sometimes must stop to soak-it-in.  Rural roads dissect landscapes offering beautiful views; however, for me, few can beat road canopies.  The spreading branches of large hardwoods intermingle creating a canopy that baths the road with shade, creating a tunnel effect.  This visual break in a bright, sunny day seems to usher a period for respite to experience nature’s tranquility. 

For me, it also reanimates the sense of adventure I had in my younger years playing with friends in a fence-line canopy created by large woody shrubs, we called “The Cave.”  The rekindling of these childhood memories reminds me of happy times when I had boundless energy and imagination.  Wish I could get some of that back!

While admiring the beauty of road canopies, I am also reminded that nature is unrelenting in its work to reclaim this space and incorporate the roadway back into the ecosystem.  But for road maintenance, it would have long ago been done.  For now, I look forward to discovering road canopies that give me pause to soak-it-in.  I collect photographs and coordinates for particularly spectacular canopies that I might want to revisit. 

So, while you’re traveling between destinations, take a diversion along a rural road for a different driving experience.  Remember to drive slowly, wave to your fellow travelers, take in the sights, and if you find a road canopy, take time to soak-it-in. 

Our first product, the Okaloosa County, Florida Heritage Atlas is available!  This 204-page, self-drive touring atlas includes 314 historic features within 26 communities.  The features are located on maps, illustrated with photographs, and described with detailed narratives.  The atlas contains over 480 recent color and historical black and white photographs.  Okaloosa county offers a diversity of historic places and communities that cover the period from the early 19th to the mid-20th centuries.  The atlas also highlights the rich heritage of historic African American features and communities. 

Pondering the Past

Encountering a neglected old home often gives me pause to ponder the stories it could tell. They are a vestige of the lives lived there. Over time, old homes disappear but their footprint can remain as a place with a story to tell. At Heritage Trek, we are dedicated to documenting stories of the past, to create enduring connections with our history.

Today is Heritage Trek Launch Day!

Headquartered in northwest Florida, we are a heritage tourism company focused on locating the remnants of historic places and communities and sharing their stories. Visit our website (www.heritage-trek.com) to learn more. Our Okaloosa County, Florida Heritage Atlas is available for purchase. Let us know how we can assist you in creating your heritage trekking adventures.