Monday, February 08, 2016

Turtle Mound Walkabout at Canaveral National Seashore.

MQTlogoa Welcome To My Quality time. Today I'll share with you a quick walkabout of "Turtle Mound" prehistoric shell midden at Canaveral National Seashore.
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Turtle Mound is a prehistoric archaeological site located 9 miles (14 km) south of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on State Road A1A. On September 29, 1970, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is the largest shell midden on the mainland United States, with an approximate height of 50 feet (15 m). The mound extends for over 600 feet (180 m) along the Indian River shoreline and contains over 35,000 cubic yards (27,000 m3) of shells. Turtle Mound was estimated to be 75 feet (23 m) high before it was reduced by shellrock mining in the 19th and 20th centuries. Read More
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“The earliest evidence of man at Canaveral is found in the numerous mounds and middens within it’s boundaries.”
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By the time the Europeans arrived in this area distinct Indian groups were distributed throughout Florida. Living in the vicinity of Turtle Mound were the Timucuan people.
DSC_0018 Linda made it to the observation deck at the top of  Turtle Mound.
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View looking north with New Smyrna Beach in the distance.
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Looking east with the Atlantic ocean in the distance.
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Looking west at Mosquito Lagoon and shipyard Island in the distance. Back country camping is available.
DSC_0022 I hope they got their permits before heading to their campsite.
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A good spot for a picnic and/or shore fishing.
DSC_0047 The Gopher tortoises
are long-lived reptiles that occupy upland habitat throughout Florida including forests, pastures, and yards. ( What is the difference between a tortoises and a turtle??? ) Next stop::
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And::: the beach….
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coolperson1 Thanks for stopping by My Quality Time.  You might wan to check out Our World Tuesday
MQTlogoa

3 comments:

Joyful said...

Beautiful post and a beautiful walk.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Good information and great walk.

Linda G. said...

What a nice-looking trail. The beach looks inviting too, especially when I look out the window at the snow on the ground!