This particular airboat trail crosses the embankment at a spot the locals call the Sand Jump. During periods of low water the sand of the embankment is several feet above water level and you have to "jump" your airboat over it to get to the other side.

We didn't encounter any airboats on the trail until we got close to the Sand Jump. We got a few dirty looks from some of the airboaters for being 1.) female in a man's territory, and 2.) in a kicker boat in airboat territory. Joke 'em. We are MarshBunnies, not HouseMouses, and it's not like we intrude very often.

This big old oak tree grows next to the Sand Jump. The normally dry, grassy area in front of the embankment had several inches of water over it so we left the trail, raised the motor, and paddled the boat across. Shade and a dry spot to get out and walk around are both greatly appreciated after a long ride in the boat.

If you continue over the Sand Jump the trail leads you to an old Indian mound called either "Avocado Mound", "Indian Mound" or "Bird Platt Mound". As you may guess, avocados, Indians and birds have all had their time on this bit of earth. (I never said the names out here are terribly clever - we just need some way to identify where we were or where we're going to meet.)

An airboater taking the sand jump has to be carefull not to hit a Cabbage Palm on the way through, but in my little boat and with the water so high we were able to easily paddle our way underneath the trees.