Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Thornby Park
For my next adventure, I visited Thornby Park. Located just off the Spring to Spring Trail, there was a lot to see here.
Thorny Park is split into a couple different sections. Before I explored the trail that looped around the back side, I checked out the parking lot and playground at the entrance. When I first arrived there was hardly a soul here. But as the day got older a few more people decided to visit.
I have been to several parks with playground, but this one is one of the larger ones I have seen in a while. Its good that planners granted more space for kids to run around. Sometimes that is what a child needs to get that excess energy out.
The Trail:
Much of Thorby Park is in the woods around the back of the park. To reach this section, I crossed a boardwalk that took me into that section. Naturally, going into a swamp wooded area in Florida during the summer brought me in contact with intense humidity and even worse bugs.
Naturally the mosquitos were even more excited than I was visiting. Didn’t stop me from exploring the trail at the park, but I did feel a little uncomfortable. I hope the pictures don’t look rushed as a result. There were a lot of bugs terrorizing me.
Humidity and Florida wildlife aside, the trail was not pavement like Spring to Spring trail. Instead it was more natural. Felt like a proper and authentic hiking experience. Good thing I got sunscreen, otherwise I would have got the other Florida authentic experience when outside.
The second half of Thornby Park Trail is similar to the first half. I was still hounded by bugs and the humidity still lorded over the air. This section had some new features to look at. Namely the signs all over the path educated people of all ages of different landmarks and features. Its clear that this stuff was designed for kids in school, but that doesn’t mean that adults can’t learn too.
One specific feature that stuck out to me was the preserved cart bridge. Long ago, that track was used to move goods across the creek. I’m impressed that this section was preserved at all much less in such a workable form. You could probably move a cart across it even now.
Back to Spring to Spring Trail:
By this point I had fully explored Thornby Park, but there was a small section of Spring to Spring Trail nearby that would take me to another nearby park. Rather than dedicate a blog post to a half mile worth of trail, I decided to tack it on to this blog post.
But before I could return the trail, I needed to get there. And there was even a path provided from the park back to the trail. How kind of whoever built this. Its almost like they knew I would one day write this travel blog.
Mile Marker 20:
Leaving Thornby Park behind I got back on Spring to Spring Trail for another segment. Before I could properly start my hike though, a sun shower started. The sky showed that it wouldn’t last long. Once the rain stopped I thanked the weather for reduced heat and a bit of fresh air. The insects were spooked away for a bit and I got to keep my blood and flesh to myself.
This section of the trail sailed in direction with little turn or deviation. Most of the journey took me across a boardwalk. Separated from both the mushy ground and the nearby housing complexes, only signs warning me not to trespass kept my company on this quiet segment of my adventure.
As I passed Mile Marker 20, I reached Green Springs Park which is my next destination when I go adventuring again. But there were a few surprises for me waiting just past the mile marker.
What was that surprise you might ask? Well, it turns out Spring to Spring Trail ends here. And the mile markers from here on out refer to a different trail. Though its still one continuous trail from where I started several years ago, the name has changed only every time I crossed a county line. But Volusia County ended that trend.
According to the map above, this trail splits up ahead. I intend to follow whichever section the mile markers refer to. After that I’ll likely check out the other branch. But that is for another day. For now, I’ll enjoy this journey’s end.
Pokémon Go:
Thornby Park was a pretty good spot to play Pokémon Go. There were plenty of stops, spawns and gyms. And while this isn’t a park to go to for a community day by any means, three Gyms is more than several parks I have visited. Its certainly better than the nearby Spring to Spring Trail which had basically no Pokestops or gyms. Seems to be a theme in Volusia County.
Oh and you might see a couple unspun stops in the park. I did visit those areas, but once I realized I missed them I decided against going back into the swamp areas. Those bugs can go feast on someone else.
I hatched a Meditite, but it still doesn’t have the IVs I need for PVP. One day I’ll get the one I need.
After the rain, a lot of humidity was washed away. Sandile loves when that happens. Probably has something to do with being from a desert or something. I still have some adventures to go with the little guy, but eventually they will evolve into a Krookodile and I’ll start traveling with a new buddy.
Here I am feeling great after a relaxing hike. Even the shower felt good. I don’t fear being out in the rain as much as I used to. Worked a landscaping job at one point and learned to appreciate showers. I’m planning to go to Green Springs next. Assuming that I am right, look forward to that adventure next.