Doug Alderson

Exploring and chronicling a restored river in the heart of FloridaThe Kissimmee Valley, which includes the Kissimmee chain of lakes and Kissimmee River, covers an area from Orlando to Lake Okeechobee. The headwaters and grand gateway to the Everglades, the area is the domain of the alligator and bald eagle, snail kite and spoonbill, stretching more than 100 miles through central Florida. Between 1960 and 1971, the Army Corps of Engineers straightened and diverted the river’s flow to control persistent flooding. These alterations shortened the length of the Kissimmee, significantly reduced wildlife populations, and created a lucrative real estate market that further threatened native species. In 1992, Congress acted to restore the river to its original flow. In the spring of 2007, Doug Alderson joined an expedition down the Kissimmee chain of lakes and the newly restored river. Chronicled nightly on local television, the group witnessed firsthand the recovering bird populations, spotted otters, turtles, alligators, and other wildlife, and revealed to thousands of viewers the hidden beauty of this part of Florida. In New Dawn for the Kissimmee River, Alderson uses this twelve-day paddling excursion as a thread to explore the history and ecology of the region, while highlighting the most successful restoration project of its kind in the world, the model for the overall Everglades restoration plan.

Everyone knows the beaches of Florida are a top spot for locals and tourists alike, but what many natives or visitors might not know is how intricate each part of Florida's coast is. Broken down into roughly 12 parts, the entire coast of Florid and the Keys offer beachgoers a unique experience at any part of the state. Doug Alderson, popular Florida writer and successful Pineapple Press author, delves into what makes each section of the state's coast different in Discovering Florida's Coast. From the emerald waters of Pensacola to the man-made islands and amazing skyline of Miami's Biscayne Bay, readers interested in visiting different parts of the state's beaches will not only see beautiful photos of the natural scenery. Lifelong Floridians and first-time visitors will enjoy reading through and seeing what makes the state so appealing to beach lovers, whether they are interested in the water sports, the wildlife, or relaxing on the beach. See the powdered sugar-like white sands of the Emerald Coast or the historic lighthouses of the Forgotten Coast through the eyes of an author who has not only kayaked the entire coast of Florida, but who is a Florida nature and scenery lover through and through.

A New Guide to Old Florida Attraction, 2nd edition is a nostalgic journey through old Florida where mermaids still perform in the waters of Weeki Wachee Springs and the carillon bells of the Bok Towers continue to echo across Iron Mountain near Lake Wales. Monstrous reptiles are ever abundant at Gatorland, Gatorama and dolphins continue to leap at Marineland. The first edition was first place winner of the 2017 Royal Palm Literary Award for published travel book and top five finalist for 2017 book of the year by the Florida Writers Association. The second edition revisits a pride of lions in southeast Florida's Lion Country Safari and concrete statues at Goofy Gold in Panama City Beach. New destinations include the Citrus Tower in Clermont, the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami to name just a few. A New Guide to Old Florida Attractions, 2nd edition takes you to these places and more on an unforgettable journey across the Sunshine State. Discover what Florida's golden age of tourism was, and still is, all about― magical and beautiful.

Florida's famous swamps--from the Everglades to Mosquito Lagoon to Tate's Hell--serve as fitting backdrops for these chilling original stories. Maybe it's because they are often wet, shadowy places of wild beauty where few people dare to penetrate. They are havens for snakes, alligators, black bears, wildcats, and who knows what. People on the run have often hidden in swamps, while others have gotten lost in the watery expanses; the swamp can be a refuge or a nightmare. Mysterious things just happen in swamps. Maybe it's because they are often wet, shadowy places of wild beauty where few people dare to penetrate. They are havens for snakes, alligators, black bears, wildcats, and who knows what. People on the run have often hidden in swamps, while others have gotten lost in the watery expanses; the swamp can be a refuge or a nightmare. Where else can you find a ghost baby, or an angry specter, or a lost soul? How about a ghost who is obsessed with the ghost orchid, or an alluring snake woman? Throw in a skunk ape or two and you've got the ingredients for many entertaining hours sharing these stories around a campfire or reading them to yourself or out loud.

People have long been fascinated by the American alligator. Ever since humans arrived on the continent more than 15,000 years ago, the American alligator has been both feared and revered, celebrated and scorned, and often hunted for food and hide. Once tourism began to take hold in the South as a real industry, especially in Florida, the alligator took on iconic and even mythical status. “One of the most picturesque features of Florida has always been that uncouth and fierce-looking reptile called the alligator,” wrote Nevin O. Winter in 1918. “Everybody who comes down here to the peninsula has an ambition to see one in the wild.” Seminole Indians wrestled alligators for show. Alligator souvenirs and mascots often took what people feared—a sharp-toothed predator—and made it into something cute and cuddly. Alligator-themed songs were recorded and released, including “See You Later Alligator” by Bill Haley and His Comets. Hollywood into created alligator-themed movies such as Alligator People. Alligators were also reportedly kept in the White House under two presidencies. And perhaps the most unusual alligator story was one that helped to nab Ma Barker and her son Fred when they were hiding out along Florida’s Lake Weir. America’s Alligator examines the colorful and sometimes conflicted relationship our species has had with Alligator mississippiensis. Doug Alderson explores the country’s rich alligator mythology and how it inspired various forms of art, stories, photography, tourism and even humor.

"A stunning story collection of mystical figures who seek meaning and inner peace in a world plagued by turmoil. These stories exhibit the deep connection to nature and respect for the South's environment and rich history that we've come to expect from Alderson. No one does it better."-Donna Meredith, author of The Glass Madonna and The Color of LiesAttorney Simon McCallister doesn't remember much about the accident-something about swerving his BMW in front of a fruit truck-but when he finds himself wandering through the dark woods of his boyhood with his long dead grandfather calling to him, he becomes concerned. And when his grandfather leads him to a farm house filled with long deceased relatives, Simon wonders if he has passed onto the other side. For Simon, however, his adventures are just beginning. "Simon's Wondrous Garden," winner of a third place Royal Palm Literary Award from the Florida Writers Association and the headliner feature in this collection of stories from a gifted Southern writer, chronicles the life of an Atlanta attorney who begins having paranormal experiences after a car accident. Reaching back to his farm roots, he is inspired to turn his manicured suburban yard into an odorous vegetable garden, provoking the wrath of his wife and neighbors. What follows is both humorous and profound.Other stories include a tale of an Oklahoma Creek Indian who returns to his ancestral Southern homeland only to be confronted with a villain from his peoples' past. There is an Old Florida love story between a crusty mullet fisherman and a northern transplant, and a yarn about a man who, by happenstance, finds himself on the street with only one friend he can trust. "Slave Canal," winner of a second place Seven Hills literary award for short stories, showcases a former slave who returns to the place of his torment to find peace. These stories fill this captivating collection.

The Great Florida Seminole Trail is the first comprehensive illustrated guide to Florida's historic and cultural sites that directly relate to the Seminole Indians, covering Seminole history from when they first migrated into the state in the 1700s to the tragic Seminole wars to contemporary Seminole culture. The guide covers all parts of the state that can be visited today, including the old Negro Fort site in the Panhandle, the Alachua Savannah near Gainesville, the Dade Battlefield in Bushnell, the Smallwood Store in the Ten Thousand Islands, Indian Key in the Florida Keys, and the destroyed sugar plantations near St. Augustine.

It is August, 1815. Eleven-year-old Jenny Moses and her mother, Annie, work as field slaves on a Georgia plantation. When they learn of their master's plans to sell Jenny and separate mother and daughter, they choose to run. During a perilous week-long journey, they are helped by Cato, another young runaway, and together they travel to the banks of Florida's Apalachicola River. There they find friendly settlements of escaped slaves, free blacks and Native Americans. With the aid of a fully-fortified former British fort, Jenny, Annie, Cato and a new friend-Crazy Bear-are swept up in the hope that a new country of blacks and Indians, one in which everyone is free, can be carved out of this strange new land. In the meantime, there are slave hunters to contend with, such as the evil Rube, and armies bent on destroying their dreams.

Florida's famous swamps--from the Everglades to Mosquito Lagoon to Tate's Hell--serve as fitting backdrops for these chilling original stories. Maybe it's because they are often wet, shadowy places of wild beauty where few people dare to penetrate. They are havens for snakes, alligators, black bears, wildcats, and who knows what. People on the run have often hidden in swamps, while others have gotten lost in the watery expanses; the swamp can be a refuge or a nightmare. Mysterious things just happen in swamps. Maybe it's because they are often wet, shadowy places of wild beauty where few people dare to penetrate. They are havens for snakes, alligators, black bears, wildcats, and who knows what. People on the run have often hidden in swamps, while others have gotten lost in the watery expanses; the swamp can be a refuge or a nightmare. Where else can you find a ghost baby, or an angry specter, or a lost soul? How about a ghost who is obsessed with the ghost orchid, or an alluring snake woman? Throw in a skunk ape or two and you've got the ingredients for many entertaining hours sharing these stories around a campfire or reading them to yourself or out loud. From the Author's Notes at the end of each story, you can learn a thing or two about Florida's swamps, creatures, and history, along with storytelling tips. Florida is rich in history, natural beauty, and ecological and cultural diversity. To protect what is special about our state it is important to educate the people who live here and our visitors. In this unique book you'll find tales of mystery and intrigue interwoven with important facts and lessons of natural history.Who but a naturalist can really scare you about what lurks in the swamp? Doug Alderson has been there and knows. In writing tales for this book, Doug Alderson drew upon many years of entertaining young people as a summer camp counselor and storyteller, and also from decades as a swamp explorer. He is a former associate editor of Florida Wildlife magazine. To learn more about his writing and photography, check out his website at www.dougalderson.net.

Taking risks and overcoming challenges are fundamental to the thrill and satisfaction of sea kayaking. When you paddle beyond sheltered waters and into the open ocean, however, due diligence and thorough preparation are not optional; they are essential to your safety. It takes well-developed judgment to know when you're just stretching the envelope and when you're bursting through it. And when your risk assessments fail you, self-rescue and assisted-rescue techniques are not supplementary skills - they will save your life.In this indispensable handbook, two premier kayaking instructors help you prepare your body, your boat, and your brain to meet this demanding sport's challenges. You'll learn how to make the right decisions in tough situations, choose the right safety and rescue equipment, and develop the skills and stamina you'll need to rescue yourself and others under perilous conditions. You'll also learn to: plan your trip and assess the risks ahead of time; prepare for tides, currents, and local weather and wave effects; paddle in wind, heavy seas, and tidal currents; navigate in rough weather; communicate during emergencies; and perform a wide variety of self and assisted rescues.