By Steve Hrycaj, Inverness Cultural Heritage Council (ICHC) Chair
Thursday evening, January 19th, 2023, at The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum in downtown Inverness, the Inverness Cultural Heritage Council, a part of the Citrus County Historical Society hosted a Coffee and Conversation Speaker program with local authors Max Schulman and Tom Craig.
Max and Tom were at the museum to discuss their book series, “Treasures of the Trails”. With three books so far, Hiking and Biking in Citrus County, Paddling and Kayaking in Citrus County, and Kayak Fishing in Citrus County, and more on the way, these books are the ultimate guide to discovering what Citrus County has to offer the nature-lover.
The lecture, which can be watched at your convenience below, focused on finding, exploring, and enjoying the natural wonders of Citrus County through paddling, hiking, and biking!
Both men have interesting and varied backgrounds. Tom Craig is a graphic artist, photographer, and designer with extensive experience creating and managing commercial projects in the resort, recreational, athletic, and entertainment industries. Tom has been an art director for Reebok North America, Puma, and his own Resortworks stores.
Max Schulman is a retired USAF aviator and intelligence officer. His duties during a career spanning four decades took him on the trails, paths, and pavements of over 40 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Besides navigator and electronic warfare schools, he attended land and sea survival courses specialized for winter, desert, jungle, and mountain environments. Since retiring in 2012, Colonel Shulman has lived in Inverness, Florida. He is a licensed Community Association Manager and consults on Community development and environmental issues.
Max and Tom shared some of their favorite trails in Citrus County, highlighting the lush Florida landscapes and beautiful waterways you can encounter right here in your own backyard. Whether hiking, biking, or paddling, there is something here for everyone looking to get outdoors.
They emphasize the importance of safety, planning, and preparation for any outdoor excursion. This informative and enjoyable talk showed what easy access Citrus County’s residents and visitors have to the incredible wonders of nature and breathtaking beauty that can be found around every corner.
What’s next? Keep an eye out as Max Schulman and Tom Craig will soon be publishing their fourth book, all about hiking, biking, and paddling along the trail of the Florida Barge Canal, now known as the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Max and Tom have explored all 110 miles of the Florida Greenway and their new book will share tips and tricks to enjoy this beautiful trail from the Atlantic all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.
Check out the full lecture below. The Treasure of the Trails books can be purchased in our gift shop at the museum.