Sometimes I just want to run away from home. Not that I don't love my family. I do. But on a sunshiney day, the urge to wander, to discover new things about authentic Florida, can be pretty compelling. Here's another trigger - filling up the gas tank in the car. Ah, a full tank of gas. Forget errands. Let's go!

If I could put the sunshine and the tank of gas and getting away all together today, I'd head up to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

St. Marks has been around since 1931. It is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System, some 68,000 acres set aside to provide winter habitat for migratory birds. And do the birds ever know it.  Wading birds and ducks are already starting to fly in. Because of low water conditions, you can't see them easily right now from the road. But that could change.

Take the time to walk the levees and see what waterfowl you discover. I love levees. They are flat, elevated and you can't get lost - just turn around and go back the way you came. On a levee you feel ten feet tall, all the better for seeing wildlife.

There are also some neat trails that go past ponds, like the Mounds Trail. Don't know what you are looking at? Most days, that would be me too. Here's a look at some upcoming tours with guides who know what they are looking at and other cool things at St. Marks:

Saturday, Dec. 1 - Wildlife Photography class with volunteer Barney Parker, 10 a.m. to noon. Reservations required.

Saturday Dec. 15 - Winter Bird and Wildlife Tours with volunteer Don Morrow, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. reservations required.

Saturday, Jan. 5 - Wildlife photography class with volunteer Barney Parker, 10 a.m. to noon. Reservations required.

Saturday, Jan. 12 - Winter Bird and Wildlife Tours with volunteer Don Morrow, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. vehicle tours. Reservations required.

Looking way ahead, there is a Wildlife Heritage and Outdoor Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2.

Web address: http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks
E mail: saintmarks@fws.gov

After birdwatching, walking and visiting the Visitors Center, you will be hungry. Head for Posey's Up the Creek Steam Room & Oyster Bar, 1506 Coastal Highway, Panacea, FL - phone (850) 984-5243 (no Web site). Down-home cooking and atmosphere with seafood so fresh you'd swear they caught it just before you arrived. Personally, the garlic blue crabs have my name on them. Mummmmm.

I Googled St. Marks and it is 194 miles from me, about 3 hours and 11 minutes. If I start now, I could be there by lunch. Sounds like a plan. Want to go?

Walk in peace,
Lucy