Today (Tuesday) and yesterday I made a couple of local jaunts to take in yet more scenery and to see if my camera was working alright.

On Monday, I drove through the colorful seaside town of Flagler Beach and continued on to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park, which sits just south of FB city limits. There is a dock for people boating on the Intracoastal, a fishing pier, trailer camping, and a short Nature Trail. I hiked around the nature trail through more of the hammock I had encountered at North Peninsula SP. I learned the names of the primary trees that grow in these hammocks (shady place): Sand Oak, Eastern Red Cedar, Red Bay, Magnolia grandiflora, Sabal Palm (Cabbage Palm) and sometimes Red Maple or Silver Maple. The undergrowth is a confusion of vines and shrubs, with Saw Palmetto dominating. I haven’t learned all the shrub names yet.

After a short ramble through Gamble Rogers, I headed over to Flagler Beach and walked along the boardwalk that goes through the Betty Steflik Nature Preserve. I was intending to walk through town and go window shopping afterward, but decided against it as I was getting too hot.

The Betty Steflik Nature Preserve is on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway. You can see the SR 100 bridge that links seaside Flagler Beach with the mainland. If visiting the area, keep in mind there are limited bridges accessing the islands. SR 100 is one of the primary ones. The bridge through the Hammock (Palm Coast Parkway) is a toll bridge now ($3.00/tourists; 50 cents for locals). North, you can access I-95 via SR 206 and south, you can go through High Bridge Road (closed during high water) or go onto Ormond Beach.

The Betty Steflik Nature Preserve is primarily boardwalk, crossing shallow inlets lined with mangrove and the occasional red cedar or Yaupon holly. There are some some islands in the midst of the preserve. There you will find Eastern Red Cedar, Red Bay, and Sand Oaks as the predominate trees. The walk continues to a boat launch and bathrooms, situated beneath the SR 100 bridge which looms above.

Today I headed out to Princess Place Preserve, a Flagler County Park, and made a second attempt on hiking Hominy Branch Trail. I found the right trail and followed it to the swampy first crossing, but could go no further. Apparently, part of the trail and boardwalk have been damaged in the numerous hurricanes that have hit the area, especially last year. I made a return trip, walking slowly on the very sandy path beneath an assortment of palms, live oaks, and the occasional Maple, Hickory, or Red Cedar tree. Part of the trail is a bit confusing, but I found my way back to the parking area. If the trail was complete, it would be a 2.5 mile walk.

Next, I made my way to the Lodge, which sits protected by huge Live Oaks on the edge of expansive Pellicer Creek.

The lodge is built of coquina rock, the local limestone. Here’s a link if you’re interested in learning more about this beautiful park:

https://www.flaglercounty.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2/339

As I have previously mentioned, Princess Place offers several trails, for equestrians and hikers, and biking on dirt roads. There are camping and picnic facilities and a couple of places to launch boats or kayaks. The park has also added three cottages which can be rented. Various large gatherings are held annually at the park.

Fishermen are welcome at Princess Place, too. You can put in a skiff or fish off the shoreline. I believe there is also a kayak/canoe boat trail that traces Pellicer Creek further inland.

I must say my strength and stamina are improving. I get out to walk every day and add in these longer hikes a couple of times weekly. I was able to walk more than four miles today without issue.

It was also a lovely breezy day, with temperatures into the mid-70’s F. I stopped several times just to appreciate and soak in the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. What a soothing music. I’ll take it any day rather than canned music.

So, there’s some of my ramblings in Flagler County. It is my way of giving everyone a respite from the hysteria rising from the latest false flag attempts by the Deep State.

BTW, I used to do trip reports for the Mountaineers (Seattle, WA). While Flagler County certainly isn’t the Cascade Mountains, it is a pretty place in its own right and my favorite area in Florida thus far.

Getting out into Nature is very healing. I hardily recommend it if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a break from electronics.

Many blessings. Peace.

Eliza

http://sunnysjournal.com

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