I’ve been going out on half-day excursions in the local area (for starters). On Thursday, I headed to Jubbah Beach which just lies south of Marine Land off of SR A1A. There seemed to be some construction going on in part of the beach, reconstructing the precious dunes that probably took a beating in the latest hurricane to hit the area. This particular beach (as well as several in the area) has coquina outcroppings, so it isn’t advisable to swim or surf. The waves were high, the wind strong as a line of thick clouds made it towards the shoreline.

I find it hard to settle when beachcombing so I just walk, to and fro. Frankly, I find these beaches a little boring compared to the Pacific beaches with their coves, inlets, and tidal pools. There were shells, just the common varieties, cockles and oysters. Most everything else was thoroughly ground up by the relentless wave action… creating more coquina.

Next, I wandered down to the next beach I was interested in, Mala Compra. The access road is located off of SR A1A across from Bing’s Landing. This beach has a large parking area, bathrooms, and allows horses and dogs. When I climbed up over the protective dune, I could see some horses to the north. I stomped down the slope to the firmer sands and started my walk. This beach also has coquina outcroppings and a wicked surf. I’ve been there before when I first came to Florida on a visit and stayed at the nearby condominums. The beach has changed and a lot of the coquina has been buried beneath layers of sand.

What I really like about the beaches in Flagler County is the county parks are all free. Some allow dogs. Parking is free. If you live or are staying nearby, you can walk to the nearest beach access. The main beaches have parking but check first. Some of the beaches have bathroom facilities, too. The sand is mostly coarse, so if you have tender feet, you might want to wear beach shoes.

I was going to visit the River to Sea Preserve, but there was a truck blocking the entrance, so I drove on towards Flagler Beach. When I arrived in town, I noticed a lot of construction going on. The town is growing some more. Part of the centrally located park is being developed into a three-story motel, something that makes the local restauranteurs happy. While Flagler Beach retains much of its old Florida charm, it is still filling up with new houses tucked into small lots. It is a town vulnerable to hurricanes and storm surge. The old fishing pier has not yet been repaired after the latest storms. I wouldn’t buy a house in town… and the prices have skyrocketed like much of Florida.

I visited the little art gallery, GOLA, to see what it looks like today. I worked there for a few months when I lived in Flagler County prior to moving south to Palm Beach County. GOLA displays and sells the work of local artists.

Today, Friday, I headed back to Bulow Woods State Park, starting a hike on the Fairchild Oak Trail. This trail goes 6.8 miles north to Plantation Ruins, but parts of the trail are currently under water or the bridges damaged from the latest storms. I hiked as far as I could go without rubber boots… to Cedar Creek Meadows.

After my hike in Bulow Woods on the Fairchild Oak Trail, I headed over to the eastern terminus of Lehigh Trail. This trail is fully paved, with benches, trash cans, and periodic bike repair stations. The trail is part of an interconnected series of trails located throughout Palm Coast, traveling parallel to Royal Palm Parkway and through Graham Swamp. It makes a grand touring trail for bikers. No motorized vehicles are allowed. I walked about a mile in on the trail, which does have some boardwalk, but is mostly paved. Occasionally, you can see remnants of the old railroad that probably carried gravel and sand from a local quarry to the old concrete plant on Corbert Road. There is a large parking area off of Colbert Road. Lehigh Road travels through Palm Coast clear to Hwy 1 just north of Bunnell.

The thin tall trees of the surrounding swamp leaned over the Lehigh Trail shading it like a leafy avenue. There was open swamp on both sides, crowded with wiry scrub. Thin maples were dropping colorful leaves. Even here in Florida, autumn had arrived. Eastern Red Cedar, red maple, yampon holly, and oaks bent over the trail or lined it like a hedge.

After completing the hike, I was quite tired. If I’m feeling well enough, I’m thinking of going to Princess Place again for another photographic trail walk.

Hope you enjoyed this little photo blog. I know I’ll sleep well after all this exercise and fresh air. BTW, the skies were overcast most of the time, with temps in the high 70’s. I was very comfortable except on the Fairchild Oak Trail near Cedar Creek, where I got blasted by swarms of mosquitoes.

Eliza

All photos taken on Nikon Coolpix L830.

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