Today I headed north from Flagler Beach along A1A. I was trying to figure out what to do and first stopped at Varn Beach. The wind was howling and clouds were scudding across a threatening sky. The tide was extremely high and there was very little beach to walk on. Piles of suds were sweeping across the cinnamon sand. Hmmm. I’m not a beach bum on the best of days, so I thought… I’ll head to a hammock!

I stopped briefly at Jungle Hut Beach and met the same winds and clouds. It was a challenge just to get to the edge of the beach as the wind was driving sand grains against my bare legs. Okay… I’m heading elsewhere.

Oh, yes… next on my agenda was the River to Sea Preserve. Long ago it was home to the indigenous tribes of Florida. They ate well on shellfish and fish. Many of the mounds where the hammocks lie today were built up by piles of shells called middens.

Immediately upon entering the scrubby brush and then the trees, I was sheltered from the strong onshore breezes. I could hear the distant surf, but it was calm under the trees.

The loop trail at the River to Sea Preserve first follows an old road, with several branches. The main loop is about a mile long and easy walking on sand and grass surface. Dogs are allowed. There are a couple of side trails leading to Matzanas River or the Intracoastal Waterway. The river sees a continuous stream of all sorts of boats and barges.

This “river” is partially artificial, having been dug to facilitate the travel of smaller boats. At one time when roads were questionable, it was commonplace for the larger landowners to access their properties via boat. I don’t know the depth of the canal. There is ocean access just to the north near Fort Matzanas.

As I was walking along the trail, I spied a tiny colorful snake. Having seen photos of the coral snake and knowing that it is a native reptile, I carefully admired its bright skin and allow the beastie to slip into the woods and out of sight. Canebrake Rattlesnakes, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Water Mocassins, and Copperheads also live in the hammocks and sand dunes. Every park has a sign with their photos.

After completing the nature trail at River to Sea Preserve, I headed south to one of my favorite parks in the area, Washington Oak Gardens SP. It is a $5 fee to get into the park for an individual. I don’t know what the family rate is off hand. I have an annual SP pass which is paying for itself with all of my jaunts to State Parks.

I started out on the Bella Vista Nature Trail, which is 1.7 miles long, traveling through hammock, into sandy coastal scrub and then dives back into the shady hammock. The trail is sandy but easy. Dogs are welcome. Dogs and bikes are not allowed in the formal gardens of the park.

The gardeners at Washington Oak Gardens look very happy with their work. It is a big park, but they can get around on gators with trailers, if they are grooming plants.

Similar to Princess Place, Washington Oak Gardens used to be a private estate located off of SR A1A. There are formal gardens filled with subtropicals, including bamboo, Bananas, Lily turf, camellias and evergreen azaleas. The camellias are just starting to pop. I’ll go back to see them in full flower. The shrubs are ancient, but have lovely double blooms. The roses in the rose garden are quite fragrant and probably are ancient hybrid teas. They were in the process of putting out a new flush of top growth.

After the rose garden, I swung around the walk that leads to benches and picnic tables on the edge of the river. In the past, I’ve seen dolphins swimming down the river, but not today. A lot of fishermen like to fish from the bulkhead there.

I was getting tired after my 3+ mile walk, so I headed back to the car and headed to Flagler Beach to treat myself to fish and chips. And then home.

There you go… another outing. I’m not venturing out too far… gasoline is pricey these days and I still get easily fatigued, but I am enjoying my little jaunts.

I hope everyone is holding up well during these testing times. Being in Nature is very grounding and calming. Get some if you can, too! We all need to practice self-care these days!

Much love,

Eliza

https://sunnysjournal.com

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_snake