As I prepared to leave the house for another walk at Bulow Woods, I glanced up at the lowering skies. It looked like it could rain… somewhere. Still I chanced the weather and packed up the car.

Upon arriving at the tiny parking spot off of Walter Boardman Road, I packed up my things, got my camera out, and headed across the road to the middle section of Bulow Woods. This portion of the 6.8 mile trail is also mostly on old road, which is used by the rangers to patrol the park and do maintenance.

The trail was in pretty good shape and had been recently cleared and graded in places. Piles of debris outlined the main route.

On the way in, I met a man walking his dog. There were some rain drops plopping down and we exchanged some friendly words.

The trail eventually reaches a powerline cut allowing for some brief views of nearby Bulow Creek. Other than that, views are not a thing on this portion of trail.

The northern most portion of the Bulow Woods Trail was badly damaged by the last series of storms, including two hurricanes. And even in drier conditions, portions of the loop trail can be subject to flooding during periods of high water. Years ago, I squished my way around the 5.0 mile loop, dodging under branches and climbing over damp mossy fallen trees. Hiking can be an adventure sometimes and isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Since I couldn’t proceed any further — without violating the warnings from the rangers posted on the northern terminus of the trail (Plantation Ruins SP road), I snapped a few photos and turned around.

By this time, the clouds inland were beginning to break up and show a little blue. Still, with every gust of wind drops of water landed on my head, as I endeavored to shelter my little camera.

The trail was a portrait in light and dark as clouds scudded across the sky above. I continued on, heading south until I noticed a vehicle on the old road — a ranger SUV. Another walker was talking to the ranger as I approached. I politely waited so I could ask the ranger a few questions.

The northern most portion of the Bulow Woods Trail doesn’t have road access. The maintenance has to be done on foot, lugging in equipment and manpower. Apparently there are downed trees, branches, and assorted debris, plus some of the minor bridges have been damaged. The ranger stated they had just finished the survey of the trail and will be gathering volunteers to assist with the clean-up. He thought the work would be done by sometime in December.

I’ve been on that trail. It is the deepest and wildest portion of the woods, with HUGE old growth trees, Red Maple, Pignut Hickories, Red Bay, Magnolia grandiflora, Eastern Red Cedar, Sabal Palms, and assorted shrubs, ferns, and tons of Saw Palmetto covering the forest floor. It is a wonderful, enchanting trail and I hope it will be cleaned up quickly, with the help of younger and stronger arms than my own.

After reaching my car, I decided to head towards the ocean. I stopped briefly at North Peninsula Beach Access. There are a few parking spaces off of SR A1A and a wooden beach access leading down to the steep cinnamon beach. The waves were lashing the wooden structure and covering most of the beach. There were a few surf fishermen attempting to catch something in the stormy waters. One fisherman dragged in a wad of seaweed which the waves had tossed up towards the shoreline.

I decided against venturing down the ramp onto the beach. The surf was deafening. Salt spray was flying and the wind kept pushing incessantly at me.

I decided to leave and climbed into the car to start towards Flagler Beach. Minutes after starting north, a brief heavy shower dampened the road. Whatever the weather was going to do, it was vigorating to be there feeling the strength of Nature at some of her wildest moments.

Another outing, briefer than most… I’m still recovering from yesterday plus a headache.

Another brief note: Despite the threat of rain, the trail remained dry underfoot, which was quite a relief. I wasn’t eager to dip my feet into some more sandy mud!

Eliza

https://sunnysjournal.com

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

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