Off I went on another jaunt to Princess Place Preserve. Along with Bulow Woods, PPP is one of my area faves. It was cloudy, breezy, cool and perfect hiking weather, temps in high 60’s. The clouds were lingering above but there wasn’t any rain, although some was forecasted.

I parked at the picnic area next to the wonderful covered bridge over Stiles Creek and sauntered over to the bridge to look it over.

I saw more birds today. While it was Saturday, the park is big enough to space people out. On my walk I met only a few people walking their dogs or driving by on the loop road.

After checking out the bridge, I headed towards a chunk of the Hominy Branch Trail I hoped to complete today and followed a road that goes towards one of the lodges. There is a bridge over Stiles Creek, but beyond it there was a sign posted “No Public Access”, effectively blocking off the middle portion of Hominy Branch Trail. The western portion of the trail is blocked by high waters. Since one portion is completely blocked by privacy fences, it is apparent the loop can no longer be completed. Things have changed since I last walked the loop.

Foiled by the Hominy Branch, I turned my attention to a portion of the horse trail that travels through the forest to the loop road. Several years ago, I had also hiked through this portion of trail although it was soon after Hurricane Matthew and crews were busy cutting up and removing huge chunks of oak trees etc that fell during the high winds. Today the broad grassy path was serene and peaceful.

Passing a few ponds, I entered into the mostly oak, pine, and Sabal Palm forest on the wide path.

There were no horses present today and I was alone with the trees. Wonderful. The grass was slightly damp but I didn’t encounter any huge mudholes today.

I connected with the loop road and then walked past the Lodge, connecting with the paved portion of the Creekside Trail. I was aiming to do a full loop walk back to my car.

When I arrived back at the car, I walked over to the edge of Stiles Creek and sat at the picnic table. Then I noticed I had some company. A small heron was perched in a half-dead oak tree clinging to the edge of the creek. The bird was slightly hunched as the breeze stirred its feathers. It was aware of my presence but appeared unafraid. We just sat there quietly admiring the view for a while. Periodically, I could also see and hear the pair of Osprey that have been nesting near Stiles Creek for years. They were flying above the tall slender Slash Pine on the edge of the creek.

I don’t know how many miles I walked today, but perhaps 3 to 4 at a leisurely pace. I do enjoy being outside in Nature.

Hope you enjoy the photos. They are a little dark since it was quite overcast, but lend a moodiness to the subject.

Enjoy!

Eliza

https://sunnysjournal.com

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

Location: Princess Place Preserve, Flagler County Park, FL

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