Hmmm, one of the first rules of photography: don’t shoot into the sun. I got rainbows… Oh, well. I probably wouldn’t win any awards, but there is the beginning of today’s walk. I started at the junction of Rynfire and Royal Palm, continuing with chomping down another section of the Lehigh Trail.

The intricate canal system is how people are able to now live in Florida. It used to be, quite literally, a swamp in many areas and still is. The canals, large and small, carry off storm waters and eventually dump into the intracoastal waterway (I guess). 

This portion of trail is well-paved, available for runners, bikers, walkers, and strollers. I estimate I walked about four miles return trip.

While there were some good-sized oak trees off in the forest, most of the canopy consisted of tall skinny pine trees, indicating the area was logged off some years ago, probably when the railroad went in originally. Benches and trash bins are provided every so often. At the end of the trail on Belle Terre (at least one section), there is a bike station for pumping tires. 

As I have said before in these journals, this Lehigh Trail is a rail to trail project, which travels for eight miles from Colbert Road to US Hwy 1. This trail is part of the extensive bike/walking trail system throughout Palm Coast. Being flat terrain, this gives young and old an excellent opportunity to exercise.

Oh, did I say the temperatures started out in the upper 40’s? It was a bit crisp and fresh for Florida, with more blue skies. Not a cloud to be seen.

One thing about this portion of the Lehigh Trail, there is constant swish and growl of traffic traveling on Royal Palm, one of the main east/west routes across southern Palm Coast. You only catch glimpses of the road and houses beyond, but the noise is always there, although I found myself tuning it out. Casual parking is available off of Royal Palm and Belle Terre on the eastern end of this section.

This portion of the trail is closer to home, but not quite as scenic. Access is good. I passed by small groups of walkers and bikers, and the occasional dog walker. The place wasn’t crowded, perhaps due to the chilliness of the weather.

I hope to get over to Princess Place later in the week. And perhaps go to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park on Christmas. I want to see if the camellias are blooming yet in the formal gardens.

That’s all for today. I didn’t do any editing of the photos.

Happy holidays to all, whatever you celebrate.

Eliza

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

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