Okay, this doesn’t look like Michigan or Kansas. It is East Central Florida and by Florida standards, it was chilly this morning, in the 40’s with a piercing north wind. I pulled on my gloves, hat and jacket and went for a hike in Bulow Woods. It was 38 degrees F when I woke up this morning and had warmed up to 43F. The jacket was sufficient to cut the wind and I tend to warm up quickly once I start moving anyway.

A short side trail goes to an observation deck over Boardman Pond. The entire trail system is a national birding trail. Wading birds, song birds, osprey, buzzards, hawks, woodpeckers, robins, etc. can be observed in various areas of the woods. Today, I also caught a glimpse of a deer which bounded off the trail into heavy scrub.

Today I walked the shortest central part of the Bulow Woods Trail, that travels from north from Walter Boardman Road to Cisco Ditch. Due to damage received during a series of hurricanes, the northern most reach of the trail is out of commission. Some boards have been removed from the bridge to discourage persons attempting to past the signs warning the area is closed. It is one mile to reach Cisco Ditch from the road. 

Today, I discovered a new trail that parallels the ditch, traveling eastward towards Bulow Creek. The ditch and the trail terminate at the larger creek and a nice little sandy beach. The wind was too sharp to spend much time out in the open today.

After leaving Cisco Ditch, I retraced my steps back to Walter Boardman Road and my car. I wanted to change out my new boots which I’m still breaking in. They are a bit stiff compared to my Keen boots, which I put on. I just keep them in the car for such a time since I’m hiking 2 or 3 times per week now. Then I started the southern trail, heading towards Cedar Creek. I exchanged some conversation with a couple of older ladies who had met at the trail head and were going the same way for a while.

I really like the Cedar Creek area and was pleased to find a collective of wading birds who were located a bit further than my limited camera could clearly reach. I think they were all Egrets, although it was hard to tell as there was some long grass impeding clear views. The tide was out which is a favorite feeding time for these wading birds.

Next, I headed east towards another favorite area, the little peninsula that juts out into Bulow Creek, granting views to the NE, east, and south. The colors were particularly vibrant today, at least to my eyes. It was pleasant to see the sun and fluffy clouds for a change. We’ve had a lot of gloomy fully overcast days since I’ve been here. Any sunny day is welcomed.

There were a lot of people out today although I had the central section pretty much to myself until I returned to the road. Some people were birding, others walking their dogs, and still others just enjoying a crisp winter day. Most everyone was pleasant.

By the time I returned to the car for the second time, I was a little tired. I had done all of the walking on one breakfast bar and a bit of water. It was time for a nice lunch/dinner. I usually eat only one large meal per day right now.

I hope you enjoyed taking a break from the news. I sometimes venture onto X (formerly Twitter) but find I can’t remain there long. You’ll find me @BluDrgn8911 Eliza Ayres. I even have a few followers who seem to enjoy my impertinent comments. If it was the old Twitter, I would have been kicked off by now. I really don’t care.

Enjoy your week.

Eliza

https://sunnysjournal.com

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