On Tuesday, starting at Walter Boardman Lane, I walked northward on the Bulow Woods Trail through the “middle” portion of the woods. You see, the woods are divided up into three sections — 1) from Fairchild Oak to Boardman Lane; 2) Boardman Lane to Cisco Ditch; 3) Northern Bulow Woods, the latter area being currently closed due to trail damage.

First, I walked towards Cisco Ditch and then turned eastward to Bulow Creek, where I strolled out onto the sunny but breezy beach. I stood there for a while watching the steady flow of traffic on Boardman Lane. For a substandard ancient narrow road, it receives a ton of traffic as it is the only connecting route besides nearby SR 100 to get across the Intracoastal Waterway (Halifax River) until you reach Ormond Beach. Since this road passes through a literal marsh, it periodically floods during heavy rains.

The huge trees are very sheltering, which is the origin for the word “Hammock” or sheltered place.

Today, there was a delicious light scent in the air. The magnolia grandiflora were in bloom, although it was hard to see their blooms, which were situated high in the canopy above my head. With the spicy scent of crunchy leaves beneath my feet, the fresh smell of green grass and fresh leaves, the woods were a welcoming place.

It was very windy in the open so I didn’t linger long, turning around and retracing my steps back to Boardman Lane.

After I reached the road, I crossed it and passed into the southern most section of the forest which is open pinewoods, spiked with crispy saw palmetto and cubby sabal palms. The park service recently held some controlled burns in this area, but the tough forest plants are already making a comeback.

When in the area, I always check Cedar Creek as I will sometimes come upon fishing birds. Today, there was one heron delicately wading at the streamside. Schools of tiny fish would break the surface periodically creating loud splashes.

Next, I headed to the loop trail which winds through the open forest and adds probably close to another mile to the entire walk. At times it is marked by an indentation in the forest floor; at other times, grass delineates the path. Sometimes it is harder to make out in the winter without the green vegetation. I followed the path without difficulty today, finding the red marks on the trees as the narrow path wound through the forest. I could catch glimpses of the nearby marsh, but the heavy brush didn’t allow me to approach the edge of nearby Bulow Creek.

Finally, I popped out at the end of the loop trail and joined up with the path that led to the little peninsula. I took a short break there and then headed back to the car. I only met one other person the entire time I was on my walk.

My feet were tired after arriving back to the car. I changed out of my boots and climbed in, satisfied in having completed another nice walk.

There’s Bulow Woods… located just inland from the Atlantic Ocean, south of Flagler Beach. It is a relatively undeveloped State Park and charges no entry fees. Parking on Boardman Lane is limited, but there is a large parking lot located at Fairchild Oak and another one at Plantation Ruins SP to the north. The northern park does have an entrance fee of $4.00. The rangers there offer periodic talks in the little meeting room. There is also some short trails there to the ruins and a boat dock on Bulow Creek.

Enough for now. Enjoy the remainder of your week.

Eliza

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