Florida’s “wet season” has well and truly arrived with its characteristic heat, humidity and nearly daily afternoon / evening thunderstorms. As you can see from the mushroom photo above, all this humidity and rain makes for damp walking.

I actually didn’t venture out much the first couple of weeks of the heat. I wanted to gradually adjust to the increased temperatures, especially the night time temps, which have not gone down below 73 degrees F for nearly three weeks now, with highs in the lower 90’s (range = 22 to 33 C). While I still start “glistening” in the humidity, it isn’t bothering me as much now if I get out early on my little expeditions.

This past week, I ventured out to Princess Place and had a running or swatting battle with biting flies, but still managed to get in a lengthy walk without feeling overwhelmed by the heat or humidity. Armed with my old camera and a bandana (my fly swatter) I walked along the loop road, through one of the Moody campgrounds, then on the Artesian, Legacy Island, and Creekside Trails, all in one grand loop, between 3 – 4 miles. I’ve included a few photos below. Note the contrast between shady to light conditions is high due to the subtropical summer sunlight:

River to Sea Preserve and Washington Oaks Gardens

On Friday, I headed out to the coast, to join highway A1A, and my two northern parks named above. Since these two parks are located close together, it makes sense to me to combine the walks. The trail system in River to Sea Preserve is over one mile with a variety of terrain, ranging from coastal scrub to ancient thick hardwood hammock. Perhaps due to my early arrival, I was the only walker present which I love… solitude. Having quiet time away from people is my happy place these days in our chaotic world.

Then it was onto Washington Oaks Gardens State Park (a mouthful):

The roses weren’t at their best due to heat, humidity and rainstorms. Most of them are ancient hybrid teas which have somehow survived Florida’s weather.

The crowds were growing by the time I left, tired and damp from my exertions. Despite the heat and humidity, I managed to get in 3 to 4 miles of walking and enjoying the seasonal changes in the two parks.

Here’s some links to more of my walks in these two parks:

Early Summer Walk: Bees, Butterflies, Bunnies & Gopher Tortoises at Washington Oaks Gardens

Eliza: Photo Journal, Mid-winter stroll

Eliza ~ Photo Journal, A Cloudy Day

Enjoy your season… summer or winter.

Eliza Ayres

https://sunnysjournal.com

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