Here is a compilation of hikes I have done recently this spring, at Princess Place Preserve, briefly at Bulow Woods and then Graham Swamp Trail, off of Old Kings Road, Palm Coast.

A week ago (May 27th) I took a hike at Princess Place, from the trailhead parking for Hominy Branch, but headed out on the Equestrian Trail or at least portions of it. I ended up on a couple of lesser used section roads but found my way back to the main equestrian trail along Pellicer Creek. I think part of the way I was actually walking through the Pellicer Creek Preserve that butts up against Princess Place. It would be hard to get lost in these woods, but I suppose some people might. I didn’t see another soul during 2.5 hours of tramping through the open woods and clearings on alternately sandy and grassy trail surfaces. Since it was the day after Memorial Day, the park was practically empty. I also tend to arrive early to avoid the onset of the heat. However, by the time I got back to the car, my clothes were drenched due to the high humidity. It felt good to get the car’s A/C going. I’m grateful for modern gadgets… sometimes.

This morning, June 2nd, I attempted to hike at Bulow Woods. No sooner I stepped out of my vehicle, I was immediately swarmed by mosquitoes. The little bloodsuckers were hungry. Despite having some homemade insect repellent on, I was still swarmed. I only managed to walk to Cedar Creek (see above) and back, about a mile RT. I decided to bag the rest of the hike. The hot and humid weather has brought out the little varmints and I wasn’t in the mood to be their local blood bank for long.

After bailing from Bulow Woods, I drove north on Old Kings Road to Graham Swamp to see if the conditions were more manageable. They were. No mosquitoes so it is likely the park department sprays for them. There were few people out; I only saw 3 people on the trail and another person drove up just as I was leaving. There is a lot of shade on the trail so it also wasn’t too hot. I also spotted some beautiful and unexpected flowers on the 3 mile walk. And I was serenaded by cicadas, their buzzy song ebbing and flowing in the relatively still morning air.

On my walk at Graham Swamp, I was delighted to run across the Passion Flower Vine. It is a host plant for several species of butterflies and other pollinators. Pretty exotic looking, eh?

In case you were wondering, Elderberry is native to parts of Florida. It even grows in a vacant lot near where I live. The vigorous plant prefers a sunny spot and feeds a lot of birds when the berries are ripe. Its Latin name is Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis.

Due to the hotter weather, I will be more selective where I go. If the bugs are too bad, I might have to curtail these outings until cooler temperatures arrive in the autumn. Graham Swamp was a good substitute today and there are other possibilities in the immediate area depending on weather conditions. The rest of the week thunderstorms and rain are forecast, too. We are moving into our wet season, and on June 1st, officially entered Hurricane Season, meaning we could get tropical storms at any time. This is when I switch to watching Ventusky.com online for the latest storms. The latter part of Hurricane Season is usually the worst for our area (late August to October) but anything is possible.

Hope you enjoyed the photos.

Eliza Ayres

https://sunnysjournal.com

P.S. I might add my Keene Water Sandals died today, coming apart. I decided to retire them. I can’t remember when I purchased them. I have already ordered another pair as I enjoy wearing hiking sandals in the hot weather and sandy trails. Except for morning walks on pavement, I tend to live in sandals or go barefoot around the house and garden. Flip flops are practically a uniform hereabouts. Suits me. I’m not one for fancy shoes.

Thanks to all those who have donated to the cause… keeping this blog going. The hiking sandals and camera are part of my equipment as bizarre as that might seem.

❤ Eliza