Summer is nearly here already. After a vist to my primary care provider, I drove to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, one of my local favorites. It contains a long nature trail through hammock and coastal strand, formal subtropical gardens, a rose garden, walking trails, picnic area, and a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Oh, yes, there is a small butterfly garden which attracts local beauties.

The roses were really healthy, putting on excellent growth and setting buds. The flowers weren’t very big yet since we’ve experienced some heavy rain showers lately. The temperature was in the low 80’s. I walked through the garden first taking photos, then headed for the Nature Trail, which is about 2.0 miles. I managed as a good portion is in the shade of tall oaks and assorted other hammock trees. This area gets few blooms except Carolina Wild Petunia, Spiderwort, Wild Coffee, and Yaupon Holly. The False Indigo was bloomed out and very vigorous.

I haven’t investigated yet why most of the Florida springs I’ve encountered thus far smell like sulfur. They stink. Some are slimy like this one, which does get cleaned out periodically, while others are crystalline and clear.

Well, that was a nice outing and I seemed to have finally figured out how to download my photos. The weather is warmish, but I may still go out and just drink a lot of water and walk slow. There were hardily any bugs (translation: mosquitos or black flies) today and easily dealt with. I may even venture out to the beaches and wade through the salt water to keep cool, but that’s another day.

Gas prices are beginning to moderate somewhat. From a high of $4.40 to $3.81-3.89 locally on 100th, a major southend motorway in Flagler County. Better, but not great.

I hope you enjoy the photos. I’ve been taking photos since I was in my 20’s, first film and now digital. Dad handed me a 35mm hand-held Canon for my first camera. He used to take black and white photos when he was a teenager. Someday I may get serious about the photography. Meanwhile, I usually hike alone so my camera is a companion of sorts, as I practice my observational skills and editing powress. I once worked at Eastman Kodak as a processor and editor on 35mm, 120mm, and 110mm. Did a lot of color correction work and cropping.

Enjoy the upcoming weekend.

Eliza Ayres, Sunny’s Journal, https://sunnysjournal.com