This shy creature lives in the woods…A squall was on its way… Lanky Long Leaf PinesTall pine against a stormy skyGrand vistas in the parkAnd then the squall arrived… ReflectionsLoop Road at Princess Place – a good place to walk when things are dampPrevailing winds or protective nature?Moody CutIt was a moody and breezy dayHistorical marker at the LodgeCreeksideHumidity… that’s FloridaX marks the spot…Natural perfection – Magnolia grandifloraThe magnolias lend a delicious lemony scent to the spring air
This was my Monday adventure (May 20th) at Princess Place. I started by parking my car near the covered bridge, intending to hike the Equestrian Trail toward the Moody campground. First, I checked the current conditions of the Hominy Trail from the Stiles Creek side — the area was still closed. I was standing on a bridge over Stiles Creek when a sudden squall arrived, lightly raining at first, then increasing… I beat a hasty retreat to my car which was parked nearly a half mile away and got a bit damp in the process.
The storm strengthened, but fortunately didn’t contain any embedded lightning. One of the forest employees parked nearby — he had seen me enter the park earlier and might have been checking on my status. I was merely damp, but waiting for the storm to subside. I checked the weather radar on my phone. The storm cell was moving quickly and would soon leave with nothing backing it. So, if I was patient…
I ended up moving my car figuring the loop road would prove a drier surface to walk on, which proved true. I continued my interrupted walk and then added the Artesian and Creekside trails onto my loop. While I was damp there was no chance of my developing hypothermia like I would have had I been hiking in the Cascades… The temperature was 80 degrees F and very humid as can be seen from some of the photos. I had also thrown my bumpershoot (umbrella) into the car, so packed it along on the second half of my hike. I needed it a couple of times and the trees were still dripping from the previous sharp shower.
I was going to add my Bulow photos from today’s walk, but will save those for later. This post is long enough.
The temperatures in Florida now are typically in the upper 70’s to low 80’s during the day. When I sat outside cleaning the sticky coquina sand off the soles of my boots that evening, the skies had cleared. There was a light breeze… and it felt like heaven… or nearly as close as you can get here in the third dimension.
River to Sea Preserve PondIt’s a JungleA little pink puff…Wild Coffee and unidentified white star flower – the coffee is ribbed.Beauty Bush is beginning its bloom – it gets purple berries later onWild Coffee and Zebra Longwing ButterfliesNative Holly in bloomMajestic Oaks tower over the pathwayAsteraceae FamilyA Rose is a Rose is a RoseIn the formal rose garden @ Washington OaksPale blue-violet forest dwellerSubtropical formal gardens at Washington OaksFarfugium Japonicum Gigantea – Tractor Seat Plant or Giant Leopard PlantWashington Oaks Gardens
And several handsome critters:
I disturbed this Black Buzzard nibbling on a deceased armadillo Elegant doe nibbling the park’s lawn
And one rabbit, several squirrels, a pair of Osprey, a large fish in the pond, and numerous song birds up in the canopy.
The walk: It was a cloudy humid day. A storm cell was due to pass over the Peninsula at some point, so I vowed to keep an eye on the cloud layer.
I headed to River to Sea Preserve, which is located near Marine World. No, I don’t care to see captive whales and dolphins at that aging facility. I started walking at the pond, soon entering the hammock with its over-hanging oaks and thick underbrush of small trees, shrubs and saw palmetto. I soon began to see tiny flowers, several I could not name, but I was already familiar with Wild Coffee and Beauty Bush. I also encountered a handsome but funny Black Buzzard. Disturbed by my approach along the grassy path, instead of flying off, he hopped up the lane with me following him — I was going back to the car. Finally, he hopped up onto a fence post where he posed briefly for a portrait and then finally flew up. The buzzards are magnificent flyers but look quite silly hopping along the ground.
Next, I headed to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, which is further south off A1A (the local coastal highway in Florida). I started my walk in the Bella Vista Nature Trail. A portion of the trail was blocked off, so I walked the half mile up the old A1A and entered the loop from the north. Again, I passed several plants beginning to bloom, although for the most part the blooms were insignificant and probably are not noticed by many humans. I did note some wild grape coming into fruit, very tiny fruit. Probably would appeal to the birds.
Next, I headed to the formal gardens and then walked the Mala Compra Trail (.5 one way) and looped around to the Rose Garden.
Swallow tails on the Penta – they were fluttering around…Lily of the Nile
I am discovering a deep interest in horticulture and might consider learning about native plant horticulture. The plants at Washington Oaks are primarily subtropical specimens from several regions, but mostly Asia. It is fortunate they aren’t invasive, but that has occurred too often with garden plants imported from elsewhere. There are Bird of Paradise bushes in the garden nearly as big as my Kia! Still, it is a lovely place to spend some time wandering around.
When I finally got back to the car, I was tired, having hiked about four miles the previous day. I’m getting plenty of exercise these days.
The horizon was fading into gray as the cloud ceiling descended — rain was near. Even as I turned onto SR 100 fat drops began to strike the windshield. Gollee… I timed it well yet again.
The rain didn’t last long and I went home to prepare a quick lunch of scrambled eggs, beef hash, and onions with buttered toast and guacamole on the side. Yumm. No, folks, I’m not a vegetarian. My body fares better with some (not a lot) animal or fish protein. Years ago I got really sick on a macrobiotic diet with a lot of soy products. It took me years to recover… Not every body is meant to be vegetarian in this plane of existence. No advice, please. Diet is a personal thing.
Anyway, enjoy your weekend. We’re going to have rain showers and possible tornadoes and high winds. It seems to be the weekly diet for the weather this year — and it isn’t normal at all.
In joy,
Eliza
COMMENTS ON
I also saw several Mourning Cloak Butterflies although couldn’t capture them on film
Film? I have a digital camera! I haven’t shot film since before I left Puget Sound…
I saw some Common Swallowtail Butterflies at Washington Oaks, too. They’re big!
“Sometimes you have to fall apart to find pieces of yourself you never knew where there.”
Nothing shows you what you’re made of like hardship. It’s only when we are put to the test that we discover our strength, our resolve, our sensitivity and our resilience.
I had no idea who I was, until I experienced deep heartbreak. It was only when I fell apart, that I found out I was much stronger than I thought, but more vulnerable than I had guessed.
I look back now and I realise how clueless I was, not only as to my own truth, but also as to the world around me. I was living in the illusion of a life that was sold to me through the system of indoctrination as the only way to live and understand life; one more cog in the system, one more energetic being feeding the matrix.
Falling apart not only made me discover parts of me I didn’t know existed, it also made me realise there could be a whole new understanding of life and reality outside of the system.
As I put myself together again, I was able to do so with greater awareness, with a newfound perspective, with newly acquired wisdom and with a sense of strength, courage and freedom I had never felt before.
Sometimes falling apart is the best thing that can happen to us, so if you find yourself in pieces right now, please understand life is giving you a unique chance to discover and rebuild yourself like the person that you were meant to be and not the one society molded into being.
There is a better ‘you’ awaiting and a better life in store. This is your chance, as hard as it may be, to make sure you don’t miss the lessons and the opportunity that life has brought to you through pain.
As counterintuitive as it may be, pain must sometimes be embraced as our greatest teacher, so learn from it, but remember to let it go, never dwell in it, life’s too short and there’s too much to look forward to. ❤️❤️❤️
Pain has been the great teacher for many while living in the third dimension. Still, many have failed to learn the lessons taught by pain. And to some, feeling pain and blaming others for it has become an excuse to keep from moving on, letting go, and taking responsibility.
Hmmm, I’m going to have delve deep into this one and don’t quite feel it yet. I’ll get back to you on this…
Solar flares can be very impactful to you if you’re super sensitive
You might need some support during this transformation
Feeling a lot of fatigue?
Aurora borealis is part of the light show
You can be impacted and influenced by the outside energies and your egoic thinking…
Developing and expanding the Light Body…
Profound shifts happening in consciousness, hang onto your hat
How do these massive solar flares impact your human physical body?
The solar flares DO affect your body… scientists don’t admit it…
Nancy is a clairvoyant psychic healer and sees what is going on — we are being pulled up (like taffy?) expanding your spinal column, your chakras are pulling up (energy centers in body)
Upper chakras are being pulled up; DNA is expanding, like an LED light flipping on
Dormant DNA is being activated… all the LIGHTS are coming on
Tis the day after the storm. The clouds had left and the temperature was reasonable. I decided to get out of the house and take a walking tour of two close parks.
We’ve been experiencing an increase in temperatures — it was supposed to be 91 degrees F this afternoon, although the actual temperature only reached 86… and it was a lot cooler with a fresh breeze when I was out walking early this morning.
Moody Blvd. Bridge ties Flagler Beach to the mainlandBetty Steflik Preserve contains Black Mangrove marshesGraceful live oaks @ North PeninsulaPrickly Pear Cactus… in Florida! It likes sand and heat.This false indigo bush was buzzing with bees
Photos from other walks I haven’t shared yet:
Marsh rabbit
This is a little Marsh rabbit, a kind of cottontail that lives in Florida. Typically when I go out on neighborhood walks I’ll see two to four of these sweet creatures. Fortunately, they currently have plenty to eat in some of the wild areas still in the neighborhood. One dashed across the path ahead of me today at North Peninsula.
Extravagant flowering of Saw PalmettoElegant Live oaks at Washington Oaks GardensCallistemon citrinus – Bottlebrush Butterfly BushPart of the Subtropical Formal GardensIntracoastal from River to Sea PreserveRiver to Sea Preserve HammockNormal clouds for a change…
Well, folks, thanks for your numerous comments and encouragement to keep Sunny’s Journal going for now. We’ll take it day by day for now. Meanwhile, I’ll do my best to forward various reports and developments as the Movie continues on its “merry” way. The final clean-up is in process as far as I can assess what I have read/listened to. Then, comes the difficult part for those who are not yet awake… financial collapse, more revelations of crimes against humanity, and an expose of the corruption that has existed in every layer of society for a long time. It’s difficult to absorb, especially when you’re a sensitive empath, but I’ve managed to… for a long time now.
I’ve been in Florida now for eight whole years. It’s kind of hard to believe. It’s been quite a journey, for my readers as well as myself. I’ve undergone quite a transformation especially since 2021.
One reader encouraged me to hang in there… so I will, for now.
Thanks to all who took the time to comment. I do appreciate all of the readers of this blog.
Can you believe 2024 is nearly half way over already? I wonder what’s coming next?
Announcement to Readers: Cancelling Blue Dragon Journal
As of July 14th, Blue Dragon Journal will no longer be available. I decided to let go of my old blog for now. So, if you haven’t read the White Lion series, you might read it before it’s no longer available. I do have an upgraded version of the story saved offline, but I am still considering doing a major overhaul of the story… in the future.
I want to thank everyone who has been a long-time reader of my blogs. I do appreciate it very much.
I haven’t decided whether or not to also take down Sunny’s Journal, but I am considering it. If you care to comment, they’re open for now. Keep on topic.
The Galactic Alliance of Nataru is pleased to introduce: “Tribute” – StefZak
If you are a star seed — some of us know for sure and others still wonder — this may send you into a spate of tears…
❤ Eliza
According to Alex Collier, some of us came back to right a terrible wrong, where Earth humanity was destroyed and AI took over the planet. We came back, reincarnated… time travel was involved… We answered the call of Gaia, of the Zenae Council, the Council of Five… We came to raise the frequency of the planet and set the people free, forever.
StefZak is the talented young woman who does all of the videos for Elena Danaan.
Posted inDisclosure, exopolitics|Comments Off on The Galactic Alliance of Nataru is pleased to introduce: “Tribute” – StefZak
Coastal Strand TrailCoral Bean stealing the show…A sheltered place…A play of dark and light…Magnolia grandiflora blossom from belowHeat and humidity has arrived…Resting Black buzzardTri-color HeronBlack Mangrove Marsh bordering Intracoastal WaterwayOld Oak in Betty Steflik PreserveAnother view of my feathered friend…Trail in Betty Steflik Preserve, near parking lot
The temperatures are rising in Florida. I must admit, I prefer it cooler, but you have to take what is dished out. I started early and actually walked through Betty Steflik before going on to North Peninsula State Park. I did it because the park in Flagler has more exposed boardwalk and therefore more sun. There wasn’t a big crowd. It would appear people were either at work or had gone home north.
Clouds were building up when I drove on to North Peninsula, so I kept an eye on them. Florida thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence especially in the spring and summer. There wasn’t any rain, but plenty of heat and sunshine. I’m adjusting… slowly.
We’re going to have some temperatures in the low 90’s next week, so I may not go out on those days, but keep to local walks early in the morning before the heat rises. We all have to adjust.
Covered Bridge @ Princess PlaceLooking upPrincess Place – Equestrian TrailArtesian Well TrailLegacy IslandBridge to Legacy IslandTattered Sabal Palms on Legacy IslandThe Lodge from Legacy IslandPellicer CreekFind the birdThese ancient oaks take a beating in the big stormsSample picnic area near covered bridge – a favorite with fishermenAnother angle on covered bridge over Stiles Creek
Monday I took a long walk at Princess Place. I prefer going there on weekdays as the crowds are less and no shows or activities are taking place. While on my walk, I didn’t meet up with anyone except near roads and the Lodge. I’ll let the photos do the talking. The place is very calming. There is no fee to enter unless you’re renting one of the cottages or camping overnight. The area is a favorite for fishermen, canoe/kayakers, horse people, campers, walkers, bird watchers, and those curious about the history of the estate. The park is owned and run (very well) by Flagler County.
I’ll save my photos of today’s hike to Bulow Woods for later.
On Thursday, the 25th, I got an early start as the temperatures were going to be higher. Central Florida is transitioning into spring weather, with lows in the 60’s and highs in the lower 80’s. The skies were blue bird blue… with white puffy clouds developing in the afternoon.
Gnarled Sand Oak
Today I learned yet another plant, the shrubby perennial Amorpha fruticosa or False Indigo Bush. I had noticed the plant growing at Princess Place before but couldn’t find any identification hints. Today, I checked the small naturalist kiosk at North Peninsula SP, and there was a photo of the shrubby perennial, which can grow quite large.
There was a ton of coral bean showing up, lending its pinky orange tones to the predominately green palette of the Coastal Strand.
Magnolia Grandiflora just coming into bloom
Some young Magnolia Grandiflora were just coming into bloom and lending their delicious fragrance to the salty air. I grew up with just a tree in our front yard and would know it anywhere.
False Indigo BushButterfly sighting
I’m not a butterfly expert, but this pretty one stayed still while I took its portrait.
Green tunnel through the Coastal StrandAtlantic Intracoastal Waterway Traffic
After finishing the 2.25 mile Coastal Strand Trail at North Peninsula, I drove up A1A to Flagler Beach and parked at the Betty Steflik Preserve. I walked around the boardwalk and took just a couple of photos. There were birds but I couldn’t get any photographs of them. I know that Osprey nest in the area. Black buzzards were swooping high above in the light thermals. At No. Peninsula, I also saw a couple of woodpeckers, a Thrush, and heard some Cardinals singing in the brush. There were Florida Whites (butterflies) flitting around and some colorful caterpillars crawling on the ground.
Boardwalk at Betty Steflik’s PreserveMore boat traffic – the waterway is very busy!
After my walk, I stopped by a new restaurant, a little cafe called Hi Tulip. They serve breakfast and lunch only. It was a busy place, with good food, and pleasant staff.
Tomorrow… well, I’ll decide where I want to go. I’ve gotten in some good walks this week!
Sunny's Journal 