Sunny's Journal

Today I tackled another chunk of the 8 mile Lehigh Trail, which is part of an old railroad right-of-way. I started the hike from the parking lot of the Hidden Lake Trail just off of Old King’s Road north of Royal Palm. I had to walk across the bridge over the canal along side the road and then hopped onto the paved Lehigh Trail. This trail is popular with bikers, walkers, and in-line skaters (none seen today). No restroom is provided off of Old King’s Road, but there is one at the trail terminus on Colbert Road. There are periodic benches and trash cans for those who want to rest, too.

I followed the new bit of trail that heads south off the Lehigh Trail. It’s called the Graham Swamp Trail (there’s more than one!). The bridge had a concrete deck which I thought was interesting.

The boardwalk/bridge extended over a low-lying area.

I turned around on the side trail and headed back to the Lehigh Trail. My goal today was to reach the turnaround place where I had finished my walk starting from the eastern terminus. I made it.

There were squirrel sightings (always) and some birds, including the Great Blue Heron, some Black Buzzards, and tiny wrens flitting around.

The Black Buzzards enjoy cruising the thermal air currents when there is a wind present. Not today. It was humid and clouds were building.

Walking through this swamp jungle would not be a pleasant undertaking. It is full of venomous snakes, alligators, wild hogs, etc. Fortunately I didn’t spot any of the varmits today and was walking on a firm tarmacked path.

I found the eastern end of the trail to be prettier and more pleasant, with more protective tree canopy. The western end (at Old King’s Road) has a power line running parallel and all trees and shrubs have been cut back so as not to interfere with line repair (especially for hurricane damage).

I found out that Spanish Moss is an air plant. It isn’t a moss and certainly not Spanish having no nationality attached! Oaks in this lowland area frequently have Spanish moss hanging from them, blowing lightly in the occasional breeze. It’s a Southern thing.

There were lots of people out although the trail is long enough to handle the crowds. Today was a holiday (Veteran’s Day being on the 11th). Government workers, banks and the Post Office get the day off.

I ended my hike on the Hidden Lake Trail which allowed me to drop down off of Old King’s Road. The trail is one-mile long around Hidden Lake, but I didn’t walk it today since I had already completed 4+ miles.

Hidden Lake is well-named. It is mostly hidden even from the path.

Well, yet another walk done. I continue to learn more about my new surroundings, finding trails, parking lots, and access.

Perhaps sometime soon I can save up to get a cruiser bike so I can go farther on these outings.

The skies were mostly overcast today. Someone was chem trailing the skies trying to get a storm going, I guess. Florida does receive a lot of geoengineering from HAARP and chem trails. I can so do without it. I love the blue bird skies that are more natural to winter-time Florida.

And after all that effort, I treated myself to some tasty Mexican fare.

I hope you enjoy the photos such as they are.

Respectfully, Eliza

https://sunnysjournal.com

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

Location: Flagler County

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Today I chose another close-by trail, starting at Waterfront Park and following the Intracoastal Waterway north to Linear Park, all the way to beneath the Palm Coast Parkway Bridge. The trail is completely paved, partially shaded, and has provided benches, picnic tables, bike repair/air stations, and a restroom at Waterfront Park. There is also a play area at the park for children. Along the path (about .4 miles in, there is the Children’s Memorial Park, where plaques have been placed in memory of family members.

The waterway was busy today with an assortment of boats, from large cruisers, to sailboats, and the occasional fishing boat. People were fishing off the bridges and along the shoreline where you could access the water. At Waterfront Park, there is a fishing pier, too.

Further along the trail cross two bridges until it meets Linear Park. These trails connect in with the rest of the extensive web of trails within Palm Coast and surrounding areas.

When I reached the bridge, I found a picnic table and sat down for a little water/snack break. The trailhead was a short distance away. Then I turned south again to complete my return trip.

Waterfront Park is accessed off of Colbert Lane, just south of Palm Coast Parkway. A windy road takes you to a small parking area so get there early.

It was a peaceful walk today, with a lot more people due to the popularity of this walkway. There are condos that line the northern part of the trail, as well as private boat docks. Bicyclists and walkers partake of the exercise allowed by traveling this trail. Most everyone was very friendly and sharing the trail.

The temperature was probably in the mid-70’s although in the sun it felt warmer. Still, it was pleasant weather compared to what many people are currently experiencing.

I hope you enjoy the photos.

Best wishes, Eliza

Camera: Nikon Coolpix, L830

Location, Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL

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Today I stayed closer to home, selecting the Graham Swamp Pond Trail which travels 2.18 miles between Old Kings Road and Colbert Road. This coquina and broadwalk trail connects up with the rest of the extensive trail system (hikers/bikers) within and around Palm Coast.

Being a weekday, I only saw about 8 people, one dog, and one cyclist. The main trailhead is off of Old Kings Road. There is an portion of the trail extending into a neighborhood, but I didn’t look that over today.

After leaving Old Kings Road and I-95 (which parallels Old Kings Road) the noise is also left behind until the trail approaches Colbert Road. Then you can choose several different destinations.

After returning to the car, I drove to Waterfront Park which fronts up on the Intracoastal Waterway. From an overlook, you can watch the boat traffic on the waterway or admire some huge houses across the river. There is a trail at Waterfront Park that travels north towards the Hammock Bridge and beyond.

After a 4+ mile hike, I had enough for the day. It was time to stop at the grocery store and pick up a few items.

I’ll go back to this Graham Swamp Trail. It is a pleasant walk. There is also a more primitive trail that encircles the pond near the trailhead, but it had some fallen trees on it and I didn’t feel like crawling on damp ground to get around them. The primitive trail does end at the wider Graham Swamp Trail. Having hiked for some 50 odd years, my eyes are attuned to spotting even the most vague trail. It is apparent the pond trail doesn’t receive a lot of usage.

Traffic is an issue in some areas of Palm Coast, as it is in any growing region in Florida, but there are ways to get around it which I am discovering.

Oh, I looked up the species/genus of the local pines, Pinus plaustris or Longleaf Pine. They used to grow from Florida to Texas and north into Virginia. Being especially tall (some up to 100 ft.) and straight, lumbermen were, of course, drawn to cutting them down so few original stands of Longleaf Pine survive. Fortunately, these pines are found still in the various preserves found in this part of Florida. The bark reminds me somewhat of the Ponderosa or Yellow Pine found in drier western forests. Both pines have 3-needle bunches, although the Longleaf pine’s needles are very long.

I’ve always have been curious about the natural world and look up things that come to my attention. Thus, I am always learning something new, which keeps the mind sharp and attentive to its surroundings.

So… there was my mild adventure for today. Hope you enjoy the photos.

Enjoy your week, everyone!

Eliza

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

Location: Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL

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Off I went on another jaunt to Princess Place Preserve. Along with Bulow Woods, PPP is one of my area faves. It was cloudy, breezy, cool and perfect hiking weather, temps in high 60’s. The clouds were lingering above but there wasn’t any rain, although some was forecasted.

I parked at the picnic area next to the wonderful covered bridge over Stiles Creek and sauntered over to the bridge to look it over.

I saw more birds today. While it was Saturday, the park is big enough to space people out. On my walk I met only a few people walking their dogs or driving by on the loop road.

After checking out the bridge, I headed towards a chunk of the Hominy Branch Trail I hoped to complete today and followed a road that goes towards one of the lodges. There is a bridge over Stiles Creek, but beyond it there was a sign posted “No Public Access”, effectively blocking off the middle portion of Hominy Branch Trail. The western portion of the trail is blocked by high waters. Since one portion is completely blocked by privacy fences, it is apparent the loop can no longer be completed. Things have changed since I last walked the loop.

Foiled by the Hominy Branch, I turned my attention to a portion of the horse trail that travels through the forest to the loop road. Several years ago, I had also hiked through this portion of trail although it was soon after Hurricane Matthew and crews were busy cutting up and removing huge chunks of oak trees etc that fell during the high winds. Today the broad grassy path was serene and peaceful.

Passing a few ponds, I entered into the mostly oak, pine, and Sabal Palm forest on the wide path.

There were no horses present today and I was alone with the trees. Wonderful. The grass was slightly damp but I didn’t encounter any huge mudholes today.

I connected with the loop road and then walked past the Lodge, connecting with the paved portion of the Creekside Trail. I was aiming to do a full loop walk back to my car.

When I arrived back at the car, I walked over to the edge of Stiles Creek and sat at the picnic table. Then I noticed I had some company. A small heron was perched in a half-dead oak tree clinging to the edge of the creek. The bird was slightly hunched as the breeze stirred its feathers. It was aware of my presence but appeared unafraid. We just sat there quietly admiring the view for a while. Periodically, I could also see and hear the pair of Osprey that have been nesting near Stiles Creek for years. They were flying above the tall slender Slash Pine on the edge of the creek.

I don’t know how many miles I walked today, but perhaps 3 to 4 at a leisurely pace. I do enjoy being outside in Nature.

Hope you enjoy the photos. They are a little dark since it was quite overcast, but lend a moodiness to the subject.

Enjoy!

Eliza

https://sunnysjournal.com

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

Location: Princess Place Preserve, Flagler County Park, FL

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As I prepared to leave the house for another walk at Bulow Woods, I glanced up at the lowering skies. It looked like it could rain… somewhere. Still I chanced the weather and packed up the car.

Upon arriving at the tiny parking spot off of Walter Boardman Road, I packed up my things, got my camera out, and headed across the road to the middle section of Bulow Woods. This portion of the 6.8 mile trail is also mostly on old road, which is used by the rangers to patrol the park and do maintenance.

The trail was in pretty good shape and had been recently cleared and graded in places. Piles of debris outlined the main route.

On the way in, I met a man walking his dog. There were some rain drops plopping down and we exchanged some friendly words.

The trail eventually reaches a powerline cut allowing for some brief views of nearby Bulow Creek. Other than that, views are not a thing on this portion of trail.

The northern most portion of the Bulow Woods Trail was badly damaged by the last series of storms, including two hurricanes. And even in drier conditions, portions of the loop trail can be subject to flooding during periods of high water. Years ago, I squished my way around the 5.0 mile loop, dodging under branches and climbing over damp mossy fallen trees. Hiking can be an adventure sometimes and isn’t for the faint-hearted.

Since I couldn’t proceed any further — without violating the warnings from the rangers posted on the northern terminus of the trail (Plantation Ruins SP road), I snapped a few photos and turned around.

By this time, the clouds inland were beginning to break up and show a little blue. Still, with every gust of wind drops of water landed on my head, as I endeavored to shelter my little camera.

The trail was a portrait in light and dark as clouds scudded across the sky above. I continued on, heading south until I noticed a vehicle on the old road — a ranger SUV. Another walker was talking to the ranger as I approached. I politely waited so I could ask the ranger a few questions.

The northern most portion of the Bulow Woods Trail doesn’t have road access. The maintenance has to be done on foot, lugging in equipment and manpower. Apparently there are downed trees, branches, and assorted debris, plus some of the minor bridges have been damaged. The ranger stated they had just finished the survey of the trail and will be gathering volunteers to assist with the clean-up. He thought the work would be done by sometime in December.

I’ve been on that trail. It is the deepest and wildest portion of the woods, with HUGE old growth trees, Red Maple, Pignut Hickories, Red Bay, Magnolia grandiflora, Eastern Red Cedar, Sabal Palms, and assorted shrubs, ferns, and tons of Saw Palmetto covering the forest floor. It is a wonderful, enchanting trail and I hope it will be cleaned up quickly, with the help of younger and stronger arms than my own.

After reaching my car, I decided to head towards the ocean. I stopped briefly at North Peninsula Beach Access. There are a few parking spaces off of SR A1A and a wooden beach access leading down to the steep cinnamon beach. The waves were lashing the wooden structure and covering most of the beach. There were a few surf fishermen attempting to catch something in the stormy waters. One fisherman dragged in a wad of seaweed which the waves had tossed up towards the shoreline.

I decided against venturing down the ramp onto the beach. The surf was deafening. Salt spray was flying and the wind kept pushing incessantly at me.

I decided to leave and climbed into the car to start towards Flagler Beach. Minutes after starting north, a brief heavy shower dampened the road. Whatever the weather was going to do, it was vigorating to be there feeling the strength of Nature at some of her wildest moments.

Another outing, briefer than most… I’m still recovering from yesterday plus a headache.

Another brief note: Despite the threat of rain, the trail remained dry underfoot, which was quite a relief. I wasn’t eager to dip my feet into some more sandy mud!

Eliza

https://sunnysjournal.com

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

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Today I headed north from Flagler Beach along A1A. I was trying to figure out what to do and first stopped at Varn Beach. The wind was howling and clouds were scudding across a threatening sky. The tide was extremely high and there was very little beach to walk on. Piles of suds were sweeping across the cinnamon sand. Hmmm. I’m not a beach bum on the best of days, so I thought… I’ll head to a hammock!

I stopped briefly at Jungle Hut Beach and met the same winds and clouds. It was a challenge just to get to the edge of the beach as the wind was driving sand grains against my bare legs. Okay… I’m heading elsewhere.

Oh, yes… next on my agenda was the River to Sea Preserve. Long ago it was home to the indigenous tribes of Florida. They ate well on shellfish and fish. Many of the mounds where the hammocks lie today were built up by piles of shells called middens.

Immediately upon entering the scrubby brush and then the trees, I was sheltered from the strong onshore breezes. I could hear the distant surf, but it was calm under the trees.

The loop trail at the River to Sea Preserve first follows an old road, with several branches. The main loop is about a mile long and easy walking on sand and grass surface. Dogs are allowed. There are a couple of side trails leading to Matzanas River or the Intracoastal Waterway. The river sees a continuous stream of all sorts of boats and barges.

This “river” is partially artificial, having been dug to facilitate the travel of smaller boats. At one time when roads were questionable, it was commonplace for the larger landowners to access their properties via boat. I don’t know the depth of the canal. There is ocean access just to the north near Fort Matzanas.

As I was walking along the trail, I spied a tiny colorful snake. Having seen photos of the coral snake and knowing that it is a native reptile, I carefully admired its bright skin and allow the beastie to slip into the woods and out of sight. Canebrake Rattlesnakes, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes, Water Mocassins, and Copperheads also live in the hammocks and sand dunes. Every park has a sign with their photos.

After completing the nature trail at River to Sea Preserve, I headed south to one of my favorite parks in the area, Washington Oak Gardens SP. It is a $5 fee to get into the park for an individual. I don’t know what the family rate is off hand. I have an annual SP pass which is paying for itself with all of my jaunts to State Parks.

I started out on the Bella Vista Nature Trail, which is 1.7 miles long, traveling through hammock, into sandy coastal scrub and then dives back into the shady hammock. The trail is sandy but easy. Dogs are welcome. Dogs and bikes are not allowed in the formal gardens of the park.

The gardeners at Washington Oak Gardens look very happy with their work. It is a big park, but they can get around on gators with trailers, if they are grooming plants.

Similar to Princess Place, Washington Oak Gardens used to be a private estate located off of SR A1A. There are formal gardens filled with subtropicals, including bamboo, Bananas, Lily turf, camellias and evergreen azaleas. The camellias are just starting to pop. I’ll go back to see them in full flower. The shrubs are ancient, but have lovely double blooms. The roses in the rose garden are quite fragrant and probably are ancient hybrid teas. They were in the process of putting out a new flush of top growth.

After the rose garden, I swung around the walk that leads to benches and picnic tables on the edge of the river. In the past, I’ve seen dolphins swimming down the river, but not today. A lot of fishermen like to fish from the bulkhead there.

I was getting tired after my 3+ mile walk, so I headed back to the car and headed to Flagler Beach to treat myself to fish and chips. And then home.

There you go… another outing. I’m not venturing out too far… gasoline is pricey these days and I still get easily fatigued, but I am enjoying my little jaunts.

I hope everyone is holding up well during these testing times. Being in Nature is very grounding and calming. Get some if you can, too! We all need to practice self-care these days!

Much love,

Eliza

https://sunnysjournal.com

Camera: Nikon Coolpix L830

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_snake