Sunny's Journal

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

Today (Tuesday) and yesterday I made a couple of local jaunts to take in yet more scenery and to see if my camera was working alright.

On Monday, I drove through the colorful seaside town of Flagler Beach and continued on to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park, which sits just south of FB city limits. There is a dock for people boating on the Intracoastal, a fishing pier, trailer camping, and a short Nature Trail. I hiked around the nature trail through more of the hammock I had encountered at North Peninsula SP. I learned the names of the primary trees that grow in these hammocks (shady place): Sand Oak, Eastern Red Cedar, Red Bay, Magnolia grandiflora, Sabal Palm (Cabbage Palm) and sometimes Red Maple or Silver Maple. The undergrowth is a confusion of vines and shrubs, with Saw Palmetto dominating. I haven’t learned all the shrub names yet.

After a short ramble through Gamble Rogers, I headed over to Flagler Beach and walked along the boardwalk that goes through the Betty Steflik Nature Preserve. I was intending to walk through town and go window shopping afterward, but decided against it as I was getting too hot.

The Betty Steflik Nature Preserve is on the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway. You can see the SR 100 bridge that links seaside Flagler Beach with the mainland. If visiting the area, keep in mind there are limited bridges accessing the islands. SR 100 is one of the primary ones. The bridge through the Hammock (Palm Coast Parkway) is a toll bridge now ($3.00/tourists; 50 cents for locals). North, you can access I-95 via SR 206 and south, you can go through High Bridge Road (closed during high water) or go onto Ormond Beach.

The Betty Steflik Nature Preserve is primarily boardwalk, crossing shallow inlets lined with mangrove and the occasional red cedar or Yaupon holly. There are some some islands in the midst of the preserve. There you will find Eastern Red Cedar, Red Bay, and Sand Oaks as the predominate trees. The walk continues to a boat launch and bathrooms, situated beneath the SR 100 bridge which looms above.

Today I headed out to Princess Place Preserve, a Flagler County Park, and made a second attempt on hiking Hominy Branch Trail. I found the right trail and followed it to the swampy first crossing, but could go no further. Apparently, part of the trail and boardwalk have been damaged in the numerous hurricanes that have hit the area, especially last year. I made a return trip, walking slowly on the very sandy path beneath an assortment of palms, live oaks, and the occasional Maple, Hickory, or Red Cedar tree. Part of the trail is a bit confusing, but I found my way back to the parking area. If the trail was complete, it would be a 2.5 mile walk.

Next, I made my way to the Lodge, which sits protected by huge Live Oaks on the edge of expansive Pellicer Creek.

The lodge is built of coquina rock, the local limestone. Here’s a link if you’re interested in learning more about this beautiful park:

https://www.flaglercounty.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/2/339

As I have previously mentioned, Princess Place offers several trails, for equestrians and hikers, and biking on dirt roads. There are camping and picnic facilities and a couple of places to launch boats or kayaks. The park has also added three cottages which can be rented. Various large gatherings are held annually at the park.

Fishermen are welcome at Princess Place, too. You can put in a skiff or fish off the shoreline. I believe there is also a kayak/canoe boat trail that traces Pellicer Creek further inland.

I must say my strength and stamina are improving. I get out to walk every day and add in these longer hikes a couple of times weekly. I was able to walk more than four miles today without issue.

It was also a lovely breezy day, with temperatures into the mid-70’s F. I stopped several times just to appreciate and soak in the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. What a soothing music. I’ll take it any day rather than canned music.

So, there’s some of my ramblings in Flagler County. It is my way of giving everyone a respite from the hysteria rising from the latest false flag attempts by the Deep State.

BTW, I used to do trip reports for the Mountaineers (Seattle, WA). While Flagler County certainly isn’t the Cascade Mountains, it is a pretty place in its own right and my favorite area in Florida thus far.

Getting out into Nature is very healing. I hardily recommend it if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a break from electronics.

Many blessings. Peace.

Eliza

http://sunnysjournal.com

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