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.
Hammock Bridge (toll)
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.
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.
Graham Swamp TrailThe trail goes up on boardwalk over swampy areas.
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.
Pond near Colbert Road and the end of the trailWaterfront Park, Palm Coast
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.
To all my friends out there who know what’s really going on… To all my conspiracy theorist friends… Yes, sometimes it’s a curse and not always a blessing to be awake.
Awakening is the most liberating, alienating, excruciating, empowering, lonely, confusing, freeing, frightening, expansive journey. If you find yourself struggling as you try to process all this insanity, you are not alone.
No one talks about the darkness that accompanies awakening, or the GRIEF. Not only grieving the life and illusions you once had but the realization that almost everything you thought you once knew, is a LIE. The beliefs you’ve held, people you’ve trusted, principles you were taught- ALL LIES.
Shattering illusions is RARELY an enjoyable experience. There is a considerable amount of discomfort that comes with growth and the grieving process doesn’t stop there. With these newfound realizations, you then find yourself grieving all over again. Grieving the loss of many relationships with people who just don’t “get it”.
Feeling alone; being ridiculed and shamed, not only by the masses but for many of you, your very own family and friends too. Feeling like you no longer have much in common with the people you are surrounded by. Struggling with carrying on bullshit, shallow conversations that lack substance with those who are still fast asleep. Even feeling disconnected from your entire support system because they can’t see what you see.
Some even grieve the loss of their ignorance- because “ignorance is bliss” and reality is harsh. Awakening can be a lonely road and you will often find yourself journeying alone.
There is no way to sugarcoat it- Awakening to the realities of this world is brutal. It will have you running through the entire gamut of human emotions. You have to master the art of diving down the darkest of rabbit holes only to come out and still function in daily life, and that’s a skill people don’t talk about enough.
Some of you are struggling with feeling disconnected from family and friends, it’s as though they exist in another world. Please know you are not alone, and not only are you not alone, you have an entire tribe standing with you. We may be separated by miles, but we are DEEPLY connected; in purpose and in spirit.
Author unknown.
* * *
Note to Readers:
So, how is the awakening process going for you?
Weekly I learn something that brings to mind all of the lies and disinformation I’ve been fed for decades about spirituality, about self-growth, about my connection to soul family, etc.
Yes, it can be painful to realize that you have been lied to, manipulated, fooled, even when you thought you were more open-minded than most.
For my family, I’ve been “out-there” for decades. None of those still living are connected to me any more. Still, as a star seed, I guess I was placed within a family that had issues. Many of us do this on purpose.
Not many normies understand my need for solitude. Where once I may have felt compelled to join with friends and acquaintenances to participate in activities, now I avoid most of it… and seek my own company, with a book or a walk in Nature.
It may be difficult to wake up to the lies we have all been fed, all of our lives, by our families, friends, acquaintenances, and various levels of authority figures. Yet, this is a necessary process, one of evolution, for this is what humanity is undergoing. From being perennial victims of circumstances, we are moving into self-determination, taking back our sovereignty and inner power, acknowledging that we are more than what we appear to the world, even if we don’t quite understand what that is.
Learning about the origin of the Terra Hu, Earth humanity has assisted me in understanding and honoring the amazing development of our Earth hu species. Our physical avatars allow for the attachment of highly developed souls to come here and incarnate, raising the frequency of the planet as they do so. We are truly multidimensional beings and if you don’t understand this concept, you will, eventually, in your own time.
Our brothers, sisters, and cousins, the benevolent Star Nations, are watching us pass through this painful process from being ignorant teenagers to becoming fully fledged galactic humans. Their cultures have already undergone this process long ago, but there are other cultures on other worlds that are still struggling, even as Earth humanity struggles to free themselves of the shackles placed upon their race hundreds of thousands of years ago by an illegal, disrespectful, hate-filled off-world faction of Anunnaki, aligned with their cohorts, the Ciakahrr Reptilians. No more… the control factors are breaking, disintegrating, and being exposed daily. This is the Great Awakening of the Terra Hu and you… and I… are a part of it. A part of HISTORY.
So, I will take heart in knowing that as a wayshower, I have performed my mission to the utmost. By enduring the ridicule and dislike of my extended family, I have prevailed over the ignorance of accepting the terms of the established and highly corrupt order.
As a starseed and envoy, I have been a part of bringing down forever the dark empire of the Nebu, in the final battles of the Orion Wars. The Black League (the Rebellion as portrayed in the Star Wars series) has finally prevailed and by acknowledging this as truth, I have acknowledged my own worth even though the rest of humanity doesn’t seem to at this moment.
I didn’t come here to be cheered and accepted. I came here to transform the darkness into Light, expose the corruption, and just be… sovereign and free within my own consciousness. In itself, this is quite an accomplishment. Self-acceptance, self-love… which will free my soul and allow me to return Home when this stage is complete, on to another adventure.
I am at Peace.
Eliza
P.S. Elena Danaan just explained the differences between “starseeds” and “envoys”. If you are curious about this, sign up for the replay of her latest webinar. You can sign up on her website: http://www.elenadanaan.org.
I know I’m going to listen to the replay, again, myself, as there was quite a bit of interference coming through the internet connection. The dark ones don’t want this sort of information coming out and revealing all their efforts to keep Earth humanity in ignorance about their true worth. And they certainly don’t want people to realize that other worlds exist, that ETs walk among us, and are watching over our progress with great interest.
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Perhaps one of the toughest things we’ve had to live with during this time, is the frustration of not knowing what to do to turn things around.
They have done such a good job at making us feel powerless, that it seems impossible to defeat the evil that runs the world.
Like an invasive weed in a garden, they have crept and crawled and infiltrated every aspect of society; every institution, every industry, every major corporation, every media outlet, all of f academia, everything… absolutely everything, is under their influence and control.
But it really all hangs by a thread, a thread of deception and engineered illusion.
They are the ones who are scared beyond imagination, they are the ones whose existence depends solely on our lethargic, hypnotic acquiescence, but the minute we open our eyes and say ‘no more’, their entire evil house of cards will come crashing down at the speed of light.
Remember, they are the ones that need us to survive, they are the ones that depend on our stupidity to maintain their power, they are the ones that are existentially scared and having to continually control everything we think, hear and see, for their own survival.
How exhausting and terrifying to be those evil few whose life depends on billions of us complying to their madness.
The question is simply how much longer will we follow the Pied Piper’s tune to our own demise? How much longer will people cling on to the false safety of their mental prisons? How much longer will we choose to live in denial rather than confront the crude reality? How many people will have to die ‘suddenly and unexpectedly’ for everyone to react? How many senseless wars will it take? How deep is the hypnotic trance that people are under?
Many of us realised that the only thing we could do to accelerate change was to assist in the awakening process; if the only way to destroy the matrix is to help ‘unplug’ people from it, then that’s what we would do.
Every seed of truth that you plant in your own network is extremely important.
This is a grass root movement, it’s success lies in the power each of us have to affect change in those around us, not just by word, but by example.
So when you find yourself feeling frustrated with the situation and wanting to do something about it, just know that every small act of defiance, every word of truth, every informed choice, every act of courage and every step you take in the right direction, is helping all of us get there.
Never underestimate the importance of who you are and what you stand for. That is your mission, your contribution and your greatest purpose, so make it count.
Stiles Creek with Moody Skies, Princess Place Preserve
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.
One-lane covered bridge @ Princess Place PreserveEgret and Wetlands, Stiles Creek
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.
Female Anhinga making her presence known
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.
Peaceful Pond, Princess Place Preserve
Passing a few ponds, I entered into the mostly oak, pine, and Sabal Palm forest on the wide path.
Equestrian Trail, Princess Place Preserve
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.
Pellicer Creek, Princess Place Preserve
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.
View of wooden bridge from NELittle Blue Heron perched above Stiles Creek
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.
Another view of Stiles Creek from the south of the bridge
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.
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.
Powerline cut allows a view of Bulow Creek
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.
Creek crossing and end of the road for today
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.
A leaf-strewn trail
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.
Sunshine illuminating Saw Palmetto
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.
Crashing waves and strong wind gusts – storm at sea
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!
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.
Pond at River to Sea Preserve – catch & release onlyOld Road at River to Sea Preserve
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.
River to Sea Preserve – Intracoastal Waterway
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.
Picnic Area on the River
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.
Yes, Dorothy… there are snakes. Coral Snake, venomous.
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.
Bella Vista Nature Trail 1.7 miles Washington Oak Gardens SP
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.
Well-groomed Bella Vista Nature Trail
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.
Matzanas River
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!
After a few days to rest, I went on a short ramble in Bulow Creek State Park once again, retracing my steps from Walter Boardman Road south on the old road towards Cedar Creek. The trail is still under water across the wetlands; it may take a month or so of dry weather to reveal the trail.
Tri-colored Heron at Cedar Creek
I did spot a heron at the Creek and managed not to spook it.
Next, I traced another portion of the old road that heads towards Bulow Creek on the eastern edge of the woods. There I picked up the blue loop trail that circles around this quiet part of the woods.
Bulow Woods Loop Trail
After diving into the forest, I eventually lost the trace due to some fallen trees (probably from the latest hurricane) and turned back without completing the loop. Back on the old road, I found the end of the loop and traced it back until stopped by a pile of fallen trees and some confusion. Again, I retraced my steps, back to the old road.
Next, I found the entrance to a “secret” little peninsula that juts out into Bulow Creek, giving one a view of High Bridge Road across the wetlands of the creek.
Trail to the little peninsulaBulow Creek from peninsulaLooking SW towards lush Bulow WoodsOld road through Bulow Woods
I knew the existence of all these trails from previous visits in 2016 and early 2017. And if anyone is concerned about me hiking alone, don’t be… I’ve been hiking since my twenties, backpacking, skiing, etc. I was alone for most of the trip, along with some birds and squirrels. The woods were very quiet, with just a light breeze starting up when I was out in the peninsula with access to the tannic waters of Bulow Creek.
The coast is not very far from Bulow Woods. A drive along Walter Boardman Road to High Bridge Road will put a driver onto SR A1A, the coastal highway. There it is a choice to go left (to Flagler Beach/St. Augustine) or right (Ormond Beach). I had wanted to also visit North Peninsula SP, but decided against any more walking. I’m still regaining my stamina and pay close attention to how my body is feeling.
For anyone planning to visit the area, Bulow Woods can be accessed from Old Dixie Highway, one exit south of SR 100 and north of Ormond Beach. Old Dixie Highway passes under an overhanging canopy of Live Oaks until reaching the prairie and wetlands near Tomoka State Park, just outside of the northern fringe of Ormond Beach.
Well, there is my trip report for today. Hope you enjoy the photos. The morning was foggy so the colors are quite muted.
Journal Entry – Princess Place Preserve, Flagler County
Long Leaf Trail – Princess Place
Today I visited Princess Place Preserve, one of my favorite semi-wild areas in the Palm Coast vicinity. The trail I had picked out isn’t one with scenic views, just wide mowed trails passing beneath towering Slash Pine and Live Oaks, bordered by saw palmetto. It was peaceful. The trail is a combined hiker/horse trail. It has mostly sandy/grass surface, but there were a few muddy spots. I had to do a green belay off of some saw palmetto to get by a particularly deep pool and still got my old walking shoes soaked through. The past “wet” season has been… wet, really wet. The hammocks show it, with standing water in every low spot. Mosquitos are an issue, too, and will be until it gets cold enough to stop the latest hatch.
The trail was a 1.5 mile loop and I took it in a leisurely fashion, having hiked several miles the previous day.
The trail curves around the edge of Pellicer Creek, but there are few views due to the heavy scrub at the water’s edge.
Pellicer Creek Wetlands, a salt marshAn oak tree mirrored in a temporary pool
About half way through this hike, I sat for a long time on a bench, just relishing being in the woods, with the distant sounds of airplanes, birds, and a light breeze playing through the tall slender pines. I really relish the time spent in nature.
Styles Creek at high tide
After I finished the hike, I drove to another part of the Preserve. Being Saturday, there were campers and fisherpeople everywhere. I snapped a few photos and moved on.
View near Moody Point.
The area has changed physically as a result of hurricanes, which is to be expected. For example, the turn-around and picnic area on Moody Point has been truncated. A new fence stops cars and a new bench was just erected. A couple of guys were talking and fishing so I didn’t bother them. There are a few small parking pull-offs available on the dead-end road.
From the bridge going to the Legacy Trail
A couple of days ago, I hiked the Legacy Trail. A good portion of it was sticky mud and standing puddles. I didn’t feel like handling it today and instead choose the easy one mile stroll around Artesian Trail, which goes by a natural spring-fed pond on one portion of the trail.
Sun dappled Artesian TrailSome wildlifeCanoe put-in spot off the Moody Point Road
Having completed my second hike of the morning, I headed home, but I’ll be back. Eventually I will be strong enough to connect several of these trails together in a long and satisfying hike. Right now, I am grateful to have the time and opportunity to visit these beautiful spots in Flagler County.
I’ve been going out on half-day excursions in the local area (for starters). On Thursday, I headed to Jubbah Beach which just lies south of Marine Land off of SR A1A. There seemed to be some construction going on in part of the beach, reconstructing the precious dunes that probably took a beating in the latest hurricane to hit the area. This particular beach (as well as several in the area) has coquina outcroppings, so it isn’t advisable to swim or surf. The waves were high, the wind strong as a line of thick clouds made it towards the shoreline.
Jubbah BeachMala Compra Beach Access
I find it hard to settle when beachcombing so I just walk, to and fro. Frankly, I find these beaches a little boring compared to the Pacific beaches with their coves, inlets, and tidal pools. There were shells, just the common varieties, cockles and oysters. Most everything else was thoroughly ground up by the relentless wave action… creating more coquina.
Sea Turtle Sculpture Mala Compra Beach
Next, I wandered down to the next beach I was interested in, Mala Compra. The access road is located off of SR A1A across from Bing’s Landing. This beach has a large parking area, bathrooms, and allows horses and dogs. When I climbed up over the protective dune, I could see some horses to the north. I stomped down the slope to the firmer sands and started my walk. This beach also has coquina outcroppings and a wicked surf. I’ve been there before when I first came to Florida on a visit and stayed at the nearby condominums. The beach has changed and a lot of the coquina has been buried beneath layers of sand.
What I really like about the beaches in Flagler County is the county parks are all free. Some allow dogs. Parking is free. If you live or are staying nearby, you can walk to the nearest beach access. The main beaches have parking but check first. Some of the beaches have bathroom facilities, too. The sand is mostly coarse, so if you have tender feet, you might want to wear beach shoes.
I was going to visit the River to Sea Preserve, but there was a truck blocking the entrance, so I drove on towards Flagler Beach. When I arrived in town, I noticed a lot of construction going on. The town is growing some more. Part of the centrally located park is being developed into a three-story motel, something that makes the local restauranteurs happy. While Flagler Beach retains much of its old Florida charm, it is still filling up with new houses tucked into small lots. It is a town vulnerable to hurricanes and storm surge. The old fishing pier has not yet been repaired after the latest storms. I wouldn’t buy a house in town… and the prices have skyrocketed like much of Florida.
I visited the little art gallery, GOLA, to see what it looks like today. I worked there for a few months when I lived in Flagler County prior to moving south to Palm Beach County. GOLA displays and sells the work of local artists.
Today, Friday, I headed back to Bulow Woods State Park, starting a hike on the Fairchild Oak Trail. This trail goes 6.8 miles north to Plantation Ruins, but parts of the trail are currently under water or the bridges damaged from the latest storms. I hiked as far as I could go without rubber boots… to Cedar Creek Meadows.
Fairchild Oak Trail is partially on an old sandy roadbed through the hammockCedar Creek Wetlands and my turn-around pointFairchild Oak is 700 years old, surviving storm, fire, and human activity
After my hike in Bulow Woods on the Fairchild Oak Trail, I headed over to the eastern terminus of Lehigh Trail. This trail is fully paved, with benches, trash cans, and periodic bike repair stations. The trail is part of an interconnected series of trails located throughout Palm Coast, traveling parallel to Royal Palm Parkway and through Graham Swamp. It makes a grand touring trail for bikers. No motorized vehicles are allowed. I walked about a mile in on the trail, which does have some boardwalk, but is mostly paved. Occasionally, you can see remnants of the old railroad that probably carried gravel and sand from a local quarry to the old concrete plant on Corbert Road. There is a large parking area off of Colbert Road. Lehigh Road travels through Palm Coast clear to Hwy 1 just north of Bunnell.
Lehigh Trail near Colbert Road, Palm Coast, FLBerries on Lehigh Trail
The thin tall trees of the surrounding swamp leaned over the Lehigh Trail shading it like a leafy avenue. There was open swamp on both sides, crowded with wiry scrub. Thin maples were dropping colorful leaves. Even here in Florida, autumn had arrived. Eastern Red Cedar, red maple, yampon holly, and oaks bent over the trail or lined it like a hedge.
Graham SwampA bright blossom lining the trail
After completing the hike, I was quite tired. If I’m feeling well enough, I’m thinking of going to Princess Place again for another photographic trail walk.
Hope you enjoyed this little photo blog. I know I’ll sleep well after all this exercise and fresh air. BTW, the skies were overcast most of the time, with temps in the high 70’s. I was very comfortable except on the Fairchild Oak Trail near Cedar Creek, where I got blasted by swarms of mosquitoes.
Sunny's Journal 