January 21

Today, Clif and I went for a 7.5 mile hike through Hal Scott Park in East Orange County.  We experienced the "Real Florida".  From going around the lake, through the pine forest (which was scorched due to a recent controlled burn), then onto the cypress flood plain of the Econlochatchee River, through hardwoods, and back again.  We were looking for wildlife.  The only thing was saw "alive" were numerous birds....woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks, vultures, but no mammals. :(

We did however, see evidence of animals...rootings left behind from wild boars.  Deer, bobcat, raccoon, and bear tracks, yes bear tracks.  Clif didn't believe me, but I pointed out the pads and the longer foot of the back paw, verses the one ahead that was shorter and had long claw marks of the front paw.  It wasn't another mile down the trail that we spied a bear trap.

It was wonderful to enjoy God's creation.  It was silent other than the chirping of birds, the breeze cooled our heated bodies, the sun shone brightly upon us.  We are fortunate to have time available to escape and rejuvenate ourselves for the week ahead.

                        
                                                               The Econlochatchee River

                       
                                   Trail crossing over the Econlochatchee River