We've hiked this park before when our boys were much younger...say at least 10-12 years ago. So, from what we remembered, the south end of the hike wasn't very shady. We opted to start there and finish the day in the shade. Well, after this many years, trees grow, fires come, and landscapes change. We started in the shade, mid-way through... in the full sun, and ended going in and out of both! We were surprised with how much prettier the south trail loop has become. What was a sand pit we once crossed is now an overgrown field of sawgrass!
Thought you might enjoy a few pictures of our 6.6 mile journey through various landscapes.....
The south loop was dense with gallberry bushes. These become an abundance in pine forests, especially after a fire. Wildlife love to feed off of this plant. Although we didn't see the actual animals, we identified several species of animal tracks to/from the plants.
Who says you have to go oceanside to enjoy walking through white fluffy sand?!
AAAHHH, a much needed rest at the Lake Loop overlook. We used our binoculars to spy some
mallard ducks swimming further out in the pond. Listening to the chirping birds, splashing fish, and the rustling leaves within the trees brought a sense of tranquility over us. Do I really need to finish the hike?
Animals, you gotta love them. I tried to get a picture of this huge armadillo, but it was too quick and into a palmetto bush it hid. Then we spied a fox squirrel which raced too high in the tree to get a good pic. I just love the fox squirrel. They are so clumsy looking when the move, yet have a bushy tail resembling a fox, hence its name. It was cute to watch.
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