As I follow along with many of other blogging friends, I find myself feeling like a bump on the log. Nearly everyone else is busy hiking. biking, traveling and seeing places new to them. Nearly everyone…..except Bob and me ! Our life has gotten as slow as Molasses in January. I am not even going to apologize for that because in my opinion it has been long, long, long overdue.
Last week, however, Sherri and I left our men on their own and headed out to explore the Bear Swamp Trail. It is a wonderful mile and a half loop through the scrub forest filled with majestic oak trees draped in Spanish Moss. 
The forest is also home to ancient Dogwood, Hickory and Magnolia trees overhead. It is wonderful to see how it has matured with protection of the US Forest Service.
As we meandered along the path we were surprised to find a wonderful boardwalk winding through the swamp filled with Palms, Cypress and the many tall slender pines. Oh the peacefulness !!.
At a few points we wondered if we may get lost due to the dense shade as it was difficult seeing the sun. Thoughts kept running through our minds the possibility of meeting face to face with one of those humongous Burmese Pythons which are taking over Florida. Now that would have put a bounce back in our step again.
The gall attached to the Cypress tree was nearly 35 feet off the forest floor and I can only imagine how tall this massive tree must have been at one time before the crown had broken off.
The one thing that I do find odd here is the strange absence of birds. We figured for sure we would find more of a presence of fine feathered friends.
The days are becoming longer and warmer so are the signs of spring. Very strange for us to grasp with the calendar still showing the first week of February.
We need to return to watch Spring unfold before our eyes and to give hope to our family and friends that, in fact, relief from winter’s grasp is on it’s way.
Very cool ,wish I was there....beats being here on 36th St.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree 36th street is not as exciting this time of year...but if we should ever cross paths with that Python...my feelings may well change. How much snow is on the ground now Fernando?
DeleteThe wonderful thing about life is that no matter where we are... or who we are... we can all find beauty where we're at. Bad grammar... but you know what I mean. Enjoy it all... and I think you are!
ReplyDeleteSharon I know exactly what you mean...beauty is always in the eye of the beholder. I am enjoying your blog from Spain. By the way, I love your header picture, you and Bill look just like the locals.
DeleteAt this present camp being so close to the highway we hardly hear any birds just the constant drone of traffic. At Yellow Jacket Rv Park we sometimes had to raise our voices to here ourselves above the chirping and calls of the birds.
ReplyDeleteKathy has been having a hard time understanding how this is still winter here when we are not getting the sXXw they are getting back home. The temperatures can't be beat either. Be Safe and Enjoy!
It's about time.
Richard and Kathy. We find ourselves having to pinch one another with this fabulous weather...I have enjoyed it immensely. It is quite a contrast to our travels of last winter. We are not able to feed the birds here due to the bear activity which may well be the reason for their absence.
DeleteHi Sue. Apparently we are in the same neighborhood, we hiked the Bear Swamp Trail this afternoon. Great post, both your words and photos covered the trail very nicely.
ReplyDeleteJohn and Ellen
connectedtothevinephotography.blogspot.com
Wow, Thank you John and Ellen...are you staying at Salt Springs Recreation area??? what site? We are in #88
DeleteWe are in site #15 until Friday morning. We will try and come by tomorrow to say hello. Enjoy your evening.
DeleteBeautiful writings and pictures Sue. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletePatty
Hey Patty...come on down....
DeleteI'm working on being able to do a beautiful trail of that length in the not too distant future. :)
ReplyDeleteJudy...I have little doubt you will be skipping through a trail of that length. You are making wonderful strides with your hip replacement recovery. I am so glad you are feeling like yourself again.
DeleteGlad to hear you made it out on the trail. Good for you. Nice that you have a hiking partner. Love that photo of the yellow blossoms.
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna, I loved the photo of the blossoms as well. Traveling this year with another couple has been wonderful for all of us. It has been theraputic for the guys but mostly a healing time for Sherri and I. We almost feel like life is close to normal once again.
DeleteIs this the Bear Swamp Trail near Flamingo? We've had no internet there for 5 days so I'm really behind. And we'll have no more for the next 8 days so I did all my posting today and am trying to catch up on blogs. If you were in Flamingo, I'm sure sorry we missed you.
ReplyDeleteOppps just read your other comments and see you are still at Salt Springs. Did I know they have a Bear Swamp Trail too? I guess I did. Boy it's the pits when the memory goes.
ReplyDeleteSherry, we are loving Salt Springs and life is much easier on us with full hook-ups but I must admit I am still being teased by the excitement of boondocking at some point in the future. I am enjoying your posts from Flamingo..at least I am seeing aligators and birds.
DeleteLove your big pictures! Thanks for following us - that's how I found you. So, I guess I mean "thanks for finding us so we could find you."
ReplyDelete