The Road Less Traveled

What a peaceful nap. Damn, I didn’t nap, I fell asleep! It’s 3 hours later! I better get going back to the trail. As I move along the trail, I’m entranced with the raw, natural beauty of this area. There are numerous air plants, and bromeliads growing off the tree trunks. And Spanish Moss trailing down from branches, to give it that eerie feeling. My senses are keen. My hearing acute, picking up every sound. About 45 minutes later, I see the main trailhead. Guess I’m not getting lost today! Get to the main trail, make a sharp left, and keep the canal to my right! Simple!
While heading back, I watch a few gators sunning themselves , a pair of raccoons, and some of the biggest freshwater turtles I have ever seen. Of course, as soon as I pull out the camera, splash, splash, they’re gone! There are 2 types of fruit and berry I’m encountering. I’ll take a leaf and sample from each and try to see if they are edible through some online research.
Although there appears to be a lot of wildlife, the main road, Nobles Road is fairly straight, so you can see the critters…BUT they can see you a lot quicker. Hmmm, maybe bring out a camo blind next time, my turkey calls, my mountain bike? I feel old!
I get back to the sign-in post and scribble my time out in an old style kids notebook. I also take a gander at the names and dates of others that have passed through. The Happy Hoofers, the FTA, the Sierra Club!
I’m impressed!