Celebrating Spring 2009 – Day 3
April 8, 2009 by Janne 
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DAY 3: EXPLORING NATURE
It had been a while since we had actually gone on our neighborhood nature trail strictly for the purpose of observation. I tend to enjoy going at least once during each season so we can see the changes, so I figured, what better way to welcome spring!
When we embarked on the trail last week, I was shocked at what I saw — very little water! Things definitely looked different than in the photos that I posted of that same nature trail in November 2007. I knew we were under some serious drought conditions, but had no idea it was THIS bad!
The Drought
The Wetlands that Once Were
Nothing but dirt. This all used to be under water.
(You can tell where the water level once *was* by the water line on the trees)
Above: a view from the side of the big bridge
Below: I wonder who once lived here, when it was underwater
Below: Conditions are so dry that even the air plants are suffering; showing very little traces of green
Signs of Life
Despite all, thankfully, there were still some ponds that had not completely dried up, and some signs of green along the trail.
The girls wanted me to take photos of all the flowers, so we could come home and look them up. (How many do you already know?)
Thistle was abundant in all its’ stages – from bud…
to bloom…
…to thistledown.
You can always count on the little ol’ pine tree for some spring color.
Strangely enough, we didn’t see many birds on this outing; just one hawk, an aningha, and a couple of cranes.
We did see other wildlife though:
This guy was smiling at us from across the pond,
but the mole cricket (below) creeps me out far more
Other Florida Wildlife 
The Water Which Remains
I just love the beauty of the Florida Wetlands
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The gator does look like its smiling!!
[Reply]
Got a question – is it dangerous walking around there at all? You’re probably laughing, but I see that croc pic & gotta wonder, along with snakes, etc… ! It’s the kind of stuff we don’t see unless it’s behind glass (my preference LOL).
My severe autie kids would not understand what is safe or not.
Great pics!
[Reply]
Well, yeah…it can be dangerous — but like anything else, you just get used to it.
My children have learned to identify which snakes are poisonous and keep their distance (if it has a triangular-shaped viper head and/or a rattle, stay away — this covers the rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads. The coral snakes are easy to identify. The rest of the snakes are safe).
I do NOT allow them to go near the banks during alligator mating season, and I don’t allow them to wade or swim in freshwater. I don’t understand people who DO that. Those gators are so well-camouflaged!!! *I* won’t even go in freshwater without being in a boat!
I understand your concerns about auties though. Thankfully, Audrey has no desire to venture off the trail – ever.
[Reply]
Oh, and that gator in the photo was far away (he was on the opposite side of a pond). I was using a zoom lens. LOL
[Reply]
I love the wetlands too Janne. Have you ever been to Stephen Foster park? There’s one in Florida, but there is also one in Georgia as well (only an hour from the Florida park). We’ve stayed there a few times and the cabins are great. Lots of wetlands (unless there is a drought of course). Secluded in the middle of 70,000 or 80,000 acres with the nearest store an hour away. And get this….. cabins 90.00 a night!
[Reply]