March 20th, 2020

I am so far behind on staying current with my blogposts that this was from last Sunday!  Before I forget what we did that day, I guess I should write this one up!

Sooooo Last Sunday for the Sunday Walk, Tim searched high and low for a new place for us to go.  We didn't want to drive for hours to get there (because then you have to drive hours back only dirty, sweaty and tired).  But he found a place near the Myakka Forest.  Up until then I had no idea that Myakka had a forest.  I am well acquainted with the river and the aptly named Mayakka  River State Park but Myakka Forrest?  I was intrigued.

It took awhile, but eventually we got there.  Not to the official forest but to a nearby trailhead. 

It looked like a very promising hike!  We were the only people there, the trail was nicely cleared and well marked. And we saw things that captured our interest right away.  I was snapsnapsnapping photos like mad.  Very Fun.

But we were probably less than a mile in when the trail was blocked with the sign indicating that there was an eagle's nest ahead so we weren't allowed to go any further.  Dang.   I like Eagles.  I like them alot.  And I certainly wouldn't bother them or their nests or their babies.  At least not on purpose.  But perhaps my mere existence hear them is bothersome.  I wouldn't know. I'm not an eagle expert. So with a sigh, we turned around and headed back to the car.

But we were ready for a nice hike! Where should else should we go?   It turns out that we weren't that far from Juan Ponce de Leon Park so we headed there next.

It's an interesting place with a very small beach that has beautiful white sand, boating, kayaking and a surprising number of people all trying to do the same thing at the same time :

There is also a boardwalk that take you through the mangroves which is a whole other world.

They also have a wildlife rehabilitation center there.  What a wonderful thing.  Injured wild creatures are brought to them and they are cared for until they can either fend for themselves once again in their natural environment or they live their lives at the center, cared for with love.

Most of the animals were in very large cages so I had to shoot through through the wire, so please bear that in mind when judging these photos.  They all looked very  well cared for. None of them appeared to be depressed or sad. Though to be fair some were sleeping.  Here is a sampling:

Well, eventually we left there and went home (by way of Sonny BBQ where we ordered to go).  But once we had eaten our dinner we were ready for another walk. This time we just went to our own beautiful beach.

All in all, a great day.  Not at all what we anticipated but we know how to adapt and adjust.  If not plan A then plan B.  Or C.  or any other letter necessary.

It was another great Sunday Walk. Wish you had all been there to enjoy it with us