Winter in Florida
We encountered a low rail road bridge in Tennessee. We were overnighting at Davey Crockett Campground in Limestone Tennessee.and were not far off the main road and we came across this bridge at 13 feet 7 inches. Our equipment stands 13 feet 6 inches. Slowly we made our way and just fit. We were aware of this bridge and had passed under it with the Montana 5ht wheel and now we are right at the limit.
We have been back to our Winter digs for a month. WOW !!!!! Time flies. So much catchin’ up. i.e. cleaning and tune up for our 5th wheel, cleaning up the landscape of 2 acres of wetland, a son getting married, office/business stuff (Real Estate Brokerage), etc. We never get bored and always try to have fun. With most of those activities handled and under our belt, our attention turns to more fun things to do.
Hiking is one of our favorite activities. Of course, hiking in Florida is a bit different than hiking out West with the mountains. Florida elevation is 0 to 10 feet, on the West coast where we have our Winter base. During the travel months, the hiking elevation can be well over 4000 feet. Great expansion for the lungs and body.
Our first hike was not long, however, very enjoyable as we were in wetlands and forest. Since Florida is in the fall season, the weather is delightful to hike and commune with “nature”.
There is so much wildlife.
Many of the birds have made their return migration to Florida, as well as the full-timers. We have various raptors. A lone Osprey kept flying high above us, circling, as we hiked. By the high-pitched sounds he was emitting, we believe there was another Osprey in his territory. We usually will also see an Eagle since they enjoy swooping into the Gulf to catch fish. There are many, many variety of birds on the West coast to be enjoyed.
The squirrels are plentiful in the Florida Oaks. We were able to get a pic of him hanging on the tree sunning himself.
There is always a grand selection of types of butterflies. One of our favorite is the Monarch. The Monarch was placed on the endangered species list this year as habitat is dwindling and insect control spraying is increasing. So, we try on make sure we have milkweed plants and nectar plants on our 2 acres to assist the Monarch. This also encourages the laying of eggs, therefore, helping the population.
Florida’s West coast is littered with ponds and waterways. We stopped along the path at a pond to view the water packed full of tadpoles. They eat the mosquito larvae. Yeah!!!! There are lots and lots of frogs in Florida. Each night we are serenaded by their very loud singing.
Snakes may be seen sunning themselves on or beside the hiking paths. This day we came across a 4 foot-long, brilliant red/orange non-venomous rat snake. The snake did not even move as we walked by him as he enjoyed the warm day.
There are many coastal creeks winding into the mainland from the Gulf of Mexico and the ICW (Inter-coastal Waterway). Since their beginning is salt water, they continue inland and become brackish which means a combo of salt and fresh water diluted. There are many varieties of water life able to sustain themselves in this type of water. Of course, the mangroves thrive in brackish water also. The mangroves are essential to the sea-life as many lay their eggs within the mangroves for protections and growing their young. Manatee also travel in seeking the warmer water. At the sight of these great creatures, your heart and attention is captured by their gliding and lumbering thru the waterways. However, their visit is short as it is necessary for them to return to the Gulf to feed.
So begins our season in Florida. There is much to see and do with many adventures.
