Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring, Florida
The fire is still smoldering, and there are even a few small flames here and there. These pictures were taken when we went out at 9:30 this morning. Hard to believe everyone just left it. I guess you have to know how fire works to really understand it. Apparently, it’s OK.
I look like I’m headed for the beach . . .
Once we took in the aftermath, we went kayaking.
The Peace River boat launch at Pioneer Park is about 30 minutes away, based on Blaine’s intensive research. To get there, we have to drive “County Road” out of the Park, and across the worst wash boarding we’ve ever encountered!
Can you see how bad it is?
You can hear it in the video!
After we got onto a real road, it was quite scenic with lots of cattle ranches (we had no idea these were in Florida!) and orange groves. It was tempting to stop and try one, just to see if they’re better than the wild ones in the Park! 😊 Awwh… they probably put bitter ones by the road, just because of people like us! 😊
Traveling Peace River was just kinda blah.
But! Even when you think there’s nothing, there’s still something that makes the trip worthwhile!!
We had pulled up on this meager shore to decide what to do – turn around or keep going – when suddenly this vulture swooped by us and landed.
His friends and family were watching from a nearby branch.
Maybe it was some kind of a test . . .
Then he hopped down to the bank
Even vultures need water!
Then he started wandering closer to the boat.
I think he would’ve gotten even closer if a big gust of wind hadn’t blown our hats off our heads.
The sudden movement scared him. But just a few feet away.
We opted to end our kayaking day.
I’m pretty sure this is a vulture feather. It was laying in the Park by the Jeep.
We took the top off the Jeep for the drive home! Fun!
Back home, we decided to take another walk on the ‘forbidden trail’. It’s still just as beautiful and interesting as it was the first time!
Then it was time to make me young again. The plan was for Blaine to color, then I’d go to the bathhouse to shower. I rode my bike because it’s a bit further than just across the street.
Shower was real nice, by the way. The problem was when I left. I got lost! Only for a few minutes, but still . . . I felt really stupid. I’m having a really hard time getting my bearings in this Park for some reason. Eventually, I realized where I was and made all the right turns to get back home. I’m not sure if it’s the gray . . . or the blonde . . . . Blaine just shakes his head and grins when he hears things like this. Usually, I get a hug too. 😊
Tonight, we have dinner and a show! For $5/person! And we don’t have to bring a thing! They do this every Thursday night. Well, the dinner anyway, I don’t know about entertainment. Tonight we had pulled pork, baked beans, coleslaw and ice cream (with a few toppings) for dessert.
The show was a folk singer named Ray Sealey.
Ray is an award winning singer, songwriter and guitarist who sings about Florida (often inspired by State Parks), traditional Americana and originals. He has received honors at the Will McLean Music Festival.
This from the flier they passed out around the Park.
Can you believe it though? He never sang until he retired at the age of 65! He was a classical guitar instructor by profession. It was just him and his guitar and he was obviously a gifted strummer. His voice was nice too. Perfectly suited to folk music. He played for an hour. We liked his originals the best. One was about Kissimmee Prairie State Park. He had it down perfectly – – right down to the rattlesnake by the side of the road. 😊
TOTAL HIKING MILES: .5
Year To Date: 155
Daily Average: 2.92 (day 53)