Have you ever found yourself desiring to do something. Then, instead, you talk yourself out of it. You’ve made plans, but start thinking maybe you don’t have enough time or it is too cold. The worries of the moment begin to erode the idea away and soon you decide not to go. I think this happens to the best of us. I believe many of us don’t go on great adventures because we allow the present pressures to talk us out of our dreams and desires.

Today my wife and I headed out to the beach to take photos and paint. It was windy, cloudy, and not what I would call a perfect beach day. It would have been easy to talk myself out of going. Besides, there were other things we could have been taking care of. On top of that, I had been feeling a bit down. Yet, as we drove, I decided to enjoy the time and just go and see what we might find.

I’m thankful I didn’t talk myself out of going. We first went to Fort Pickens and explored through trails on tops of dunes near the lookout tower. When a little bit of cold and hunger talked us into finding something to eat, we came to a place we’d never been before called the Native Cafe. This cafe has good food and coffee as well as a nice atmosphere with beach paintings and photos from local artists-the perfect spot for inspiration before heading out to the Sugar Bowl to create some art ourselves.

We parked our Jeep in one of the public parking lots between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach. We grabbed the camera, tripod, and art supplies and walked towards Santa Rosa Sound. There along Santa Rosa Sound are some beautiful picturesque dunes. Lindy set up to paint and I explored the dunes taking photos.

The day turned out to be beautiful. The clouds began to break up and it was warm in the protection of the dunes.

When I reflect upon the day, I think how easy it could have been to talk myself out of going. Sure the day may have gone fine but we would have missed the best. Sometimes we need to take those steps in life… in this case to Go Explore!

[View with PicLens]

Sunday afternoon, we bundled up and headed out to take a hike. It’s been a very cold couple of weeks, so it’s been more difficult to  get out of the heated house. Getting out turned out to be a great way to spend the afternoon although we did get our feet a bit wet. . . okay, more like soaked!

My wife and I only had an hour, so we went to a nearby trail in Milton called Garcon Point Trail. Garcon Point Trail has a 1.7 mile loop and a 1.2 mile spur off that trail. We hiked the 1.2 mile spur then walked back another 1.5 along the  along Garcon Point Road.

The first mile was nice and dry. We saw a few different species of birds and then some human species. As we got to the loop, we started to hit some wet spots. This is where we met a dad who had taken some time to go for a hike with his two kids. They were turning around at this point. However, we kept going on across wet areas. Many of the wet areas had boards you could cross. Yet, toward the end of our hike we got to jump through some ankle deep water. Fortunately, this time a year we didn’t have to worry much about snakes. Another plus about hiking this time of year is that the bugs aren’t a problem. During the summer months, mosquitoes and ticks can be a bit of a problem on this trail, so you’ll need protection.

This hike turned out to make a fun, refreshing afternoon. Though the air temperature wasn’t far from freezing, we dressed properly. By the end of the hike, I was even feeling hot. Garcon Point Trail turned out to be a great pick for a Sunday afternoon hike. It was a great way to get refreshed for the week ahead through some good outdoor exercise.

As I neared the bridge in the middle of the trail, I saw a black snake. And, as I stood on the bridge a large turtle swam near and hung around for me to get pictures- apparently he was waiting for food, but I didn’t bring any with me.

I walked off the trail and through the woods a little, but would recommend using caution. I ended up with small cactus plants in one of my hands as I took a picture of some flowers.

As the sun got hotter, I came across a curious species called “humans”. Seriously, I met more people like myself out sight-seeing and/or  taking pictures. One guy from Ohio said he’s been coming out to Fort Pickens since the late 80′s as part of his vacation while his wife visits with her family. Volunteers on golf carts were also out now just to check up on things. I got the chance to ask them about my turtle pictures-a Loggerhead Sea turtle or Snapping turtle?

That afternoon, my kids and their friends came back out to enjoy the trail. We walked up to the bridge and spotted some ducks. Whenever the kids are with me, we come prepared with the kayak and food. After the trail exploration we headed over to the Gulf at Langdon Beach which is still within the gate of Fort Pickens. It’s always a great time when we can stay long enough to watch and photograph the beautiful sunset.

The road to Fort Pickens may be closed to cars after Ida, however, it should be open for biking and hiking and will be worth the trek for anyone wanting to make a close encounter with nature. Give workers a few more weeks and head out in your vehicle for a great time at Fort Pickens.

Sunrise over Escambia Bay

November 1st I ventured out early in the morning to see what the day would reveal. As the light began to reveal the landscape I realized I was in for a treat. The fog, trees, and light made a great sunrise. I hope you enjoy the photos.

Gulf Oak Ridge Trailhead

The state of Alabama has created great trails for cyclists, walkers, and joggers in Gulf State Park. Recently my wife and I loaded up our bikes and made the short journey from Pensacola to Gulf Shores to ride the the trails. We discovered the trails on a camping trip we took with our kids at Gulf State Campgrounds. We went a short distance with the kids, but this time we would go further and faster.

We arrived at the trailhead located on State Park Road 2 around 9 am. The trail is a paved walking and cycling trail that winds through hard wood forests and wetlands.

The first leg of the trail is called Gulf Oak Ridge. I’m sure it inherited it’s name from the beautiful oak trees that provide shade and beauty to the surroundings. This is my favorite section of trail for it’s scenery and the small inclines which make for some good fun.

The next section which picks up at the Orange Beach Sports Complex is rightly named Twin Bridges. This section of trail takes you over two raised wooden boardwalks.

Gulf State Park Trails Pavilion

Adjoining Twin Bridge is Catman Road. This section of trail has a very nice screened in pavilion and restroom facilities. We stopped and spent a few minutes here refreshing and taking photos. We also observed some water bowls for walkers to refresh their pets.

Alligator Habitat Sign

Heading on Catman Road intersects a section of trail called Rosemary Dunes. We opted to take the Rosemary Dunes trail. The terrain changes from hills and oaks to marshy wetlands. One sign along the trail reads Alligator habitat. We had hoped to see one but to no avail. This section of trail dead ends to a few sandy trails that connect you to East Beach Blvd (Perdido Beach Road). The sandy trails are a short distance to the road. We were able to ride a small section but had to push our bikes a bit.

We completed our loop by following East Beach Blvd. and then took State Park Road 2. The total distance for this ride was 8.86 miles.

If you’re looking to walk, jog, or go for a ride these trails offer some beatiful scenic views. This is a great place to turn your kids loose on a bike as there is no worry about cars. Not up for an 8 mile ride? No worries. Take a map and go as short or long as you would like. Just have fun… Go Explore!

Bench on Breckenridge Nature Trail

Looking to experience nature in Gulf Breeze, Florida? The Gulf Islands National Seashore Naval Live Oaks Park located in Gulf Breeze is the perfect place to enjoy some quiet time of hiking, picnicking, or relaxing by the water.

We’ve spent a few afternoons at the Naval Live Oaks in Gulf Breeze. This is a great park for hiking, swimming, fishing or having a picnic. For our getaway we packed a lunch and enjoyed the breeze from Santa Rosa Sound. The Naval Live Oaks park is located in Gulf Breeze and has has over 7.5 miles of hiking trails to enjoy.

The park has a large selection of picnic tables and barbecue grills. In addition there is one large covered picnic area for large groups. This past weekend, we found a nice picnic table just a few steps away from the water to enjoy a picnic lunch.

After lunch, we hiked the Breckenridge Nature Trail. This was a perfect hike for the kids considering it’s only .8 of a mile. Along the trail we enjoyed beautiful views of Santa Rosa Sound from the overlook, climbed in a big oak tree, and enjoyed seeing the many sites along the trail. The trail weaves around large Oak trees, Magnolia, Red Cedars, and Pine trees. I especially enjoyed this hike because of the variety of trees along the trail. Color is added to the view by wild flowers and the American Beauty Bush berries.

Flower along the trail

At the end of the hike, we spent a few minutes in the visitor center. The kids always enjoy the playing with the exibits in the visitor center. The visit center has a model oak tree, handsets for listening, and a few other exhibits which explain the history of the oak in constructing Navy ships. If you go for the first time, don’t forget to greet the center’s host, Edwin Woods. He will be glad to answer questions or show you a 12 minute slide presentation of the changes that have taken place for us to be able to enjoy the area.

If you have little kids you’ll enjoy the beach area. Once we were able to lure the kids from the visitor center we put on our swim suits and enjoyed a nice relaxing time in the water. The sand is sugar white and the water is very shallow. While we were swimming we saw people fishing and kayaking along the shoreline.

Pictures from our time at the park

Oak tree at Naval Live Oaks Park

Trail

Lindy & Kids

Up in an Oak Tree

Mushrooms