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.

Blackwater Heritage Trail

So, it’s 9:00 am. I start riding. The air is a cool 70 degrees. Really. And, wow, it’s August in Florida. It’s the perfect morning for riding. My thoughts start to shift back to my kids, but I remember they went to school happily this morning, so I’m feeling in a good mood. But, I say one more prayer for them and their school before I officially start some much needed “mommy-time”.

After the first two miles, I’m feeling quite refreshed. It’s a flat, paved trail that crosses a couple of creeks and passes by small farm houses. There are goats and horses grazing. My only music is the bird and grasshopper songs. The rays of sun that made their way through treetops glisten on the grasses morning dew.

There are markers every half mile. I get to Mile 4 and exchange greetings with two other riders who are now heading back. After the 5th mile, however, I’m the only rider still out. The houses sit further back from the trail. The trees become fewer and the grasses taller and thicker. I wind my way up a small hill. I stretch a sore quad while staying on my bike. Then, I’m at the end-mile 8.1. I decide to keep going though. The end of the trail is the beginning of a trail along a road. I get to what should be approximately 9 miles and turn around and speed up my pace.

The temperature is rising, but I look up at the blue sky and then at the life all around me and I’m caught up in the moment.

Viceroy Butterfly photo by Rich Leighton

My focus shifts from mile markers and observation to relationships:

Co-existence: exist together in the same time and place or to live in peace with others

As I keep riding, I spot several Viceroys. They are orange and black like a Monarch, but smaller. I set my bike along the fence for no more than 2 minutes while one butterfly lands on my bike. Then, I watch as it flies around me and returns to it’s flowers.

Summer Tanager

I continue riding again and near the parking lot. When I turn around I notice a bright red bird flying away into the woods. My daughter picked out Stan Tekiela’s Birds of Florida field guide at the store in Fort Pickens a few weeks ago. We’ve been reading it, but have not been out bird watching. It seemed too bright to be a Cardinal and the head was smaller. I’ll call him (males are always the colorful ones) Summer Tanager.

I didn’t have to go to the confines of a gym today. I worked my body fairly hard. I feel more relaxed and better able to relate softly with my children and others around me.