Hiking – BewilderedBrownEyes

Se7en Wetlands – Loop 2

Last Sunday we ventured out to check out the Se7en Wetlands area in Mulberry, FL. This Lakeland city park offers two major loops with a connector to the Lakeland Highlands Scrub hike I shared a couple weeks back. There are also a few side trails that add on to the loops for the bikers andContinue reading “Se7en Wetlands – Loop 2”

Bonnet Springs Park

A new urban park recently opened near the heart of Lakeland, Bonnet Springs Park. This park offers a variety of outdoor entertainment opportunities for the whole community. Today we finally arrived early enough to get into the park. It has been crowded since opening, and I understand why. The venue offers places for kids toContinue reading “Bonnet Springs Park”

Lakeland Highlands Scrub

Catching up posting on a hike from last week. We tried to head out to the Mosaic Peace River Park, but found it closed. Sadly, we headed back to Lakeland, then decided to stop at one of our familiar spots, the Lakeland Highlands Scrub nature area. This park is full of trails and one canContinue reading “Lakeland Highlands Scrub”

Alderman Ford Preserve

2023. Weekend 2, hike 2. Completed a 3 miles nature trail at Alderman Ford Preserve in Plant City. The trail is a mix of paved trail and boardwalk and follows parts of the Alafia River. This morning’s temperatures were a brisk 55 degrees when we started our route. Sleeves were a must for the trek.Continue reading “Alderman Ford Preserve”

365 Challenge

So, I signed up for the Hiker’s 365 Challenge for 2023 through My Adventure Challenge. I needed some motivation to get back on the trails after a hiatus last year, and this seemed like a great way for me to get back to it. Now I have a year to hike 365 miles! Today wasContinue reading “365 Challenge”

Trekking Poles and Flying

On our recent trip out West, we decided we didn’t want a hassle with some of our hiking equipment as we moved between our planes. We loaded our trekking poles in our luggage…which ended up being fortuitous…because you can’t take the poles in carry-on luggage anyway! It wasn’t a big deal on the initial packingContinue reading “Trekking Poles and Flying”

First Aid?

I struggle with trying to figure out the best first aid kit for hiking. In Florida, we’re pretty flat, so the likelihood of twisting an ankle, slipping down a scramble, and the like really aren’t prevalent. I know of one scramble I’ve had to make in the past year here in Florida for about aContinue reading “First Aid?”

White Water Rafting? WY? WY not?

We’re putting together our itinerary of things to do when we are out West at the end of August / early September. So far, we have a few definite plans including a quick visit to see family. When we arrive in Yellowstone, first up will be a hike to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point afterContinue reading “White Water Rafting? WY? WY not?”

Cocoa Beach Pier

A walk on the beach sounds relaxing, doesn’t it? Actually, it was beautiful. I headed out at sunrise from our little motel room right on the beach and went North. The sun was still below the horizon slightly as I made my way on the soft sand. I wasn’t sure how far I’d walk thisContinue reading “Cocoa Beach Pier”

Taking a Bight

Before work takes back over most of my time, I am taking a moment to revisit one of our hikes earlier this spring at the Everglades National Park. We went for a long hiking weekend just before the Florida heat settled in, staying at the Flamingo Campgrounds. The mornings and evenings were crisp, getting intoContinue reading “Taking a Bight”