There is nothing like going from one hot state to another in mid-August. Leaving the heat of Maryland, I was hoping for cooler temperatures for my quick visit to Florida. Completely not taking into account the higher humidity that Florida is known for, I walked off the airplane into a steam bath.
But that didn’t deter me for taking a short detour into the woods, or rather jungle in Gainesville at Bivens Arm Nature Park. I’m still on a mission to find an alligator on one of my visits. After all, a fellow blogger Florida Behind the Scenes and resident of Gainesville has no problem finding alligators.
So not thinking that it is mid-afternoon when the heat and humidity is the highest, I bound out of my cool car and hit the trails. As soon as I get off the short boardwalk, the trail is introduced with this warning sign.
I’m too excited ! Seeing alligators lounging in the middle of the trail seemed like the thrill of a life time. So I started down the trail, with visions of dancing alligators in my head. After a short while though I started to think. Just what would I do if I DID see an alligator on the trail? What do you do? Do you tip-toe through the forest so as to not scare them off, or should I stomp through the woods like a giant so that they have plenty of time to run away?
If I do come across one, what would happen? Would he start to chase me? Should I run in a straight line or zig-zags like I’ve heard before. Just how fast and how far can an alligator run anyway? Perhaps I should just climb a tree to get away from him.
I really should have read Peg’s post better on Biven’s Arm, evidently alligators don’t usually show up until dusk, and it was mid-afternoon. She also didn’t see any alligators at Bivens Arm Nature Park. But it was all good, as I was hearing what I thought were pigs in the marsh. I quickly realized that it wasn’t wild boar, but rather a Pig Frog that I was hearing. If it wasn’t for Fey Girl at Serenity Spell I never would have known that a Pig Frog even existed!
So I wandered through the high oak trees draped with Spanish Moss and thought of Spanish Conquistadors trying to conquer this forest.
The only thing conquering anything on this trip were the Florida mosquitoes. One quickly found me, and even though I gave it a quick death, it had already sent out the message to the troops. Dinner is served!
So I had to walk quickly, stomping and slapping at the mosquitoes as they attempted to land. But things along the way kept attracting my attention. Like this white mushroom growth on this dead log.
Or these knobby cypress tree roots raising from the marsh – nope no sight of a pig frog. Gotta hustle, mosquitoes landing….
Or this charming purple wild flower that attracted butterflies. Fuzzy shot with the butterfly as I was doing the mosquito dance.
And this pretty little fern with some crazy mushrooms growing with it. Wonder if it’s edible.
I kept hoping for an alligator sighting in the mossy trees, but alas no gators and the mosquitoes won.
Next time I visit Bivens Arms Nature Park, I will be properly armed with some bug spray. For the first time, I must say that I’m glad you weren’t there!
Categories: Florida, Foot Prints
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Those trees are just MAGNIFICENT… But I’m almost sorry you weren’t chased by a gator, hahahah!
Yes! Me too ! I was really hoping to find a gator this trip, but I did get a bit lost on the trails though. LOL
You knew I’d have to show up for this one, even if you hadn’t mentioned me! Lake Alice on campus is the best place to find gators. As for what to do when you meet one, they generally ignore people, or at the most, bellow at them. Just don’t get too close!
But of course! I did make it to Lake Alice the next day, so stay tuned for an update on that little field trip. What a hot week here. Glad I’m heading back home already.
I’ve been so remiss checking my comments today! I saw the other post, though.
Great photography and fun text! I haven’t seen my home in Florida for several months but hope to return soon. I have seen many gators there but wouldn’t want to have one cross my path out on a nature trail. You are BRAVE!!!
Thank you so much ! It really was a funny field trip and just had to share. At least you’re not missing the August heat though. Better to return when things are cooler.
Thanks for the lovely FL photos- makes me miss ‘home’. The mossy trees are fabby. Alligators can indeed run faster than u and can climb trees to their hind legs!
I love those mossy trees, they have such character. Eeh Gads…they climb trees? Now I’m really in trouble should I come across a gator then.
Wouldn’t go there, no, no, no. And I don’t have too since I can just look at your nice photos.
LOL Bente ! So happy to be able to suffer for you. 🙂
Looks like a really cool park. I haven’t been there before – need to add it to my list. The mosquitoes can be brutal down here as well as the humidity. Dryer sheets work well for deterring mosquitoes. Just stick one in your pocket to drive them away!
It is a dinky park, so not worth a field trip Michael. Really just short footpaths. Dryer sheets..really? I’m going to have try that this week and see if it works. Thank you so much for taking the time to browse through and comment on my posts. It truly means a lot to me as you’re such a wonderful photographer. BTW, sitting at Orlando airport waiting to head home. Just moments from you!
I truly enjoy your posts and photos! And I appreciate the compliment! I have been playing catchup lately with my blog reading, so I’m a little backlogged. But I will get back on track and hopefully stay on top of it!
Probably for the best that the only thing drawn to you was mosquitos! I don’t think I would be quite as brave!
LOL ! You are quite funny. I must be a little dense as for some reason I have no fear of little alligators. Perhaps I should readjust my thinking. Thanks for stopping by.
Love the mossy trees!
Thank you!
Lovely “ghost tree”, loves ghost stories… ‘big smile’
Very interesting post with great shots and great text – without alligators… ‘big big smile’
Ghost trees..ghost stories. Humm, you’ve given me an idea. So happy to know you enjoyed this post. 🙂
Haha!! Welcome to my world. 😦
I think I need to trade space with one of these homesick people.
Have you visited the Devil’s Millhopper in Gainesville?
So enjoyed your post and photos! I was there just last week and had some similar thoughts about the gators. I also wished I had bug spray
Awesome Didi ! I can relate to your experience here. thanks for stopping by.