In Florida, the west coast is the best coast and if you need proof then look no further than Lovers Key (and the whole Bonita Springs, Sanibel and Naples area). For Hike #9 of our 52 Hike Challenge we walked the length of the beach at Lovers Key State Park. Right after the hurricane force winds nearly blew us out to sea.
But first, the important things. Like the fact that our trees and bushes produced fruit this year. Like real fruit that you can eat and no one seems to think this is nearly as exciting as I do, but whatever. I feel like a survivalist. Except I'm not the one who planted (or maintains) them -that's Trevor and Ellison's domain. I am, however, reading quite a few gardening and planting books so that should count as participation.
We had peaches, apples, blueberries and blackberries. And they were delicious. And of course, like any proud first-time fruit parent would do, I took pictures documenting the moment like we were the first people to ever grow anything edible. Like we were the ones who invented these trees. It was pretty much awesome in all ways. Except for when Waylon ate one whole blackberry bush. Not just the berries, but the whole bush. The only one that was fruiting. But he is really cute (and patriotic) so I included a picture of him, too.
In the spirit of edible backyards, Ellison and I can't wait to get the raised-bed vegetable garden planted. It should be finished no later than the end of July. Time is kind of running out for summer planting so we have to hurry. We're also creating a potted herb garden of which Ellison will care for exclusively. It feels good to be making use of what little green space we have.
But first, the important things. Like the fact that our trees and bushes produced fruit this year. Like real fruit that you can eat and no one seems to think this is nearly as exciting as I do, but whatever. I feel like a survivalist. Except I'm not the one who planted (or maintains) them -that's Trevor and Ellison's domain. I am, however, reading quite a few gardening and planting books so that should count as participation.
We had peaches, apples, blueberries and blackberries. And they were delicious. And of course, like any proud first-time fruit parent would do, I took pictures documenting the moment like we were the first people to ever grow anything edible. Like we were the ones who invented these trees. It was pretty much awesome in all ways. Except for when Waylon ate one whole blackberry bush. Not just the berries, but the whole bush. The only one that was fruiting. But he is really cute (and patriotic) so I included a picture of him, too.
In the spirit of edible backyards, Ellison and I can't wait to get the raised-bed vegetable garden planted. It should be finished no later than the end of July. Time is kind of running out for summer planting so we have to hurry. We're also creating a potted herb garden of which Ellison will care for exclusively. It feels good to be making use of what little green space we have.
Alright, if we're being honest I really just want to quit doing the 52 Hike Challenge because it's June and Ellison and I are only on hike #9. But, unlike the actual rules say, we are only counting hikes that are new to us, not the walks or hikes we rountinely take during the week. So it's slow going, for sure. We're going to try and catch up over the summer and see if we can make the January 1st goal of 52 different hikes in 2016. Ellison doesn't really care as long as we are still going to new places and that should be what this is all about so there really isn't a reason to give up. So, our hike at Lovers Key State Park is #9.
The sky was definitely ominous upon our arrival, but we weathered the short-lived storm and were rewarded when the sun came out by having the beach completely to ourselves, and by finding a ton of starfish and sea urchins brought to the shallow water by the strong waves. Ellison was in heaven. She is obsessed with sea urchins and spent the afternoon building a little holding pen for them in a slough. By the end of the day it was filled with urchins, starfish, sanddollars and a variety of other things she collected on our hike. This area is known for its beautiful shells and if you're into that sort of thing then Lovers Key would not disappoint.
While we just stuck to the beach, the park has designated hiking trails that take you along the mangrove swamps and hammocks. It isn't a boardwalk, just hardpacked shell rock and the north end of the Black Trail loop is shared with mountain bikers so be aware. You can also kayak or canoe in the estuary, which is really nice because the water is so flat and protected (although the Gulf side isn't particularly rough either - which is another reason west beats east). Being on the water offers a great vantage point for wildlife viewing and you could spot dolphins, manatees, alligators, eagles and ospreys. We saw a lot of osprey on our hike, a number of them babies in their nests.
While we just stuck to the beach, the park has designated hiking trails that take you along the mangrove swamps and hammocks. It isn't a boardwalk, just hardpacked shell rock and the north end of the Black Trail loop is shared with mountain bikers so be aware. You can also kayak or canoe in the estuary, which is really nice because the water is so flat and protected (although the Gulf side isn't particularly rough either - which is another reason west beats east). Being on the water offers a great vantage point for wildlife viewing and you could spot dolphins, manatees, alligators, eagles and ospreys. We saw a lot of osprey on our hike, a number of them babies in their nests.
While the weather wasn't the best, it is also summer in Florida so it's to be expected. This park lived up to its hype as having pristine white sand beaches and abundant wildlife, but I do recommend staying to southern end of the island because it offers a more scenic view. Not that the north end isn't pretty, but I just felt like the south end offered a little more tranquility. Ellison and I had a great time and she was begging to go back the next day for more sea urchin fun - it didn't end up happening due to time constraints, but it would have been nice. Maybe we'll looking into camping during the winter, although I hear that you have to make reservations up to a year in advance because it's so popular.
See you back here soon!
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