Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thursday we took an early morning trip to Merritt Island to hike the 4.8 mile Cruickshank trail. There was heavy fog that didn't clear until close to 11:00 AM and the temperature was cool. It was a beautiful morning for a hike. As soon as you leave the parking area you are alone with nature. For most of the hike there are no signs of civilization except for the semi-mowed trail. There is a calm stillness that is hard to expain unless you are a nature lover. The calls of birds, occasional grunts and insect sounds are all that you hear. I had hoped to photograph lots of birds but that wasn't to be. There were a lot of ducks far out in the marsh and an occasional Heron, Anhinga, Ibis or Egret but no large flocks. The lack of birds did not in any way detract from the beauty and enjoyment of this magical place.

I hope you enjoy these. The fog makes everything a bit subdued but I think you will find the downloads a bit brighter.
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Starting out the trail, everything was drenched from the fog (shoes included).

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Wildflowers drenched in dew.

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Berries with a very foggy background.

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A view from Black Point Creek looking out toward the Indian River. Water and sky all looked the same in the fog.

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Remnants of a dock or boardwalk with a touch of Topaz.

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Another view across Black Point Creek.

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Again, water and sky all looked the same in the fog.

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An immature Ibis waiting to start the day.

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This Great Blue was by a downed tree in the very misty Indian River.

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I suggested the Blue pose on the limb and he did just that as a duck came swimming past.

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Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Because he posed so nicely, I wanted to share a closer shot of the Great Blue and a quick snap of the map posted at the trail head.

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Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Fantastic series, Carol! You set the stage beautifully with your description and I felt I was with you every step of the way. The bird shots are super-cool, but the minimalistic fog/trees with reflections of #7 is my favorite. The flowers are gorgeous too. Thoroughly wonderful series!

LillieAnnW

Very nice! I like the foggy mood. A local told me the berries are called Brazilian Pepper Tree. Thanks for sharing your experience in this very special place with us!

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Very nice, Carol and always wondered what was down that trail and enjoyed every download! Thanks!

arperry Loc: Miami/Florida

Thank you so much for taking us along the Cruickshank Trail. I have never hiked that trail and am delighted that you gave me valuable insights. Your series of photos shows the flora and fauna of that very special place so well, and I enjoyed the descriptions a lot. I drove along the Black Point Drive last week Thursday and saw some roseate spoonbills, which almost made my day until I spotted a painted bunting right behind the visitor center. That was the highlight of my entire week since I had never ever seen one in person. The Biolab Road had an abundance of shore birds at each end, little in the middle section on that particular day. It made the drive up from Miami so well worth it.

Jerry Coupe Loc: Kent, WA

Wonderful set of images. Sure looks like you have a nice outing.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Another great set Carol!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Linda. Pictures can only try to convey how beautiful and serene it is! I was really glad to have the fog. I really like #7, too. Everything had a surreal feel and the water was like glass. On the practical side, mosquito repellent is a must but I had it with me!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

I’m really glad you enjoyed these, Lillie Ann. You are right about the Brazilian Pepper. It is an invasive species and they remove them frequently. The berries are attractive but the plants are messy and they have a very negative impact on the environment.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Corky. I walked it several years ago and it was as nice as I remembered. We spent the morning at Black Point again today. I’m trying to get my fix while the birds are here and the weather is good!

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Wow, AR, I still haven’t seen a Painted Bunting but I heard that they had been spotted at the Visitor’s Center! I also need to go on Biolab. I love Black Point and always end up there. The bird population changes every day. They have a lot of room to spread out so you never know what you will encounter. We were over there again today and I didn’t see a single Spoonbill.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Jerry. Whenever I can get away from it all on the marshes, it is a great day! The birds have it made.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

Thank you, Mike. I hope you can get some of the feel of this place from the photos!

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

A very interesting set, Carol--nicely shot, too.