Friday, February 12, 2010

Jelks Preserve: Hiking with Armadillos!

We did our walking yesterday at Jelks Preserve, which is located very close to where we are staying along the Myakka River. The trail system within the preserve is very well marked and winds through several distinct habitats.


We have never seen so many armadillos. Being Northerners, we remain quite amused by them.


The word armadillo is Spanish for "little armored one."


Because most of our hiking has been in the North woods, we remain amazed at the differences we see here in the South.  The epiphytes were literally dripping off the trees as we walked down to the river.


And, this is the dry season down here. One can only imagine what this oak hammock must look like in the summer months!


Can you tell I just relearned the word epiphyte? They are plants that grow on, but are not parasitic to other plants. I know we talked about them back when we took Suzanne and Nick on hikes with us.


What beautiful surroundings to enjoy during one's daily exercise! Sure beats the tread mill.


We are staying just a few miles up the river from this spot.

Paul got out golfing this week with Kent


and Gary.


Beth and I played Bananagrams while they were on the links. She won. Rats, I hate to lose!!!
Off to ride my bike. I feel like a kid again!
Talk to you soon.

4 comments:

Marlys said...

What a treat to see green grass & shrubs - anything green! All we see is white, white, white! You have a beautiful, serene path to walk!

Freely Living Life said...

Beautiful Florida nature! :)

We too are amused by the armadillo. They are such intersting looking creatures! Unfortunately most of the ones we have seen down here in the South are on the side of the road. :(

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Beautiful photos! I agree with mom - great to see some green.

We played bananagrams, cranium, and apples to apples on Saturday and I didn't win ANY games! :P I hate to lose, but I had such a blast with my friends! :)

Seriously can't wait for your return so we can play some banangrams! I think it's such an awesome game!

Dr. Bill, "Memory Medic" said...

Armadillos are magnificent creatures that have survived all sorts of threats for 65 million years. Can they survive the automobile? To learn more, go to http://dillos.us.

Bill Klemm, D.V.M.