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I went out early this morning to one of my local paddling spots, Apthorp Lake near Lake Placid, Florida. The sun had just come up behind the clouds. It was still cool around 7:30 am when I arrived. Apthorp Lake is bigger than it appears due to its many bays. I prefer the bays to the north. The far southern bay is in the territory of a large aggressive gator and I no longer try to go there.
Lots of plants were flowering, including Elderberry, Buttonbush, bullrushes, waterlilies. Here is a photo of Pickerel Weed, which was also blooming (obviously.)
It's a relatively good place for viewing birds. Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Towhee, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great White Egret. I startled a Green Heron into flying off (unintentionally) and it was quickly followed by a Red-shouldered Hawk in fast pursuit. I think the heron got into the weeds before the hawk found him. Early morning birds included this Little Blue Heron who seems unperturbed at my presence.
Some changes since I last visited. My favorite photogenic pine tree had it's top broken off. Other trees in the area suffered wind damage. The orange grove to the north has been cleared to the ground. It will probably become a solar farm, which is good. But it is not as scenic as an orange grove. This is not a place to get away from it all. Just a place to visit and enjoy a paddle.
By the time I left, the sky had cleared and it was quickly becoming hot. Even though this is very close to town, I had the entire lake to myself this morning. Here's a shot of the putin as I was leaving.
Lots of plants were flowering, including Elderberry, Buttonbush, bullrushes, waterlilies. Here is a photo of Pickerel Weed, which was also blooming (obviously.)
It's a relatively good place for viewing birds. Red-winged Blackbirds, Eastern Towhee, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Great White Egret. I startled a Green Heron into flying off (unintentionally) and it was quickly followed by a Red-shouldered Hawk in fast pursuit. I think the heron got into the weeds before the hawk found him. Early morning birds included this Little Blue Heron who seems unperturbed at my presence.
Some changes since I last visited. My favorite photogenic pine tree had it's top broken off. Other trees in the area suffered wind damage. The orange grove to the north has been cleared to the ground. It will probably become a solar farm, which is good. But it is not as scenic as an orange grove. This is not a place to get away from it all. Just a place to visit and enjoy a paddle.
By the time I left, the sky had cleared and it was quickly becoming hot. Even though this is very close to town, I had the entire lake to myself this morning. Here's a shot of the putin as I was leaving.
