Back on the trail....I pick up Kyle at the Budget Rent a car and we head to the Forest. We decide to do 2 short trails and a swim in the glen. The salt springs Loop Trail goes down to the salt springs run. Nice hike through the forest down to the water.
We spot a baby gator at the ob deck.
No swimming in the run for Kyle so we decided to head to silver glen springs to go swimming and hike the Lake George trail. The water was invigorating yet so transparent. Pebbles rushing from the main spring head and large fish feasting on the plant life. A spring the way it should be. We jump out of the water and say hi to the multitudes of vultures by the bank and scurry on over to the Lake George trail. "I wonder if they enforce the sunset rule" Kyle says as we approach dusk. Dont worry I will make time Steerski says as he takes the lead. All of a sudden a florida black bear comes bounding down a tree. I rush back to Kyle to make sure he saw the bear. No wonder they had that bear sign at the beginning of the trail." We head down to Lake George just in time for a Bald Eagle to provide an air show. We haul ass back to the car as its getting dark. We hear the ranger hollering at the marina "Anyone own a F150 we are locking up" We escape just in time and head for Hopkins Prarie, a favorite spot of the Kiz.
Intoduce Rich, a through hiker from Otown. He tells us horror stories about drinking crappy water from Penner ponds. But he also tells us great stories about 88 store. "Its open now if you want to go." I poke fun of all his gear, but I will later regret not being as prepared. I am sure we will see Rich on the trail again. Hopkins prarie did not dissapoint. Big Sky Views!
Looking in the trees to find hidden treasures...or not.
Crazy flying creatures abound.
Tall grass meant chiggars. Wish I had worn pants like Rich.
The birds were in pairs today.
And some weren't even birds.
