Wheedon Island Bike ride and Hike.

Okay , so the only clue you have in the pictures to know we are actually in Florida is the Alligator warning signs!  Because sunny warm Florida has gone the way of the dinosaur.....extinct.  After 10 days of near record low temperatures we finally had a promise of warmth and sun for our relaxing hike thru Sawgrass.

Sawgrass is a giant swamp located right in St Pete Florida.  One side is actually bordered by the Interstate.

5 out of 7 of us ( 2 no shows. ) met at 2:15 pm on this sunny , windy Sunday.  Thanks to Chris & Jake for showing up as planned as well as to my two employees visiting from NH who made no fuss about hanging out with 3 gay men for an afternoon. :-0 We strolled the boardwalk , then ventured out onto more rougher dirt trails.  Although there was a breeze , the sun was bright and kept our faces warm ; and kept most native Floridians at home , so we had the park almost to ourselves.

Unfortunately , due to the excessive cold we also didnt get to see any Alligators.  They also prefer the hot sunny days.  But it was reminisence of a nice fall New England day so all-in-all it was a very nice afternoon of mild exercise and good conversation.  We even encountered some Orange trees , as the photos show and we tried various ways to obtain the ripest Oranges , all at the top of the tree of course!  And it was fun to go to the Education Center afterwards and take in some knowledge of what we saw , how humans impact the enviroment , etc.

We decided to come back again , next time on a warm day and sit by the pond and enjoy a picnic lunch.  C u then!

Okay.  Lets hope the rainy weather has gone and we can do lots of fun outdoor activities in January!  This will be the first in a two part adventure to explore Weedon Island.  We will meet at my house , ride our bikes to Weedon Island. ( about 3 miles / 20 minutes ) .  Once we arrive there we will park our bikes at the provided racks ( bring ur locks! ) and take in the intriguing exibit indoors at the main headquaters. ( about 1/2 hour )  Then we will go outside and hike all the trails ; complete with Interpretive signs that tell us what we are looking at , how to appreciate it , etc. ( about 2 hours ) . There is even a trail named Boy Scout Loop so maybe we will encounter some Boyscouts!  When we finish the hike we will mount our bikes and ride home , stopping at one of the myraid places to eat on the way home.  There are many Bus Stops along the ride home should anyone become fatigued and need a ride.  The busses do allow bikes.  Bring bus fare if u think u will need this option.  All-in-all this should be a laid-back relaxing afternoon.  And its all free! ( except the eating part )  :-0

 Technical details :  Weedon Island Preserve is located along the shores of Old Tampa Bay.  This coastal system , comprised of aquatic and upland ecosystems , is home to numerous species of flora and fauna , an outstanding educational facility , and a rich cultural history.  NO smoking , pets , alchohol or firearms are allowed on the trails!