Sugarloaf Key 10/04/2009

Today, Leif and I rode the preserve area of Sugarloaf Key. We road a little over 8 miles.

The locals dive off this bridge.

The path was too steep to ride up to the main trail.

This portion of the path was narrow and averaged about 4 1/2" high. I was leaning down to the handlebars while riding through this section of the trail.

The bridge that burned down. There were a couple of people snorkeling in the water.

Leif watching the various fish in the clear water.

I smacked my head really hard in this section of the path. I hopped over a log and forgot how low the limbs were. I was seeing stars and got a bad headache for a few. Its all part of the fun!

I almost got stuck in the extremely muddy path the winds around the parameter of this water hole.

Schlepping through the preserves 10/03/2009

We are visiting the Florida Keys for a few days for a much needed break. We are staying with our dear friends, Liz & Scott. I took a quick 8 mile ride late this AM through some of the preserve areas in Big Pine Key. It has been raining lately, so most of the paths were either covered by water, were very muddy or both. This added another layer of an adventure over the already bumpy natural limestone covered paths that have their own custom made potholes and other imperfections. I quickly ran out-of-breath because I have not biked for a few months. Additionally, I recently recovered from a cold that I had for several weeks that took a lot out of me. The mud cover paths added to the "burn" of the ride; however, I always remember the train of thought: no pain - no gain!. I am happy that the mosquito's, no see-ems' and other flying critters are not out in full force from the rains and the standing fresh water.

Dead- end!


Kingfisher



Natural limestone, mud, and fallen branch covered path
The famous very low hanging branch
You never know what you will stumble upon on the paths of the preserve

JPP 05/31/2009

I biked John Prince Park this AM.  It was hot and humid.  Welcome to South Florida!  I biked 12.3 miles of concrete paths, mulched paths, nature trails, and grassed areas.  There were numerous feral Iguanas sunning themselves.  I saw several Great Blue Herons.  I only saw a few Alligators today.  I saw a decent sized one that was out of my range.  The specimen attempted a strike a water bird and missed.  The trials of life!