One of my favorite State Parks is O'Leno State Park in High Springs, Florida.
And the best trail there follows the Santa Fe River.
Spring is such a wonderful time to visit the State Parks and I was delighted to see Wild Azalea in full bloom all along the trail. I could even see blooms across the river.
Most of the time your focus is on the river so when I stopped to take photos of the river, a couple from Chicago stopped to chat. I asked them if they had seen the wild azaleas. She said yes, he said no. She said she didn't know what they were. It's nice to be observant and good to have a few IDs to share.
A lot of people think the rivers and swamps are covered in slime or something unhealthy.
But when you look closely, you see that it is a small plant called Duckweed and it is a healthy plant.
And look what happens when it swirls!
What do YOU see?
And what do you think this turtle sees on the bank of the river?
Looks like a monster to me but it's a huge alligator, very prehistoric looking!
This pretty little Tufted Titmouse posed for me.
And it was another beautiful hike at O'Leno State Park.
We drove over in our van camper to a parking area to make this hike.
Are you seeing wildflowers in bloom this Spring?
37 comments:
...in the '60s when I studied horticulture at the University of Georgia, our botany class when to the mountains in north Georgia to see native azaleas. Happy Easter.
I love the wildflowers this time of year in north and central Florida. Always reminds me of why I think Ponce de Leon was so enamored with here. He came in the spring. I took a beach walk yesterday, but I am going to hit a trail tomorrow. Love the pics. Yes, that alligator is all nested up over there.
Wow! I'm not sure I've ever seen wild azaleas before! If I did, I didn't know what they were! Those are gorgeous! Thank you for sharing them with us. Love the turtle and gator photo...that's a keeper! You picked the right time to go hiking there for sure! Beautiful day and wonderful photos. Have a blessed Easter!!
What great photos of the wild azaleas.
I find the alligator really scary, we only see those animals in a zoo here.
Greetings Irma
I didn't know there was a wild azalea. That's so pretty. That Duckweed sure made a pretty swirly pattern in the water.
You see such a lovely conglomeration of items from nature in your outside strolls.
I did not know there was such a thing as wild azaleas, but I do now, and they are pretty!
our wildflower around is Iris, Louisiana Iris...
A lot of things in the park.... interesting photos.
Beautiful photographs of the wild azaleas.
Happy Easter Wishes.
All the best Jan
Being observant adds so much to the experience—spotting wild azaleas and sharing a bit of knowledge can turn a simple stop into a memorable moment.
You always share beautiful photos with us! That trail along the river looks so inviting. The wild azaleas are so pretty. Thanks, always, for taking us along!
Beautiful park with the flowers and birds. Happy easter !
Azalea's? I thought they must be wild orchids :) very pretty though.
Hello Diane,
I love your cute Titmouse, the turtle and the big gator.
I love the wild azaleas and the duckweed is a pretty color green.
Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy Easter weekend. PS, thanks so much for leaving me a comment.
Wild azaleas are such a treat, and it's great you pointed out the beauty of the duckweed.
Looks like finger-painting swirls in the Duckweed, a good place for alligators to hide! Be careful!
Wild flowers are my favorite ~ gorgeous and sweet turtle with the 'prehistorid monster' too ~
How neat to see wild azaleas, and discover that they are nearly as colorful as the cultivated species!
I am always thrilled to see a turtle in the wild. What a beautiful walk that must have been.
the "real florida" is so beautiful!! i did not know about duckweed, it is so pretty when it swirls!! at first glance, i thought the alligator was a snake but see it is an alligator!! i always get the best information from the locals!! have a wonderful weekend!!
Beautiful flowers and wildlife. Love seeing that wee turtle. Happy Easter.
I absolutely love ❤️ this series of beautiful photos and the 🐢 turtle is so cute.
Beautifully captured nature on your hike!
Happy Easter.
The wild azaleas are very beautiful! I'm scared of the alligator just looking at your pictures :)
Hello Diane :)
I loved seeing your captures of the Titmouse, alligator, and turtle. The trail where you saw the wild Azálias looks so inviting and I didn't even know there was such a thing as wild Azálias. Beautiful captures of
everything you saw, including the duckweed.
All the best Diane
Hugs
Sonjia.
Enjoyed all the photos of your trip to O'Leno State Park. The azaleas are beautiful in their natural surroundings. Many wildflowers in my garden are happily blooming at different intervals.
It's always so amazing to see the different wildlife and blooms that you are enjoying there! Love your van camper, what fun to take around to new hiking spots. I would not like to see an alligator, but I supposed you get used to them, just as we are used to the wildlife around here like bears, moose and cougar. Happy Easter to you!
Thanks for sharing your hike in the state park. I enjoyed looking at your photos of the flowers, bird, and river. Happy hiking Diane.
I love that alligator. :-)
All the pink flowers are making me smile too.
Love, Carla
It certainly was a beautiful walk. The wild azalea looks so pretty. The little Tufted Titmouse is such a a perfect model.
-Soma
The wild azaleas are so beautiful! Love the shapes in the green pollen in the water. Lots of scope for imagination as Anne of Green Gables says. Enjoy this new week!
It certainly seems very nice to walk around there as well. I also saw those azaleas once in a park where they were. You brought back super beautiful photos. Especially the little crested tit and figure in duckweed that looks a bit like a giraffe. Beautiful stopover you certainly did make.
Such gorgeous flowers and wildlife.
That little turtle is adorable.
Hope you had a wonderful Easter, Diane
Thank you for sharing the beautiful Spring wildflowers -- the Azaleas in Oregon are tame ones -- but also beautiful. I haven't seen the wild ones here in our part of Florida. So glad you're enjoying your camper van for near and farther adventures.
Never seen before wild Azalees. They are wonderful. Such an exotic flower, thank you for sharing dear Diane.
Have a good week. Greetings by Heidrun
Maravilloso reportaje. Las azaleas son preciosas y el herrerillo me encantó. Por aquí hay muchas flores silvestres preciosas, todo el campo parece un lindo jardín. La caravana también me gusta. Besos.
The mosses in the water create such a fine art
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