Thursday March 7th 2024

The bright sun with very little breeze allowed today’s high temperature to reach the eighty degree mark. An increased humidity level made it feel a little uncomfortable. It is time to switch back to warm weather clothes.

This was my last full day at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park. I am at the end of my two week limit, but I wouldn’t mind a longer stay. This park has the right mix of hiking opportunities and proximity to services in Gainesville. I am leaving several things on my to do list for my next visit. I didn’t get to the end of the Cones Dike Trail out onto the prairie despite trying three times. The other miss on this visit that probably wont be around on my next visit is seeing the Bald Eagles on their nest. I caught a brief glance of an eagle early in my visit, but even though I checked just about every day, I didn’t get to see either bird again. They supposedly had at least one chick.

Today I got in two walks to the day use area on Lake Wauburg, one drive to the observation tower on the prairie and a visit to the prairie viewing boardwalk off US 441. Lake Wauburg has been quiet all week. Last week there were sailboats or other water craft on the lake whenever the sun was out. This week the University of Florida is on spring break. The UF facility on the far side of the lake may be closed or the students that use it are just gone for the break. There continue to be lots of people fishing from the pier on this side of the lake.

I have about one hundred and seventy miles to travel tomorrow. I’m heading back to the Bradenton Florida area for two weeks followed by another two in the Sarasota area. My plan is to be on the road by ten or eleven. I have to buy gas before I go very far, but then it is a straight run south on Interstate 75.