Another Walk with Mike- Easter, Snakes

[mikecat adjuster]

In 'Another Walk with Mike' you'll see what I encountered during some of my Easter walks. Of course, snakes are included.

I ventured into some swamps and also walked on a barrier island. I saw my first Corn snake since moving to Florida and although the video and picture of it aren't first rate, I did get the beautifully painted snake on film.

Of course there are moccasin that I encountered. But in the video you'll also see some wonderful Cactus flower that was a welcome site on the trial. A beautiful yellow. But not captured on video was the anquish at having cactus thorns deposited in my foot.

Also not included in the video were some nice deer antler that were laid on the ground. It's nice to come across salient features like that on the trail. It makes for a more interesting hike.

Florida was long not thought of as a hiking destination. Places out west like Yellowstone and just north of us on the Appalacian trail came to mind, but Florida was an afterthought. But not for me. Actually, I'll have to write more about some of the trails that have been developed in our state.

I love Florida. The dune lakes. The fresh water springs. The cypress filled swamps. The beautiful Emerald waters of the panhandle. And I appreciate the alligator and other predetors that patrol our countryside. I appreicate their existence.

I had some interaction with gator this past week also and may include some footage in an upcoming video.

Anyway, here's the latest installment in 'Another Walk with Mike'. I hope you enjoy!


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN-aHaOKllo&feature=channel_page"]YouTube - Moccasin and Snake Encounters: Easter Walks in Florida[/ame]

 

[Tdupe]

Can we have your kayak if you get bitten?

 

[traderx]

And your camera.....

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

 

[mikecat adjuster]

And your camera.....

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for the reply. The camera is actually not much and the kayak is 'used', although I bought it new. I almost didn't make it back across the pass from Shell island to St. Andrew's state park yesterday. Wow, were those winds strong and I have a sit-inside kayak, made primarily for small ponds and rivers, not conducive to wind blown gulf waters.

I was soaked but managed to make it back across. I actually just got back from a hike today on a portion of trail I'd previously not traveled. It was quite nice but no snakes were seen. Oh, but I did see a Florida Kite. It is one of the most interesting birds to see in flight. Its tail is split into two segments and stands out among other birds. I enjoyed viewing it as it passed just at the treetops above me.

I found more turpentine pottery, which I've come to learn is very prevalent in the forest. And I always marvel at the amount of bottles in the woods. And of course refrigerators lol What was long ago trash is kinda interesting now. I saw a pre-Reagan microwave yesterday and an old vehicle.

What weather we've been having for quite a while of late. It's nice not having to run the heat or a/c not that it matters as it's part of my rent anyway. Oh heck, I'm rambling :roll:

 

[ShallowsNole]

You have my complete and utter respect. As do the snakes. I just brought my son in here to make sure he knows what to look for, and to reiterate why flip-flops and shorts in the yard in the dark are not a good idea.

Turpentine pottery is cool.

 

[liquorqueen]

O.k. Mike...please let me know what swamp you at touring so that I DON'T go there!!! tee hee

Would LOVE to find a skull out in the woods; however. Guess I'm not venturing far enough into the woods. Thanks so much for sharing your videos. Excellent!

LQ

 

[mikecat adjuster]

You have my complete and utter respect. As do the snakes. I just brought my son in here to make sure he knows what to look for, and to reiterate why flip-flops and shorts in the yard in the dark are not a good idea.

Turpentine pottery is cool.

Thank you guys. I usually take a flash light with me when I go out to the truck at night. I know the chances are slim, but I've seen a few pygmy out there before and with all the snakes I see... well, it just makes me aware.

Yep, the pottery is cool. I am thinking of making a trip to St. Vincent island to see what I can discover there. But I'll be back to Shell island too.

Yes Liquor Queen, seeing the skull was neat. (Pretty cool seeing you recently too at the crawfish deal) Regarding the skull, I see things like that pretty often. In some of my other videos I have coyote skulls etc. I found a few huge alligator skulls while living in Louisiana. I found three deer antlers the other day.

As an aside, I want to make a little video showing a completely amazing way that I fish and will do so soon. That will be great if I can pull it off. It's just difficult to film and fish the way I do it. I need one hand on the paddle and the other on the rod. It won't be efficient fishing while I film, but if I can be just a little effective filming it, it will be something to watch.

You know, part of the reason I'm doing this is because I have a hope. If I keep doing things that I'm passionate about, somehow, someway, things will work out for me. I'd rather things happen while engaged in something that inspires me rather than following a mundane path. I sometimes think I'm being... anyway, I hope it works out. I want more than anything to get it all together and be a great dad to my little ones. I feel, in many respects, I'm doing that, but in other ways, I feel... differently.

I've been playing guitar and singing, well, as I always do, but lately the songs have been different. I wonder if my little camera can pick up audio enough to warrant recording some of that. We'll have to see.