Today’s the kickoff of the Florida Trail Association South Regional Conference at Fisheating Creek, with workshops, guided paddling trips and hikes, and just plain hanging out with a bunch of hikers from all over South Florida.
I’m headed there to reconnect with friends and talk about my new book, Exploring Florida’s Botanical Wonders, so imagine my delight to find the southernmost reaches of Fisheating Creek – as it flows into Lake Okeechobee – lined with masses of Southeastern sunflower (Helianthus agrestis) along SR 78 near Lakeport.
They’re past their peak, but there is a patch of sunflowers in their full glory along SR 78 just west of Moore Haven, complete with cows grazing among them – a truly pastoral scene!
Hi Sandra, Don and I are planning to stop by the Conference on Saturday, just for the day, since we are here at Indiantown just east of Lake Okeechobee. Looking forward to seeing all of our hiking friends again.
B&D
BTW, Your nature articles and photos are fantastic! Keep up the GREAT work!!
Sandra, so glad you were able to see these. I had heard about them and was fortunate enough to see them in person and photograph them, too. There are masses at the FWS trailhead at Ft Center, in Nicodemus Slough, and at Curry Island (road across from Ft Center entrance). Worth the detour if you are anywhere nearby.
Awesome shot Sandy! You were very fortunate to see them at peak.
Love the flowers. Enjoy the get together.