Set out for the Myakka Prairie through Martin's Gate, which accesses over 8,000 acres of the southeastern region of Myakka State Park - and on most days, accessible with an easily-gotten park hiking permit. We covered about 6 miles from State Road 72 down to the Park's southern boundary, which boarders along the northern edge of the Mabry Carlton Preserve.
Came across a large, and way-up there, Bald Eagles' nest with only a long-distanced glimpse of what appeared to be an eagle hovering temporarily overhead. As for an unexpected delight, gliding, swooping and flipping through the air, an approaching fancy-marked raptor, a Swallow-tail Kite, came within a hundred feet of our shaded resting spot of a lone palm hammock.
Martin's Gate
Flood stage marker using feet measurement along-side a small creek bed.
Myakka Park's gifted 'Swamp Buggy' driven by volunteer members from Americorp, hired through the State Park system to help monitor and eradicate exotic plants.
Bear Hammock Trail, now a maintenance access road heading due south.
Native epiphyte on the trunk of an oak tree.
Small palm hammock out on the open prairie
Prairie grass leaning under a good north-easterly breeze
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