A bike ride through pine flatwoods and cypress wetlands

On my last trip to Florida I did a blog post on the Everglades. This time I thought I would share the haunting and beautiful landscapes of the pine flatwoods and cypress wetlands of Pasco County from one of my late afternoon bike rides. I have had to resort to my "point-and-shoot" camera as I am not sufficiently coordinated to ride with the larger digital camera and multiple lenses. Never-the-less, I hope you will enjoy these.

At the end of September, the wetlands were at their highest water level. Near the end of October, however, they are beginning to dry out.

Pasco County is less developed than the counties to the south. I do pass some interesting houses on my rides but would not feel comfortable taking photos. Pasco is a bit like Fairbanks in that you don't want to exhibit too much interest or curiosity outside of more densly populated areas as you may end up getting shot (just kidding, sort of).

There are over 1,000 Florida wetland plants. I have the book, Florida Wetland Plants: An Identification Manual (Tobe, et. al.), but in flipping through it a few times I couldn't find a picture that resembled this plant. It is quite common in Cypress Creek and very colorful, though.

The cypress have all lost their leaves (that look like needles), and the swamps are looking austere -- as they do all winter.

An example of the invasive vines that are choking out indigenous vegetation throughout Florida.

After half an hour's ride from my house I come to the Cypress Creek Water Management area. It has over 15 miles of paved roads and unpaved trails. The road is only open to official water management motor vehicles. Bicycles, horses, runners, and hikers have open access through a narrow path alongside the gate. It is full of wildlife and beautiful examples of Central Florida habitats.

Lots of saw palmetto

There are seven species of true pine trees in Florida, and many of them are found here in the Cypress Creek area.

This young deer and I surprised each other. I actually saw several deer on this ride but this is the only one I managed to catch on camera. Not a great photo, but you get the idea.

A typical late afternoon landscape.

Among the thousand species of wetland plants are MANY grasses. These turn this lovely pink/lavender at this time of year.

Flowering saw palmetto.

Whereas in Alaska you are likely to see Moose and Dog Team Crossing signs, in Cypress Creek you have to watch out for gopher tortoises.

Another pristine landscape.

Classic pine flatwoods vegetation.

A great blue heron at the side of a pond.

Golden rod at dusk.

The full moon last night on arrival back at the house at about 7:15 pm.

Although I am looking forward to getting back to Fairbanks and the beginning of winter, I must admit to being a little sad to give up these spiritually renewing bike rides (and of course, seeing my sister and Florida friends).