As delightful as it is to gussy up for nights out on the town, I'm a nature girl at heart. Time amongst the trees and beasts is essential to my well being, so at least once a week (ideally more), I can be found paddling the waters or hiking the woods. Today it was a bird-watching jaunt to Stinchcomb. City parks are a treasure, but true nature needs a truer environment - not the overly tidied, mown, cleared out pristine atmosphere most of our parks provide.
Out here things are much more as they should be, with undergrowth, brush, swampy bogs and ponds, and deadwood aplenty providing ideal habitat for a wealth of creatures - insects, birds, furry mammals.
In recent years more people have discovered this gem of wilderness, and sadly, not all of them seem to respect it. You will encounter the usual human debris, mainly beer cans and water bottles, which is a shame. I like to think, though, that the majority of visitors appreciate it enough to leave things better than found. Main activities are walking, running, dog walking, bicycling, with evidence of horses often present as well.
You can stick to the main road, that's dirt (or mud), and gated off to regular motorized traffic. If you're feeling more explory, however, there are a number of woodsy trails, made by humans or animals, that can take you on a good meander, for as long as you wish to ramble.
You may see deer, possums, armadillos, and certainly have the opportunity to spot all sorts of birds. During migration and nesting in particular, the variety can be astounding - from water birds and waders, to woodpeckers, to owls and hawks, and cheerful song birds; bring your binoculars and your checklist.
The terrain can be muddy, so choose your footwear wisely. A walking stick is handy (especially should you be inclined to tackle crossing a stream by fallen log), as is drinking water. But don't be a loser and leave your bottle behind.
If you wander off the trails, it's a good idea to have a map app handy, as it's surprisingly easy to lose bearings amongst the trees, and swear you're going north when in fact you're headed south.
Pack up your gear and step out to hone those outdoor skills. read more