We stumbled across this lovely park last week while exploring the area around Tarpon Springs. It was a lucky find. When you go on a roadtrip, it is fun to find what you went for (in this case the town and seacoast of Tarpon Springs) but somehow it is even more special to come across a beautiful place you'd never even heard of before. And to actually have the time to check it out.
This trail is dedicated to Peggy Park, a wildlife conservation officer for Pinellas County who was killed in the line of duty. A sad story, but a fitting memorial.
There's a long area of boardwalk winding through Florida greenery and then a hard-packed trail bordering Tarpon Lake.
It was a little cool and overcast with some sunshine and a light breeze -- perfect weather for a nature walk.
We saw turtles, ducks, cardinals, and other birds, but even if we hadn't seen any wildlife at all, the mossy trees and water alone were well worth the walk ... peaceful, quiet, and very Old South in atmosphere.
There were families picnicking in the other (grassy) park areas, but the nature trail was very quiet. We met only a couple of other people.
Sharing the fences of Chestnut Park with everyone at GOOD FENCES (brought to us by Teresa, the TexWis Girl over at the Run-A-Round Ranch.) And the lovely Pinellas County views with SCENIC WEEKENDS, hosted by Gemma who has too many beautiful blogs and memes to list!
Great Shots,
If it rains any more here we might me living in a swap
Posted by: Pete | April 27, 2014 at 04:32 PM
this is a place I´d love to visit. Walking slowly. :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep Photo | April 26, 2014 at 03:19 PM
Hi, I've commented already but I noticed you had visited my (Craft blog) and I actually have another blog (http://wishesdreamsandotherthings.blogspot.com) which is where my Good Fences post was located. I hope you'll stop in and check it out.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | April 26, 2014 at 08:56 AM
I'm feeling so involved in the travel, Sallie... I can even follow the trail (this image is so splendid) and you're right that nature itself is a wonder!! (i'm looking at those branches of the tree over waters...and the so busy and cute squirrel) In this saturday it's like I traveled sooo...fast and far!! Thank you kindly and may you have a great weekend!
Posted by: Alexa T | April 26, 2014 at 08:40 AM
Absolutely beautiful, and I agree; it is fun to discover something new when looking for something else.
Posted by: Penny | April 26, 2014 at 06:27 AM
da würde es mir auch gefallen Sallie
SEHR
LG vom katerchen
Posted by: katerchen | April 25, 2014 at 10:37 PM
Perfect time of year for enjoying a place like this! It is so beautiful and reminds me of some of our parks here in north Florida. We sometimes call it "the other Florida" because it is so different from the more touristy areas of the state.
Posted by: Lois | April 25, 2014 at 06:47 PM
Beautiful place! You made me curious so I looked up Peggy Park. That was a terrible story, poor woman.
Posted by: Clair Z. | April 25, 2014 at 06:00 PM
Some wonderful green scenery. Especially love the boardwalk view with the gnarled branch overhanging. Great to see you at Scenic Weekends again.
Posted by: Gemma Wiseman | April 25, 2014 at 02:45 PM
I love your fences! Full of mystery and excitement and a sense of adventure!
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
Posted by: Linda | April 25, 2014 at 02:26 PM
Love the walkway through the forest.
Posted by: Ruth - Utah | April 25, 2014 at 02:06 PM
While I was shocked to find out just how similar most parts of this country are to others, I found much of Florida to be rather unique in many respects.
Posted by: Jerry E. Beuterbaugh | April 25, 2014 at 12:49 PM
A beautiful place! Wonderful and gorgeous photos!
Posted by: Mary | April 25, 2014 at 11:02 AM
the large tree stole the show for me but all your images are beautiful. looks like a wonderful place!!
ps....i updated my entry, yes they are apple blossoms!!
Posted by: Debbie | April 25, 2014 at 09:34 AM
such a lovely place... so many beautiful images to look at. sounds like you had a nice visit there. hope all is well. have a great day~
Posted by: naquillity | April 25, 2014 at 08:05 AM
Lovely park...I graduated from high school on the East Coast of FL. I remember my friends referring to the West Coast (of FL.) Thank you for bringing these beautiful views of your West Coast.
Posted by: georgettesullins | April 25, 2014 at 05:32 AM
Looks like a great place to visit. Love teh squirrel and the fence.
Posted by: Roan | April 25, 2014 at 04:41 AM
So lush and lovely!
Posted by: Lady Fi | April 25, 2014 at 04:30 AM
What a beautiful place. So much lush greenery. The squirrel was really cute too. I enjoyed seeing your fence and other shots very much.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | April 24, 2014 at 09:50 PM
What a magical place to walk. I visited Tarpon Springs decades ago but didn't find this gem.
Posted by: Gaelyn | April 24, 2014 at 07:14 PM
Dearest Sallie;
Wonderful to hear that the fence was made for dedicating to "Peggy Park, a wildlife conservation officer"! How LOVELY it must have been walking through that wonderful green♡♡♡ Beautiful picture of the mossy trees and water♪
ps. I REALLY appreciate your thoughtful comments, my friend.
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my dearest friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid | April 24, 2014 at 07:07 PM
What gorgeous photos! I would love to visit this park. We are always amazed at how few people are taking advantage of some of the parks here in FL. But it sure gives you a peaceful visit. ENJOY! Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | April 24, 2014 at 06:21 PM
Beautiful! One of my favorite places. I was there this weekend. 15 minutes from my house. I hope you were able to see some of the deer that live there.
Posted by: Dina J | April 24, 2014 at 05:51 PM
Looks so alive....missing that here
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | April 24, 2014 at 04:57 PM
Fabulous photos on your walk Sallie. What a beautiful place and it is ever a joy to discover the unexpected. I think Peggy Park would have been very happy to have this lovely area named after her. Thank you for your sweet comments on my recipe post. I'm glad you enjoyed it, will be trying the recipe and hope you like it as much as we did. Have a great week :)
Posted by: DeniseinVA | April 24, 2014 at 04:03 PM
That boardwalk reminds me of Bluebonnet Swamp! That tree branch has so much character...like something that should be in a Tim Burton movie or something. Really great pics!
Posted by: Gail | April 24, 2014 at 03:25 PM
Sallie, what a lovely park. The boardwalk looks great for checking out the wildlife.. A very pretty area! Someday I will make back to Florida and visit some more wonderful parks.. Great photos.
Posted by: Eileen | April 24, 2014 at 02:11 PM
What a lovely area. I enjoyed it and glad you shared.
Posted by: LaVoice | April 24, 2014 at 01:56 PM
Thank you for my imaginary walk and especially for the squirrel shots!p
Posted by: Hazel | April 24, 2014 at 01:32 PM
What a great place to walk. Wonderful shots!
Posted by: Carver | April 24, 2014 at 12:28 PM
Nice place to stumble upon and have the time to explore!
Posted by: ellen b | April 24, 2014 at 11:09 AM
The in-laws wintered near there for over 30 years and on visits we always went to the park and it was always a beautiful experience. I always remember seeing a river otter just floating along in the water. And so many birds! We always went to eat in Tarpon Springs. Lots of memories after seeing your post!
Posted by: RedPat | April 24, 2014 at 09:59 AM
Great shots and lovely presentation of all sorts ~ xoxo
artmusedog and carol, (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | April 24, 2014 at 09:43 AM
What a beautiful walk ! and to see squirrels, they are so seldom to see here and they look different too. They are small and reddish, not grey.
Posted by: Gattina | April 24, 2014 at 09:28 AM
What a great stumble upon! A beautiful place! I could spend hours there. Lovely shots. Cute little plump squirrel too!
Posted by: Karen, Pixel Posts | April 24, 2014 at 09:00 AM
A beautiful walk in a beautiful area. Remember when we visited parks to walk, and eating was incidental?
Posted by: Dianne | April 24, 2014 at 08:03 AM
love the gate entrance and boardwalk. the squirrel is adorable! that tree in the middle of the post is gorgeous!
thanks for linking, sallie!
Posted by: TexWisGirl | April 24, 2014 at 07:58 AM
Hi Sallie Love the boardwalk and fence, the cute squirrel and the beautiful reflection on the water.
Posted by: Margaret | April 24, 2014 at 07:56 AM