The Wandering Disciple

The joke has always been that Florida has one season, summer.  While the snow may stay away and the temperatures are usual mild, if you look closely you can see some signs of seasons.  Unlike most of the country that sees leaves turn colors in the Fall, you will see reds and oranges in the foliage during Winter.  These colors are seen along the boardwalk at Sawgrass Lakes Park in St Petersburg.  (Photo: December 15, 2018)

St Petersburg, Florida: Nestled within the densest populated county in Florida, this Pinellas County park offers visitors a chance to hike through on of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast. Sawgrass Lake Park is a hidden oasis in the hustle and bustle of busy St Petersburg. At 400 acres, Sawgrass Lake Park is a welcomed green space in the busy city. It preserves one of the largest maple swamps in the region and is also an important feature in the county’s protection against flooding. As a result of the lake, swamp and canals, Sawgrass Lake Park has become a home to a vast collection of plants and wildlife. To explore the park deeper, there is a one-mile elevated boardwalk that meanders through the swamp. Along the way there are benches and shade canopies that allow you to rest while enjoying the beauty of the park. The boardwalk eventually leads to a two-story observation tower overlooking Sawgrass Lake. If you want to get off the beaten path and get your feet dirt...