SoWal Beaches Forum - Blogs - mikecatadjuster

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

mikecatadjuster — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:27:05 GMT

[U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXnyVw2JCqQ[/"]YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
Okay, I've put some of the footage into a video for you. It is of an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake I found in my backyard. I also had a deer and a gopher tortoise in my backyard. The tortoise was there a month or so ago. The deer and diamondback on the same day.

This diamondback, like the others I've encountered share something in common. These are among the most docile snakes I have ever encountered.

I have read opinions on this and it seems to boil down to natural selection. Rattlesnakes can use their rattles to ward off animals that could potentially step on them. Rattling will cause, let's say, a deer to step around the snake. But with Man inhabiting these lands and the rattle drawing the attention of humans, death most often follows.

I removed the Rattlesnake from my yard, as I have with numerous pygmy rattlers, and released it further into the wild. But not before getting some great footage for you. I could have shot some more but the snake was so good about things, I just felt I needed to let him get back to his normal activities. Though I will say, it did well in its poses. It was quite a beautiful snake. Let me know if you agree.

Uncovering Octopus and Chasing Dolphin

mikecatadjuster — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:31:24 GMT

YouTube - Uncovering Octopus and Chasing Dolphin

In this episode of, 'Another Walk with Mike' we'll be 'Uncovering Octopus and Chasing Dolphin'. Right off of the beach here in the Florida Panhandle, we'll venture out and come across some amazing finds. In addition to the number of Octopuses we encounter, and dolphin that we will pursue, we'll also come across some fairly unusal finds.

You'll see a member of the Seahorse family, a pipefish, and see how it conceals itself along the sea floor. You'll also view a Sea Bat, also known as a Sea Slug or Sea Hare. As with a recent episode of 'Another Walk with Mike', 'The Gulf Is Alive', you will be amazed at the variance of life that exists here right off the white sandy beach. Near throngs of sun worshipers, basking beneath sun filled skies, just off shore, life abounds. And without even venturing out, you can see it all right here, in this episode of 'Another Walk with Mike.'

The Walls of Heaven

mikecatadjuster — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:48:54 GMT

YouTube - Providence Canyon State Park: The Walls of Heaven

In this episode of 'Another Walk with Mike' our legs stumble upon a Georgia Gem that will purely amaze. I promise. You'll see canyon walls painted with bright brushstrokes. Shapes and figures and spirits carved into the Earth itself. You'll see remnants from an old homestead and a church with its canyon inhabitants. And you'll see Heaven.

You will see a sight that few know exists. It is Providence Canyon State Park and it stands as an example of Nature's beauty. My most recent film, 'The Gulf Is Alive', captured the vibrance of the Sea and what lives within its soul. This film, 'Providence Canyon State Park: The Walls of Heaven', presents to your eyes and to your soul a majestic masterpiece carved amongst the Georgia landscape.

I believe it will be a pleasant surprise for you to witness. It sure surprised me. In taking a trip to Atlanta from my costal Florida home, I decided to search for a piece of adventure. I found it. As with all of my journeys, I hope to find salient, soulful sights. One was certainly found here. And as with all of my findings, I hope that you witnessing my film will serve as a means to preserve the natural wonders I capture. I hope my film will inspire within you a further appreciation for the little pieces of Heaven that we have here on Earth.

Enjoy!

The Gulf Is Alive

mikecatadjuster — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:17:21 GMT

YouTube - The Gulf Is Alive

In this amazing episode of 'Another Walk with Mike,' entitled 'The Gulf Is Alive,' your eyes will be tantalized as Mike free dives the marvelous waters of the panhandle.

You'll witness a King Mackerel take a meal before your eyes. An octupus occupy a hole. A trio of Crabs involved in fisticuffs. Colorful squid, rays and beautiful reef fish.

You'll see shells dug from the crystal white sands and you'll discover... another adventure is always only 'Another Walk with Mike' away.

Enjoy!

Back Into the Water

mikecatadjuster — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:50:08 GMT

YouTube - Back Into the Water/Crab attacks Snake

Well, here is my youtube intro... "In this episode of 'Another Walk with Mike' we get back into the water. You'll see footage of shark, along with the current snorkeling conditions since our recent tropical storm. You'll also see a crab attack a snake in the sand dunes. You never quite know what to expect during our expeditions, but it's all here, in 'Another Walk with Mike'."

While the water looks great from the surface, it's not ideal for snorkeling just yet. I think the storm tore up the algea into teeny weeny pieces and they are just floating all along from the surface to the bottom. I still saw some stuff out there and added some footage from a walk and the only 'live' shark footage obtained over the summer.

While my camera was broken, I had my brother over and we got some brief footage of the shark. Of course, his hands weren't as steady as mine. In fact, and unfortunately, he did not get the part where I swam down and actually held onto the shark. But the footage is worth the watch nonetheless.

I do hope you enjoy. Oh, and there is footage of a crab attacking a snake at Deer Lake SP.

Love yall :roll:

Sea Turtle Skull

mikecatadjuster — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:33:13 GMT

YouTube - Sea Turtle Skull

In this episode of 'Another Walk with Mike' you'll witness a rare find. As you may know, my camera was inoperable during the summer and many shark and octupus encounters, along with other aquatic wildlife sigtings, were lost forever.

But, an amazing Sea Turtle Skull was found in the beautifully clear Gulf waters and is presented here in this edition of 'Another Walk with Mike'.

I think you will enjoy it!

Octopus and Sea Turtle

mikecatadjuster — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 20:44:03 GMT

I ventured along 30A to a different spot today and saw, as usual, the clear vibrant waters I'm use to. But, I came across some rather unusual sightings.

I was finding some rather nice shells, including intact Sunray Venus and non-attachyed Angel wings. Scallops, cones and conch were also on the bottom in addition to some Lettered Olive, with quite a pretty shine on them.

But a rarer shell I'm not as use to finding was a large Lightning Whelk. When I snorkel in deeper water, I float and look for anything that catches my eye. When I see something I stop and analyze whether it is worth the descent. Many times you can discover what the object is from a distance, or if it moves with the tide, you know it is either a grass, a sponge or other non worthy subject gyrating on bottom.

As I was coming up from gathering a nice Cockle shell, I was stunned by a shadow. Which as you will learn, was a theme of today. Anyway, the shadow was on the bottom and shaped like a tight school of fish, but because it was motionless, I pegged it to be either a sting ray or a man made object (beach furniture etc) But as I S-L-O-W-L-Y approached it, knowing from the shape that it was not a shark, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a very large Sea Turtle. The turtle had a school of fish that hugged above its shell.

The reptile slowly used its long, outward pointing legs to migrate away. I monitored it and by all means wanted to patrol behind it, but I simply took in the moment and enjoyed my encounter, rather than stressing it further. It was a spectacle and I wished it had just remained still on the bottom with my loving eyes upon it. But, like most females, it thought the better of it and moved along :wub:

A short time after this, and gathering another shell, my eyes caught sight of a rather large shadow, possibly over 15 feet in length and several feet wide. I was momentarily stunned, and fearful of my new company. I wondered if it were a large school of fish, but then it remained too still. I wondered if it were a big dead sea animal, shark or unknown. I wondered, but as it didn't move, I moved toward it. My reluctance was replaced by fascination as the shadow turned out to be a large limestone type surface. Not limestone, but, anyway... It turned out to be a place where things gathered.

I found numerous shells there, and other things trapped in its wares. I found a large Lightning Whelk and as I begin to surface I shook the shell to rid it of sand and debris'. As the debris fell down toward the bottom a school of fish flushed before my eyes and madly swarmed through the falling particles. It scared me ;-)

Well, I was holding, in my hands and suit, far too many shells to be of any more use, so decided to return to shore. As I stood and began walking I glanced down at the large Lightning Whelk shell and to my dismay, I saw something gooey inside of it . I never take a shell of any kind if it has a living object in it. I thought I had checked it thoroughly enough, but obviously not.

It was an Octopus. It was dark brown and the head, body and legs had a consistency like that of an oyster. It slithered up and over the edge of the shell and off into the gulf it went.

Wow! That was neat. I saw a few other big fish today, but oddly, no nurse shark. But I just had to tell about the Octopus and Sea Turtle. It is alive and well out there. Until next time. :wave:

What I'm Seeing

mikecatadjuster — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:54:39 GMT

Hey, it's me, Mike. I can't wait for my next, 'Another Walk with Mike' episode, but Olympus has not been able to provide me with a working camera. I just sent the inoperable one off again. But even without video, I can still tell you what I'm seeing in words. Here goes.

I sometimes take my kayak, at other times I just start snorkeling from the shore. When I do so, I start by going to the outer edge of the first sandbar where the breaking waves won't crash on me. I assemble my snorkeling gear there, and once I'm ready, I lay out and begin.

Lately, there is sometimes an algea/grass section there, but only very little. (A lot of grass in Panama City) It actually serves to attract fish. I see a lot of minnow type fish close in here. They use the grass to hide around. I also see a lot of larger fish here. I've seen a number of Mackerel, Spanish and King. Some of the king have been outright huge.

Today I saw a Ling/Lemon fish/Cobia in between sandbars in about 12 feet total depth, swimming in 5 feet. The fish was quite large and to be frank, quite intimidating to be in the water with. And yes, I saw another Nurse shark today. The life guards later told me they have been seeing it surface to where its fin protrudes from the water. When I saw it, like many that I see, its shadow became apparent first. This shadowy body was on the bottom. This particular one may have been 7 feet, and fairly thick.

When I saw it, it must have also saw me and it begin to slowly move off. I followed lightly but as my speed increased, so did its speed, and then moreso. Because of this, I decided it indeed did not want me around, thus I left it alone.

The nurse sharks I've been seeing lately have been swimming, whereas this one, like the ones I was use to previously, was on the bottom. So I guess its just when I cross their paths, sometimes resting, sometimes not, often in pairs.

I also see a lot of dead crab shell remains on the bottom. I know crab comprises a portion of nurse shark meals. I know plenty other fish feed on crab also, which is why as I move over the crawling creatures they take no time in covering their bodies with sand to completely concealed themselves.

I am also finding people things, like trash, which when I have my kayak along, I carry back to a trash can on shore. But not all the people things I find are trash :D.

I also find logs and wonder if they were part of a wooden boat or if it is timber from a piling. I find swim masks, and since mine is being held together with mono fishing line, I always hope it will fit well. This mask may. I washed it out and might try it tomorrow.

I find shadows, too. Scary shadows. The waves have a way of transporting light down to play tricks on you, especially if your eyes have recently seen a shark. Even the grass that comes right before your face, when you've been focused 15-20 feet down, appears to be a big thing that is passing down deeper. You'd have to experience it yourself to know; but fear is eminent.

It may be a few more weeks before I am able to get any footage of this great stuff. I've seen a few really interesting fish, too, that I don't know what the heck it is. It's just great being out there. Sometimes I almost shout out, 'I can't believe I am here'. The water can be so clear and its inhabitants so interesting, that I can feel like nothing else exists. Nothing but what I am experiencing.

I had a friend here this past weekend who would not come out there with me because of the number of nurse sharks I'm seeing. And he is a real adventurous person. Oh well, for now, I do this alone. It sure is fun though.

Well, hopefully sooner than later I'll be shooting more video, but until then, I'll add anything I think someone might find interesting. Later :wave:

Peach Creek Paddle and Walk

mikecatadjuster — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:13:40 GMT

YouTube - Peach Creek Paddle and Walk

This episode of 'Another Walk with Mike', like my others, is a journey of discovery. Come discover with me what jewels lay hidden beneath the ordinary mask of everyday life.

Eastern Diamondback, Pygmy Rattler, artifacts, Nature. It all gets found on this Peach creek paddle in the Florida panhandle.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

mikecatadjuster — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 01:44:29 GMT

YouTube - Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Okay, okay, I couldn't wait anymore. I have some footage from a great trip I just went on a couple days ago, but finally decided to just put this one part of it online for now. It is an encounter with an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, shot when I was about to begin a kayaking trip. And this episode of 'Another Walk with Mike' is devoted exclusively to the one not-so-little snake.

I was about to remove my kayak from the back of my truck when I decided to use the outdoor 'little boy's room'. As I set myself into position and initiated the process, my eyes roamed down before me. Shocked and surreal, I saw Black Diamonds Laced in Gold!

The size of the beast halted my breath, but I calmly continued my duty and, when finished, walked the short distance to my truck to get my camera. Upon returning to take video of the rare find, I let out a quiet jolt of fear. The snake was no longer there. It had moved. And I'd just blindly stepped over a sizable root, nearly stepping on it.

I reversed my eyes to establish that in fact, it was a root I'd passed over. Whew! But without forwarding another step, I collected myself. It has happened many times before when I return to a spot I've just left, a spot with a snake, only to find the serpent has slithered to away. And it always shocks me into a frozen state, wondering if I haven't stepped to within micro-distance from a bite. And this big Diamondback was not something I wanted attached to my body, sinking its venomous fangs in for a bite of Michael.

Upon further inspection, however, the snake hadn't moved at all. Its camouflage was simply that impeccable. I've only had one other Diamondback encounter but both share something in common. They were very, very docile companions.

The other one was found on a golf course in the area and even as I moved it off of the playing grounds into some brush, it was pleasurable company, offering no frantic or violent tendencies.

And it makes me think. I always hear of how water moccasin are so aggressive. Yet I have encountered hundreds and hundreds in the wild and, for the most part, they have been nothing of the sort. They will display their white, cottony mouth and yes, I've had some come at me after finally tiring from my affection. But mostly, they are just scared and wanting to get rid of me.

Regarding Diamondbacks, I've spoken to herpetologists who say they have stepped on many, wearing snake boots of course, and the snakes still did not even attempt a bite. In fact, neither diamondback I encountered bothered to used its rattle. This particular one in this video did have its rattle sound as its body swung from side to side in exit. But it was remarkably docile. Even when I attempted to move it slightly, to provide a more friendly video vanatge point, it made no move at all, and no rattle.

But, when it finally did move it moved with grace and power. It moved with direction. And that direction was straight for the brush, adjacent to the creek bed where I was to put my kayak.

I think you will enjoy the video. It could have been even better, but the snakes position was not conducive to great shots. Although I did slightly move the snake, I pride myself on not disturbing what I encounter in the wild. I take what Nature gives me. And it gives me plenty. I think you'll agree that my time in Nature has paid dividens, and my trusty little camera has captured some of that magic in my series, 'Another Walk with Mike'.

Let me know what you think of this rattlesnake encounter. I also found a beautiful little pygmy rattler that provided some super footage. I'll include that on an episode describing my paddle. It was a rather enjoyable and fruitful paddle and walk, I will assure you.

Enjoy this portion of it for now, though. My encounter with a Diamond in the Rough.

-Also, I am not a pushy person or salesman, so I rarely mention my book. My avatar is of my book btw. It is an erotic romance and is available on amazon.com. It is not for everyone, but it will quicken your pulse and is a love story quite beautifully told, I think, with moments of pure erotic, lust mixed in. The title is 'My Space Her Space: Love Found on the Pages of Myspace'. Just thought I'd mention it. For those in the area, if you want to save some off of the amazon price, I can sell you one for $10 here in town. :wub:

Mistaken Identity Snake

mikecatadjuster — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:10:28 GMT

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In this episode of 'Another Walk with Mike' you will see a snake often mis-identified as a Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin). And you will see just how aggressive it can be.

Also, as a bonus, I will show you another often mis-identified specimen, a bonus feature, if you will. I think you'll be very, very impressed. I know I am!

As an aisde, I plan on getting to a few places this month that will lend itself to some pretty impressive video if all goes according to plan. I am looking forward to it. I will have my two kiddies with me and I want to share some special places with them. I'll be making an excurion to a few true gems that I've been to before and want to make sure that they visit as well.

Hopefully you'll be there too! Until then, enjoy another episode of 'Another Walk with Mike' and look to find your passions in life.

The Second Sandbar

mikecatadjuster — Wed, 20 May 2009 19:02:35 GMT

YouTube - The Second Sandbar: Seagrove Florida

Passion. It's exciting and fun to live within the depths of this emotion. Exploration. It's a path where I try to remain.

Day to day demands of life can interrupt or sidetrack us from where we'd like to be. Our journey is not always filled with passion or exploration. But with that mind-set, I try to set out each day.

Today, I found it out on 'The Second Sandbar'. I've enjoyed my little series of videos, entitled, 'Another Walk with Mike'. I naturally do these things, regardless of if a camera is present. It's my drug. It's clean. But since I've begun cataloging some of my excursions on film, an added dimension has been established.

I feel a sense of contribution. I feel an extra sense of worth within myself. It may sound grandiose or at the same time, trivial, but it is how I feel.

I am at a certain place in my life. I am searching and I am finding. On my journeys I receive something from Nature. It completes me. But, most often, when I am in the throngs of exploration, I am by myself. And during my quest, a multitude of stimuli abound and I am excited. But, something is added when I shoot and then share video of my excursions.

As a boy, on a skiing vacation with my family, I was in love with the activity of sliding down the white powdery slopes. But I missed something. I wished that I could share the experience with my friends back home. I was incomplete. I needed the added dimension of give and take with those I cared about. I wanted to see joy in their eyes just as I felt it in within me. I needed that connection to lift the experience to another level.

I think it is that feeling, that emotion, that propels me to want to share my videos. I empty my emotions out during my quest, my exploration.

It also buries my head in the sand. It provides me a diversion away from the pain of not having my son, Evan, and my darling little princess, Mikelynn. It passes time and helps me to not dwell on my misfortune, the absence of what truly makes my heart beat soundly.

And my videos also connect me with my little wonders. I call them and say, "Daddy has a neat new video for you", and I hear their voices, their excitement.

I tell them that when we are together we can make some videos of our own, and their minds race at the possibilities. They conspire and they imagine. And they imagine life with me. And I smile.

And I think, what can my next video entail? Where can I take the little ones so they can be a part of something great with me? What experience can we imprint on our minds, in our souls, and digitally online? I think of how they can one day look back, just as someone will look back at a photo album, and my children will see and remember a journey taken with me. And they will be proud of having done so. They will bask in the glory of having had me as a Dad.

Again, grandiose? Well, with only one shot at life, I'll shoot for that. I'll shoot for sharing. I'll shoot for creating. I'll shoot for passion and exploration and learning, and I'll shoot for love.

I loved my trip out to the second sandbar. I hope you did too.

Trip to Freshwater Spring: Underwater Viewing

mikecatadjuster — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:31:47 GMT

Florida's freshwater springs offer a glimpse into the soul of our planet, and a cool swim while you look in. In this blog video, 'Another Walk with Mike', you get a view of one of Florida's finest springs, tucked away under a canopy of cypress greenery.

Pure Opulence. The water is alive and wildlife swims in its flowing body. See for yourself and enjoy.

YouTube - Florida Freshwater Springs

St. Vincent Island Hike

mikecatadjuster — Fri, 01 May 2009 01:29:31 GMT

In this episode of �Another Walk with Mike� you will be treated to a very special rendezvous. Separated from the mainland, we will reach our destination via kayak. Our feet will caress the supple sands of St. Vincent Island, a 49 square mile jewel.

The Florida barrier island is rich with diversity and teeming with wildlife. In studying satellite images of this wondrous place I saw so many things to explore, but I knew that even years of exploration would invariably leave parts untouched. With time being an issue, I set my level of expectations where they needed to be�but still HIGH!

Setting off in my small water craft, paddling across the small pass to the island south of Apalachicola, I smiled, knowing I was destined for something special. I wasn�t sure if I�d witness a large alligator in one of the island�s freshwater lakes, see a red wolf eye to eye, witness the exotic, non-indigenous Sambar deer (native to southeast Asia) or any of the other wild tenants of this great land.

The island also supports white-tailed deer, wood ducks, migrating falcons, osprey and bald eagle, as well as other threatened species such as sea turtles, indigo snakes and gopher tortoises.

Each of these inhabitants is special, but as a collective they create an atmosphere of wonder and excitement. I had trouble containing mine. And with my smile, the journey began.

Once there, I came across many wonderful things. Wildlife was abundant, as were artifacts, beach mice and mosquito. But more abundant than anythig was beauty and my appreciation of it.

St. Vincent is a wild island and even with bug spray you may get clostrophobic with the mosquito enclosing in on you. But worry not, sit back and enjoy it all here, on 'Another Walk with Mike'.

YouTube - St Vincent Island NWR West End

I finally got bitten

mikecatadjuster — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 03:12:30 GMT

Well, kinda. My camera was bitten by a rather large Cottonmouth (water moccasin). This short video demonstrates the array of defensive measures taken by this pit viper.

In my other snake videos I've talked about how a moccasin will display its cotton-mouth, rattle its tail, emit musk and finally strike as modes of defense. All were captured on film, although you'll have to trust me on the smell.

The vibrating of its tail is quite interesting, as many of you may have never seen this or even known it to occur. You will be able to hear the tail vibrate and see it make designs in the sand. You'll also see the snake's mouth wide open and yes, you'll see it strike and hit my camera. POW! It was a sudden and forceful hit.

I encountered the specimen along a road on St. Vincent Island (NWR) National Wildlife Refuge. My two day excursion there was a fascinating one, but I'm not sure if I captured the amazing adventure on film very well.

The rich array of foliage there and the abundant wildlife made for an exciting two days. The spectacle of finding Indian artifacts, deer antler, various bones (including that of a dolphin), china and old glassware... and more, made for a great two days.

Perhaps I'll be able to come up with a video from my journey, but for now, I hope you'll enjoy this tutorial of Cottonmouth Defense mechanisms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI5PSaVne7A&feature=channel_page[/"]YouTube - Cottonmouth Strike" target="_blank">[U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI5PSaVne7A&feature=channel_page[/"]YouTube - Cottonmouth Strike

Bass Fishing Method: Sweeping

mikecatadjuster — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:37:29 GMT

Join me on a little outing where I catch bass in a most unconventional way. I call it 'Sweeping' and in this episode of 'Another Walk with Mike' you'll discover just how exciting this method can be.

I came up with the technique after having bass hit my buzz bait just as I was pulling it out of the water. Finally, after one such strike, I pushed my pole back in the water and Bam! A method was born.

Similiar to doodlesocking or jigger pole fishing, sweeping is best done from a kayak. Watch my video and see for yourself. It is as exciting a fishing method as exists.

YouTube - Bass Fishing Sweeping Method

Easter with the Kids

mikecatadjuster — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:10:48 GMT

What a wonderful place to be a Daddy. Evan, age 9, and Mikelynn 7, joined me here in paradise for a wonderful Easter week.

While we were unable to do a few things we wanted to, our week was filled with some extraordinary amounts of fun. I hope you enjoy our little video production and maybe spot a thing or two you might enjoy doing here with your kids in paradise.

YouTube - Easter with Daddy in Seagrove Florida

Kayaking with Alligator

mikecatadjuster — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 14:50:38 GMT

In this episode of 'Another Walk with Mike' we'll actually travel by kayak and not by foot. And we'll kayak with the Big Reptile... the American Alligator.

This encounter came after I returned my little prizes to their mother and knew of some gator near Daphne, Alabama where the highway bridge meets dry land. You can view these gator from the bridge while coming from Mobile to Daphne. I decided to get a closer look.

I was almost toppled. In the video, which I had to edit due to an expletive that shot out of my mouth, by accident of course. A huge gator had just entered the water and I was filming its wake when suddenly, I looked down and he was eye ball to eye ball with me, less than a foot from my kayak. I inadvertently said, "Oh ----" and I guess the gator had the same reaction and split in a hurry.

The water was muddy and it is very uncommon for a big gator to surface close to your water craft. It happens all the time with the smaller gator. Luckily, when he thrust down under, his body did not contact my kayak, but he did send plenty of water onto me and into my kayak. It was a close call to be toppled as even just in his submergence my kayak was dancing on the surface.

YouTube - Kayaking with Gator

Easter Walks

mikecatadjuster — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 06:33:24 GMT

In 'Another Walk with Mike' you'll see what I encountered during some of my Easter walks. Of course, snakes are included.

I ventured into some swamps and also walked on a barrier island. I saw my first Corn snake since moving to Florida and although the video and picture of it aren't first rate, I did get the beautifully painted snake on film.

Of course there are moccasin that I encountered. But in the video you'll also see some wonderful Cactus flower that was a welcome site on the trial. A beautiful yellow. But not captured on video was the anquish at having cactus thorns deposited in my foot.

Also not included in the video were some nice deer antler that were laid on the ground. It's nice to come across salient features like that on the trail. It makes for a more interesting hike.

Florida was long not thought of as a hiking destination. Places out west like Yellowstone and just north of us on the Appalacian trail came to mind, but Florida was an afterthought. But not for me. Actually, I'll have to write more about some of the trails that have been developed in our state.

I love Florida. The dune lakes. The fresh water springs. The cypress filled swamps. The beautiful Emerald waters of the panhandle. And I appreciate the alligator and other predetors that patrol our countryside. I appreicate their existence.

I had some interaction with gator this past week also and may include some footage in an upcoming video.

Anyway, here's the latest installment in 'Another Walk with Mike'. I hope you enjoy!

YouTube - Moccasin and Snake Encounters: Easter Walks in Florida

A Walk in the Woods

mikecatadjuster — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 03:08:30 GMT

Okay, I'm at it again, taking a stroll through the Piney Woods of Florida along Hwy 30-A. Lately, I've been in the picturesque cypress swamps, collecting photos and video of some mighty impressive Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth). But today I wanted to venture into Point Washington State Forest and the surrounding area, including Grayton Beach State Park. I wanted to get out of the swamp and see about finding other species of snake and other sights to behold.

The diversity of this area of Florida is astounding and makes for some enjoyable hiking. And my hikes aren't all about snakes. Sure, you'll still see pictures and video of some of the snake encounters I had today, but you'll see more.

Out there, on the trails and in the woods, I see pitcher plants, Osprey, Owl, Coyote, Deer, interesting artifacts, Cactus and more. And I've put together a video that will show you what a walk through these woods can entail.

I truely hope you enjoy our walks together. Next time, who knows where we will travel and what we will see. I can't wait ;)

YouTube - A Walk in the Woods