Day 8
8th July 2006
 

8th July 2006: Day 8

Myakka State Park
Forecast conditions were still affected by the weak cold frontal boundary today, and with rather hazy conditions once again, we were reluctant to take part in any long-range storm chase. We were also due to join Laura's family in the evening for a meal in Sarasota, so we decided to have another day away from chasing. A good way to use the day was to head to a State Park, and have a wander around Florida's wildlife.

We headed to Myakka State Park, which is around 15 miles south-east of our base in Bradenton. A small fee was required to enter the park, but once we were parked up, we started exploring. A few showers fell as we left Bradenton, but it was hot and steamy to begin at Myakka State Park. The trees and plants were almost tropical in nature, as we were surrounded by palms, moss and vines. Many of the trees were draped with fluffy strands of moss, which added to the tropical appearance. Lizards were everywhere, and gators were surprisingly numerous in the ponds, rivers and creeks.

By mid-afternoon, the cloud began to build once again, and it wasn't long before distant downpours could be seen. Shortly after, the sky filled in, and thunder began booming around. Covered by the thick, almost rain-forest-like canopy, we continued exploring, despite the developing thunderstorms in the area.

When the storm arrived, it was weakly electrified, but did give us a good soaking. Walking through the palms and swamps, with the sound of weird creatures and grumbling thunder, together with the warm, pouring rain, it really felt like a scene from Jurassic Park!

However, the thunderstorm promptly cleared as we headed back to the car, and the sun came out. It wasn't long before the strong Florida sunshine had dried us out, and we headed home.

Total mileage: 174
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As we left Bradenton, a heavy shower quickly developed overhead, before dissipating once again.
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Trees in Myakka State Park were covered by what seemed to be furry strands of moss. With such a humid and wet atmosphere, such species thrived.
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By early afternoon, cumulus was building, and the first shafts of rain could be seen collapsing out of the clouds.
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This sign put pay to some of our fun, as one of our aims when entering the park was to molest a few gators! How do you molest a gator anyway? ;-)
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The forest floor was flooded from previous rains. Some of these pools were easily deep enough to support a gator, so we treaded very carefully!
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We believe this was a type of Gecko, and we managed to snap it just as it was flexing the colourful skin under its neck. We have similar critters around our pool in Bradenton!
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Throughout the walk, we had the distinct impression we were being watched.
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When the rain came, it really came, accompanied by occasional booming thunder.
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Heading back to the car, as the rain continued to hammer down over the tropical vegetation.
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