A bicycle ride 'round Orlando Wetlands Park

Late afternoon on April 4th, 2009

I'd been to Orlando Wetlands Park several times, but always on foot and I always walked the 2.5 mile "Birding Route". I wanted to explore the rest of the park, so yesterday I went back out there with my bicycle and rode around the perimeter. It was a very pleasant 5 or 6 mile ride. The dirt roads are very well maintained - no problems at all getting around with the bicycle. The scenery was similar to what I was familiar with around the Birding Route, although there seemed to be more wildlife - perhaps because there's less visitors out there. The wildlife did seem more wary. I don't know if it was because they're not used to seeing people or bicycles. In addition to what you see in the photos I posted here, I also saw a large turtle, and many other birds, including ducks, grebes, and many black vultures. The park ranger was anxious to close the gate at 7:30 so I had to leave before the sun had completely set, which was a very minor disappointment in an otherwise very pleasant late afternoon visit. I wonder when they open the gate in the mornings? It's always been open when we get there before sunrise.