Once or twice a year when I'm visiting Myakka River State Park, it seems especially alive. Usually, it's in the early evening following a heavy rain. The trees echo with water dripping, and seeds falling; curious and hungry animals venture out into the open for a meal. There's a lot going on. That's what it was like the other night when I stopped by for the first time in months -- very alive!
We've experienced tremendous rainfall recently, to the point where the park was flooded and the main road impassable. The park ranger advised me the road still wasn't open completely, but I could go about a half mile into the park to a bridge where anglers fish and tourists stop to watch the numerous alligators. I had the place all to myself and when I stopped to watch this limpkin (after encountering half a dozen deer, a raccoon, several rabbits and three turkeys on my way there), I noticed the area was brimming with vitality. The scene was so tranquil with the melodious sounds of nature, it reminded me why I keep coming back here.
