Flatwoods Park: Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely

Training is required before anyone attempts long hikes, especially with heavy packs. After my physical therapy I went to Flatwoods Park located in the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve. It has a paved trail running from Bruce B Downs to Morris Bridge Road, along with many other unpaved trails that branch off. With SWFWMD's buying power essentially shut down and the threat of developers the only way Hillsborough County can keep these wilderness preserves from being demolished (aside from taxes) is to charge a fee, a mere $2.00 only started recently 2011; however, for a daily or weekly visitor it really adds up, time to start visiting more in Pasco and Hernando.

The paved path is ladened with bikers, skaters, and runners of all kinds, due to its heavily populated surrounding region and it's peoples' strive to be healthy.

Crossroads make for wide clearings with views boundless in bearing.

Creeks overflowing in their own vitality; a good sign our water supply is alive and in good working order. Without these lands we would have no clean water to supply to the growing population of the bay area.

The side trails away from all the runners is where I reside for much of the duration of my hike.

The thin canopy of the small pine trees promote heavy growth of the underbrush below.

This trail runs along the creek but is much thicker woods and riddled with mosquitoes and reptiles.

Massive fields separated by the paths and highways keep any large game from reaching further grounds.

Evidence of recent controlled burns shown heavy upon the giant pine. 

 Harsh winds take their toll on a shallow rooted monster.

While the burns are necessary for keep the growth flourishing with nutrients some trees take a much bigger beating.

A much needed pit stop and refueling to keep up the tramp.

The towering giants hold their stride with deeply entrenched roots.

 Through sweat and aching the trail starts to open.

A wondrous site for this browbeaten lad, a watering hole and sign that shows my hike is nearly at an end.

Only about 8 miles and 4 hours on the trail in all. I've been putting together some video shoots as well, still need more footage and I'll have to write some background music for the video, but my condenser mic is on the fritz so I'll have to find another way to record.