Ok. So no real lions, tigers or bears here, but poisonous snakes and alligators?! Well, maybe.That is maybe if you happen to go for a seemingly benign nature stroll along University of West Florida's Edward Ball Nature Trail......
It was a leisurely Tuesday afternoon when I recently decided that I was in need of a great adventure.
It was time to head off to UWF in search of some nature trails that I had heard a few random students talking about a few months back.
After stopping at the UWF Visitor Center to inquire about where these nature trails were? How to get there? Where to park? etc. I was quite pleased to find the foretold parking lot and a nice big sign that said something along the lines of "Edward Ball Nature Trail. Take a walk right down the walkway, and go down the stairs to the left." All I know is that I saw the stairs, and I couldn't get to them fast enough. I was so ready for a nice long bout with nature.
However, just before bounding into the woods, my excitement quickly turned to a cautionary "I'm not too sure about this" feeling when I read the words "CAUTION You may encounter poisonous snakes and alligator in this area," on a sign posted near the entrance.
I was horrified. "What?" I thought to myself "Is this for real?"
I looked all around, somehow expecting someone, somewhere to call out "Hey, what are you doing over there?! Don't go in the woods!" But, I neither saw nor heard a soul.
I wasn't too sure what to think, or what to do next. I looked around again and saw some people milling about the building above the trail, but they seemed unconcerned with my presence on the trail.
It was nearing early evening and though my better instincts told me that this might not be the best idea, the disappearing path into the woods just seemed so enticing.
I was desperately longing for the soothing solace of a "nothing but God's green earth." I reasoned with myself that I had "driven all the way out here, and I didn't want the whole afternoon to be a waste." "I mean, certainly this trail wouldn't have been built here in the first place and opened it to the public if it weren't safe - It must be ok..."
So, I entered the woods.
When I encountered two bicyclists, at the first minute into my trek, I was encouraged that I wasn't the "only one" on the trail. They looked like they were just finishing up a long ride. They didn't really say anything, but I felt conspicuous for ambling about alone. They rode on.
It wasn't much further down the path, that I jumped and nearly froze when I heard a rustling in the bushes....It turned out to be a squirrel.
As I rounded another bend, I heard people talking and laughing ahead. It turned out to be a couple frolicking around a bridge with their dog. I was horrified to see the woman, traipsing off into the woods, off the path, stepping precariously over a fallen tree limb that hung over some water - her dog running all around her and finally making a big splash into the water.
"Are they crazy?" I wondered. "They're wandering off the path? Aren't there alligators and snakes around here?" In retrospect, I was the one venturing down this wild, green-wooded yonder, alone. So, I'm sure they were wondering the same about me.
At any rate, I wandered down the path that was supposed to be relaxing me, and all it was doing was freaking me out. It was intriguing me as well.
The narrow, wooden-bridged path seemed to circle around into oblivion with nothing but swampy waters, trees and all sorts of intriguing greenery draped in every which direction.
I was sorta, kinda, just starting to relax when the sudden sound of something trodding quickly and heavily down the path in front of me made my heart skip a beat. I jumped, froze and held my breath all at once, before realizing that the thumping sound was was nothing more than a loud, shaggy, enthusiastic dog accompanied by another quieter canine friend and two human running companions.
"I'm about done with this!" I thought to myself after being able to catch my breath again. All 10 to 15 minutes into the trail, I was nothing but jittery and nervous. "I can't take this," I concluded. "I came here to relax and I'm freaking myself out. This whole thing is not very smart at all."
At this conclusion, as well as the happening upon another "poisonous snakes and alligator" sign, I decided to "Get the hec out of Oz!" So, I turned around and headed back out toward the trail entrance.
Still, not quite ready to give up on my adventure, I stopped occasionally to take pictures of various plant species, trees and swamps along the way. I was just framing up for another shot of another swamp, when I saw that my Dad was calling me on my cell. - So I answered.
"Get out of there!" my Dad said instantly, when I told him where I was at and what I was up to.... So, I did. I hurried out of there as quickly as I should of been going in the first place. I wondered later if my Dad found it odd that he had to tell me the obvious.
....... Yes folks, that was my short and sweet adventure on the Edward Ball Nature Trail. No, I didn't encounter any snakes, alligator or any other fascinating creatures, but I am left in wonder and amazement that anyone would venture down that trail for leisurely purposes. I definitely DO NOT recommend going without a dog and a stick.
After a little further internet research on the place, I found an online guide, which I suppose I should have at least browsed through before going. I still have yet to really read it, but at least I now know it's there.
I was also quite aghast to come across a Trekaroo review of the trail, which features a picture of children leaning over the wooden rail - People actually take children down this trail? The reviewer also writes quite casually about the possibility of encountering a snake!
Maybe it's my northern upbringing, but this is all so fascinating and confusing to me at once. I think the Edward Ball Nature Trail is kind of cool, but also very precarious. - Is the possibility of encountering a snake or alligator so slim that people don't really worry about it? Is there an actual real an present possibility of encountering one of these slithering species on the trail? Is this kind of trail safe to walk on? If you encounter a snake or gator, should you pay them no mind? Is there some kind of Floridian knowledge I'm missing out on here?
I guess I'm not in Ohio anymore. The good news is, that besides a skipped heart beat or two, I did make it home alright!
