Experiencing natural environments is most assuredly beneficial to one’s health and well being. Outside the walls of our abodes and businesses awaits a miraculous journey to behold over the generous course of each new day. Our natural bodies respond blissfully under clear clean skies and open air. Appreciation is key. The quality of life is enhanced in direct relation to careful thoughts and actions concerning the land, sea and sky. We’ve learned through hearty trial and error that a regular custom of exerting and relaxing outdoors initiates and sustains healing.

Domiciling within miles of what has been termed “The Northern most Headwaters of the Florida Everglades”, Lillie and I collectively and incrementally developed a profound appreciation of nature in all its myriad forms. Within earshot of the uniquely identifiable calls of red shouldered hawks, mourning doves and hoot owls; the sweet fragrances of budding jasmine flowers, orange blossoms, and bay trees; our fascination grew and grows like greenbrier. Years ago, we imagined sharing our experiences by creating a website and study guides with the hopes of inspiring others to travel beyond the “theme parks” and into the vast splendor of nature. Within these humble pages are the manifestations of earlier hopes. We appreciate your valuable focus and attention and would be delighted to know about your sincere journeys.

As we share this world together, navigating the ebbs and flows of life, let us respect each other as people. May your proper alignment with the Laws of Nature gift you balance and abundant bliss.

Peace be unto you,

Brother Jamal

Travel Log from our Journeys of Appreciation [Spring Season]

Spring along the Creeks

*“Shingle Creek Kissimmee, Florida” Spring Season*

“Shingle Creek and Reedy Creek Kissimmee, Florida”

Several hours before sunrise, the moon was noticeably waning from previous observations, less than half full. The planet Jupiter gleamed boldly in the dark sky. Mars was just above it however “light noise” from below obstructed its visibility. Venus was clearly visible along the celestial alignment and yet light from our sun was not yet even a glow on the horizon. We wanted to get an early start on the day as there was much to see before sunset. I reviewed Lillie’s detailed assessment of our website and her suggestions for further development and thanked her for such good work. Being excited about new ideas, we engaged in an extended conversation about publishing segments of our travel logs over breakfast. Time slipped eagerly by, as we noticed the sun gleaming out our window at higher altitude. Technically it was still morning (though barely), so we hurried to get ready. We filled our water bottles, packed our cameras and writing utensils and set a course for open fields.

As we continue our research of native plants during the Spring Season at central, southeastern territories, we traveled near what locals call, “Shingle Creek” firstly then “Reedy Creek” and later planned for additional journeys to Lake Tohopekaliga over the following days. There is much to enjoy about these waterbodies. They flow and rest through various environments at Cacema / “Kissimmee”. During the previous Autumn and Winter seasons we hiked many miles, hours at a time observing the native plants, shrubs and trees, gaining a stronger grasp of natural plant distribution. We were excited to experience how the current seasonal weather patterns enlivened the landscape and waterways.

The temperature was about ninety degrees Celsius under billowy white clouds and blue sky. We noticed a line of pond cypress trees on location, outside the “Pioneer Museum at Shingle Creek”. These trees were evenly spaced, under twenty feet tall, with no cypress knee support. We figured they were staged into position and under their modest canopies, smaller plants received ample sun light and were thriving in the sandy soil. Certain grasses were gaining heights of more than a foot and were propagating.

Continuing, we noticed two field thistle plants; one about three feet tall and the other a foot taller growing under the shade of a medium sized sand oak tree. We usually see field thistle standing tall under the full shadeless heat of the sun with purplish/pink blossoms being pollinated by bees, wasps, beetles and butterflies. The Iroquois found both edible applications using its leaves (sharp points removed as with nopales), stems and roots; and also medicinal uses like salves to treat skin diseases. We observed and documented under the shade tree. It was peaceful.

Back in the full sunlight, we noticed about a quarter acre of thistles some reaching over seven feet tall along a freshly cut pathway near a growing field. On our approach a large Monarch butterfly flew close, then continued drifting from plant to plant, pausing briefly to gather sustenance. Upon closer observation we noticed large bees joining in the harvest. Marveling at their effortless quest, we paused to photograph. Lillie was capturing pictures with her new “Galaxy camera phone” and is really gaining skills with that thing. We’ve reviewed some of her captures during sessions further north during the start of the Spring Season and a bunch were shockingly good, worthy of publishing. I was documenting with a “Rx100 mIV” camera. I have taken many thousands of photos with this camera and though it appears weathered, it still works with only a few exceptions. It has become my primary camera at the moment, as my “mV and Rx10” both stopped functioning though significantly newer with less wear (go figure).

There were mildly warm breezes dancing about amongst delightful bird calls. We observed a large stand of “Brown Betties” growing boldly at a distance. We always appreciate seeing their vibrant petals and dark brown cones so we moved closer to observe.

*Brown Betty flowers at Shingle Creek” Spring Season*

There was a healthy “groundsel tree” nearly seven feet tall closeby, which gleaned our attention. Observing its interesting leaf shapes led us to further analyze new nodes along its stems.

*goundsel tree at “Shingle Creek - Kissimmee, Florida” Spring season*

We noticed an “American beautyberry shrub” with berries as dark as black pearls, uncharacteristic of their usual purple/magenta color or even green for the season. And wait..., is that a red shouldered hawk perched on a “snag” high above the terrain? Quietly resting there for many moments without sounding even a single call, it arose easily from sparse branches, took flight then glided into the distance. There weren’t any other hawks visible so we proceeded.

*red shouldered hawk on pine snag, near “Shingle Creek”*

Though we traveled at a comfortable pace, beads of perspiration started to form on our arms. We ventured under the inviting limbs of a mature live oak. It felt as if the temperature had cooled nearly ten degrees. Birds were chirping under the hammock as if in gratitude for the shade. Live Oaks are favorites of ours and just to be in their presence is pleasurable.

*southern live oak near “Shingle Creek - Kissimmee, Florida” Spring season*

Grasses and other ground covering plants require additional focus to observe their unique intricacies. Their diminutive sizes make them challenging to draw and photograph. In route to the waterway, we came across a particular native plant that I had been trying to document over several locations. It is known as a “palm leaf mistflower” and is said to have no pests and is a very attractive to butterflies. It thrives in full sunlight adding to the challenge of capturing photographs, particularly when working with cameras that don't accommodate filters. Mistflowers are classified as perennial wildflowers and groundcover and their hues are quite attractive even from modest distances. Gazing out upon an open field they gift the view with a contrasting color break from the vastness of green. We’ve typically seen them in moist soils, closer to waterways than these as we still were about a quarter mile from the creek.

*mistflower near “Shingle Creek” Spring season*

There was marsh parsley with its finely divided leaves and a perennial wildflower called large-flower pusley and Mexican “clover” as it is said to be native to South America. We typically observe them in sandier soils and their small, star-shaped, white flowers are worth an extended look.

*Mexican Clover ground cover near “Shingle Creek“ Spring season*

Approaching the creek was extraordinary. Lillie pointed out a buttonbush a few yards or so, distant from the waterline and we paused to admire their dense spherical flowers with extensive pistils. This plant likes to get its feet wet as folks say and we just located a bunch of them growing as small trees, five miles up the creek a day ago. Original people used certain parts (i.e. leaf, inner bark) to prepare treatments to relieve fever and malaria, inflammation and even toothaches. It is important to note that this plant is reported to be toxic in large amounts. With foraging, detailed study is crucial.

*buttonbush at “Shingle Creek” Spring season*

We continued our walk and observed an American Sycamore tree, easily identifiable by its broad leaves and exfoliating bark. These trees can live for many centuries and Original People found the sap useful to alleviate skin ailments.

*American sycamore tree at “Shingle Creek - Kissimmee, Florida” Spring season*

We observed a red maple tree nearby that had roots planted along the dark soil of the “watershed”. This plant is prized by First Nation People for its resilient properties and many uses such as, material for building and also for its edible and medicinal properties. Lillie and I typically see red maple in wetland areas. In Autumn and Winter, their leaves vary strikingly in color.

*maple tree at “Shingle Creek” Spring season*

There were several Persian Silk trees also called Mimosa trees, many yards distant from the waterline under the shade of various oaks. They were not flowering as we had seen elsewhere during this spring season. These trees are considered to be invasive however prized in Chinese herbal medicine for anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties.

*Persian silk tree at “Shingle Creek Kissimmee, Florida“ Spring season*

On the outer boundaries of the shady hammock we observed two types of vining plants climbing up various host trees for sunlight. The first of which was wild grape, one of the most prevalent vining plants we observe in the Land of Flowers and the second was Virginia creeper also rather prevalent, though not as much. I believe the “Virginia Creeper” has toxic properties though.

*wild grape (left); Virginia creeper (right) - “Shingle Creek“ Spring season*

Further away from the creek yet still in moist soils, we observed wild taro bordering a dense hammock in partial sunlight, in an area that likely floods due to runoff. Documentation presented online from the “University of Florida” states that wild taro is originally from South Asia and continues to describe it as “invasive with no uses”. Again it is crucial to do your own homework when studying plants because there might be ways that are not accepted or even noticed by “professionals“ to utilize a particular plant labeled as “invasive” or “toxic”. At times, preparing a unique plant in a certain way, i.e. selecting only certain parts at specific stages of growth or cooking it (boiling or baking) could affect outcome. Studying national customs is enriching and honoring parental energies is tremendously important for one’s quality of life.

*wild taro near “Shingle Creek“ Spring season*

We continued to search the terrain for the diversity of soil types supporting plant growth uniquely and also looked for exposed bedrock. Walking the Estate in the spirit of appreciation, reaffirms our profound respect for our ancestors and offspring simultaneously. We planned for a journey to the local museum at “Osceola County” to view the artifacts and documentation currently available on display.

*“Osceola County Museum Exhibit - Kissimmee, Florida”*

“Osceola Historical Society and Welcome Center”

Upon arrival at the “Osceola Historical Society” building we were greeted at the entrance and continued towards the exhibits on the left. There was signage describing the beginnings of the “Florida Everglades Watershed” starting from two creeks (”Reedy and Shingle” creeks) at “Osceola County”. There was also a brief description about how dredged canals disrupted the “historic” flow of the “Kissimmee River” and chain of lakes. The signage continued with words estimating a one year southward journey of a droplet of rainfall along “Shingle Creek” to the Gulf of Mexico three hundred and fifty miles away.

While studying the artifacts, we observed what was termed a “gray flint lance” (11,000-8000 BC), a “punching tool” from the bone of a large mammal (C. 800 AD), a limestone spearhead (2000 BC ) and additional impressive lithic artifacts. We also observed a sand-tempered clay bowl (1000-600 BC).

*flint lance (11,000-8000 BC) Artifact exhibited at “Osceola Museum - Kissimmee, Florida”*

Some of these artifacts are documented to be constructed from coral sourced near “Tampa Bay” and chert sourced near “Gainesville”. They were excavated near the “Lake Runnymede Conservation Area” nearby East Lake Tohopekaliga. The documentation also noted that modern excavations and construction projects revealed mounds, old villages and camps near “Lake Runnymede”.

*additional artifacts on display at “Osceola County Museum - Kissimmee, Florida”*

It’s worth mentioning that the European immigrants at Narcoossee and Runnymede were of British descent and that the Magna Carta of 1215 was sealed near a water meadow called Runnymede, near the “Thames” River maybe twenty miles from London, England.

East Lake Tohopekaliga and the “Runnymede Conservation Area”

We traveled near East Lake Tohopekaliga and the “Runnymede Conservation Area” to view and document the plant life, terrain and waterways. Under the relatively clear, blue sky, the temperature had exceeded ninety degrees however felt pleasant. We arrived at the eastern shore of the lake and though it is much smaller than Lake Tohopekaliga (a.k.a. West Lake), the east lake is massive at nearly twelve thousand acres.

*East Lake Tohopekaliga - “Kissimmee, Florida” Spring season*

We heard the unmistakable call of a wailing bird and approached to observe one roosting on a small cypress tree with three more limpkins positioned below. There were many apple-snail shells near the shoreline. Apple-snails are a primary food source for these birds and we have seen their persistent attempts to extract the snails from shells at other locations along “Shingle Creek”.

limpkin bird and apple snails at Lake Toho (East Lake) Spring Season

There was an adolescent blue heron wading in the lake stealthily searching for food with many ducks swimming nearby. Lillie took notice of the plentiful amount of pickerelweed. This perennial herb is a very useful plant for First Nation People when found in clean water as the young leaves and seeds have nutritional value. From the Spring season unto fall, we often see pickerelweeds (noted by their captivating floral color of which the camera does not do justice), growing along the shallower edges of lakes and ponds at “central and north Florida". We stayed for a while, then set course for the “conservation area”.

*pickerelweed at East Lake Toho Spring season*

The prominence of live oak trees near the “Runnymede Conservation Area” was greatly appreciated. Under the dense hammock we keenly observed the diversity of plants in the understory. Enjoying nature provides a unique form of time travel as previous experiences whip into memory offering deeper insights. For example, there is a perennial groundcover that grows well in the same soil type as live oak trees do. Some folks love it because it is low growing, doesn’t require irrigation and has a high shade tolerance. Others hate it because it is hard to eradicate. The plant is commonly referred to as wavy basketgrass and it was growing plentifully in the shade of oaks and the sporadic sunlight on location. Lillie and I smiled at each other after seeing it because we instantly recalled where and when we first noticed this particular plant. It was near an ancient Mound along the Welaka River and shortly after we saw it again at a freshwater spring in the same territory. It took us about a week or so to finally identify it. Just look at the wavy ripples on these things they’re so cool. Moors, remember back in the day when you had to load on the wave oil and brush your hair in one direction for hours to straighten out that naptual (don’t front). Then tied on the wave cap with tightness (you know you did!) and slept with limited circulation to the brain. This plant is sportin’ waves for dayz without the “Murray’s oil (orange can).

*basketgrass groundcover near live oak trees at “Runnymede Conservation Area”*

Further along the walk, Lillie noticed a speckling burst of red color, high up in the outer boundary of a tall tree, fifty paces away. I said, “That’s gotta be holly berries” and she was like, “That’s a bleeding heart vine up there.” I was like, “Please.” (I mean, we rarely see bleeding heart vines in the field.)

We walked closer to verify and wouldn’t you know it...bleeding heart vine…Say what! These plants are tougher than I thought. They look so delicate with their white bracts (noun: a leaf borne on a floral axis) and red petals, however nature tells a greater story than just appearances. This tropical perennial plant is native to Alkebulan (a.k.a. Africa), is a strong grower and is relatively drought resistant. Bleeding heart vine is reported to go dormant in Winter and recover in Spring. Well, I don’t know about the dormant part of the story, however it was thriving at Spring.

bleeding heart vine at “Runnymede Conservation Area” Spring season

We continued out from under the canopy towards the sandy substrate and caught a splendid view of the blue sky, scrub oaks and white sand. This is the type of environment one would like to see a scrubjay (a native bird with its natural environment devastated by the purveyors of corporate expansion). We have only seen one scrubjay and it took us weeks of searching for them at numerous locations along the Palatlakaha River and Green Swamp just for a brief splendid glance (no time to engage the camera).

We continued observing the wildlife now within view of East Lake Tohopekaliga again. We headed back, observed a lantana shrub in bloom then set course near “Lake Runnymede”.

*lantana shrub Spring season “Runnymede Conservation Area”*

“Lake Runnymede”

Having never seen this water body before, we didn’t know what to expect so we hoped for the best. Well, let me just say, there was a new housing development on location and most of the older growth trees were cleared away. We noticed a small stand of cypress trees towards the far end so we decided to observe the lake and photograph from there.

Over the following days I continued researching the geography, waterways and purported “history” at “Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties”. Lillie continued her research on the Econlockhatchee River in preparation of sharing segments of her journal on the area and also to finalize our Welaka River multi-seasonal study. The last time we walked the shoreline of the Econlockhatchee was during the previous winter season. While Lillie was researching our journey to the river’s mouth at “Puzzle Lake” in which there is an indigenous mound nearby, I was locating good areas to photograph “Reedy Creek”. Time was of the essence as we only had one more day before needing to go further south for much needed computer repairs.

“Reedy Creek at the Conservancy”

We journeyed to several areas along the waterway called “Reedy Creek” observing the terrain, plants and wildlife along the way. At a “Nature Conservancy” we spent the greater amount of time evaluating the amount and condition of longleaf pine stands on location. As we have reported in our publications over the years, these particular trees have been severely exploited unto unnecessary devastation by controllers of various industries for more than a century.

On location, we noticed the effects of a recent controlled burn as was most evident on the bark of many trees. The pine tree stands were less than dense and appeared much more like a prairie than forest. We observed the condition of pine cones on the ground. We searched throughout the understory for the diversity of small plants growing in the sandy soil. We saw meadow beauties in amounts more prevalent than we’re accustomed to seeing in similar environments.

*signs of controlled burning at Conservancy “Kissimmee, Florida“ Spring season*

We observed the leaves and yellow flowers of what is called “St Johns wort” (a native plant used commercially to treat nerves). Also, a native wildflower commonly called “orange milkwort” (shown below), was seen thriving. We often see orange milkwort in the wetlands near ferns and less frequently in grasslands often called Savannas. The flowers turn yellow as they dry which is how we first saw them in wetland areas due north. The People of the Land found medicinal uses for this plant.

*orange milkwort at conservancy near “Reedy Creek” Spring season*

Low bush blueberries were growing rather abundantly on the outskirts of the pine trees in nearly full sunlight. I was too busy sampling to capture a closeup picture of the five pointed crown at the bottom of the berry.

*low bush blueberry near “Reedy Creek” Spring season*

Inkberry (a.k.a. gallberry) plants were prevalent during this Spring season far more than the low bush blueberry. It is rather usual to see these shrubs growing in pine flatwoods and also river floodplains. They are known to spread by underground rhizomes. Many of these native, evergreen shrubs were well established, growing more than 8 feet in height with new growth spreading wider during mid to late Spring. This plant is frequently referred to as Appalachian tea because First Nation People steeped the leaves to make tea. Notice how green the berries are during the season.

gallberry also called inkberry shrubs near “Reedy Creek - Kissimmee, Florida”

The large lake on location locally called “Russell Lake” is the result of the creek’s flow. On approach we observed the large bases of cypress trees standing firmly in shallow water. We rested under the hammock of these trees enjoying various bird calls and the occasional buzzing of bees and wasp and the periodic scurrying of squirrels and field rabbits.

*“Lake Russell - Reedy Creek - Spring season“*

As we prepared to leave the area, we enjoyed the sweet fragrance of “Magnolia” flowers. We have heard local folks describe this particular fragrance as homecoming.

*“Magnolia flower“ near Reedy Creek Spring season*

*map of “Ready Creek entering and exiting Lake Russell-Kissimmee Florida“*

“Reedy Creek at Poinciana, Florida”

At “Poinciana” we searched for other vantage points to observe “Reedy Creek”. On approach we heard two wailing birds sounding off and later flying to high tree branches for safe positioning. The aquatic plants were dense on location, narrowing and thwarting the creek’s flow as the dark tannin stained water crept to a near halt.

Along the shoreline, there were vining plants climbing off the ground and on to the branches of plants and shrubs. They also climbed up to the lower and middle fringes of trees. The most prevalent in view were wild grape leaves and some of the host shrubs were completely overshadowed by the grapevines.

*various plants near “Reedy Creek - Poinciana, Florida Spring season”*

Lake Tohopekaliga (West Lake)

“Shingle Creek” outlets to one of our frequently traveled areas and the largest lake (nearly twenty thousand acres) at “Osceola County”. Lake Tohopekaliga has many enthusiasts and we were delighted to see a group of people meditating and practicing yoga in unison on the grass, in view of the lake. It had been more than a few months since we last saw this waterway during the previous Winter. We were curious about the changes and as expected, there were more than a few. Firstly, the juniper trees were just as healthy and fat as ever, some loaded with even more white and bluish berries.

The winged sumac leaves which held bold, red colors months ago were restored to their familiar green. There was significantly less bitter melon vines on the cypress trees near the lake and the blight of the “twig gall midge” we observed on many of these trees, was all gone. It apparently is not harmful. There were more than a dozen or so grackles flying around with a similar amount of larger American crows, however we didn’t see any osprey fishing on the lake nor eagles attempting to steal their bounty. The Bay tree leaves were dark green and glossy on top; brown and almost “leathery” on the bottom, though there were fewer blossoms.

And I guess we were a little too early to witness the American Lotus blooming spree we appreciated during previous seasons. We will watch for them during Summer Journeys of Appreciation, shortly to follow.

The fascinating thing about traveling and observing throughout the Land of Flowers and beyond during the various seasons is that, plants tend to appear very different through their various developmental phases. Each process we have seen is marvelous to witness, more so than any writer can pen or photographer can capture. Lillie and I offer these pages as an example of how much we’ve grown, by embracing natural learning experiences. We do so in honor of our Ancestors and in our hearts and with our imagination, we envision traveling the same pathways as they, though sometimes be it by different means.

Over the course of writing and refining this journal along with additional travels, the Summer season is now emerging and poised to cast its unique influences. We learned and documented a bunch this Spring season and it will take time and resources to process the valuable information. It was amazing to see how abruptly the crowns of trees were filled with fresh, new leaves to capture additional sunlight and how numerous plants filled their branches with fragrant, colorful blossoms to attract eager pollinators. And of the water, be it morning dew or rain; spring, stream or river; pond, lake or ocean, we offer gratitude in abundance. The celestial clock is ever in motion and we are excited to experience what natural changes are to come. How about you?

Peace and blissful journeys