Return to Florida our way - 3rd – 17th December 2021 Day 2 Circle B Bar Reserve

[Chilli-pepper]

Day 2 Saturday 4th December - Circle B Bar Reserve

Pre trip Report

Pre Travel Day

Travel Day, Day 1


Due to jetlag, we were both wide awake at 3am. As we were both awake, we decided we might as well get up and get the kettle on and coffee maker going.

We anticipated being up early, so we were going to get to Circle B for sunrise or as near as, sunrise was approx. 6:30 am so we set off at 6:00am.

Before this OH had a couple of slices of toasted Cinnamon and Raisin bread with coffee and orange juice for breakfast.
I had a couple of cups of tea but couldn’t stomach breakfast that early, so we set off.

Circle B Bar Reserve: Winter Lake Rd. Lakeland

Circle B is on the northwest shore of Lake Hancock, it was a former 1,267-acre cattle ranch and managed by the Polk County Natural Resources Department, as well as being open to the public, the centre provides educational opportunities for Polk County schools.

There is no cost to visit, on chatting to locals when we were there on a previous year, this is due to the land being gifted by the original farm/landowner on the proviso that it remains free to all who visit.

Hours are reflective of the time of year but generally sunrise to sunset so at the time we were there this was from 6am – 6:30pm.

There is a visitor centre that is open - Tuesday-Saturday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This has exhibits of the history of Circle B and the ranch and where schools go for their education sessions. It does have access to clean and proper flushing toilets with a sink! There is a couple of drinks vending machine outside the centre but other than that there are no food facilities, so if you need food/snacks and drinks, you need to bring your own.

There are 5 canopied picnic areas near the car parks/Discovery centre – they do have BBQ grills (which I find a bit odd in such a place – wildfires and all that ) but they seem to be popular.

Outside of the Discovery Centre the facilities are limited, porta loos that basically open into the ground – so no flushing and can be a bit fruity at certain times of the day/week and reflective of the weather – just don’t drop anything down them as you will never get them back. No hand washing facilities in regard to a sink and water but there are hand sanitiser units.

There are several small car parks that can hold a lot of cars, but they do get very busy on a weekend, generally the keen photographers arrive at dawn/sunrise and are usually gone by mid-morning until they come back again mid-afternoon for dusk/sunset.

There are many walks and trails, depending on how far you want to walk, how shady you want it or what you want to see:

Shady Oak Trail — (1.3 miles, Easy, Shaded)

Lost Bridge Trail — (0.5 miles, Easy, Mostly Shaded)

Alligator Alley — (1 mile, Easy, Mostly Shaded) – this is the most popular tail and where Gaters will often be seen crossing in front of you from one part of the lake to the other, this is also generally close through summer months for nesting.

Marsh Rabbit Run — (0.7 miles, Easy, Partially Shaded) second most popular trail, again you will see many Gaters in this area and can sometimes be closed off if the Gaters are nesting.

Heron Hideout — (0.5 miles, Easy, Little Shade)

Eagle Roost — (0.7 miles, Moderate, No Shade)

Wading Bird Way — (0.7 miles, Moderate, No Shade)

Windmill Whisper — (0.4 miles, Moderate, Some Shade)

Otter Trail — (0.2 miles, Easy, Shaded)

All the trails link to each other and generally bring you back to the carparks and Discovery centre.

There will be a whole host of wildlife throughout the year to see with migrating birds arriving in the winter months.

We arrived just after sunrise and as we parked there was already a group of photographers showing a bit of excitement off one of the car parks - we went over to see this little fella and his mates moving through the trees. I know they are seen as vermin over there, but you can’t deny they are very cute. The 4 of them were born this year and tend to walk around in a group together as we often saw them later on in the holiday.

This the start of Alligator Alley just as the sun was coming up.

As we walked around there were many birds first out catching the morning sun and on the look out for their breakfast. These are just a few of the many photos taken

Anhinga

Gone-

Osprey you can just about make out the fish in his claws

A few other birds we was today:

Great White Egret

Great Blue Heron

Anhinga out of the water

A couple of landscape views by the lake on Alligator Alley

It was coming up to lunchtime and we had been there for about 5 hours, so we decided to leave and grab some lunch. We often find that the wildlife quietens down for a few hours until the afternoon, so although nice walking could be had, not much opportunity for photographs.

As we hadn't much in only doing a essential shop the night before we stopped off at an Arby's on the way back to the villa.

OH had Smokehouse Brisket (Meal) which he chose crinkle fires and a Root Beer. $9.99

I had the Roast Turkey & Swiss Sandwich (Meal) which I chose crinkle fries and a full fat coke. $9.49

Came to $19.64 and they were asking to round up bills for a children's charity - happy to do this as it saves us having load of change so total was $20

Both were really nice hot and fresh, mine had loads of fresh salad, tasted like a honey mustard and Rye bread, really enjoyed this but too much, I manged one half of the sandwich and fries and saved the other half for tomorrows picnic lunch. We would both defiantly go back and did plan to but didn't get round to it.

We stopped off at Walmart on the way back to get the main shop for the villa - $162 lighter we went back the villa for a chill afternoon.

For tea we decided on a Papa John's takeaway from Summer bay area off the 192.

OH had 'The Meats' - pepperoni, savory sausage, real beef, hickory-smoked bacon, and julienne-cut Canadian bacon.

I had the 'Tuscan 6 Cheese' - Blend of Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Fontina, provolone, and real cheese made from mozzarella.

We also had a cheesy garlic bread.

These were really nice, I much prefer Papa John over there than here due to the sheer amount of cheese they use. I think this pizza lasted me 4 or 5 meals!

And just like that the first day back in Florida day was over. We revisit Circle B a few more time over the holiday so will show more in other posts, but if there is anything specific you want to know, just ask - Tomorrow will be Orlando Wetlands.

[karalma]

This looks great. Will have to remember this for our next visit. Thanks for sharing.

[Mrs Red C]

Fantastic wildlife photos, never heard of this place but looks fabulous! Thanks 😃

[Mel49]

Love reading about places like this of the usual tourist track and fantastic photos. Definitely somewhere to remember if/when we eventually return. Looking foward to reading more

[anji]

Beautiful photos! Definitely looking at this for on our journey from Clearwater Beach to Kissimmee

[Gryff]

It’s not far from us and really is worth a visit but go early

[Rob & Jan]

Fabulous photos, we never got round to visiting Circle B.

[Florida1972]

What beautiful photos 😍
Pizza looks good 😋

[Fuellady]

Sounds like a great place for a wander. Amazing photos!

[mick]

Sounds like a really good morning and some wonderful photos

Joan