A cloudy day may not seem like optimal weather for a hike. However, I discovered that the cloud coverage and light breeze coming off the bay feels just as comforting and inviting as a beautiful, sunny day. As you make your way down the trails, the monarch butterflies greet you at every twist and turn. The peace and tranquility provided by the grey skies paired with the endless greetings from the butterflies allows you to feel a deeper connection with nature.
The trails are often less crowded on cloudy days, providing a sense of solitude and peace. The gentle lapping of the water against the shore, the calls of seabirds, and the rustling of the leaves in the breeze allow you to be immersed in nature. The peace and tranquility give you the opportunity to fully appreciate and experience the natural beauty on the Bayview Trail. The rugged terrain makes you feel like an experienced hiker, while the wooden bridges and the small hills add to the all-around sense of adventure. It was evident on the trail that deer also love to take the scenic route along the bay. Deer tracks are everywhere! If you are lucky enough, you may spot one of these gentle beach deer on your journey. Although I didn’t see a deer, I was fortunate enough to have an exciting blue crab encounter! This little crustacean must have needed to stretch its legs, too! For a moment, we were side by side, enjoying a peaceful walk along the bayside. It’s exciting to see most creatures in their natural habitat along the trail. I am, however, happy to report that the clouds and breeze kept the bugs at bay, making the walk even more serene.
If you begin to feel weary, you can find benches to rest on as you take in the beauty of this wild terrain. My favorite rest stop was the bench directly across from the bay. It is a beautiful spot to sit and relax. While you are resting, you may see several types of birds fly by or even a mullet or two jumping out of the water, waving hello with their fin,s welcoming you to their home here in Gulf County. The wildlife that you may encounter on the Bayview Trail is a wonderful reminder that we need to protect our resources, so that these animals have a haven for years to come. When you are out exploring, always remember to respect our Earth and be thankful that we can experience nature even on what seem to be the dreariest of days.
