Another park outing; this time to a preserve – Robinson Preserve in Bradenton, FL. This is a beautiful 600-acre coastal salt marsh. You can explore on the hiking/walking/biking trails, by kayak, or canoe.

At the North Entrance, there is plenty of parking and a kayak rental company is ready if you are interested. In a tree along the front park of the preserve’s entrance is a large Barn Owl nest with two owlets waiting for their parents to get back with their meal.

People set-up their telescopes and camera’s to catch a glimpse of the owls living their lives.

Our hike with friends is on the main trail. It is an easy 3 mile loop used by walkers, runners, cyclists and of course dogs on leashes.

There is a 53 foot tall tower with great views of the marshland. There are also Osprey nests on poles standing tall, leaning slightly from hurricanes that swept through the marsh.

There are several bridges crossing the waterways flowing in and out of the marshland.

Benches and shelters are conveniently located along the path to view the waterways. There is occasional shade on the path. Definitely need water, sunscreen, and hat in the hotter time of year. January is perfect!

A nice bonus – Robinson Preserve borders Tampa Bay with spectacular views across the bay and the Skyway Bridge. It is low tide so a large number of birds are out feeding in the shallow water.

This preserve is quite an enjoyable way to spend a morning in the outdoors.

And there are bathrooms next to the parking lot. Yay!