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ST MARKS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE STONEY BAYOU POOL
NO.1 HIKE It was a cloudy and cool day at the end of March when I drove down to the refuge to hike around Stoney Bayou Pool No.1 in the St Marks Unit. A still, overcast day can be good for taking photographs. I parked at the 106 trailhead on Lighthouse Road and started to get my pack and camera ready. Before I could get out of the car, the 
mosquitoes found me. I had worn a light long sleeve shirt and long
pants in anticipation of bugs, but that did not protect my hands and
face. I got the repellant out of my pack, rubbed it on and started
on my way. If I had not been prepared, I probably would have had to
turn back.The trail around the pool runs on top of a levee with water on both sides for most of the hike. The route that I took led me completely around the pool, a distance of about 5 miles. This is the shortest round trip possible on this hike. If you want more distance you can take different routes- just refer to your trail map for other options. Wildlife and photo opportunities along this trail where incredible.  Thistle was blooming all along the trail with
butterflies and bumble bees vying for access to the nectar. A large
flock of ibis stayed just ahead of me suddenly taking off en masse
and circling
 out over the marsh. Red wing blackbirds, boat tailed
grackles and crows fished and hunted along the banks along with
egrets and herons. A fat, camera shy raccoon scurried off into the
tall grass as I approached causing a moorhen to cry out in alarm. I
saw at least a dozen alligators some over 10 feet long. Needless to
say, I drained the batteries in my camera.By the end of the day the clouds had burned off and the temperature had risen considerably. Conditions can change quickly this time of year. It was a great hike, one that I would highly recommend, but remember to be prepared so that you can have as enjoyable a day as I did.
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