A stunning Myakka view

In an age of over-development, where it's nearly impossible to escape the sounds of cars screeching by, wood being sawed, or parties thundering in the background, it can be tough to find perspective that there is, in fact, Old, wild Florida around.

Sometime, if you ever feel this way, visit Myakka River State Park and take the canopy walkway to the 74-foot-high tower that overlooks the park. In every direction, you'll see jungle, birds swirling and tracing the tree tops, and the rivers and lakes of Myakka.

Stare for a while. Absorb a hefty breath of earthy oxygen. And take a second to realize why it's important to protect such natural areas.

There always seems to be some people who do not respect the rules, such as those who engrave their names, initials, or other messages into the tower's railings despite a sign asking politely not to. These probably are the same people who dump trash on the sides of the trail, so it's a wonder they even bother to come out in the first place.

But, hey, everybody needs a slice of peace. And as the above photo is proof of, Myakka River State Park is the complete pie.