It has finally reached warm enough temps, that I was able to don SHORTS on my weekend photo hike. I felt all Spring-ish.
This week, I headed to Blackwater River State Park near Holt, FL. The water, while not actually black, is a very dark copper, thanks to the tannin from hardwoods growing along the white-quartz sand river banks. It’s still very clear and clean, it only looks like sun tea.
My family has spent many summer days canoeing on this river. While a slow paddle down the Blackwater would have been a great way to pass the day, instead I found a trail that took me on a slow amble through the forest.
Again, I had the trail to myself… grateful that there was no one around to hear my off-tune singing or witness my one-woman Soul Train dance line. Don Cornelius would have been proud.






Then there was this guy… I know the shot is blurry, but I wanted to keep my distance. The image was enlarged a bit, and I lost detail, but that really is the snout of a Florida gator.

(Photos shot with a Nikon D60, using an 18-55mm, 55-200mm, 20mm f/2.8 wide-angle, 50mm f/1.8 prime lens and/or a Nikon CoolPix S205)
For more photos, please visit my Flickr photostream.
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Great pictures. I especially like the turtle traffic que. I KNEW that was a gator – – – blur and all!
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The line of turtles is such a beautiful picture I can hardly stand it. You really take such amazing pictures.
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Love the photo of the line of turtles!
Next time, will you take some self-portraits of yourself dancing and singing? 🙂
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Now see…that is exactly why I avoided Blackwater tubing in college…this gal is scared of gators!
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Love that river’s color. I think it is fascinating that you will find a river or creek where the water is a unique color like that.
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I am glad your ankle is better and you are able to go out hiking again, your photos are awesome.
I love the turtle shot and am kind of glad you couldn’t get closer to the gator!
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Oh my goodness I am in LOVE with the turtle shot! print it and frame it 🙂 wonderful pics!
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Those turtles are SO COOL! WOW!
Love these… There’s just something about reconnecting with nature that’s so good for the soul.
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eeek! Your walks are out of this world. 🙂
Here in Helsinki we don’t have that kind of waterlife…
I’m still waiting for the spring to come, snif!
Have a good week ahead!
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Oh nice, I remember going there! Many fun trips in that water, along with many beers consumed and many water balloons chucked at other group canoes!
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