I headed back to Blackwater River State Park near Holt, FL, this weekend for my photo hike. There are plenty of trails to meander around on, as well as incredible views from the river itself. The water, a dark amber, gets its color from the tannins leaching into the river from decaying vegetation. Much like when coffee or tea stains the water it’s brewing. While dark, the water is still clear and clean.
It threatened to rain the whole time I was roaming through the swamp, but held off until I made it back to my car. The cloud cover and storm front did make for a cooler hike, giving me a nice breeze and breathable humidity.
I also found a new trail… at least for me. It led me by the river and into the swamps, before dropping me into a long needle pine grove. It was a very pleasant hour.
There were also a couple of surprises, including nearly walking smack into the middle of a Golden Silk spider web. Haven’t done that in a while. As much as I hate spiders, this one is still indeniable beautiful. I also stalked a tiny dragonfly until he finally gave up and just posed for me. I am the Nature Paparazzi.
(Photos shot with a Nikon D60, using an 18-55mm, 55-200mm, 20mm f/2.8 wide-angle, 50mm f/1.8 prime lens, Nikon CoolPix S205 and/or iPhone4)
For more photos, please visit my Flickr photostream or my 365 Project Page.
To see other city scenes from around the world, check out Unknown Mami’s Sundays in My City. Don’t forget to show the love to Mami and the other City contributors.
Thin spiral notebook 
Love them all, but Lily Bridge is spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
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The spider shot is great and the very last pic is my favorite.
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Great photos!
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Your photos are always astounding!!!
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Hooray for the nature paparazzi! Amazing captures, I love your photo hikes.
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Tara – these are magnificent.Congratulations on your success in stalking that dragonfly – we have some fantstic blue ones out here I’ve never gotten to stand still.
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Thank you for visiting Wordless Wednesday at http://acts17verse28.blogspot.com/. I appreciate you stopping by and sharing your photo this week! I hope to see you again soon.
Have a great week,
NCSue
PS – your photos are amazing.
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What beautiful scenery you found along the new trail! Yes, even the spider! I can’t decide which shot is my favorite but the dragonfly and the cedar are up there at the top.
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These pics are just beautiful Tara. I hate spiders too, but that photo you took is really great….as is the dragonfly. I love sitting somewhere cozy when it’s raining….and I have always loved storms. ~Joy
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