Battle stations

May 10, 2013January 8, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 21 Comments

Angry mosquitoes whizz past my head like a sniper’s bullets. Squadrons strafe exposed and tasty flesh with military precision. A sting! Slap! Bright red droplets of blood… I’ve been hit! Send in reinforcements. *Photo info: This image is of a dragonfly swarm at Big Lagoon State Park near Pensacola. While mosquitoes here on the Gulf … Continue reading Battle stations

Juniper Lake

April 7, 2013January 8, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 22 Comments

This week I headed back to one of my favorite stomping grounds - Blackwater River State Park near Holt, FL. Every time I hike there, I find something new. Walking around Juniper Lake, I wandered off the trail (luckily, my smartphone has a compass and GPS), and found the abandoned pilings from an old boardwalk. The … Continue reading Juniper Lake

Off the beaten path

March 30, 2013January 31, 2020 ~ Tara R. ~ 9 Comments

I've mentioned before how much I love having a state park practically in my backyard. I can hike and kayak there, and with my annual pass, it's some of the best money I've ever spent. With Spring Break still in full swing, I'm staying close to home to avoid both the beach crowds and insane … Continue reading Off the beaten path

Water logged

March 16, 2013January 10, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 20 Comments

The recent deluge of rain made St. Andrew's State Park in Panama City a bit water-logged, flooding the lower section of hiking trails along Gator Lake. I was still able to get in a good walk and snapped a few shots around the high water. The tiny island in the middle of the lake was, … Continue reading Water logged

Last peaceful weekend

March 2, 2013January 9, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 14 Comments

I did a little checking this weekend, a little Google recon, because it's good to know things. When you live near a popular tourist destination, especially a summer favorite, it's important to be prepared. Monday, the beginning of the first, full week of March, also marks the beginning of college Spring Break season. From now … Continue reading Last peaceful weekend

Approaching the present

February 28, 2013January 8, 2015 ~ Tara R. ~ 3 Comments

Reality is a question of perspective; the further you get from the past, the more concrete and plausible it seems - but as you approach the present, it inevitably seems incredible.” ~ Salman Rushdie *Photo venue: Fort Barrancas, aboard Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL. Except for cropping, and resizing for publication, image is Straight out … Continue reading Approaching the present