One morning in northern Florida’s state parks.
Jacksonville is a city of industry. Factories rise from the flat landscape and intrude on the skyline to the north, far outside the residential developments or the touristy beaches. But finally, the road northeast passes the last of the smoking stacks and reaches Talbot Islands State Parks.
Looking at things to do in Jacksonville, I saw pictures of driftwood at sunrise on the beach, and they were from the parks about an hour north of the city. I took my Nikon and set out early one morning to see if I could find that beach, enjoy the views and practice some photography.
There are several state parks as you drive up to the beach where the tree skeletons are famously located: Huguenot Memorial Park, Little Talbot Island State Park, then Big Talbot Island State Park for the trees, and even further north, Amelia Island State Park. I turned off at what seemed most likely to be the place with the beach (thankfully, I guessed correctly), parked outside the gate (no one gets up in Florida before 10 a.m.), and walked into the preserve.
The heat and humidity were stunning. The air conditioning in my car had chilled my camera, and the lens was fogging and sweating profusely. It gave some of my photos an otherworldly look, though.
Once my camera defogged, I followed the path along the shore to the beach, stopping occasionally to take pictures of the trees. The scenery was absolutely amazing and perfectly quiet in the sunrise light. However, when I stopped to take pictures, the mosquito armies of Florida attacked with all their might. I fought well, but their numbers proved overwhelming and I ran for the beach, not knowing how long the path would be.
After only a quarter of a mile or so of outrunning mosquitoes and thinking, “It’s just around this bend!” I finally came to the beach. The sun had risen too far by that time to yield really stunning photographs, but I enjoyed the scenery for a while before heading back to my car.
Smeared with the blood of mosquitoes but feeling triumphant, I also stopped in at Huguenot Memorial Park to take pictures of the quiet water there.
Driving home, I thought to myself that the best views of the low country always seem to be from bridges, where stopping to look is impossible. But it was a beautiful morning and a happy adventure.
Next time, I’ll bring bug spray… or a flame thrower… and stay longer.
~ The Dauntless Princess ~