Despite my best efforts to get out for my photo hike early in the morning, it was still hot as blue blazes. Coupled with the near 100% humidity, I literally sweated through two sets of clothes in less than four hours. (I actually do take changes of clothes when I go out, since I know I’ll need them… yeah, I know, TMI.)
This weekend I checked out a new location my Hubs told me about – Pine Log State Forest. Just a little gravel lot off the highway near Lynn Haven, FL, it offers 14 miles of hiking trails. Most of which I found were in open fields. Much too hot for summer hiking, but it will be a great place to revisit this fall.
I then drove down the road to Ponce de Leon State Park. Tradition has it that Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León found what he claimed to be the Fountain of Youth in Florida. While I can’t attest to the youth rejuvenating powers of the waters at the springs, it is lovely place to cool off in this oppressive heat.
These last two shots were both taken at Ponce de Leon State Park. The springs there are crystal clear… like swimming pool clear. The odd thing is that there are two creeks fed by the springs, each running parallel to each other. One (the top photo) is tannic, brown as sun tea. The other (the one directly above) is as clear as the springs.
(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)
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Are they fungi, (in the 2nd & 5th photo), very beautiful.
Beautiful shots. They make me want to be there and forget the rest of the world.
sorry I’m late…
You’re very lucky to have different explorable nature spots near you.
Pics are great as always!
Have a good week!
I am pretty sure that anyone who spent hours relaxing by the springs there would remain youthful, it is beautiful.
beautiful images, Tara! and that yellow flower shot is fantastic… DOF, composition, color… love it
I love the pictures.. minus the ants :) Everyone I know is saying, “I can’t wait until the fall weather!”
Fountain of Youth? I’d venture out to find it! Lovely set and interesting information on the springs. Great post!
these photos are gorgeous. i need a little more nature in my life.
lovely place, great shots! I’m not thrilled with a close up of ants though… made me shiver! ;-)
These shots are just absolutely gorgeous!
Gorgeous shots… I love how you get so close.
I feel like I haven’t been around in ages. Summer! Kills the blog reading, but I often think of you, and admire your nature photography, my friend!
The mushrooms are beautiful – all that sweating was worth it!
I absolutely love the shot of the tannic creek.
Wow and I thought it was hot here today! I love this article. The photos are great and your current blog design is wonderful. Especially love the Hemingway quote you’ve used as your header. x
i love the low shot of the grass!
oh my the colours, your colours, did you paint the woods and the jungles?
That first shot of the spring is a stunner!
Okay the ants made me squicky….but otherwise love this series!! The fungi are gorgeous for…well…fungi :D
Those are beautiful photos. I love finding hidden places in nature. We have a few spots around here and they are my go to places when I’m really wanting to feel like I’m getting away :)
Wonderful shots! The ants are creepy, aren’t those the ones that bite? *shudder*
My Sundays IMC is up
here
These are gorgeous!
As much as I HATE ants (terribly allergic to fire ants)… that is probably my favorite shot. Just… great catch!
I love the beauty of our state.
I need to go for a walk myself early tomorrow morning…but just to cut the grass. :(
Wish my yard were more scenic! haha
You have an amazing talent. I really enjoy seeing your photos!
Tara, the ants made my skin crawl and the water shots make me want to dive in!
I’m sure you have already, but you need to go to Turkey Creek and across the street at the new boardwalk. I took a simple Instagram photo right before the fireworks and it turned out amazingly well.