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.
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Love them all, but Lily Bridge is spectacular. Thanks for sharing.
The spider shot is great and the very last pic is my favorite.
Great photos!
Your photos are always astounding!!!
Hooray for the nature paparazzi! Amazing captures, I love your photo hikes.
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.
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.
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.
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
I just had to come back and tell you that I’ve had that song stuck in my head ever since I visited earlier!
Then my job here is done…
That dragonfly shot is spectacular!
I so could have done without the spider shot, but it was STILL gorgeous :D
♥
the dragonfly reminded me of a clip I saw on the news the other day. Someone film feeding a dragonfly with tweezers. I understand that they eat mosquitoes. nice work
Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing!
Amazing shots, Tara. Love the spider. :D I’ve been stalking your tweets! Happy Sunday!
I never have any luck getting insect/ arachnid pictures…well done!
That spider looks so awesome. I’m like you. I hate them, but I admire their beauty. One of my favorite dragonfly pics is from a T-Ball game where one landed on some lady’s purse and just hung out.
Gorgeous pictures
lovely photos. I especially liked those of the spider’s (looks scary though) and dragonfly’s (it remained still?). :-)