I continue to return to Big Talbot Island SP (NE Florida) because it is so rich with potential photographs.  Just after the first of these two were taken, a fierce wind sprang up and the temperature dropped precipitously.  Oddly, though the sky looked ominous, it didn't rain, but the wind continued for quite a while.  I went back again a few days later for the second photograph.  (MF Film)

There can be emotion in still photographs that do not include living creatures.  Of course, those emotions are projected and entirely internal and empathetic, but real nonetheless.  Again, from 'boneyard' beach, here are two of those onto which I imply 'irrational' exuberance!  (MF Film)

Here's one more from last Wednesday.  It sort of belongs by itself anyway as it seems to have elected not to keep any others company...and...it's still standing!  (MF Film)

The elect among maple and spruce trees become musical instruments of surpassing tonal and physical beauty.  Walnut, mahogany, oak, and even pine have a chance to live second lives as finely crafted furniture.  Others may become more prosaic but utile benches, wallboard, floors and outdoor tables and chairs.  The unluckiest, though, end their lives rotting in the forest, or transforming into paper products.  And then there are the damned, falling into the sea, their intimate private parts exposed to sun, sand and rude stares of those who cross their path. Here are several portraits of those pariahs...the condemned never to be appreciated by anyone other than the occasional photographer who still sees their beauty and mourns their indignities.  (MF Film)

This is an imaginary selfie.  It's not so much that I look like this, but sometimes I do feel this way! ;)  (MF Film)

One of many attractions about photographing at the beach is that it is always in flux!  Every element is a variable in at least one way and often more.  Had I been at this place two hours earlier or later,  the light, tide, sand, sky and human fisherman would have been different.  (Pentax 67, 55mm, #15 deep yellow filter, Ilford Delta 100 film)

Though sunrises and sets are usually better left to those who photograph in color, sometimes a scene reaches out, grabs me by the wrist, and insists.  I caved!

I've lived in Florida now for five years, but had never visited the Gulf coast until this past weekend. There are an abundance of crystal clear springs, manatees, dolphins and water somewhat warmer than the ocean.  The several photographs below were taken at Crystal Bay on a cloudy afternoon that was pretty chilly.  (MF Film)

Whatever Florida's reputation is regarding winter weather is only partly true.  It certainly does not snow nor stay frozen for very long when it actually does freeze, but northeast Florida can be pretty chilly and uncomfortable now and then. This photograph was made on Little Talbot Island SP this past Saturday, and I ended up numb with cold.  In fact, several people who had been fishing from shore were in ski parkas with hoods up and face masks on from the wind chill.  I was not dressed warmly enough by a long shot, and will keep a parka, hood and heavy gloves in the trunk of my car from now on when I misjudge what I'm in for this winter.  (MF Film)

These two photographs were taken on the grounds of the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society in Jacksonville, Florida.  The first is of the St. Joseph's Mission Schoolhouse for African American Children which has been relocated to the grounds of the Historical Society.  The other is an ancient building on the same property that appealed to me for the sunlight falling on its wooden side.  This stuff fascinates me for a host of reasons and I'm really glad these structures have been preserved and are accessible to the public.  (MF Film)

As nice as it has been to explore some areas new to me, it's also been nice to revisit familiar places for a fresh take.  Here are several photographs from Little Talbot Island SP I made yesterday, January 5th. (MF Film)

When I arrived at Suwanee River State Park yesterday, I expected to take the trail that follows the spring fed stream to the Suwanee River.  To my great surprise, the trail, boat launch ramp and entire area I intended to explore was seriously flooded.  These two photographs were made at the top of the launch ramp which was underwater just beyond where I was standing.  I still want to hike that trail, but will have to wait several weeks or more until the flood waters subside. (MF Film)

These photographs were made near the confluence of the Suwanee and Withlacoochee Rivers.  Recent heavy rains raised the water level above the bases of several hoary old oaks draped in Spanish Moss leaving the ends of the lowest branches awash.  In the afternoon sunlight it was easy to conjure Tom, Huck, and Jim, in their ragged straw hats and bare feet, sitting on the banks. Of course this was not the Mississippi, but I have the sense that there might be a strong resemblance nonetheless.

Here are several more from the trip described below. 

An area I've not explored at all until this past week is the 'springs'.  The springs are all along the Suwanee and Santa Fe Rivers and feed those rivers to a degree.  These photographs are mostly of those feeders.  (MF Film)

 

I hadn't been to Marineland Beach in quite a while, but decided to go today.  The 'rocks' are coquina and very interesting in themselves, but I was more interested in their relationship with the sea and sky.  Just for fun, I've also linked to Benjamin Britten's Four Sea Interludes which I was thinking about while using the camera.  (MF Film, #15 Deep Yellow filter and polarizer.)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J20ROYLZfX0

More from northern Georgia this past week!  I am still excited by our time in the mountains so different from the coastal terrain of Florida.  By sheer good luck there still were abundant, vibrantly colored leaves though I expect they'll all have fallen by Thanksgiving.  It's not like I'm unused to these mountain views, but it's been a few years and it felt like visiting old friends.  (Pentax 67, 135mm lens, and K2 yellow filter)