Adventures in Florida #9: Boneyard Beach on Big Talbot Island

liberty-minded (63) in photography • 8 years ago (edited)

'Salt-washed skeletons of trees that once grew near the shore'

Recently I was in Jacksonville to shoot a bunch of segments for work. During some of my downtime after gigs I decided to head over to Big Talbot Island to explore Boneyard Beach, just a short 45 minute drive from the hotel we were staying at in downtown.

This place was of interest to me because one of my favorite photographers, Clyde Butcher, has captured some amazing photos here. If you're not familiar with his work I highly suggest you check it out, some absolutely stunning images in black & white.

I parked and gathered my gear together, slapped some sunscreen and bug spray on and it was time to hit the trail for about a mile hike to reach the beach.

After maybe 30 yards on the trail I saw the first tease of the beach but the trail was closed off. Due to erosion, there's a steep drop right off the edge there. It could be carefully navigated down but is closed off for obvious safety & liability concerns.

The trail here was very well-kept but unfortunately I failed to put on ENOUGH mosquito repellent! Due to heavy rains lately in the Jacksonville area there was plenty of standing water around and the mosquitoes were pretty bad. Eventually the trail changed from the high scrub walls to an open oak hammock.

At the next opening and view of the beach the trail slimmed down considerably.

The trail opened up once again into an oak hammock and I reached the beach after approximately a mile hike. I couldn't wait to have the sea breeze give me a reprive from the blood-thirsty insects that were having a field day filling themselves at my expense.

It was pretty damn beautiful to see all of the dead oak and cypress trees lining the shore along this protected beach.

I'm not really sure what makes me find these dead trees along a sandy shore so striking, but there's just something simple and natural about their beauty in this setting.

The textures up close on the trees are so interesting. As you stare at some of the pieces you can begin to see different things just like you can see objects in the clouds.

It really feels like your walking along viewing an art gallery by Nature! Each one seems like a sculpture in a way with it's own wild style.

The various species of trees create different textures and colors, not to mention the serene backdrop of a pristine beach.

Thanks for keeping an eye on my posts if you're following. I'm watching you too! Until next time...

all photos captured with Canon 80D/18-135mm

Thanks for joining me on this adventure, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! In case you missed the last post in this series you can see it here:
Adventures in Florida #8: Offshore Snapper Fishing

Keep an eye out for two more adventures in Jacksonville coming soon. Exploring downtown and the awesome public art initiative there along with some spectacular fishing in the St. John's River!