White sands to red rock

In the far northwestern corner of the panhandle of Florida is a most unique body of water - Blackwater River.  The cool water's color is like looking into an endless cup of freshly brewed tea.  The tannic acids in the leaves fall into the waters staining the water brown.  As I walk along the trails and beaches of the riverbanks my eyes are delighted in the extreme color contrast from pure white sand ever-so subtly migrating into the tea-colored waters.   I step into the cool waters to enjoy this peaceful moment.  I submerged my lower torso felling the coolness of the slow-moving river. I stand for several minutes enjoying my surroundings.

Driving over the small bridge I enter Blackwater River State Park.  At the entrance gate I pay the meager $4 entrance fee and begin taking notes listening to a very enthusiastic gate attendant.  I am told to keep my eyes wandering the higher-than-normal swamp waters for such reptiles as snakes and turtles.  Melanie also shares with me a most unique place to explore a couple miles out of the park, which is her favorite place to explore.  As I walk along the wooden boardwalks and through the various stilted pavilions, I spend almost 30 minutes inspecting the waters.  Nothing in the stillness.  In the final moments, about ready to give up on my search, I spot a slight reflection on a distant log.  Yes!  My first turtle spotting in Florida!  I am now complete and anxious to move on to my next destination.  Looking closely at my photo I notice its back leg waving at me. :)  

Within a short couple miles, I find my trail dramatically changes from soft, white sand to hard, orange colored rock.  

Parking my car on the dirt lining of a thin two-lane road I enter Juniper Creek Trail.  I notice on the trail trees are tagged with a small purple square-cut plastic keeping on the main path throughout the limitless trees.  The trail begins to change texture and color right before my eyes from a soft, white to a hard, orange.  The trail takes me along the 65-foot edges of deep red clay bluffs.  I scour the grounds looking for a way to the bottom.  Within minutes I find myself back in the waters, knee deep enjoying the red cliffs in front of me.  Melanie was right - This unique area is a gem.  

I head back to where I will rest my tired body in the ever so friendly city of Niceville, Florida