Turner River
Two places that I’ve been hearing about since I arrived in 2009 are the Dry Tortugas and the Turner River. While it’s shameful that I still haven’t made it to the islands off the coast of Florida, Turner River is a lesser-known, but equally beautiful area in Everglades National Park, just two hours from my doorstep. A group of ten friends got together this weekend to paddle the river on a ten-mile one-way trek out to Chokoloskee. I knew it was going to be a promising trip when a one-eyed, nine-foot alligator was guarding the entrance.
For the first three miles we floated through freshwater mangrove tunnels. Our paddles were nearly useless so we grabbed the limbs like monkey bars and swung our way until reaching open water. To my amazement, we came upon a ripping tributary that was gushing whitewater over a mangrove bank. I have never seen whitewater in the Everglades, frankly because there just isn’t enough relief to create riffles. I didn’t have enough time to go find the source, but it’s very possible it was spring-fed.
After four hours on the water, we made it to Chokoloskee, just barely out-running a storm as the sun was setting. I’d love to go back to explore those mangrove tunnels a little more with my camera. There are certainly more photos to be had in such a primeval place. Until then, I’ll just enjoy having spent a wonderful afternoon with my friends in another one of Florida’s hidden gems.
Moonbow
I’ve been outside a good bit and I’ve been fortunate enough to see some pretty spectacular displays from mother nature. Last night, however was the first time I’ve ever seen a moonbow without a waterfall. A few friends of mine and I went out paddling to watch the full moon rise over Islamorada but were promptly dumped on by a massive thunderstorm moving South through Florida Bay. Once the rain subsided it was well after the moon had risen and we docked the kayaks. Looking up at the storm in the distance my friend Leslie spotted a strange and faint arc in the sky. I quickly realized the moon was creating a rainbow and ran to get my camera. Apparently for this phenomenon to happen without a waterfall or spray of some kind, the moon must be low in the night sky (about 42 degrees or less) with rain falling on the opposite side of the horizon. This is extremely rare and I was so excited to see it with a group of friends to confirm that I wasn’t crazy. It may not be a “keeper” photo, but if nothing else, it’s just another reason why Florida Bay is so special.
Mac Stone Photography 