Econ_Glory

Econ Glory

The Econ, as locals know it, is a long & winding creek that feeds the mighty St. Johns River in Northeast Florida.  Finding the nondescript mouth and picking a path in through the bars during low water were challenging for newbies like us.  But Crystal and I had heard of this creek's great Florida iconic beauty for a long time, and had seen a slew of luring photos, so we were determined to spend a few days camping from our boat while exploring its serpentine passages.

Palms of the Econlockhatchee B&W

Please join us as we celebrate our wedding anniversary camping on the Econlockhatchee River.

Family_Portrait

On the floodplain marsh near the mouth, cattle grazed the grasses, while a few chilled in the tannic river.  Calves danced near the bank as we passed.

Palm_Isle_Moo

Palm Isle Moo

Calf_Leap

But the real draw for me, were the graceful clumps of palms, evoking strong affinity dating back to my childhood.  Such grace and beauty.  And one of my clear notions of the real Florida.

Reflections_on_Palm_Groves Palm_Light  

As evening approached the first day, we came upon a raised shelter overlooking a lovely bend in the river.  Often used by hikers along the Florida Trail, but not another soul around on this day, we accepted the gift of a lofty perch.

Econ_Camp_Hut

Econ Camp Hut.  Look closely, it's there.

Camp_Econ Palm_Panorama_2 Location. Location. Location!

Fireside

Fireside

 In the morning, mist rose eerily from the river. Always a nice photo op!

Misty_Palm_Pano Palms_in_Fog_&_Heron Bending_into_Mist

And then the sun rose...

Econ_Sunrise Econ_Sunrise_2 Foggy_Palm_Reflection

After a leisurely breakfast, we packed up and idled further upstream.  No calves playing on the banks up here.

The_Man_Behind_the_Curtain

The Man Behind the Curtain

Alligator_Coming

Big One.  Incoming !

Stark_Tree_Study

Stark Study

Palm_Sunset Econ_Camp_Two Camping Neath the Palms Coffee_Time_at_Camp

Coffee Time

Painterly_Palm_Study

Painterly Palms

Sabal_Palm_Detail

Texture of Palm in Early Light

Gators were aplenty.  We kept Scruff on the boat or on a short leash and kept a keen eye out.   Gator_Launch_Pano

It was an effective strategy.  We left the Econ behind, safe, happy, and fulfilled for now. Hope you enjoyed the snapshot of a Florida river.  May you be inspired to get out for a walk, paddle, hike, or ride in Nature's finest. And devote some time or energy toward helping to conserve what wild beauty we still have.

Palm Panorama Thanks for joining us. Your comments - no matter how brief -  here at my photoblog are greatly appreciated!  And please share the link with friends.