Church on Sunday

I spent the better portion of this slow and warm Sunday venturing the largest natural preserve in Pinellas County. Brooker Creek Preserve is a gem and provided much inspiration and photos as sources of reference for my new work. For hours, my husband and I explored it’s underrated forested wetlands and pine flatwoods, only accompanied by the music of cicadas and bullfrogs. We took turns with the camera, capturing the tiniest of creatures & flora. We witnessed at least 6 gopher turtles, one of which was feasting upon clovers, and more giant Orb weaver spiders than I could keep count of. We were chased by a horse fly and tried to navigate a trail that was mostly flooded. We eventually turned back in fear of encountering a pygmy rattler since we were continuously venturing too far off the trail in an attempt to avoid soggy shoes. I felt nothing short of elation by the fact that it wasn’t until we ended our little journey and were back in the parking lot, did we finally encounter another person.

I relish days like today.