Nature

Chincoteague Ponies

The Chincoteague pony, also known as the Assateague horse, is a breed of horse that developed and lives in a feral condition on Assateague Island in the states of Virginia and Maryland. The breed was made famous by the Misty of Chincoteague series of novels written by Marguerite Henry starting in 1947. While phenotypically horse-like, they are commonly called "ponies". This is due in part to their smaller stature, created by the poor habitat on Assateague Island. Several legends are told regarding the origins of the Chincoteague ponies; the most popular holds that they descend from survivors of wrecked Spanish galleons off the Virginia coast. It is more likely that they descend from stock released on the island by 17th-century colonists looking to escape livestock laws and taxes on the mainland.—Wikipedia—This image was processed as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) composition.

Gazing at the Sunset from Sunset Beach

Seen at Sunset Beach, an 11-acre beach park on a peninsula featuring a playground, a boat launch, volleyball, and other beach amenities. It is located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. Downtown Tarpon has long been a focal point with its Sponge Docks, shops, restaurants, and museum exhibits that detail Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage along Dodecanese Boulevard.

Sunset Across Saint Joseph Sound from Sunset Beach

Seen at Sunset Beach, an 11-acre beach park on a peninsula featuring a playground, a boat launch, volleyball, and other beach amenities. It is located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. Downtown Tarpon has long been a focal point with its Sponge Docks, shops, restaurants, and museum exhibits that detail Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage along Dodecanese Boulevard.

Sunset Through the Trees at Sunset Beach

Seen at Sunset Beach, an 11-acre beach park on a peninsula featuring a playground, a boat launch, volleyball, and other beach amenities. It is located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. Downtown Tarpon has long been a focal point with its Sponge Docks, shops, restaurants, and museum exhibits that detail Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage along Dodecanese Boulevard.

Sunset Peeking Through the Trees at Sunset Beach

Seen at Sunset Beach, an 11-acre beach park on a peninsula featuring a playground, a boat launch, volleyball, and other beach amenities. It is located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Tarpon Springs has the highest percentage of Greek Americans of any city in the US. Downtown Tarpon has long been a focal point with its Sponge Docks, shops, restaurants, and museum exhibits that detail Tarpon Springs' Greek heritage along Dodecanese Boulevard.

Beach Trail on the Devil's Slide

Seen at Indiana Dunes State Park, an Indiana State Park located in Porter County, Indiana, 47 miles east of Chicago. The park is bounded by Lake Michigan to the northwest, and is surrounded on all four sides by Indiana Dunes National Park; the national park owns the water from the ordinary high water mark to 300 feet offshore. The 1,530-acre Dunes Nature Preserve makes up the bulk of eastern part of the park, and includes most of the park's hiking trails and dune landscape. Indiana Dunes State Park was established in 1925 and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974.—Wikipedia—This image was processed as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) composition.

Indiana Dunes State Park Devil's Slide Hiker

Seen at Indiana Dunes State Park, an Indiana State Park located in Porter County, Indiana, 47 miles east of Chicago. The park is bounded by Lake Michigan to the northwest, and is surrounded on all four sides by Indiana Dunes National Park; the national park owns the water from the ordinary high water mark to 300 feet offshore. The 1,530-acre Dunes Nature Preserve makes up the bulk of eastern part of the park, and includes most of the park's hiking trails and dune landscape. Indiana Dunes State Park was established in 1925 and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974.—Wikipedia—This image was processed as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) composition.

Indiana Dunes National Park Along Lake Michigan

Indiana Dunes National Park is a United States National Park located in Northwestern Indiana, managed by the National Park Service. It was authorized by Congress in 1966 as the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the name by which it was known until it was designated the nation's 61st national park on February 15, 2019. The park runs for nearly 25 miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan; it contains approximately 15,000 acres. Its visitors center is in Porter, Indiana. Located in the park are sand dune, wetland, prairie, river, and forest ecosystems. Several of its holdings are non-contiguous and do not include the 2,182-acre Indiana Dunes State Park, which is within the boundaries of the national park but is owned, managed, and protected by the state of Indiana.—Wikipedia—This image was processed as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) composition.

Sandcastle on Johnson Beach

Seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Footsteps from the Sea

Seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Footprint on Johnson Beach

Seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Solitary on Johnson Beach

Seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Sandpiper on Johnson Beach

Sandpiper feeds along the seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Sandpipers are a large family of waders or shorebirds. They include many species called sandpipers, as well as those called by names such as curlew and snipe. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Heron Sunrise at Johnson Beach

Great Blue Heron walks along the seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The great blue heron is a large wading bird in the heron family, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean and the Galápagos Islands. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore. Three are located in Florida, and one is located in Mississippi: Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center and Park Headquarters Building, Gulf Breeze, Florida — Fort Barrancas Visitor Center (located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida) — Fort Pickens Visitor Center, Pensacola Beach, Florida — William M. Colmer Visitor Center (Davis Bayou Area), Ocean Springs, Mississippi —Wikipedia

Lifeguard Stand Twilight at Johnson Beach

Lifeguard tower along the seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Lifeguard towers are used at recreational beaches or public swimming pools to watch and supervise swimmers in order to prevent drownings and other dangers. Lifeguards scan for trouble from the structures, which vary from beach bungalows by the ocean to poolside towers. Lifeguard towers are also used to spot sharks and other threats. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Moody Twilight at Johnson Beach

Lifeguard tower along the seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Lifeguard towers are used at recreational beaches or public swimming pools to watch and supervise swimmers in order to prevent drownings and other dangers. Lifeguards scan for trouble from the structures, which vary from beach bungalows by the ocean to poolside towers. Lifeguard towers are also used to spot sharks and other threats. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Seashell at Johnson Beach

Seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Gulf Waves at Johnson Beach

Seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Sunrise and Clouds on Johnson Beach

Seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Morning Sojourn to Johnson Beach

Seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Ghost Crab on Johnson Beach

Ghost crab feeds along the seashore of Johnson Beach in the Perdido Key Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Ghost crabs common shore crabs in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world, inhabiting deep burrows in the intertidal zone. They are generalist scavengers and predators of small animals. The name "ghost crab" derives from their nocturnality and their generally pale coloration. Gulf Islands National Seashore offers recreation opportunities and preserves natural and historic resources along the Gulf of Mexico barrier islands of Florida and Mississippi. Some islands along the Alabama coast were originally considered for inclusion, but none is part of the National Seashore. The protected regions include mainland areas and parts of seven islands. The color of the sand in the region is exceptionally white. The Florida District of the seashore features offshore barrier islands with sparkling white quartz sand beaches (along miles of undeveloped land), historic fortifications, and nature trails. Mainland features near Pensacola, Florida, include the Naval Live Oaks Reservation, beaches, and military forts. All Florida areas are accessible by automobile. The Mississippi District of the seashore features natural beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, islands accessible only by boat, bayous, nature trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds. The Davis Bayou Area is the only portion of the National Seashore in Mississippi that is accessible by automobile. Petit Bois, Horn, East Ship, West Ship (location of Fort Massachusetts), and Cat islands are accessible only by boat. The 4,080 acres Gulf Islands Wilderness offers special protection, within the seashore, to parts of Petit Bois Island and Horn Island, Mississippi. Four visitor centers, staffed by National Park personnel, are located within Gulf Islands National Seashore.—Wikipedia

Camp Mack Sunset Tree

Seen outside of Gator Mack's Sports Bar in Lake Wales Florida. The Gator Mack's Sports Bar is part of Camp Mack, a Guy Harvey Lodge, Marina & RV Resort; a ‘fish camp’ for well over 100 years. The camp occupies a high bluff along an oxbow of the Kissimmee River at the eastern edge of Polk County. A pair of wealthy executives with the Coca-Cola Company acquired the land in the early 20th century and created a private retreat for company employees from Tampa.