A corner of Florida, part 2

It has been raining all day here in Manchester and we're due for some freezing fog tonight, so it's not surprising how my mind has turned to that balmy holiday in Florida...

Between Fort Clinch and Fernandina Beach in the far northeast corner of Florida, trails cut through several miles of thick forests and swamps in Fort Clinch State Park. Venturing under this canopy is like undertaking a jungle trek, especially on seeing the sign gently reminding hikers to be aware of alligators.

This being Florida, there are no mountains to tackle or chasms to navigate and on this particular trail about the only feature were two long shallow pools shaded by the trees.

It's only after walking between these pools that I saw spotted a sign from behind. Poking my head around, I was informed I had just walked down an ALLIGATOR CROSSING! According to the trail guide, 'Wildlife observation is very good on these trails.' I wonder if this is a polite way for park rangers to say 'Watch your step, alligator bait!'

A bench nearby invited us to sit a spell within lunging distance of the water. No thanks.

Racing back to the car, it was time to calm down somewhere tranquil and relaxing, like the beach. Alligators can't swim in the sea, right? Right??

Sticking to Florida State Highway 1A means being able to follow the coastline, cruising along the dunes and breathing in the sea air. A bit better than following I-95 into downtown Jacksonville. The highway links Amelia Island to the next set of islands to the south, Big Talbot and Little Talbot. Both of these are state parks in their entirety.

These islands must be particularly popular in summer judging by the number of car parking spaces and picnic shelters, but on our weekday visit in early March there was hardly another visitor to be seen. After parking up at Little Talbot State Park, we followed the boardwalk through the dunes and out onto the shore.

What a gorgeous sight.

Waves crashed in off the Atlantic, salting the air.

Thousands of sea shells crunched underneath our feet as birds dived in the stiff breeze.

And best of all, there was not a single 'alligator crossing' sign in sight!