Autumn in the Florida Panhandle

In southern Florida, the beginning of autumn can be measured by the slight drop in temperature. A sure indicator that “snowbirds” from up north will be arriving soon.

But how is the Florida Panhandle unique from the rest of the state as the season begins? A shutterbug’s camera can capture that story better than any words.

It’s the sunbeams filtering through foliage to create a drowsy effect.

Near Indian Pass Trading Post
 County Rd. 30A, Indian Pass, Florida

It’s the glint of sunlight hitting the water at a more southerly angle.

Scenic view along County Rd. 30A 
between Apalachicola and Indian Pass, FL

 
It’s the seagulls standing still on a once-populated beach, in no hurry to escape due to the absence of human footsteps.

Seagulls and other birds at Indian Pass Beach
(beach access near Apalachee Dr. and S. Neptune St.)

 
It’s the sand-and-shell sculptures left behind by tiny hands.

Indian Pass Beach

 
And it’s the beginning of the scallop harvest in the bay.

This dock leads to scallop hunting.
Salinas Park @ St. Joseph Bay

Yet, normal Floridian activities still go on, such as a three-man team competing in the Forgotten Coast Shark Tournament.

The three-man team of Kevin (neon-green shirt),
Chris (in camo) and Hippie (ball cap).
Indian Pass Beach

 
For a landlubber such as me, encountering those three participants at Indian Pass Beach made my day.

 "Sharking" poles

However, the real highlight was the 80-pound stingray hooked by one of the guys.

80-pound stingray

  
I thanked the men for their insight in regard to “sharking” and wished them much success as first-time competitors.

I’m excited to see what surprise the Lord has in store for my next photography adventure.

Until then….

“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.” – Genesis 1:21(NIV)