On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
Paul in St. Augustine
Nestled into the northeast corner of Florida, Big Talbot Island State Park is home to a different kind of beach. A federally protected stretch along Nassau Sound, the effects of storms and tides have caused enough erosion to topple trees, primarily oak and cedar, and create what looks like a dinosaur boneyard. They represent the first defense of this barrier island against the relentless march of the Atlantic Ocean. There are no descriptions after each photo, I’ll leave the interpretation to the viewer.
p.a.
Nice stuff, thanks!
J R in WV
The sand is so fine and white, quite a contrast with the trees littering the beach.
Beautiful beach, interesting driftwood and trees.
delphinium
Very nice-always enjoy seeing the different shapes and texture of driftwood.
Betty
It looks so peaceful.
JeanneT
I can imagine the sound of waves and shore birds to go along with the beautiful trees and sand. Thank you for a serene way to start my day!!
Yutsano
Ah driftwood. I miss the ocean. It’s both peaceful and powerful and the wood washed on shore is a grim reminder of its dual nature.
Some guy
Of all Florida coastal islands this is my favorite. Plus, there is camping right next door at Little Talbot
Dan B
In the sixth and seventh photos it looks like there is the remnant of a barrier island at the horizon. Is that what we’re seeing. Is that what it is? That would explain the very calm water.
Well be at the Washington coast o er Labor day weekend. The beach is hundreds of yards wide as a result of winter storms. No swimming without a wet suit.
Munira
Strangely beautiful.
the pollyanna from hell
In a few days I leave Denver on a mad quest to vote for Abrams and Warnock this Nov. I have nothing located or arranged, tho I know Ft. Gordon and Augusta from 1969. I am told the deadline to register is the Monday before five weeks before Nov 11, so early Oct. First I need a short-term lease as evidence of residence, could be anywhere in the state. Later I should look for something very cheap to buy out in the country. I have not slept in a house for six years, so when I say rustic that’s what I mean.
Georgian jackels, I will give WaterGirl the word to release my email if you can offer help or ideas. Thanks!
RobMidd
I know this place! I chose to spend my 50th birthday this year on Big Talbot Island, my favorite in-town vacation! I live in Jacksonville, a city that merged with its county (Duval) 54 years ago. This beach is part of a state park on the northeasternmost corner of the county, still within Jax city limits. It’s the last part of Jacksonville before crossing a bridge to the fairly well-known Amelia Island with its historic city of Fernandina Beach (in Nassau County). Little Talbot and Big Talbot Islands offer me the experience of a complete mind-cleansing vacation on a remote island that I can drive to. My favorite time to go is sunrise in spring. I don’t go outside much in Florida summer! I don’t know why I’m talking this place up so much; what I like most about it is getting away from people! Seriously though, between the first landing site of the French Huguenots at Ft. Caroline, the Kingsley Plantation on Ft. George Island, also the site of a Spanish mission to the Timucua, the first tribe made extinct by European settlers, to the French and Pirate heritage in Fernandina, with all the beautiful beaches in between… this corner is a top recommendation of where to visit if you ever find yourself in my area.
Great choice, thanks Paul in St. Augustine!
RobMidd
@Dan B: Standing on these islands facing east you’re looking at the surface underneath which multiple inland waterways cross paths with the ocean. There are temporary (“pop-up”!) tidal islands, or great big sand bars, that increase and decrease in visibility during tide shifts. Years ago a friend with a boat took me, his nephew, and his nephew’s young son, onto the biggest of these islands (possibly the one seen in the photo) to fish. We beached the small boat on the calm side, anchored it/pulled it mostly out of the water, then tried putting our lines in at different spots all around the perimeter. It’s the site of the largest fish I’ve ever caught. I have a pic (somewhere). I know fish memory is problematic, but I believe it was over 2-feet. I’ve never done much fishing, but I caught the biggest one that day! I don’t remember the type of fish, except that it was tasty.
Damn I’m feeling talkative today, bc I got more: The state park has put up “No Swimming” signs at some of the beach entrances, even though, as you note, the water is calm. I swim anyway. You just have to pay attention to the current. Since it can vary, and since it’s a place where the rivers meet the sea, I understand how it could be dangerous especially for tourists.