Journal 3
On May 12th Clyde and Niki Butcher arrived in the area to begin the hunt for photographs that will be featured in a coffee table book and the upcoming film documentary, "American Treasure". The first serval days were spent roving through the Aspalaga Tract just north of Torreya State Park in Bristol, Florida. We saw nature at its best:: quiet, but teeming with life and natural sounds: lush green growth, waterfalls, rare plants---it was a photographer's paradise. We realized there are many places here for us to discover and explore along the Apalachicola River Basin.
I have traveled up and down the river many times between Ocheesee Landing and Chattachoochee and had no idea what was located just east along the banks of the river.
This is truly one of the most unique areas in Florida that still feels, and looks, untouched by the human growth that is rapidly changing the face of our state.
Joining our first expedition on the Aspalaga Tract are left to right. Elam Stoltzfus, Sammy Tedder, Clyde Butcher, Bill and Pam Anderson (local experts on Torreya and photographers), and Park Biologist Mark Ludlow. Photos by Niki Butcher
Preperation and awareness are two important factors: Left: Elam tries to fasten a flea/tick collar on his ankle. Right: Mark is the snake handler for the day.
As we walked down the slope from the hunting camp, the Andersons showed us this intimate waterfalls. It was a team effort to hike the steep, slippery ravines, as well as in the search to capture photographic images that suited the photographic and film needs of Clyde and myself. At the end of the day we were dirty, smelly, and exhausted......but is there any better way to spend a day than in the stillness and beauty of nature at its best?
Sammy played a haunting melody on his hand-crafted flute after lunch---it was a surreal moment to be at a "concert" in the dense woods with background sounds of running water and birdsong.
Jane Atkins