Video #14 (5/13/2023):

In which, there was an opportunity to traverse at a new preserve with which my eyes and ears were never exposed. Welcome to the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve near Bristol, Florida. Such a place does not even feel like it's in Florida. However, it is at the northern edge of the state. It is proudly owned by the one and only The Nature Conservancy.

It is truly a national treasure! There are a variety of communities here, including Sandhill, slope forest (temperate trees/less fire), seepage streams, and exposed Bluffs that border with the Apalachicola River itself. I would have to say that this is by far one of the most diverse parks I have ever visited in the state. It's fascinating how South Florida gets so much more attention than the Panhandle.

It is also called the Garden of Eden Trail. There is folklore that surrounds this idea that was planted (no Pun intended) by E.E. Callaway. One of the ideas was that Noah's Ark was built from Gopherwood, which is also called Florida Torreya. Or how several rare plants mentioned in Genesis are found here.

It was so mesmerizing here, and it was tough to move on.

https://www.exploresouthernhistory.co...

https://floridahikes.com/gardenofeden