Boneyard Beach at Low Tide

Big Talbot Island State Park, north end of Jacksonville's coast. Maritime hammock trail — live oaks and Spanish moss draped like lace — then the shore opens up. Skeletal remains of salt-killed trees scattered across the sand, bark stripped, branches bleached silver-white and twisted into shapes that look like nature trying to be a sculptor.

At low tide the beach extends far enough to walk among the fallen trunks. Tide pools in the hollows. The standing dead trees catch light differently every hour — silver at noon, gold at sunset, ghostly blue on overcast mornings. Dolphins sometimes arc beyond the inlet. Pelicans in lazy circles.

Spring and fall for softer light and smaller crowds. Check the tide table — high tide submerges much of the beach and rearranges the driftwood's mood. Sturdy shoes. Camera with wide angle. The parking lot is small and fills on weekends.