Gulf Islands National Seashore Naval Live Oaks

I had a couple of hours this morning free, so I put the paddle board on the car, picked up breakfast and headed to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is a protected shoreline managed by The National Park Service. There are several locations. This one was the Naval Live Oaks located right inside Gulf Breeze, FL. Super convenient!!

The water was shallow for at least 30 feet out. Today it was perfectly clear. Absolutely breath-taking! This is a perfect place for hiking, picnicking, learning about the history of the area and  the natural species that are native here. 

On my way to the beach, I followed a paved path past picnic areas. On the short walk I saw lizards, birds and a snake.. Not a poisonous one, but he startled me none-the-less! 

I brought the paddle board to the water and immediately started taking photos. The beauty simply cannot be captured in a photograph! The water was calm and I could see straight down several feet. I played with the crabs with my paddle and watched fish swim directly underneath me. I sat down and put my feet in the water to cool off since it was about 91 degrees out and the water was a perfect 81 degrees.

After I got my fill of serenity, I came back to the beach and ate my breakfast in my beach chair overlooking Santa Rosa Island, where Pensacola Beach is located. I cannot tell you how calm this made me. It felt as though my personal energy was being recharged. 

I was actually sad I had to leave, but the rest of my day awaits..

For more information on The Gulf Islands National Seashore & The Naval Live Oaks see

 http://www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/naval-live-oaks.htm