De Soto National Memorial

Gumbo-limbo tree of De Soto National Memorial Park Bradenton Florida

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Gumbo-limbo tree largest in North America in De Soto National Memorial Bradenton Florida - Nikon D300 with Tamron 17-50mm lens @ f/8 ISO 200 7-bracket HDR on Induro CT214 tripod with cable releaseAlmost by accident visitng De Soto National Memorial on Labor Day has become an annual tradition.  When I first visited the park last year, it was an accident also as I left the house planning to visit only one park.  When that park turned out to be rather non-descript, I quickly checked the map and was blown away by how great De Soto was, as it only appears to be a very small peninsula.  Of the many impressive features of the park, perhaps the most is the Gumbo-limbo tree near the entrance, which is the largest of its kind in North America.  I intended upon my return to the park two days ago to photograph the tree properly, which required the proper gear:  tripod, cable release, wide angle lens.

The above shot was made using my Induro CT214 tripod at its shortest leg length.  I wanted to get to near eye-level of the lowest branches of the Gumbo-limbo and to show just how far the lower branches extend horizontally.  They seem to grow impossibly parallel to the ground.

Gumbo-limbo tree horizontal branches in De Soto National Memorial Bradenton Florida - Nikon D300 with Tamron 17-50mm lens @ f/8 ISO 200 7-bracket HDR on Induro CT214 tripod with cable releaseI used the exact same setup to try and create a 3D looking shot of the longest and lowest of the branches.  I do not think anyone coud actully limbo under these, and I certainly did not try!  

Gumbo-limbo tree vertical branches in De Soto National Memorial Bradenton Florida - Nikon D300 with Tamron 17-50mm lens @ f/8 ISO 200 7-bracket HDR on Induro CT214 tripod with cable releaseThe thing about the Gumbo-limbo tree is, not only does it have very long horizontal branches, but its vertical branches extend straight up high into the sky as well.  It really is an amazing tree and the crown jewel of the hidden gem that is De Soto National Memorial park.

These Gumbo-limbo photographs are available for as fine art prints, inquire today!

De Soto National Memorial Florida Park

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View from De Soto National Memorial hill - Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm @ f/8 ISO 400 1/320th

I am always searching the west-central Florida Google map for new parks, preserves and forests to visit and explore.  De Soto National Memorial, on the map, is a very humble tip of land jutting out into Tampa Bay.  DogFriendly.com gave its beaches a dog friendly rating.  The park exceeded all my expectations and is a true hidden gem in the Anna Maria Island and Bradenton area.  

Water not over Kiki's head - Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm @ f/11 ISO 200 1/125th f/8After a bit of disappointment at the underwhelming and dog unfriendly Lake Manatee State Park, we still had a thirst for adventure in Manatee County that day, but an approaching rain storm caused us to hesitate.  I decided to press on anyways and as you can see above the storm was already well past once we arrived.  My philosophy:  It is better to regret doing something than to regret not doing something.  The beach was very natural, really just small coves among a coastline of mangrove trees.  The water was shallow and calm, allowing Kiki for the first time to be able to stand and walk around in any body of water.  She really loved being able to do that and I imagine any other water loving dog would as well.  These calm conditions also allowed me to without fear take my Nikon D300 out in the water!  I was knee deep for this shot.  One warning though, there are some random sharp shells around even in the water.  I cut my left big toe!  

 settler ruins/haikyo -- Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm @ f/8 ISO 400 1/125thBesides a beautiful, natural, dog-friendly waterfront, the memorial had a lot of great history that we did not have time to study much this visit.  There were some scary photo realistic placards of Native Americans and Spanish Conquistadors hidden along the trail that startled me (and Kiki too).  It is always nice to find a haikyo/ruins site, like the one above, as well.

Beware the Devil Dog! -- Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm @ f/5 ISO 400 1/800thDe Soto National Memorial is a highly recommended park for an afternoon trip that offers history, trail walking, hilltop views and dog-friendly private beaches.  We will definitely be back soon.  If you visit, just keep you eyes open for the Devil Dog!


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