Eagle’s Nest is a pond on the South edge of the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area. I have so many photos of it that sometimes I wonder why I’m making another, as I set up to photograph it. To me it’s a place to unwind. A pond in the middle of a Florida swamp. These days it’s quite easy to get to with a quick Google search because the Florida Wildlife Commission has opened gates, improved the roads leading to it, and even created a boardwalk and steps leading down into the depths of the pond for exploration.
Eric Reick of Clearwater prepares to free dive Eagle’s Nest, a popular cave diving location.
Why all of the improvements you might ask? It’s a popular diving location. Since the early 1980’s close to a dozen people have died in the caves beneath Eagle’s Nest. It was difficult to find Eagle’s Nest and navigate to it’s shore line for divers and first responders alike. Before the improvements, the way into Eagle’s Nest was basically a trail through the swamp. Diver’s would pack their gear in and walk from the hard road. When there was an emergency, it was also difficult for first responders to gain the access needed to it. Beneath Eagle’s Nest is a passage way to the Florida Aquifer, the Mount Everest of cave diving, as they call it. But for me it’s simply a peaceful place to reflect, destress, and just be quiet.
Eric Reick of Clearwater, Florida prepares to free dive Eagle’s Nest, a popular cave diving location.
Today images have started a series of photographs I plan to use to create a photo book project. I plan to document the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area. It’s a place I’ve sought refuge off and on my entire life. I’ve hiked, biked, fished, and photographed these woods made up of thousands of acres of hardwood swamps, forests, and springs. I intend to photograph it until I feel as though I’ve documented what I need to also take you to this beautiful piece of paradise that I call home. I hope you will tag along with me on these adventures.