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Coldwater Creek runs through the park.
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Blackwater rivers are usually free of suspended particles due to the filtering action of the sand, but are reddish black in color from the high content of organic tannins that have been leached from decaying vegetation.
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Sand is one of the by-products of the gravel mining process.
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A freshwater spring flows through the southwest corner of the property.
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A man-made waterfall functions as the spillway for the lake.
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The rocks that form the waterfalls were brought from the old lumber mill.
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The outline of the waterfall is etched in the limestone. However, during a dry spell there is no water flowing over the falls. Bracken fern and mosses grow along the limestone walls of the sink hole.
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The small stream leading to the falls is dependant on small sprngs and abundant rainfall.
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Walkways and fences surround the sinkhole area.
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The rear of the property faces the entrance to Bayou Texar.
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This view of the Ranger Station is taken near the wreck of the Norweigan bark, the Catherine, which is located in 15 feet of water where it sank on August 7, 1894. The outline of the vessel can be seen as a dark shadow on the surface.
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Piles of watermelons are purchased from July to August at the barn.
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Bruce and his family have a complete peanut harvest from planting through boiling.
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Holland Farms produces a variety of crops throughout the year. Listed below are prices for vegetables that are currently being harvested. For further information, call - 675-6876.
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Royal Star and Starbright Watermelons are the varieties of watermelons grown for harvest.
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Water oaks and sweet gum trees line the west side of Homer Holland Road. The 15 acre pumpkin patch can be seen through the trees.
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The Holland farmhouse can be seen through the trees. The driveway is typical of dirt roads and driveways which are composed of red clay.
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Hundreds of watermelons are sold at the barn every summer beginning in late June.
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Africa is considered to be the native home of the watermelon.
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On the American continent, watermelons were grown as early as 1629 in Massachusetts, and prior to 1664 in Florida.
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Watermelons grow best on a sandy loam soil.
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Today there are more than 100 different varieties of watermelons. The flesh may be red, pink, orange or yellow.
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The sweetest watermelons grow during long hot summers.
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Ninety percent of watermelon is water.
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Watermelon vines require considerable space. Seeds are planted one inch deep in hills spaced 6 feet apart. As the watermelon plants grows, the vines converge and the field becomes a sea of green vines.
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The watermelon require a long growing season with relatively high temperatures. Daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees F and nighttime temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees F are ideal.
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Probably the most important indicator of ripeness is the underside which sets on the ground. Turn the melon over. It should be yellow or creamy colored on the underside. If it is white or pale green the melon is not ready to harvest.
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Once picked, uncut watermelon can be stored for about 2 weeks at room temperature.
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The flesh of the melon should be deep colored with mature seeds. Most watermelons have dark brown or black seeds.
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Harvesting is particularly critical because watermelons do not continue to ripen after they have been removed from the vine. They should be picked at full maturity.
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Watermelons are low in calories and very nutritious. Watermelon is high in lycopene, second only to tomatoes.
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Watermelon is also high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, in the form of disease fighting beta-carotene. Research also suggests that the red pigmented foods provide this protection.
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An original water well is located east of the farm house.
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The dock of the south Riverwalk extends out into the river. The channel leading to Milton from Escambia Bay, through East Bay, then north to the mouth of the river is deep and well marked. Depths to Milton range from 12 to 26 feet making entry by large vessels easy.
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Santa Rosa Sound is visible in the background.
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This is a southeast view of the home taken from the wetland area.
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From the second level deck, an northeasterly view reveals a shoreline with white crystal beaches. This area is known for sugar sand dune formations that have been called the whitest beaches in the world.
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George comes to the rescue and lands the four and one-half pound catfish.
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George lays out his catfish cleaning tooks, a gripper to strip the skin off the catfish and a fillet knife.
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The fillet is cleaned in a pan of fresh water.
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The water on the soundside is very shallow for 100 yards. The thatched roof of Bamboo Willie's can be seen in the upper center of the photograph.
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Bamboo Willie's is located on the right of the Quietwater shopping area.
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The mixed skies at sunset are a feature of Tropical Storm Hanna.
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The pavillion is a gathering place at the center of Casino Beach.
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Tom Roush, film officer, observes the Wrangler photo shoot at the beach.
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East Park is located at the farthest point within the jurisdiction of Escambia County. It is adjacent to the Gulf Island National Seashore.
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The boardwalk area adjacent to the bandshell features small shops and restaurants.
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White sand makes for emerald green water.
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The short fences were installed after recent storms to promote dune formation by trapping blowing sand.
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The shoreline along the coast is uniform throughout the gulf side of the island.
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The text of the historical marker reads as follows: These are the remains of the British well that was built in the 1770’s. This protected water supply increased the safety of the troops. While the above ground part of the well has been destroyed, some of the original handmade bricks are still preserved in the upper rows. Notice that the lower portion of the well shaft was made of local red sandstone and of grantite ballast which came from Europe in sailing ships.
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A picket fence surrounds the old well.
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Toilets moved into the house when interior bathrooms became available in the 1920's and 1930's. The main sewer system in Pensacola was installed by Federal Government workers during the Depression. The first line was dug in the middle of Garden Street.
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Grand Lagoon can be seen from the boardwalk. The Gulf coast of northwest Florida is blessed with large stretches of protected saltmarsh which are important marine-life nursery areas and heralded for their biological productivity.
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There are several large condo units located to the east of the gothic house on Perdido Key Drive.
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Several paths lead across the dunes to the gulf.
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Visitors can view native plants and animals in the natural environment.
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A stand of pine trees can be seen on the left of the photograph. Cattle are grazing in the valley.
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Walnut Hill is an area of gently rolling land settled by Mennonite farmers from Kansas.
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Cattle graze on the winter wheat.
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Rolls of hay can be seen on the left of the photograph.
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A row of red cedars form a hedge alongside of the Menonite cemetary.
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Mennonite farmers are making agriculture a viable way of life in Escambia County.
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The road was damaged by Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, but has been repaired repeatedly. The county views the road as a safety issue since they can use it to get to the two bridges off the island and so will repair it as often as need be.
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The bait shop and food store is below the main building that serves as a residence for the owners.
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In the summer, the parking area is covered with trucks and empty boat trailers as fishermen use the marina to launch in to the Escambia Bay to fish.
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In the distance are boats pushed through the reeds and destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. Hurricanes have formed the background and shaped the history of Pensacola from the first settlement.
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Locals have been fishing these calm waters for centuries.
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Many of the homes on Bayou Texar have docks and boat launches.
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As this map shows, Bayou Texar has a very narrow outlet and is surrounded by hundreds of homes. The water is deep enough to accomodate some fairly large fishing boats but the train trussle at the opening to Pensacola Bay prevents sail boats from mooring on Bayou Texar.
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Hundreds of species of neo-tropical migrant birds move through Florida’s coastal area utilizing large undeveloped land of the National Seashore for stop-over foraging and rest.
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The home was designed to resemble a Victorian cottage.
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The marina is just south of the Pensacola Historic District.