Month: September 2020

'scene' along the way, ducks, Just do it, moments, nature, perseverance, photography, sky, sunrise, Up and at 'em

That morning light…

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All the dark clouds were discouraging, but my destination was the little pond a few minutes from my house so I didn’t let that stop me. And pulling over into the tall weeds at the side of the road gave me pause also. I had a tick on me after being there one morning, but I had chalked that up to a hike the day before, and the houses with their lights on looked pretty, so I got out and took a photo (or five). You wouldn’t know it by the feature photo, but it was dark as I took that first picture, and I heard rustling, but since I figured that ticks don’t make noises while stalking you I wasn’t too worried. And I was surprised when I saw the picture. After that those ducks seemed to follow me as I repositioned myself three different times while I tried to figure out just exactly where the sun was going to come up. I had to park on the opposite side of the pond as it turned out, and the homeowners on that side had apparently mowed the grass at the edge of the pond. A nice surprise. And a pretty sunrise.

'scene' along the way, a second look, adventure, changing times, facing facts, following the rules, nature, perseverance, photography, simple things

In search of eagles…

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I had heard that the eagles had returned to the area of the nest I like to visit, and the morning sky was pretty, so I decided to see if I could spot them. But no, I didn’t see eagles, but I did find a few photo ops in my travels.

It seems that our weather may have taken a turn for the better, read cooler. Whew! Which is good news because I hear the bluebirds have been hanging around lately, and there may be a family of ducks at the little pond, so I will have no excuse to be staying home so much. Our governor has declared us to be in stage three of getting back to normal after COVID. Businesses can reopen without restrictions, or something like that. I will be picky about what I do, and I will wear a mask when I’m in a store, but I have to admit that it will be great to be out more…

a second look, Bayport, birds, blessings, boats, Florida wildlife, fun, nature, perseverance, photography, Rise and shine, sky, sunrise, weather

Favorite places…

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Bayport was a favorite sunrise location for me for quite a long time, but several years ago they closed the pier, and then closed the entire park while they replaced the pier. A sunken ship was the cause of the delay, but yesterday then reopened the park, complete with a ribbon cutting ceremony. I would probably still be in the dark about this if not for my former neighbor who posted about the reopening yesterday, which meant that today I was going to make sure to be there for the sunrise.

I wasn’t the only one there. Many very happy fishermen were also there, greeting each other and teasing me about taking pictures of their great, but imaginary, catches. And the sunrise didn’t disappoint. I could have lived without the guy with a drone who was buzzing the area as the sun rose though.

And again the weather was wonderful enough that even after the sunrise I was reluctant to leave, but once the sun was up I thought my day was done. That was until I noticed the grackle on the mirror of one of the parked cars, and then the birds took over the shoot.

The grackles are noisy, but for some reason I enjoy their antics. And of course the seagulls were plentiful too. I saw a Great Blue Heron land and intended to see if I could get a photo of him, or two, but I was busy with the sunrise at first. He was no where to be seen when I did look for him.

I guess the great blue heron that I missed is why I decided to take an alternate route home and see if I could see One-Foot Fred. I wondered what he did once the sunrise was over and his benefactor got on with his day. And when I got to the Hammond’s Creek Bridge there he was, standing right in the curb area where I would have pulled over to park. He paid no attention to me as I pulled over beyond him and got out and took a few pictures. I felt a little sorry for him standing there all alone, not a fisherman in sight. But as I pulled away I saw a fisherman arriving, carrying his tackle box and fishing pole. That made me happy.

'scene' along the way, adventure, boats, friends, fun, kayaking, nature, perseverance, photography, sky, weather

A day on the water…

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Off we went to Hog Island to launch the kayaks on an absolutely perfect day. A little relief from the miserable heat we have ‘enjoyed’ all summer, and a blue sky with lovely clouds instead of thunderstorms. Even the water itself cooperated. A glassy surface with wonderful reflections. Sunburned knees were a small price to pay for such a perfect day…

This last one reminded me of the snow capped mountains in the Tetons. But it has already snowed there, so I guess I need to appreciate all that we have to enjoy here at home.

'scene' along the way, finding my way, go with the flow, life goes on, nature, perseverance, photography, Rise and shine, sky, sunrise, weather

When you get up early…

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Getting up at 4 AM is how I used to get out for the sunrise. I was bored by the time the sun came up so it was something to do. Today was one of those 4 AM mornings, and the weather cooperated, so I headed out for the first time in a few days. I think I’ve given up on fighting the weather and always heading out for photos, at least for the time being. Between the heat and the rain it’s so much easier to stay home. Or maybe it’s my age.

'scene' along the way, changing times, following the rules, go with the flow, life goes on, moments, perseverance, photography, silliness, weather

Things are not what they seem…

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For instance, that’s not the remnants of a horrible accident that are dripping down the windshield of my car. That’s soap suds, evidence of the big excitement of my day, which was a trip to the car wash. It felt good to get that long overdue chore over with. I like that car wash with its free vacuum stations to get the inside clean also. And as I ran the vacuum over the floors I happened to look across the street at the very cute mini-golf course, and from that angle I saw it as a photo op. A visual trip to the Congo River, complete with a plane crash. I’ve noticed it many times as I have driven up and down that road, but I’ve never played golf there. And if I’m honest it wasn’t quite as hot today, not like it has been. I’ve been using the weather as an excuse to myself for being stuck in the house day after day. Those morning and afternoon thunderstorms coupled with the beastly hot days are all the excuse I need to take refuge in my recliner. Soon we will be into the best of Florida’s weather. I can’t wait.

Good thing I was taking my photos from the sidewalk or I might also have stumbled into the quicksand like this poor fellow…