Cloudy Shoreline

Cloudy Shoreline, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Just to dispel the myth: it's not always sunny in the sunshine state. But...sunny or not the views can still be impressive.

River Entrance

River Entrance, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Another view of the navigational access to the Loxahatchee River...The Loxahatchee is an extensive boating venue as it meanders some 9+ miles well into the expansive and forever wild Jonhathon Dickinson Park. Upsteam the river is a wilderness playground for kayak and canoe users, the shores seemed filled with abundant wildlife (and more than a few alligators!).

For Oliver

Loxahatchee Railroad Bridge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This photo shows the navigable entrance to the Loxahatchee River from the Jupiter Inlet portion of the intracoastal waterway. AND....the purpose of this post is to entertain my grandson, Oliver. As a four year old budding engineer, Oliver is most interested in the mechanical workings of the world around him. (Try Christmas shopping for a four year old fascinated by elevators!) Drawbridges and railroads are at the top of Oliver's list and I'm sure that this shot that combines both will be a real attention getter that might give Sesame Street a little competition today!

Traffic

Traffic, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Boat traffic shares the road in south Florida. Numerous drawbridges along busy highways such as US1 cross the Intracoastal waterway resulting in the marine equivalent of a traffic jam. Many bridges open "on demand" while a few have scheduled openings only on the half hour. These boating bottlenecks can provide some entertainment for spectators as large vessels continually maneuver while waiting in the wind and current.

Vocal Egret

Egret, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

It sure seems to me that a good number of the birds in Florida are aware of photographers. This egret not only posed at length, he showed off his vocal range squawking about one thing or another for an extended period of time. Much of the wildlife in southern Florida is rather approachable. I know fellow photographers who wade through a chilly Jamaica Bay Preserve hoping to get a long range shot of wading seabirds.

Handful

Handful, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

That is a handful for sure that friend Dave has there. During his visit we decided that an ocean fishing trip was in order. Funny thing about "fishing" is that when a fish like this bonito hits your line you are in for a serious fight and the "fun" part of fishing starts to cramp your arm. Soon into the struggle your hand begs for mercy and you begin to think that maybe today was a good day to go bowling.

It was a very good day as my very sore shoulder continues to remind me. Lots of fish came over the gunnel...Life is good!

Sandbar Sunday

Funny thing about boaters, as anxious as they always are to "get out on the water" they always seem to be searching for a spot to get off the boat. On Long Island it's Fire Island that many boaters have on their radar as a popular spot to disembark. Down here in the land of sun and fun it's the local sandbar that gets the action. Low tide draws a crowd, the frisbees fly, the dogs run and the beer bottles are opened. Life is Good!

Point Of View

I have been a neglectful Blogger...and this view is to blame. Nesting snowbirds busy with the minutae of creating a new home, we have had little time behind the camera or in front of the computer. After a few weeks of chaos and living on beach chairs, there is light at the tunnel's end. Life is Good.

Cool Beaches

Jupiter Rescue, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Empty Florida beaches as the "Siberian Express" blows across the peninsula. The locals have a real problem with these cold fronts that drop evening temps into the 40's and keep daytime highs in the low 60's. To this northerner it just feels like delightful early Spring weather! Life is Good.

Return Flight

Return Flight, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Ahhh...back in the warm! After too many winters in New York you gotta love the sunshine state!

Happy New Year

Wishes for a Healthy and Happy 2012!

Winter Sunset

Winter Sunset, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

An early winter sunset on Long Island has it's own beauty. Cool December afternoons can produce some impressive "eye-candy".

Icy Pond

Icy Pond, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Morning ice on the pond adds an exclamation point to the fact that it is indeed winter on Long Island. This snowbird is checking his wings.....

Merry Christmas

And....Peace on Earth.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

As the excitement and anticipation grows, rumor has it that the red suited one has been busy checking lists and tuning up his sleigh. At our house I see seven fish awaiting the oven!

Hope this finds you "home for the holidays". :)

Toy Land

Toy Land, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Holiday lights, children with wide eyes and plenty of joyful anticipation. 'Tis the season...enjoy!

Farewell For Now

Dawn, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Time to head north for some serious family Santa time! Life is Good.

Fisheye Xmas Duck

Fisheye Xmas Duck, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Meanwhile back on Long Island it's Holiday Time!.......Condo chaos continues as we prepare to wing it back to NY for some Christmas celebration. This holiday season is a bit of a frenzy in our world!

Morning Light

Morning Light, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Cheers for the quiet sunrise....and then back to contractors, estimates, furniture stores and more. It's all good stress if one can remain patient.

Sunrise Birds

Sunrise Birds, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

In spite of the chaos of condo remodel there is always time to appreciate the main attractions! AND...then back to the cleaning, scraping and painting.

New Begingings

Sunrise, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Another Florida sunrise...and a flurry of nesting activity as we settle into our new winter home! Life is Good!