RANDOM SHOTS BY CHRIS

GULP

2012-02-18T09:09:00.003-05:00

Mouthful, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Like the poster boy for bad manners this guy has quite a mouthful as he looks for more. Something about enjoying your meal and chewing your food that is certainly not on his agenda.

Inlet View

2012-02-17T08:23:00.002-05:00

Inlet View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The vistas from atop the Jupiter Lighthouse are impressive enough for the local TV stations to install webcams for use in their weather segments. Looking east the Jupiter Inlet, our portal to the Atlantic, makes for a beautiful seascape. The inlet provides a gateway to some of southern Florida's best boating waters as well as a TV eye on local weather conditions.

Step Up

2012-02-16T08:37:00.002-05:00

Looking Up, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Here it is: the mandatory "inside" the lighthouse picture. My experience is that one step at a time is not a problem but looking down over the shoulder is rather intimidating. Life is Good.

Light On The Hill

2012-02-15T10:05:00.004-05:00

Light On The Hill, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The Jupiter Lighthouse Valentine's Day annual fund raiser includes a romantic 15 minutes of "couples alone time" (complete with champagne) at the very top of the the structure. The afternoon/evening event runs from February 12th to Valentine's Day and is always a sellout with reservations booked through January and February. A good cause and a killer view!

Top View

2012-02-14T09:14:00.002-05:00

Lighthouse Top View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Valentine's Day at the top of the Jupiter Lighthouse complete with a champagne toast and a box of chocolates! Indeed...Life is Very Good...Happy Valentine's Day!

In Your Face

2012-02-13T09:58:00.002-05:00

In Your Face, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Who is more interested in whom? If you have anything that could be a potential meal these guys are interested. This fellow wanted a closer look at the fish that were being cleaned and perhaps a shot at some of the left overs.

Cloudy Beach

2012-02-12T10:43:00.002-05:00

Cloudy Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The weekend's weather front brought more than cloudy skies, temps in the low 50's-60's have the locals donning winter apparel. Feels like early spring on Long Island to me....Life is Good.

Pelican Drink

2012-02-11T08:51:00.002-05:00

Pelican Drink, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

A rather talented pelican responds to this photographer's attention. Could it be the pelican version of "giving someone the raspberries?

Dinner Time

2012-02-10T09:14:00.002-05:00

Dinner Time, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Seafood by the inlet...This white egret allowed me to get rather close while he was busy with dinner. White egrets are somewhat prolific in southern Florida, there seems to at least one hanging out in most shopping center landscape areas.

Vagabond

2012-02-09T09:13:00.003-05:00

Vagabond, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Life on the ICW includes boaters who cruise the protected calm waters from as far north as the mid-atlantic, the northeast and beyond. The daily parade of unique vessels is a show unto itself as the preferred route at this time of year is in a southerly direction.

Inlet Run

2012-02-08T10:08:00.002-05:00

Inlet Run, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The approach to Jupiter Inlet can be a challenge in heavy seas. It certainly can make for a thrilling end to a good day of fishing.

Super Day

2012-02-07T08:42:00.002-05:00

Good Day, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Pre-Game show...The tradition continues as my favorite son made the long journey south to share the Super Bowl thing with his dad. This year we elected to skip the televised pre-game repetitive nonsense for some serious pre-game fishing. Ours was the perfect game plan.

Pelican Dance

2012-02-06T11:42:00.002-05:00

Pelican Dance, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Either there is some bait in the water or this guy is planning an audition for "Dancing with the Stars".

Florida Afternoon

2012-02-04T10:25:00.002-05:00

Florida Afternoon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Picture perfect beach for a stroll. I'm just loving the color of this ocean....Life is Good.

Ground Hog Day

2012-02-02T08:22:00.002-05:00

Framed Sun, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Seeing his shadow? I'm not sure if it matters this winter what with record high temperatures in the northeast. Happy Ground Hog Day....time for a Bill Murray rerun?

Mr Egret

2012-02-01T09:24:00.002-05:00

Mr Egret, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Florida's white egret is ubiquitous but none the less magnificent to this observer. Life is good.

Ocean Stairs

2012-01-31T07:13:00.002-05:00

Ocean Stairs, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

A most inviting walkway leading to some very nice eye candy. Beach access in the Jupiter area is easy, parking is free and the landscape is devoid of condo towers. Thank you to those forward thinking city planners of yesteryear.

Hitting The Brakes

2012-01-30T09:17:00.002-05:00

Gull flight, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Snowbirds have plenty of company down here. This guy appeared to "slam on the brakes" as he noticed our fish being cleaned! He certainly expressed an interest in our discards......

Cloudy Shoreline

2012-01-28T08:29:00.002-05:00

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

2012-01-27T08:47:00.002-05:00

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

2012-01-26T07:57:00.002-05:00

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

2012-01-25T08:06:00.002-05:00

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

2012-01-24T08:17:00.002-05:00

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

2012-01-23T12:51:00.002-05:00

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

2012-01-18T10:28:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-16T12:31:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-06T14:17:00.002-05:00

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

2012-01-02T16:31:00.002-05:00

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

2011-12-31T07:53:00.000-05:00

Wishes for a Healthy and Happy 2012!

Winter Sunset

2011-12-29T08:08:00.002-05:00

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

2011-12-27T14:18:00.002-05:00

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

2011-12-25T06:45:00.000-05:00

And....Peace on Earth.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T09:10:00.003-05:00

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

2011-12-23T11:28:00.002-05:00

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

2011-12-18T22:51:00.002-05:00

Dawn, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

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

Fisheye Xmas Duck

2011-12-16T07:52:00.002-05:00

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

2011-12-14T10:09:00.002-05:00

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

2011-12-12T08:45:00.002-05:00

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

2011-12-10T09:50:00.002-05:00

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!

Jupiter Light

2011-12-06T10:20:00.000-05:00

Warm sunshine, gentle breeze, and one very happy camper! Life is good.

Change in Latitude

2011-12-05T10:17:00.000-05:00

And the snowbird's smile is from ear to ear...Florida...December...pinch me!

Playoff Time

2011-12-04T01:00:00.002-05:00

December and once again it's crunch time for many teams in the NFL. Except for the talented few (Green Bay Packers) many NFL teams face elimination from the post season. December will separate the contenders from the mediocre as every game matters. If you're a fan here's to wishing your team a victory (unless they are playing the JETS!).

Change In The Weather

2011-12-03T10:30:00.000-05:00

The temperature of that delicious ocean breeze has turned sharply colder since this picture was taken. The last of Long Island's striped bass and bluefish have turned the corner on their trip south. I think I'll follow...

Bridges

2011-12-02T09:57:00.002-05:00

Under the bridge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

"The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn."
David Russell
Now there's a sage observation!

Dune Light

2011-12-01T12:05:00.003-05:00

Dune Light, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Long Island's iconic Fire island Lighthouse....The December chilly winds have arrived making walks on the beach a bit less appealing. Time for this snowbird to start packing. Life is good!

November Beach

2011-11-29T09:59:00.002-05:00

November Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Yesterday was a real treat from weather central. Is it really the end of November on Long Island with temperatures hovering around 70 degrees? Yesterday's record setting high temperature for the date (69 degrees) is a far cry from the record low of 20 degrees. Enjoy it while it lasts. Keep an eye over your shoulder as the weatherman promises a very chilly weekend and a stroll on this beach will be much less comfortable!

Brief Interlude

2011-11-28T09:23:00.003-05:00

Reading Chair, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

I love the "coming home"of family for Thanksgiving. The sharing of food, laughs, stories and good wine is it's own reward. Like all holidays Thanksgiving has evolved into more than just a day, we have the travel day, Black Friday, College Football-Left Overs Saturday, and Get Away-Sunday (when the relatives hit the turnpike). Lately, I have found another holiday reality that is equally as wonderful. It's rather nice to get one's home back and enjoy the solitude after helping to pack those mini-vans and waving goodbye. It's pleasantly quiet now and I do think that there just might be a enough left overs in the fridge for one more turkey sandwich.

I can't get too comfy though, it is after all Cyber-Monday and there are all those Christmas decorations in the attic! How many "shopping days" do I have anyway???

End Of November

2011-11-26T08:48:00.002-05:00

Reflections, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The last of autumn color shows in reflections as November draws to a close. Can next weekend really be December? Like the osprey and the songbirds my compass is beginning to point south.

Time To Shop?

2011-11-25T08:22:00.002-05:00

Street View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

To shop or not. The much ballyhooed "Black Friday" is upon us. I see it thusly, I can go out, get in line, fight traffic and hope that I can buy that discounted gift ( praying that there is one left )... OR... I can stay home and eat leftover turkey and pumpkin pie. It's a no-brainer for me.

BTW: Is it me? Is it fair? Do I see "Black Friday" creep? Does "Black Friday" now start while some of us are still doing dishes on Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:22:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving Best, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues". ~Cicero

Appreciation Energy

2011-11-23T10:48:00.003-05:00

Departure, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The day before Thanksgiving most of us are either traveling or we are cooking. Regardless, there's a good deal of energy that goes into saying Thanks with family and friends. More than just a meal, Thanksgiving is a day to count one's blessings and appreciate the gift of family, friends and loved ones! It's a special holiday and it's well worth the effort.

Traffic

2011-11-22T13:39:00.003-05:00

Traffic, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The media keeps reminding us that tomorrow, the day before Thanksgiving, is the busiest travel day of the year. From what I hear, over 40 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home in order to share Thanksgiving dinner with family. They also tell us that 24 million of those travelers will be flying to their destination, so.. take your headphones and try to get an aisle seat. The rest of us will have to deal with a whole bunch of cars on the highways....Happy Thanksgiving, and be careful out there!

Silhouette In Flight

2011-11-21T16:03:00.002-05:00

Silhouette In Flight, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Seagulls in silhouette...alot like shooting into the sun. :)

Stepping In

2011-11-20T10:33:00.002-05:00

Stepping In, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

My wife and I feel like kids again. The excitement comes with finally finding our own piece of Florida where we will be stretching our snowbird wings! Life is Good.

Heavenly Vintage

2011-11-19T10:08:00.002-05:00

Heavenly Vintage, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This west side storefront struck me as a scene from 1970's New York. I decided to play a bit with post-processing in an attempt to give the image that 60's-70's film process look. Remember when photos were "developed" in a darkroom, not to mention waiting a week to see the finished product!

Catching Reflections

2011-11-18T10:27:00.002-05:00

Catching Reflections, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

There is so much to learn about photography. I often shoot with a group of friendly fellow photographers and the conversation is always peppered with f/stops, focal lengths, shutter speeds, etc. I have come to realize however, that a major part of photography is all in the "seeing" (as opposed to just "looking"). I'm always amazed how one or two of our group members always seem to get "THE" shot because they saw something that I just "looked at". It's where the real talent is I suppose, creative people just see beyond the ordinary.

Cool Shadows

2011-11-17T14:50:00.004-05:00

Dune Fence, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

November afternoon shadows seem to pass quickly as the light sinks early on the horizon. The temperature seems to be dropping almost as fast as the sun!

Flower Tracks

2011-11-16T09:23:00.003-05:00

Flower Tracks, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Nature's reclamation project, gardens between the rails along NYC's High Line Park.

The Crowd

2011-11-15T10:36:00.003-05:00

The Crowd, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

News Item: The world population has just exceeded 7 Billion. Seems as though the benchmark of the first Billion took over a thousands years, the following 6 Billion took a couple hundred years. While there's always room for one more, I for one am planning on getting that flu shot!

Colors

2011-11-14T12:33:00.003-05:00

Color Panes, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

More from along the High Line...finding art in abandoned industrial space.

Street Sounds

2011-11-13T10:54:00.003-05:00

B&W Blues, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

I'm a sucker for street performers. There's always something special about live music. While most of these artist are playing for handouts, I really do believe that they love what they are doing. They certainly add enjoyment to my city meanderings.

Pier 54

2011-11-12T06:56:00.002-05:00

Pier 54, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Waiting for your ship to come in? I think I'll just appreciate the fall colors along the Hudson. Life is Good.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T10:18:00.002-05:00

Veteran's Day Plaque, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Two postings today to express gratitude to our nation's veterans. (See the second post below.)

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T09:44:00.002-05:00

Sons Of Union Veterans Of The Civil War, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

In a salute to all our veterans of all our conflicts I was struck by the pride in this old soldier. Joseph is a veteran of the Korean War and he is also the commander of the Long Island Camp of "The Sons of Union Veterans of The Civil War". Civil War buffs will know that the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) was founded in 1866 as the official Civil War veteran's organization. The GAR remained very active through the first half of the 20th Century, it's last surviving member died in 1956. By an act of Congress in 1954 the SUVCW was designated the legal heir to the Grand Army of the Republic. Today, full members must prove direct lineage to a Union veteran.

High Line Hydrangia

2011-11-10T08:26:00.002-05:00

High Line Hydrangia, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Autumn color along the High Line...Life is full of appreciations! :)

Helm View

2011-11-09T10:05:00.002-05:00

Helm View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

While every day is a gift, some gifts are nicer than others. Long Island enjoyed a 70 degree November day yesterday. If you had the day off and your boat was still in the water you just may have spent election day on the water. It occurred to me as I stuck the camera out the helm window that this could just be the last time Recess returns to port this season. Life is Good.

High Line Walk

2011-11-08T08:45:00.005-05:00

High Line Walk, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

An elevated oasis in the heart of Manhattan's west-side, the High Line offers spectacular city views and a touch of Autumn color. A modern day stroke of green genius, the park has converted one and a half miles of urban blight into a natural garden/walkway. Put a stroll on the High Line on your "must do" list!

Stacked Up

2011-11-07T08:04:00.003-05:00

Stack, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

A fisheye view of the old industrial and gritty New York is quite a contrast to the artsy and elegant new neighbors!

Wall Art

2011-11-06T11:17:00.002-05:00

Wall Art, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Some rather impressive "Street Art" found just off Manhattan's Highline Park...

Riverside Walk

2011-11-04T09:10:00.002-04:00

Riverside Walk, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

November on Long Island........Life is Good.

Autumn Afternoon

2011-11-03T10:29:00.002-04:00

Autumn Afternoon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Serenity on a November afternoon along the shore of the Connetquot River.....

Data Buoy

2011-11-01T09:40:00.002-04:00

Data Buoy, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

"Hey...what's that?" After more than a few years on the bay I've got that whole green buoy/red buoy thing down pretty well. Seeing a bright yellow buoy where there just has never been any buoy certainly got my attention recently. My curiosity led me to discover that the folks at Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences have been busy collecting data about the Great South Bay. A long range study of the bay's ecosystem has been utilizing instruments on these buoys throughout the bay. Buoy placement has been mostly in the "off season" as to not interfere with recreational boaters.

Yellow buoys.."who knew?"

Halloween

2011-10-31T09:16:00.006-04:00

Halloween, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Trick or Treat...I suppose I've become "grumpy" but I'm always glad when this holiday is over, it has changed so much over the years. It was always a fun holiday for kids and we carved a pumpkin the night before which pretty much was it for elaborate decorations. Adults and teenaged siblings helped the costumed little kids go about the neighborhood getting free candy. Many in my generation can remember being "too old" to go Trick or Treating, usually somewhere around Jr. High age. Later generations saw a pillow case and a can of shaving cream as an ideal way to extort candy from the neighbors and adults began to have lavish parties that did not include any children. ... So what has happened? Retailers now call the season "Falloween", consumers spend more on decorations for Halloween than any other holiday and The National Trade Federation estimates about $6.8Billion (with a B) will be spent this year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Halloween has the highest proportion of alcohol related traffic deaths of any holiday. There are 3% more of these type of fatalities on Halloween than on New Years Eve!!

So...Happy Halloween and be careful out there!

Dad

2011-10-30T12:27:00.002-04:00

Philly Fan, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

I still love this shot of the napping Phillies fan! Hard to believe you've been gone a whole year. Thanks for the lessons, the laughs and the love.

Civil War Surgeon

2011-10-29T09:21:00.004-04:00

Civil War Surgeon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Members from the 67th New York/ 1st Long Island Volunteers gave a presentation through our local library this week. I'm always impressed with the realistic manner in which these docents present themselves. For them, it IS 1862. Of course, no Civil War presentation would be complete without the vivid and gory details of early battlefield surgical units. This always causes those in attendance to squirm and to also develop a newfound appreciation for anesthesia. (Myself included!)

My Favorite Marsh

2011-10-27T10:42:00.002-04:00

My Favorite Marsh, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Long Island's quiet side shows off the salt meadows decked out in fall colors.

Do Windows?

2011-10-25T11:06:00.002-04:00

Big Job, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This puts that window cleaning chore in perspective for me....

Foggy Morning

2011-10-24T11:28:00.002-04:00

Foggy Morning, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Looks like several canceled flights due to the early morning fog.

Fire Island Ferry

2011-10-22T09:50:00.002-04:00

Nicolet, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Another sure sign of the changing season is the decrease in ferry traffic on the Great South Bay. Nicolet's schedule, making the run from Patchogue to Davis Park, has gone from nine daily roundtrips to two. The service will stop for the season in November.

Fire Island Buck

2011-10-21T10:21:00.003-04:00

Fire Island Buck, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This very healthy looking buck is enjoying a meal by the bay. Fire Island deer appear to be well fed of late, perhaps population control efforts are paying off. In past seasons the numerous deer of Fire Island had seemed to be undernourished.

Recess At Anchor

2011-10-20T10:55:00.003-04:00

Recess At Anchor, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Recess is the latest in a rather long line of family vessels dating back to the early '70's. She's not fancy, plush, sleek or eloquent. What she is is salty, dependable, safe and fast. The perfect boat for us at this point in our lives, Recess handles well in almost any weather conditions. Her pilothouse cabin keeps us dry and secure when the waves of the Great South Bay break over the windshield, the aft deck serves us perfectly when cruising or fishing in calmer water. It's funny how a boat can almost become a part of the family and during the past five years Recess has been a part of many adventures. There still are a few weeks to be enjoyed in this boating season with cool afternoons and early sunsets. Soon though Recess will have to suffer the indignity of sitting in the driveway as the only waves breaking over her bow will be of ice and snow.

Davis Dawn

2011-10-19T11:01:00.002-04:00

Davis Dawn, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The early light at Davis Park finds surf casters enjoying the peak of the fall run.

October Beach

2011-10-18T10:39:00.002-04:00

October Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Cool, crisp and delicious...and the view is worth the trip!

City Sunset

2011-10-16T11:06:00.002-04:00

City Sunset, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Perfect time and perfect place for a stroll to watch the setting sun! Life is Good.

Local Residents

2011-10-14T09:50:00.002-04:00

Young Buck, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

October on Fire Island and the locals are happy to see the summer crowd gone!

Montauk Point

2011-10-13T13:29:00.002-04:00

Montauk Point, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

October weather is here, take a hike and enjoy that air! Life is Good!

Union Pacific

2011-10-12T09:06:00.002-04:00

Union Pacific, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Long Island trains, almost always LIRR commuter trains, may be ten or more cars long on average. I was reminded during my recent Wisconsin visit just how many freight cars make up a freight train! Rail road crossings require patience in the mid-west. :)

Bug Light B&W

2011-10-11T11:11:00.002-04:00

Bug Light BW, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

There's something nostalgic about black and white photos. Now-a-days B&W is an effect that digital photographers can use in post processing. If you're of a certain age however, you may recall family snapshots always in B&W. The man at the drug store did some magic and within a few days a film canister was converted into a yellow paper billfold that held photos connected by perforated edges. And of course, B&W format was almost always the preferred medium of master photographers.

Two Sails

2011-10-09T12:17:00.002-04:00

Two Sails, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Our Long Island weather continues to please well into the Columbus Day weekend! Life is Good!

All You Need...

2011-10-07T12:25:00.002-04:00

Love, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

All you need is Love.....

Money, Money

2011-10-06T10:56:00.003-04:00

George Wall St, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Greed? Capitalism? Financial Elite?....Wall Street is always a worthwhile news item. Lately, Wall Street and the surrounding downtown area has become the scene of disenchanted crowds (10,000 reported yesterday) who have remained encamped at Zuccotti park. Occupy Wall Street seems to be a mix of various groups who claim that the nation's ills are rooted in "corporate greed". Gee...so what else is new? Did all these people "cut" their American History classes??

The Coach

2011-10-05T09:05:00.002-04:00

The Coach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Vol-un-teer (noun)- a person who freely offers to take part in an enterprise or undertake a task........Community based youth athletic programs are almost always staffed by unpaid, hard working volunteers. The number of youth teams operating on any given weekend around the country truly is impressive. I am of the opinion that the coaches and organizers of these athletic programs are a very under appreciated bunch. An observation by my cynical side is that these coaches are often pressured and coerced to volunteer. The criticism, second guessing and verbal abuse starts soon after agreeing to help. All the more reason for the rest of us to say "Thank You".

Wisconsin Surf

2011-10-04T10:26:00.003-04:00

Wisconsin Surf, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

During a visit with the mid-western grandkids I got a good look at Lake Michigan. Living on the east coast I tend to think of surf as an ocean generated happening but I was impressed with the power and sound along the Wisconsin shoreline. To me, the sound was different in that it did not have that ocean breathing "hiss" but rather a constant pounding energy. I left with a new found appreciation for the Great in the Great Lakes.

October Boating

2011-09-30T10:02:00.002-04:00

Leaving Greenport, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

October weekends can offer some wonderful and bittersweet boating as the season comes to a chilly end. The crisp morning air can be delicious and the early afternoon sunsets disheartening. Enjoy it while it lasts.....

Horsepower

2011-09-29T11:08:00.003-04:00

Horsepower, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

It's been over a century since the internal combustion engine trumped old fashioned horsepower. It is interesting however that horse idioms remain entrenched in the language. Consider the following: (And how about some empathy for those just learning our language!)...don't look a gift horse in the mouth/leading a horse to water../straight from the horse's mouth/ Charlie horse/beating a dead horse/eating like a horse/ I could eat a horse/get off your high horse/hold your horses/horse sense/ horsing around/ horse play/carts before horses/a dark horse/One horse town/horse feathers ......and these are just a few examples of how the English language was influenced by shutting the doors After the horse expressions left the barn.

Union Officer

2011-09-28T10:45:00.002-04:00

Union Officer, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

I've been to more than a few of these Civil War re-enactment events and I'm always impressed by the dedication and knowledge of the participants. That being said, all these "camps" have an officer's tent complete with a desk, cot, chairs and tables and other comforts of home. The "Officer's Club" must have been the place to be for cocktail hour. Lowly infantrymen got to lay on the grass. Some things are timeless....

"Frankly, Scarlett..."

2011-09-27T10:11:00.002-04:00

Civil War Lady, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

1860's fashion...The Third Annual Civil War Weekend was held this weekend at the Islip Grange. I'm a real sucker for such events and I get drawn in by the authentic look of the participants. No mini skirts here but there is something very classy about a Civil War era dress.

Fall Flowers

2011-09-26T10:30:00.002-04:00

Yellow Dahlia, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

In the cooler air and before the frost, dahlias, asters and mums strut their stuff!

Priscilla Dockside

2011-09-25T11:35:00.003-04:00

Priscilla Dockside, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Priscilla, Long Island's own floating National Landmark is berthed at the Suffolk Marine Museum in West Sayville. Priscilla served as a commercial oyster dredge from 1888 until 1963. At the end of her career, "Pris" was the last working oyster vessel (under sail) north of the Chesapeake. Volunteers at the Marine Museum began Pricilla's restoration in 2002 and Landmark status was awarded in 2006. Now "open" to the public, Priscilla can frequently be seen cruising on the Great South Bay where she can bring a smile to the face of even the grumpiest of sailors.

Dahlia Resident

2011-09-24T10:18:00.002-04:00

Spider On Dahlia, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

September is the Dahlia's turn to shine. With many admirers and a few residents, the Dahlia gardens are putting on quite a show!