This is a mangrove that’s taken over a sandbar just down the street from my home along the Manatee River in Palmetto. In the southern states along the Gulf Coast these mangroves are a natural defense against the erosion caused by hurricanes. As a result they are protected by the state and local governments. Basically you don’t mess with them, just leave them alone and let them do their job. Anyway, I thought the calm water created by the sandbar made for a nice reflection. Have a lovely day everyone.
Long Weekend
It seems like it’s been a long week and so I’m looking forward to the weekend. Maybe a little time at the beach. Okay, I won’t actually go to the beach, but I’ll drive by it and maybe take photos, like I did with this shot about a week or so ago. Thank you so much for enjoying my photos, I read and enjoy every comment on all the social media outlets. Have a great weekend everyone!
Sundown Cortez
One evening a couple of weeks back I walked through the commercial fishing docks at Cortez. Early evening the place is deserted, so it was a little strange walking in and amongst empty docs. The engines on this boat were idling and I suspect the occupants still sleeping before heading out for the evening run. When I drive over the draw bridges to Anna Maria Island in the morning I’ll often see these same boats returning to port to unload the catch. Work all night, sleep all day.
Sarasota Ringling Bridge
Happy hump day everyone, I thought I’d show a bridge to get us through Wednesday. A lot of images come to mind when I think of Sarasota, but the most iconic is this bridge of which I’ve take dozens of shots and I’ll probably take dozens more. To me the atmosphere here is unique and unlike any place else. This is the Ringling Bridge, Harts Landing bait shop and of course the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There’s a lot more to Sarasota that I’ll be getting to little by little, one day at a time. Hang in there people, we’re halfway there, Friday is just around the corner.
Cure the midweek blues with an amazing framed print of this bridge
Perfect Ending
The perfect end to the day. I took this at Emerson Point last night right after the sun went down. As it seems this lady is enjoying the last few minutes of the day, I’ll keep quite and not fill up this page with words.
Walk Along the Beach
A walk along the shore in the evening. When I see an image like this I imagine myself in the picture. It’s Sunday so go ahead, even if you can’t be by a body of water, do a little day dreaming. You’re allowed.
Neal Preserve
I left home this evening knowing I wanted to take pictures but with no clear destination in mind. I was headed to the beach to capture a sunset when I noticed this preserve. Two days ago Neal Preserve in Bradenton Florida opened to the public after about a year of construction. I’ve been anticipating this for ages and this evening I lucked out. I’m not sure construction adequately describes the work that goes into the creation of a preserve, it’s part ecology, part terraforming and a good dose of trail construction. Many of the pathways are elevated above the mangroves, and the scrub is perfect for nesting and burrowing. Just after sundown I saw owls and raccoons coming out for their nocturnal routines. In any case, I took a more photos which I’ll post in the coming weeks. I’m so happy and excited that I’ve found a new place to take photos of nature near my home.
Soaking Up Rays
For me Friday usually brings with it a feeling of relief, like wow, I made it through another one. Maybe it’s time to kick back on a bench and soak up some rays. Actually this lady was checking e-mail on a phone, but never-mind that, she got most of it right. Of course I was standing right behind her clicking away, but never-mind that also. Let’s all just take a minute and turn down the e-mail dinger on our smartphones and go to that quite place if just for a few minutes. Who am I kidding, I wouldn’t last 10 minutes. But hey, it’s Friday and I’m feeling better already. Happy Friday everyone.
Terra Ceia Bay Fishing
If you want to get a few birds in your shot go find some fishermen. Actually, I’m not sure if he birds where here because of the fishermen or the other way around. In any case, the waters were full of fish and this seemed to be the place to be, bird or human. This is just by the bridge in Terra Ceia Florida.
Taking Pictures of the Beach
Even though I live near the beach I haven’t posted many shots from there lately. That’s the danger of living where I do, I might begin to take it for granted. I like shooting all kinds of landscapes, but something about standing by the water with the gentle waves, its very relaxing. So it’s time to post another Bradenton Beach photo and then head out to go get some more. Yeah, I know, life’s a beach. Happy Friday Everyone.