Posted on

Crowley Boardwalk

This is part of a half-mile long boardwalk through the mangroves of central Florida at the Crowley Natural and Cultural History Preserve. I don't know how they passed through mangroves on foot back in the day, but without this boardwalk it seems to be impassable. The walk is pleasant and shaded with few distractions and at the end a wooden tower overlooking a river and floodplain. Along the way you see native plants, animals and birds and get a small glimpse of what the land was like in years past, back when they had no boardwalk.

This is part of a half-mile long boardwalk through the mangroves of central Florida at the Crowley Natural and Cultural History Preserve. I don’t know how they passed through mangroves on foot back in the day, but without this boardwalk it seems to be impassable. The walk is pleasant and shaded with few distractions and at the end a wooden tower overlooking a river and floodplain. Along the way you see native plants, animals and birds and get a small glimpse of what the land was like in years past, back when they had no boardwalk.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Posted on

Steps and Skateboard

I stepped out for a little street photography today. I’m an introvert so I find it hard. Nonetheless, its outside and I didn't have to wake up before dawn. Good fun.

I stepped out for a little street photography today. I’m an introvert so I find it hard. Nonetheless, its outside and I didn’t have to wake up before dawn. Good fun.

Posted on

Crowley Chickens

These chickens were a little uncertain of what I was up to. Stalking them with my camera put them a little on edge and for whatever reason they refused to allow me within a dozen yards. Being a city slicker in their eyes probably had something to do with it. Anyway, I just thought it their antics were fun to watch as I slowly lowered my camera to their level for a close up perspective. This was the best I could do before they made a commotion and wandered further off.

These chickens were a little uncertain of what I was up to. Stalking them with my camera put them a little on edge and for whatever reason they refused to allow me within a dozen yards. Being a city slicker in their eyes probably had something to do with it. Anyway, I just thought it their antics were fun to watch as I slowly lowered my camera to their level for a close up perspective. This was the best I could do before they made a commotion and wandered further off.

Click on photo to enlarge or obtain print

Posted on

Tatum House at Crowley

After the busy holidays we needed a break so we loaded up the dogs in the car and drove out to the country for some fresh air. By chance we ended up here at Crowley which is a park on the Sarasota county line featuring natural and cultural history. This is Tatum House which was built circa 1888 - 1892 and represents an example of rural architecture. It reminded me of the Waltons house, it had that same rural coziness. There is a lot to see and do here and a very pleasant break from the normal hustle and bustle. I'll be going back as there was just too much to see in a single visit. Before we left I picked up a pint of natural honey that was harvested on the grounds. Check it out at http://crowleyfl.org/

After the busy holidays we needed a break so we loaded up the dogs and drove to the country from some fresh air. By chance we ended up here at Crowley which is a park on the Sarasota county line featuring natural and cultural history. This is Tatum House which was built circa 1888 – 1892 and represents an example of rural architecture. It reminded me of the Waltons house, it had that same rural coziness. There is a lot to see and do here and a very pleasant break from the normal hustle and bustle. I’ll be going back as there was just too much to see in a single visit. Before we left I picked up a pint of natural honey that was harvested on the grounds. Check it out at http://crowleyfl.org/

Posted on

Lakewood Ranch

This is the road that straddles the county line along a planned community of Lakewood Ranch which has Polo fields, stables, lakes, trails and of course homes. As I was driving by one afternoon I stopped by a herd of cows grazing near the road. The cow pictures didn't come out too well but I like this one of the clouds as I turned the other way. I think that planned communities offer photographic opportunities if they have open spaces or are not completely developed. It kind of reminds me a little of Bendemeer in New Zealand, only without the rolling hills and mountains surrounding it.

This is the road that straddles the county line along a planned community of Lakewood Ranch which has Polo fields, stables, lakes, trails and of course homes. As I was driving by one afternoon I stopped by a herd of cows grazing near the road. The cow pictures didn’t come out too well but I like this one of the clouds as I turned the other way. I think that planned communities offer photographic opportunities if they have open spaces or are not completely developed. It kind of reminds me a little of Bendemeer in New Zealand, only without the rolling hills and mountains surrounding it.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Posted on

Bayfront Park, Sarasota

Whenever I come to this park to get some pics I have my two best friends on a leash. So I never really get a chance to focus too much on what I'm doing. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Why waste a perfectly good drive to the park if you don't have a couple of four leggeds. At least that's the way I see it.

Whenever I come to this park to get some pics I have my two best friends on a leash. So I never really get a chance to focus too much on what I’m doing. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Why waste a perfectly good drive to the park if you don’t have a couple of four leggeds. At least that’s the way I see it.

Click on photo to obtain print

Posted on

Sarasota Icon

The Ringling Bridge is not only an icon in Sarasota, it's a magnet for walkers, joggers and everyday sightseers. It traverses the warm water of the inter coastal waterway as it heads out to the Gulf of Mexico and it's not uncommon to see dolphins and manatee swimming by. I don't think I'll ever get tired of coming here, so you're sure to see more photos from here. Stay tuned.

The Ringling Bridge is not only an icon in Sarasota, it’s a magnet for walkers, joggers and everyday sightseers. It traverses the warm water of the inter coastal waterway as it heads out to the Gulf of Mexico and it’s not uncommon to see dolphins and manatee swimming by. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of coming here, so you’re sure to see more photos from here. Stay tuned.

Click on photo to obtain print.

Posted on

Siesta Key Lifeguard Stand

When I showed up at Siesta Key beach is was the end of the day and so the lifeguards had already left. However a lot of people were still there, most waiting for the sun to finally set, a common ritual here in Florida. Reminds me of watching the credits roll, you stay to the very end, but I digress. So I walked around snapping shots that I thought were interesting until the very end. About half of the folks got up to leave yet I was surprised by how many people were staying on the beach even in the dark. In fact I saw people coming to the beach to setup their chars in the dark. I suppose that when the weather is warm, you may as well stay for the second show. ;-)

When I showed up at Siesta Key beach it was the end of the day and so the lifeguards had already left. However a lot of people were still there, most waiting for the sun to finally set, a common ritual here in Florida. Reminds me of watching the credits roll, you stay to the very end, but I digress. So I walked around snapping shots that I thought were interesting until the very end. About half of the folks got up to leave yet I was surprised by how many people were staying on the beach even in the dark. In fact I saw people coming to the beach to setup their chars in the dark. I suppose that when the weather is warm, you may as well stay for the second show. 😉

Click on photo to obtain print

Posted on

Afternoon at the Beach

This is Siesta Key Beach which is a short drive from my home in Florida. A couple of years ago this was rated the number one beach in the United States. Let's just stop and think about that for a moment. Somebody actually has a job to go around and pick the best beach. Really? I very much want that job. But I digress. There's always something fun going on here, I noticed they were setup for a duathlon the next morning and they also have drum circles that gather here every so often. I just thought it was cool how a bunch of friends decided to come here and play volleyball on this afternoon. In any case, I'll leave you with this scene while I go fill out an application for that beach rating job.

This is Siesta Key Beach which is a short drive from my home in Florida. A couple of years ago this was rated the number one beach in the United States. Let’s just stop and think about that for a moment. Somebody actually has a job to go around and pick the best beach. Really? I very much want that job. But I digress. There’s always something fun going on here, I noticed they were set up for a duathlon the next morning and they also have drum circles that gather here every so often. I just thought it was cool how a bunch of friends decided to come here and play volleyball on this afternoon. In any case, I’ll leave you with this scene while I go fill out an application for that beach rating job.

Click on photo to obtain a print.

Posted on

Summer Thunder Cloud

This is what a typical afternoon looks like near my home in Florida. These cells contain a lot of energy which lifts the moisture vertically resembling a mushroom cloud. Non-stop lightning is generated such that it will take your breath away if you've never seen it before. The first time I saw it I thought the aliens had invaded as I looked around at the locals who took no notice. As soon as it gets dark the skies light up in every direction as spectacular as fireworks. I just got back from walking my dogs around the block and directly above are stars, yet all around me were these clouds flashing in all directions. Now, I'm a local and I hardly notice.

This is what a typical afternoon looks like near my home in Florida. These cells contain a lot of energy which lifts the moisture vertically resembling a mushroom cloud. Non-stop lightning is generated such that it will take your breath away if you’ve never seen it before. The first time I saw it I thought the aliens had invaded as I looked around at the locals who took no notice. As soon as it gets dark the skies light up in every direction as spectacular as fireworks. I just got back from walking my dogs around the block and directly above are stars, yet all around me were these clouds flashing in all directions. Now, I’m a local and I hardly notice.

Click on photo to obtain print.