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Sundown Across the Field

This was taken from Bendemeer which is a residential area just outside of Queenstown, New Zealand. I've posted several pictures from here, I was with a group that had a couple of hours to walk around before sundown. New Zealand has no snakes or predators to speak of so for all intents and purposes you could just lay down here in this grass and take a nap. That's such a cool idea, one I'd not try here in Florida unless I was on the beach. But then, that's just part of the magic of this land across the sea.

This was taken from Bendemeer which is a residential area just outside of Queenstown, New Zealand. I’ve posted several pictures from here, I was with a group that had a couple of hours to walk around before sundown. New Zealand has no snakes or predators to speak of so for all intents and purposes you could just lay down here in this grass and take a nap. That’s such a cool idea, one I’d not try here in Florida unless I was on the beach. But then, that’s just part of the magic of  this land across the sea.

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Pond at Sunset

This is a shot I took last December at Robinson Preserve. I just arrived from the rainy pacific northwest where it was sunny all day to the sunshine state where we have clouds and rain, go figure. This time of year in Florida has a lot of clouds which of course I love but the photo reminded me that we get occasional clouds in winter as well. Sound mixed up? It is. My weather bearings we're messed up for years when I first moved here, basicly winter is like summer and with all the tropical storms summer is like winter. Had enough? Okay, this concludes today's message from the Department of Confusion.

This is a shot I took last December at Robinson Preserve. I just arrived from the rainy pacific northwest where it was sunny all day to the sunshine state where we have clouds and rain, go figure. This time of year in Florida has a lot of clouds which of course I love but the photo reminded me that we get occasional clouds in winter as well. Sound mixed up? It is. My weather bearings we’re messed up for years when I first moved here, basicly winter is like summer and with all the tropical storms summer is like winter. Had enough? Okay, this concludes today’s message from the Department of Confusion.

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Elk Lake

It's a good omen that not ten minutes after we landed by ferry in Victoria we happened upon Elk Lake. And then a few minutes later we found Beaver Lake, and so it goes. High fives all around and wide grins, we headed for the hotel with a glimpse of what's in store. The week is over, the weekend begins, now it's time to have a little fun.

It’s a good omen that not ten minutes after we landed by ferry in Victoria we happened upon Elk Lake. And then a few minutes later we found Beaver Lake, and so it goes. High fives all around and wide grins, we headed for the hotel with a glimpse of what’s in store. The week is over, the weekend begins, now it’s time to have a little fun.

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Logs Along the Coast

Tomorrow I'm taking a ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island. All along the coast are ferry terminals like this one at Horseshoe Bay. I took this shot a few months back and I was intrigued by the big logs along the shore. Logging is big here so maybe these are the remnants of that or just trees along the coast that succumed to the elements. Nevertheless, summer is winding down and everyone seems to be frantically enjoying the last of the good weather before the short rainy days of winter return. For now, that's distant concept and theres much to do on the long weekend here in British Columbia. Happy Friday everyone.

Tomorrow I’m taking a ferry from the mainland to Vancouver Island. All along the coast are ferry terminals like this one at Horseshoe Bay. I took this shot a few months back and I was intrigued by the big logs along the shore. Logging is big here so maybe these are the remnants of that or just trees along the coast that succumed to the elements. Nevertheless, summer is winding down and everyone seems to be frantically enjoying the last of the good weather before the short rainy days of winter return. For now, that’s a distant concept and there’s much to do on this long weekend in British Columbia. Happy Friday everyone.

Click on photo to obtain prints.

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Riverwalk at Dusk

I took this Saturday evening at the Riverwalk in Bradenton Florida. I love coming here this time of day, everything seems so mellow. This composition was the very first picture I took earlier this year after I purchased my Sony camera. I figured now that I've learned how to use it better I'd try again. It's not uncommon to see a manatee or dolphin swimming by. Mostly people just come here to fish or stretch their legs with a little walk. Happy Wednesday everyone.

I took this Saturday evening at the Riverwalk in Bradenton Florida. I love coming here this time of day, everything seems so mellow. This composition was the very first picture I took earlier this year after I purchased my Sony camera. I figured now that I’ve learned how to use it better I’d try again. It’s not uncommon to see a manatee or dolphin swimming by. Mostly people just come here to fish or stretch their legs with a little walk. Happy Wednesday everyone.

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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. 😉

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After the Storm

All day it rained with thunder and lightning, but around dusk the storm lost it's vigor and I was able to get out for a walk with the dogs. With two leashes and only an iPhone at hand I captured this down by the marina. Figured I'd share it with you and wish you a great weekend.

All day it rained with thunder and lightning, but around dusk the storm lost its vigor and I was able to get out for a walk with the dogs. With two leashes and only an iPhone at hand I captured this down by the marina. Figured I’d share it with you and wish you a great weekend.

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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.

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Jensen Beach Snack Bar

Its just after sunrise so I had this place to myself. Jensen Beach is on Florida's east coast and like the west coast where I live the wave are gentle. I expected them to be a little larger, not sure if that was just due to calm weather or what. I don't think there are any places in Florida where we get the waves like California or Hawaii. Even so there are a lot of surfboard shops. Maybe those surfboards are for novices like me. In any case this cool little beach town has a little bit of history and a whole lot of open beach for doing whatever, like maybe gentle surfing.

Its just after sunrise so I had this place to myself. Jensen Beach is on Florida’s east coast and like the west coast where I live the wave are gentle. I expected them to be a little larger, not sure if that was just due to calm weather or what. I don’t think there are any places in Florida where we get the waves like California or Hawaii. Even so there are a lot of surfboard shops. Maybe those surfboards are for novices like me. In any case this cool little beach town has a little bit of history and a whole lot of open beach for doing whatever, like maybe gentle surfing.

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Contours in the Field

I took this one afternoon near Queenstown in New Zealand just as the sun accentuated the rows in the field. Even after the sun recedes behind the mountains there is still another hour of light so I walked around looking for other interesting things to photograph. I took quite a few though not all interesting. Every week or so I find some other photo I forgot I had. Maybe with time I'm just able to look at it with fresh perspective. In any case, if this were in Florida (not that we have any mountains) then I'd be careful not to step on a snake, but as I understanding it there are no snakes in New Zealand, so you could just lay down in this field and take a nap. However you might wake up to a sheep grazing next you, but I suppose that's not so bad.

I took this one afternoon near Queenstown in New Zealand just as the sun accentuated the rows in the field. Even after the sun recedes behind the mountains there is still another hour of light so I walked around looking for other interesting things to photograph. I took quite a few though not all interesting. Every week or so I find some other photo I forgot I had. Maybe with time I’m just able to look at it with fresh perspective. In any case, if this were in Florida (not that we have any mountains) then I’d be careful not to step on a snake, but as I understanding it there are no snakes in New Zealand, so you could just lay down in this field and take a nap. However you might wake up to a sheep grazing next you, but I suppose that’s not so bad.

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