Shelling and Exploring

Sheri and her daughter Samantha had booked a trip with me over 200 days ago. I was concerned about the weather. The weekend brought bands of rain and dismal weather in general. Sunny then sideways rain. I was pleased the weather  worked with us on our boating adventure. On Sunday we observed many dolphin playing in small pods as we traveled to an isolated beach. Sheri and Samantha spotted the cockle shells before I had the boat anchored. They had plenty of time to observe because as I was setting the stern anchor I forgot to attach the line to the boat and as I walked with the anchor in hand for what seemed like a long time, the boat drifted off the beach and was held by the bow anchor only. It was time for Capt. Brian to go for a swim. I swam out to the boat then started all over. Sheri and Samantha were soon shelling as I dried off. The beach was empty of people and full of shells. Sheri filled her bag with cockles, fighting conchs, a nice cone, sun ray Venus, and many other treasures. She has an excellent shelling eye. Samantha is also an excellent sheller, she knows many of the shells by name. Samantha swam for a while then relaxed on the boat. I had to almost drag Sheri off the beach. She could still be shelling. There was rain all around except for the beach we were on. We traveled back to the marina seeing more dolphin and many osprey. Thanks Sheri and Sam for a fun day shelling and exploring.

Last Light

This was the last light of the day, the day before the full moon. The weekend was filled with on and off rain, high winds and mixed skies.  The mixed skies are fun to photograph if you can keep dry.

September Photos

September was a pleasant month this year. Some of the winter birds arrived 3 to 4 weeks early this year, like my old friend the red shouldered hawk. The nesting pair of bald eagles were also here earlier than usual. It won't be long and the white pelicans will be here. (My guess is by Friday of this week)

Pocket Change and then Some

Shells go through the washing machine and the dryer frequently.(occupational hazard) Here are some that I have picked up over the year.  It is always a joy finding new treasures, that eventually make it to the pile of "spare change".

Morning On The Water

Like Rod Stewart said." Every picture tells a story." I was happy to be there.

Fall Equinox

 I woke at 4:00 am today to watch the fall equinox sun rise and the moon beams on the water. The east southeast wind pushed me up to the south end of Cayo Costa. I shut the engine off and drifted with the tide as Orion faded away and the sun appeared. The beach on Cayo Costa looked tranquil and inviting. I threw the anchors out and waded ashore with camera in hand. The early morning light was inspiring.