Keys Beach

Keys Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
It's the end of April. A pleasant surprise for this lingering snowbird is that the crowds have left for cooler northern climes. Granted, the afternoons can get a bit warm away from the water and the A/C needs to run more often but the beaches are uncrowded. Gone are the long waits for that six o'clock table and busy highways seem like country roads. So as I take a compass heading and prepare to follow the flock, it's worthwhile to take a long last glance before taking flight.

Coming Ashore

Coming Ashore, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
We all love waterfront dinning but few appreciate it more than boaters! There's nothing better than a waterside eatery that's only a dingy ride away. But why is it that even those who come ashore for dinner still request that table by the water?

Sailing Key West

Sailing Key West, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The harbor in Key West comes alive with all manner of sailing vessels as the afternoon slowly becomes early evening. The southern most spot in the States, where the Gulf and the Atlantic join, provides some of the best views of days end as the setting sun slips below the watery horizon. It's well worth the price of admission.....

Harbor Key West

Harbor Key West, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The Port of Key West....A dockhand awaits the command to castoff bow lines for a visiting cruise ship. Like many small islands along the cruise circuit, Key West experiences the cruise port blessing and curse of the passenger invasion. The financial gains along Duval Street are off-set by overcrowded sidewalks and traffic that comes with the sunburned visitors. A sense of normalcy and quiet returns as those dock lines are slipped off the capstans. 

Crew Member Bill

Crew Member Bill, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Aboard the sailing vessel "Western Union" crew member Bill is a passenger favorite. Helpful and humorous, he made our evening ocean sail all the more enjoyable. And...that is a very manly beard you have there, Bill!

Key West Sail

Key West Sail, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
For me, there are few things as relaxing as a early evening sail and in the Keys it's even more special. An appreciation of natural beauty seems prevalent throughout Key West. Both the locals and the tourists always seem to make time to smell those roses and admire those vistas.

At Anchor Islmorada

At Anchor Islmorada, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Showtime...sunset in the Florida Keys! Life is Good!

Sailing By

Sailing By, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
In Key West the sunset is really the best show in town and for sure draws the largest crowds. Sunset watchers who opt not for crowded Mallory Square often book on one of the dozen or so "Sunset Sail" options. Choices for such adventures run the gamete from all you can drink catamarans to wine and cheese cruises. Other options include sails on historic vessels. In the end though, it's all about the sunset.

Islamorada

Islamorada, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
A touch of the Caribbean...the island chain that makes up the Florida Keys provides endless vistas as the Atlantic Ocean meets the Gulf of Mexico. Life is good.

Dock At Islamorada

Dock At Islamorada, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Islamorada, the Florida Keys...Sunsets are truly celebrated in this part of the world. Crowds gather as sunset times are on everyone's agenda in The Keys. Oohs and ah s are frequently followed by loud applause.

Palmer Vineyard

Palmer Vineyard, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Thoughts turn to Long Island as we pass mid-April. Soon the island will be back to a more pleasant sunny temperature with brighter greens and dazzling floral colors. This snow bird is beginning to feel the pull of that internal compass!

Courage

Courage, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Frequently, courage is found with an assist from others. This shot just caught me as a metaphor for what lies ahead and that small gestures can make a huge difference.

Sanbar

Sanbar, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Along the ICW sandbars provide for impromptu beaches at low tide. Weekends often see some of these sandbars filled with festive boaters. Having the local tide tables on hand becomes an essential part of the fun. Life is Good.

Boom

Boom, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Looks like a change in the weather....I took this lucky shot and then ran for the door! Yikes...

Gull flight

Gull flight, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Checking out the girl gulls.....

Chico Prague Bridge

Chico Prague Bridge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Can it really be four years?? Missing my buddy and hearing the echoes of his laughter. Peace...

Full Moon

Full Moon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Moon shot by the Juno Pier....

Lizard

Lizard, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Not at all shy this guy ran up this log to check out my camera! Just saying "hello", I guess.