February Retreat

Bel Mar, our home away from home in Bonaire. Not much for the weatherman to do here......

Spent Air

The diving could not be more convenient here at Bel Mar, grab a tank and step off the dock. Bonaire's reef is just a few fin strokes away....

The Pool

Our "pool" in Bonaire is always open. Bel Mar Apts. have two piers, one dedicated for diving only, the other for sunning and swimming. Either way the view easy on the eyes!

Light Show

Bonaire Sunset...not much time for photo processing down here, perhaps playing too hard is the reason! It is difficult to see true color on the laptop so this shot is a crap shoot....Another glorious sunset over the Caribbean!

Bonaire Awaits

Escape from Winter Part Two.....Meeting dive friends in Bonaire, the best place to spend much of February!

Grand Cayman Approach

After the the undeveloped landscape of Little Cayman, Grand Cayman offers a contrast seen in dramatic fashion from the air.

Little Cayman Farewell

Last look...with a decent view of the Booby Pond.

Colors

Warm, peaceful and colorful....

Sun Sizzle

Great seat for the best show in town....Little Cayman's sizziling sunset.

Beach Corner

My own little corner of the beach... :-)

The Ride

Recent major airport upgrade...the runway at Little Cayman was paved in 2006. The grass and gravel runway always had the feel of an island lost in time. Change is still slow in Little Cayman and plans for a longer jetway is only just in the casual discussion phase. Cayman Air provides daily service to Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Morning Promise

...more from the Little Cayman light show! (It was beautiful underwater as well...!)

Hangout

Escape from winter, that's my plan. As a younger man I didn't understand (completely) the whole snow bird mentality and I'm still not sure that Florida is the place for me. The need is strong however, for more frequent relief from the bitter bite of January and February. Thank heaven for the Bonaires and Little Caymans of the planet!

From Above

Little Cayman's North side has a fringing reef and a shallow bay, the only "safe harbor" on the island. The bay is also home to a wide variety of fish both small and large and is a premiere fly fishing destination. Bone fish, tarpon and permit are the prized catches here, it is very common to see eagle rays and large sharks as the area is also a nursery for several species. The small island is Owens Island, a public trust preserve. Images of this small island against the cyan colors of the bay are used in countless advertising campaigns. Be sure to click on the image to see the large view.....

Afternoon Rain

Where sky meets sea can be a real show in little Cayman. No high rise condos, casinos or hotels here to obstruct the view. On an island with less than 200 residents solitary beachfront vistas are a sure thing!

(Seen best in the larger format....click on the image)

Little Cayman Sunrise

After almost a week's worth of promises to catch the sunrise, motivation and self discipline were rewarded. Morning's first light on Little Cayman...

Heading Back

...to the dock, to the airport and to the good old homestead.

Happy Divers

Soon to be returning to Northeast January temps....

Traffic Regulations

Hey...Rules are Rules. I'm just not sure if the Iguanas are aware of the fact that they have the right of way here on Little Cayman. Empowered Iguanas ....now there's a scary possibility for Manhattan.

Enjoying the View

....he seemed to be enjoying the view and a thoughtful moment.

Manhattan Bridge

On the waterfront...a beautiful January day for a stroll (complete with stellar views) along the East River.

Let it Rain

I realized, once I saw this on the computer, that a lone rain drop had found it's way to the center of my lens. The price paid for that "one last shot"......

Point of View

Seeing things from a different angle with my new fisheye toy..... (large view is best, click on the image)

Beach Light

Fire Island Light as seen from the beach at Robert Moses State Park.

January Afternoon

(Click on image for the larger view)..Beauty in a cold and still wintry afternoon.

Atlantic Sunrise

Some things just simply need to experienced to be appreciated. A golden sunrise was the reward for facing the bitter cold wind and the early wake-up. Once again the photo lesson is more about the "when" than the "where".

New Year's Resolution

Second thought....pass me the scissors.

Morning Storm

Looks like we are in for a change in the weather. Shortly after sunrise the day's weather went downhill in a hurry. There was this bit of beautiful drama in the morning sky, just before the rains came. (click on the image for the large view)

First Light

Some things are just worth getting up early to see, first light over the Atlantic made an impression on me!

Dawn of a New Year

Happy New Year!... Fire Island provided the perfect spot to witness the year's first beautiful sunrise. The first sunlight of 2008 did not last very long as the clouds and rain arrived shortly after sunrise. Best wishes for a safe and healthy New Year!

Discovery

Week number two and the realization that there is lots to see and discover.

Fisheye Canal

From Santa...10.5mm Nikkor Fisheye lens that should help with some creative shots!

The Sullivan House

Hershey Mill, Pa. "The Sullivan House"...a fisheye view from the rear. Christmastime 2007, a wonderful visit for sure!

Christmas Gift

A most wonderful Christmas gift...grandson Oliver!

Garish Christmas

Tis the Season to be understated. Looks like there is still room for more on that lawn....

Wintry Vineyard

Long Island winter...cold, damp and gray. East End vineyards provide a classic stark picture of the months to come.

Real Time Weather

With some many photos to "go through" from Bonaire and the Galapagos it's easy to ignore the fact that winter has made it's chilly arrival on Long Island. While the solstice is still a week away, the weather forecasters are spreading panic with their foreboding predictions for this weekend. Perhaps the owner of vessel should Seize the Moment and admit that the boating season is in the rear view mirror.

Harbor Holiday Greetings

The Harbor Village Christmas card expressing the resort staff's wishes for a joyous

holiday features this image...MY Shot! I took this photo from the flybridge of the dive boat when we were dockside. I guess they were happy with some of our work afterall....

A Loving Welcome

December 12th 2007 @ 3:04 p.m. Oliver Scott made his appearance. Checking in at 7.4lbs at a length of 21 inches, Oliver's life journey begins surounded by loving family. Grarandson number three.... :-)

Galapagos Penguin

A penguin species unique to the Galapagos islands...this guy was not the least bit shy an seemed to enjoy the attention of being photographed!

Darwin Bay Sunset

After a day of discovery, a few hikes, a cold snorkle and a joyous panga ride there is time to enjoy the early evening Galapagos light show! Cocktail hour awaits back onboard the Galaxy!

Bird's Eye View

It has occurred to me that maybe, just maybe, the truly curious don't have the cameras on the Galapagos Islands.

Sante Fe Island, Galapagos

(Best seen in the large view, CLICK on the image). It's ironic that such a harsh environment is host to so many unique species of life. As a very delicate ecosystem, the local government struggles with the push-pull of tourism and conservation that is on-going in the Galapagos Islands. I suppose (in regards to these islands) that the main difference between a strict conservationist and a tourist is.....the consevationist has already visited here.

Among Many

Santa Fe Island, the Galapagos...and yes, you can get that close!

Priceless

Experiencing the vista at Machu Piccu...Spiritual
Exploring the Andes and the treasures of Peru...Thrilling
Up close and personal with unique wildlife in the Galapagos...Adventurous
But...Knowing that each and every day is a true gift to be shared and celebrated with those whom you love...PRICELESS.

Free Lunch

There is a lot going on in this shot, it reminded me of a "Where's Waldo" image. This is the small local fish market on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. The pelicans and frigates are being very opportunistic and certainly have an advantage in numbers! The sea lion arrived shortly after I snapped this shot, seems like the word gets out quickly once the fishing boats return. Click on the photo for the larger view (Waldo is a pelican in this instance!).

Movin' Along

...and at his own pace! I am still going through "raw picture" files from the Peru/Galapagos trip. Shots that were initially passed over now get a second look. These guys were very photogenic!

Main Street

Aquas Calientes is the departure town for Machu Picchu, the only access is by rail. The locals seem unfazed by the reality that their Main Street is actually a railway. The dirt road out of town is the busy bus route that takes tourists up and down the steep narrow switchback trail to the historical site. The town itself is a delight, cozy restaurants and friendly people.

In Different Hemispheres

Okay..time for the required tacky tourist "at the equator" photo. There is a large tourist trap equatorial monument park in Quito. Complete with gift shops, eateries and a brightly colored "equator" line that bisects the entire complex. But, there is a problem in geography here. In recent years, with the advent of GPS technology, it became evident that 18th century science was off by 200 yards or so. Hence the "true" equator around which the present landowners saw a entrepreneurial opportunity in the form of "must do" stop for tourists. AND...there we are with a foot in each hemisphere and not feeling the least bit conflicted!

Heron Close-Up

Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos...When I first saw this guy he was very much asleep, sitting in a low bush close to the trail. The gentle sound of my shutter caused him to open his eyes and give me a sideways glance. With a great deal of indifference, he closed his eyes and seemingly continued his snooze. I suppose that I looked like just another one of those strange animals with a camera.