Beach Dune

Beach Dune, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Solitude on a Florida beach...very nice indeed. There sure is plenty of development in south Florida and discovering peaceful, uncrowded beaches is well worth the effort. Time for a quiet stroll...Life is Good.

At Anchor

At Anchor, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Transient sailors awake to a cloudy and still morning along the ICW. Traveling boaters headed in either direction are always in search of protected anchorages to spend the night. Smells of morning coffee and bacon can drift in the air getting the attention of sunrise fishermen. Life is Good.

Stark Park

Stark Park, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Florida's natural areas are beautiful and at times very harsh. Periods of draught and excess heat can be tough even for native flora.

Wild Florida

Wild Florida, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The view is from atop the Hobe Mountain observation deck. "Hobe Mountain" isn't a mountain at all, in fact it is a rather large sand dune that mark's the highest point on the Florida coastline south of Lake Okeechobee. The expansive state park offers visitors a chance to experience pre-development south Florida.

Gopher Tortoise

Gopher Tortoise, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The only tortoise native to Florida, the Gopher Tortoise is protected under law. This guy was nice enough to stick his neck out for me. For more Info: Gopherus Polyphemus

Jonathan Dickinson Park

Jonathan Dickinson Park, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This walkway leads to the Hobe Hill observation tower in Jonathan Dickinson Park located just north of Tequesta, Fl. With over 10,000 acres and a "National Wild and Scenic River" the park offers an impressive look at the "real native Florida". This landscape can get rather warm by mid-day and I imagine that the original settlers of this area held fresh water in high regard.

Alligator Below

Alligator Below, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Look down but don't fall....This young alligator was sunning himself under a roadway/footbridge in Jonathan Dickinson State Park. No "alligator farm" alligator, this guy and his bigger companion are the real deal and call the 11,000 acre park home.

Shore Bird

Shore Bird, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

An Eastern Willet looks for breakfast in the marsh. These guys were almost hunted into extinction the past two centuries but the population has recently begun to recover. It was a real treat to watch as he went about his business unfazed by my presence.

Cato Bridge

Cato Bridge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Quite the ego boost when they open bridges for you....BUT, I looked over my shoulder and realized that it was opened for the mega yacht behind me. Oh well...Life is Good!

Doggie Paddle

Doggie Paddle, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

As paddle boards become more and more popular advocates seem eager to share the experience. This picture would appear to give "taking the dog out" and doing the "doggie paddle" a whole new meaning.

Osprey Flight

Osprey Flight, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The ICW in this area is a flourishing habitat for osprey. Their hunting aerial talents are a thrill to watch, their diminutive "chirp" seems counter to their fierce raptor abilities. And to think that DDT use of the 1970's almost eliminated this majestic bird....

In the Net

In the Net, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Snapper fishing and finding barracuda...This young barracuda surprised us as we were fishing a shallow sand bar. Gotta love that smile, that is some set of teeth. He was released to smile another day.

ICW Magic Hour

ICW Magic Hour, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

It's always "all about the light".....Looking east as the setting sun casts a golden hue on the intracoastal can be a visual treat. It certainly makes for a magical cocktail hour!

Mating Osprey Pair

Mating Osprey Three, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

AsI said previously, a slow cruise along the ICW can be full of surprises. This pair of osprey appeared to be mating as we slowly motored past. Using longer lenses to capture them seemed to be the least intrusive method. This guy certainly appeared to be very proud of himself...

Dolphin Pair

Dolphin Pair, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

If you take your time cruising along the ICW you might just get to enjoy some time with the neighbors. These guys stayed just close enough to us to be appreciated and photographed. We expressed our gratitude for their friendly co-operation as they moved on.

Vintage Florida

Vintage Florida, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Playing with some post processing here...This commercial fishing vessel, well used and rough around the edges, seemed almost timeless. I could imagine the TV set from the 60's program "Flipper" where this relic would have been right at home. Florida from the land of "ago".....

Manatee Tail

Manatee Tail, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Manatees along the ICW.....When you least expect it these gentle sea cows can put on a whale of a show. Not knowing just where they are going to surface makes gets photos a real challenge. We followed (at a distance) two manatees as the lumbered along the shoreline, calling to one another, "over there".."no!, just here", etc. At any rate, this shot reminded me of those images of whale tails that I have always dreamed of getting.

Above Jupiter

Above Jupiter, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Fisheye fun looking out the top window of the Jupiter Lighthouse. For sure, on a clear day you can see forever.

Along The Shore

Along The Shore, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

No hustle, no bustle, no traffic....There's always something rejuvenating about a quiet stroll along a peaceful stretch of beach. It's the pleasant temperatures that make me want to linger.

Intracoastal Afternoon

Intracoastal Luxury, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The view from the helm is rather nice as we cruise the ICW through parts of Tequesta. Plenty of luxury homes to admire along the way....Gotta love this weather!

GULP

Mouthful, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Like the poster boy for bad manners this guy has quite a mouthful as he looks for more. Something about enjoying your meal and chewing your food that is certainly not on his agenda.

Inlet View

Inlet View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The vistas from atop the Jupiter Lighthouse are impressive enough for the local TV stations to install webcams for use in their weather segments. Looking east the Jupiter Inlet, our portal to the Atlantic, makes for a beautiful seascape. The inlet provides a gateway to some of southern Florida's best boating waters as well as a TV eye on local weather conditions.

Step Up

Looking Up, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Here it is: the mandatory "inside" the lighthouse picture. My experience is that one step at a time is not a problem but looking down over the shoulder is rather intimidating. Life is Good.

Light On The Hill

Light On The Hill, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The Jupiter Lighthouse Valentine's Day annual fund raiser includes a romantic 15 minutes of "couples alone time" (complete with champagne) at the very top of the the structure. The afternoon/evening event runs from February 12th to Valentine's Day and is always a sellout with reservations booked through January and February. A good cause and a killer view!

Top View

Lighthouse Top View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Valentine's Day at the top of the Jupiter Lighthouse complete with a champagne toast and a box of chocolates! Indeed...Life is Very Good...Happy Valentine's Day!

In Your Face

In Your Face, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Who is more interested in whom? If you have anything that could be a potential meal these guys are interested. This fellow wanted a closer look at the fish that were being cleaned and perhaps a shot at some of the left overs.

Cloudy Beach

Cloudy Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The weekend's weather front brought more than cloudy skies, temps in the low 50's-60's have the locals donning winter apparel. Feels like early spring on Long Island to me....Life is Good.

Pelican Drink

Pelican Drink, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

A rather talented pelican responds to this photographer's attention. Could it be the pelican version of "giving someone the raspberries?

Dinner Time

Dinner Time, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Seafood by the inlet...This white egret allowed me to get rather close while he was busy with dinner. White egrets are somewhat prolific in southern Florida, there seems to at least one hanging out in most shopping center landscape areas.

Vagabond

Vagabond, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Life on the ICW includes boaters who cruise the protected calm waters from as far north as the mid-atlantic, the northeast and beyond. The daily parade of unique vessels is a show unto itself as the preferred route at this time of year is in a southerly direction.

Inlet Run

Inlet Run, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The approach to Jupiter Inlet can be a challenge in heavy seas. It certainly can make for a thrilling end to a good day of fishing.

Super Day

Good Day, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Pre-Game show...The tradition continues as my favorite son made the long journey south to share the Super Bowl thing with his dad. This year we elected to skip the televised pre-game repetitive nonsense for some serious pre-game fishing. Ours was the perfect game plan.

Pelican Dance

Pelican Dance, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Either there is some bait in the water or this guy is planning an audition for "Dancing with the Stars".

Florida Afternoon

Florida Afternoon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Picture perfect beach for a stroll. I'm just loving the color of this ocean....Life is Good.

Ground Hog Day

Framed Sun, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Seeing his shadow? I'm not sure if it matters this winter what with record high temperatures in the northeast. Happy Ground Hog Day....time for a Bill Murray rerun?

Mr Egret

Mr Egret, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Florida's white egret is ubiquitous but none the less magnificent to this observer. Life is good.

Ocean Stairs

Ocean Stairs, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

A most inviting walkway leading to some very nice eye candy. Beach access in the Jupiter area is easy, parking is free and the landscape is devoid of condo towers. Thank you to those forward thinking city planners of yesteryear.

Hitting The Brakes

Gull flight, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Snowbirds have plenty of company down here. This guy appeared to "slam on the brakes" as he noticed our fish being cleaned! He certainly expressed an interest in our discards......

Cloudy Shoreline

Cloudy Shoreline, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Just to dispel the myth: it's not always sunny in the sunshine state. But...sunny or not the views can still be impressive.

River Entrance

River Entrance, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Another view of the navigational access to the Loxahatchee River...The Loxahatchee is an extensive boating venue as it meanders some 9+ miles well into the expansive and forever wild Jonhathon Dickinson Park. Upsteam the river is a wilderness playground for kayak and canoe users, the shores seemed filled with abundant wildlife (and more than a few alligators!).

For Oliver

Loxahatchee Railroad Bridge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This photo shows the navigable entrance to the Loxahatchee River from the Jupiter Inlet portion of the intracoastal waterway. AND....the purpose of this post is to entertain my grandson, Oliver. As a four year old budding engineer, Oliver is most interested in the mechanical workings of the world around him. (Try Christmas shopping for a four year old fascinated by elevators!) Drawbridges and railroads are at the top of Oliver's list and I'm sure that this shot that combines both will be a real attention getter that might give Sesame Street a little competition today!

Traffic

Traffic, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Boat traffic shares the road in south Florida. Numerous drawbridges along busy highways such as US1 cross the Intracoastal waterway resulting in the marine equivalent of a traffic jam. Many bridges open "on demand" while a few have scheduled openings only on the half hour. These boating bottlenecks can provide some entertainment for spectators as large vessels continually maneuver while waiting in the wind and current.

Vocal Egret

Egret, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

It sure seems to me that a good number of the birds in Florida are aware of photographers. This egret not only posed at length, he showed off his vocal range squawking about one thing or another for an extended period of time. Much of the wildlife in southern Florida is rather approachable. I know fellow photographers who wade through a chilly Jamaica Bay Preserve hoping to get a long range shot of wading seabirds.

Handful

Handful, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

That is a handful for sure that friend Dave has there. During his visit we decided that an ocean fishing trip was in order. Funny thing about "fishing" is that when a fish like this bonito hits your line you are in for a serious fight and the "fun" part of fishing starts to cramp your arm. Soon into the struggle your hand begs for mercy and you begin to think that maybe today was a good day to go bowling.

It was a very good day as my very sore shoulder continues to remind me. Lots of fish came over the gunnel...Life is good!

Sandbar Sunday

Funny thing about boaters, as anxious as they always are to "get out on the water" they always seem to be searching for a spot to get off the boat. On Long Island it's Fire Island that many boaters have on their radar as a popular spot to disembark. Down here in the land of sun and fun it's the local sandbar that gets the action. Low tide draws a crowd, the frisbees fly, the dogs run and the beer bottles are opened. Life is Good!

Point Of View

I have been a neglectful Blogger...and this view is to blame. Nesting snowbirds busy with the minutae of creating a new home, we have had little time behind the camera or in front of the computer. After a few weeks of chaos and living on beach chairs, there is light at the tunnel's end. Life is Good.

Cool Beaches

Jupiter Rescue, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Empty Florida beaches as the "Siberian Express" blows across the peninsula. The locals have a real problem with these cold fronts that drop evening temps into the 40's and keep daytime highs in the low 60's. To this northerner it just feels like delightful early Spring weather! Life is Good.

Return Flight

Return Flight, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Ahhh...back in the warm! After too many winters in New York you gotta love the sunshine state!