Montauk Light Park

Montauk Light Park, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
May on Long Island...the cool salt air is filled the fresh smells of a new spring and the promise of summer to come. There's plenty to appreciate when one is reminded that life is good.

Freight

Train One, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Trying to stay on track and keep chugging'.......Making a computer transition which can present a challenge or two. I am just such a "creature of habit"....

Fire Island Stroll

Fire Island Stroll, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
May 1st on Long Island.....the beach has it's own beauty this time of year. Unlike Florida, sweatshirts are still required to fully enjoy the spring air.

Changes in Latitude

Sandpointe Bay, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
A killer view, warm comfy temperatures, new friends and tropical waters make it tough to say "goodbye". We shall return......Life is very good.

On the Move

Engine 102, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Travel time....keep those wheels turning.

Under The Bridge

Under The Bridge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe
Our "farewell" dinner with friends before heading north was at a Cafe under the Rooselvelt bridge in Stuart. The views and the company were wonderful, the food not so much. Very cool architecture for sure though.

Time To Leave

John D McArthur Park Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
"Parting is such sweet sorrow", "all good things come to an end", "There's always next year", etc, etc.......Time for this guy leave the beach and start that long trek north.

Surfer Big Wave

Surfer Big Wave, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
The recent high winds may have kept boats at the dock but the locals have been reaching for their surfboards.

Checking The Menu

Checking The Menu, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.
Really?...I watched this guy for awhile as he waited and watched until one fish or another struck his fancy. He really was checking the menu! How great it must be to have fresh seafood anytime and not have to cook. Life is good!

Tequesta Shoreline

Tequesta Shoreline, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

From the ICW the iconic cross of St. Jude Church graces the Tequesta shore. Our winter here has brought us new friends, new adventures and a new home away from home. Soon, I-95 will point the way back to our grandkids and spring on Long Island. The Great South Bay awaits...

Square Grouper

Square Grouper Wide, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Jupiter's favorite watering hole, The Square Grouper provides a local touch of Margaritaville. Local legend has it that the waterside beach bar is named to commemorate fishermen recovering large square bales of floating marijuana (aka: square groupers) jettisoned by drug runners of the 1980's. The video for Allan Jackson/Jimmy Buffet's "It's five O'clock Somewhere" was filmed here on the Grouper's small stage.

Dockside Egret

Dockside Egret, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Well exx..cuse me! This guy flew over my left shoulder only to come around and land at my feet. As he checked things out at the dock I got the message that I was in his way. Without much fanfare I stepped aside and let him pass. The New York variety of white egret is quite a bit more skittish around humans.

Jupiter Inlet

Inlet View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

On a rather calm day the approach to the Jupiter inlet looks idyllic and inviting. Calm conditions in the inlet are the exception, most days require extreme caution when navigating this stretch of water. From this image it's hard to imagine the six foot waves that were cresting at the inlet's entrance just days ago. Calm or rough it's always a joy to experience the raw beauty here.

Lighthouse View

Square Grouper View, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The "view" in Jupiter must include the historic beacon to be official. Several excellent restaurants share the sight along the inlet's edge. My favorite spot to take it all in is the ever popular beach bar The Square Grouper. Having a beer or an iced tea at the Grouper is requirement for any of our northern visitors.

Empty Beaches

Ocean Walk, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Where did everyone go? It's the middle of April and someone must have hit a switch, boats and cars have begun streaming north as the Florida "season" draws to a close. Soon I will get in line and join my fellow snow birds for the spring migration. Weather rumors from the northeast tell of early summery temperatures following an unusally mild winter. Perhaps the endless summer is a possibility.

FAU Research Vessel

FAU Vessel, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The Florida Atlantic University Marine Science department has partnered with the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. The unique profile and unusual bow configuration of their research vessel puzzled me at first as we approached each other in the ICW. This was the first that I became aware of "Harbor Branch", they seem to be cutting edge in oceanography and marine research.

Baby Sandhill Crane

Baby Sandhill Crane, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This irresistible baby sandhill crane liked being the center of our attention. He seemed to revel in his new world, even taking time to stop and stretch out those long legs. Seemingly unfazed by humans the entire Crane family went about doing what cranes do as we maneuvered for a good close-up.

Sandhill Crane

Sand Crane Mother, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Came across this young family by the pond the other day and said, "hello". They appeared to be rather busy doing what it is that sandhill cranes do although the young one was was a bit impish and was not always paying attention. Must be Spring....

Sandbar Crowd

Sandbar , originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This shot reminds me of those "Where's Waldo" search images. It's really just a glimpse of the weekend bar crowd at our local sandbar on the ICW. Mix nice weather, low tide, lots of boaters and maybe a margarita or two and watch the show.

Screened Moonlight

Screened Moonlight, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Snow birding has created a new calendar rhythm for me. The last full moon of the "season" made me appreciate all the more the stellar view that I've had every night this winter. And once again, the reminder over my shoulder speaks of returning north. Spring on Long Island, grandchildren, the smell of lilacs and boating on the Great South Bay await......but not just yet!

Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

I think it's pretty cool when you can be impressed by a tree. Older Banyan Trees can be expansive and very tall as they send 'aerial roots" from branches to the ground. These roots eventually become woody trunks resembling the main tree trunk. The Banyan spreads laterally and can encompass some serious real estate. I would think some long range, serious landscape planning would be order prior to planting one of the babies! Impressive indeed...

Beach Walk

Beach Walk, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

An early evening stroll on the beach...the cooler breeze, the lapping of waves along the shore, the brilliant colors of the sky and the right companion just might cause you to fall in love all over again!

Hungryland Canal

Hungryland Canal, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

In our younger days my generation always heard horror stories about some distant relative who purchased land in Florida that turned out to be "swamp land". Not all of that swamp land became developed. The John and Mariana Jones/Hungryland wildlife area is some 16,000+ acres of Florida watershed slough that helps feed the Everglades. Originally slated for development the project went bust in the late 1960's. Some nine miles of canals were constructed in the 1960's to divert water from proposed developments. Today the area is an outdoor sportsman's dream providing a wilderness for hunting, fishing, hiking and primitive camping.

Interestingly, the "Hungryland" label comes from the days of the Seminole Indian Wars. Legend has it that the local tribes escaped to the area only to find it lacking in good soil for farming.

Full Moon

Full Moon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The holiday weekend was full of wonderful treats including a romantic moon. Nature's night time light show drew evening crowds to the area beaches where beach blankets and bottles of wine were plentiful. Life is Good...

Happy Easter

Happy Easter, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Wishing all a joyous and peaceful holiday.

Moonrise

Jupiter Full Moom, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Despite a low cloud cover, patience was rewarded as the April full moon did show up as advertised. Clouds along the horizon delayed our view and killed the "rising moon" shot but the show was well worth the price of admission!

Toast To Life

Toast To Life, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Three years on....Missing my best buddy Chico and remembering the laughter, tears and joys of a treasured friendship.

Suwanee

Suwanee, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The Jupiter Inlet dredging project continues all day and well into the night. The project helps keep Jupiter's gateway to the ocean save and navigable, the dredged sand is used for the popular beach re-nourishment program along the oceanfront. All the cool marine construction equipment make for some interesting photo subjects to keep this photographer occupied. :-)

Pecks Walk

Pecks Walk, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The joys of a peaceful, quiet walk in the woods are many at Martin County's Pecks Lake Park. The trail meanders through trails of boardwalk that lead to the ICW. My partner was especially greatful for the elevated walkway that separates critters from human feet.

Head Shot

Head Shot, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

As I took this glamour shot I could have sworn that this pelican said, "Enough about ME.....How do you like my hair?"

Turtle Mascot

Turtle Mascot, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Move over Philly Phanatic and Mr. Met...The Loggerhead Marine Center has the turtle mascot, "Fletch". Fletch is a huge favorite in the Jupiter/Juno Beach area. He is best known for his educational/fun programs that keep kids and adults informed about the plight of sea turtles. In a recent interview we learned that he was born in "Sandy beach", his favorite restaurant is "The Thirsty Turtle" (US1 in Juno) and he is still a fan club member of the rock group "The Turtles". Ummm....whatever works, Fletch!

Pelican Headstand

Pelican Headstand, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Dinner is ready, dive right in! Those pelicans sure are big fans of the local seafood...

Dredge At Sunset

Dredge, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

More than once I have been told by mentors that "in the right light even a garbage can can make a great photo". Sooo....why not a dredge in the "right " light?

Idle Speed

Idle Speed two, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Found on the upper reaches of the Loxahtchee River where rather shallow twists and turns take one deeper into the wilderness, a "No Wake" posting. I'm sure that there is a portion of the boating population that requires such a reminder.... :)

Turtle Release

Turtle Release, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Melba the turtle heads home: Melba hit the sand running and never looked back as the hard working volunteers at Loggerhead Marine Center smiled at yet another successful rescue/rehab/release story. Good job, gang!

The Photographer

The Photographer, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Perhaps it's cosmic...seems like every where I go this beautiful photographer appears in my view finder. Life is Good.

Loggerhead Marine Center

Release, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Turtle release: Another healthy patient is sent home after a successful hospital stay! The Loggerhead Marine Center located in Juno Beach is a caring rehab center for injured sea turtles. A return to the sea is always a big celebration, tagged turtles can be tracked via the center's website.

Down The Beach

Down The Beach, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

The perfect recipe of sun, salt air and crashing waves....the best method of "clearing one's mind" Life is Good!

90 and Counting

90 and Counting, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Could not help but post this 90th Birthday shot! Happy Birthday, Mom...keep those birthdays coming.

Jupiter Light Hill

Jupiter Light Hill, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Fisheye fun at the base of the hill....Builders of Jupiter Light wisely saved on material costs by building on top of the highest point in the area. Playing with my fisheye lens..

That Time Again!

That Time Again!, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Vernal Equinox 2012... Nature's celebration that is Spring has begun!

Fishing Silouette

Fishing Silouette, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

It would be great to catch a few fish...AND sometimes just being there is it's own reward.

Beach Morning

Beach Morning, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Listen to the quiet! Silent applause for the peaceful combination of a rising sun and the gentle roll of the waves. Life is Good.

Happy St Patricks Day

Happy St Patricks Day, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Reef Rat

Reef Rat, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

I was struck by the contrast of old/new, hard work/leisure look of this shot. Hard working fishermen have always impressed me and this boat is a frequent sight along the ICW.

Deep In Thought

Deep In Thought, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

I could swear that this guy had something bothersome on his mind.....

Osprey Pair

Osprey Pair, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Our favorite couple are still busy starting a family. It's very entertaining to watch this guy dive into the water and return with a fish. He certainly gets high marks for being a "good provider".

Morning Light

Morning Light, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

A very wonderful sunrise on the beach...The magic of the early light changes constantly and is a real treat! The best show in town is still produced by Mother Nature.

Angry Blue Heron

Angry Blue Heron, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

This great blue heron became very aggressive at our fish cleaning station. After several attempts to compete with the pelicans for scraps he became combative. I was surprised to witness him using his beak for something other than fishing. Usually elusive and private this great blue was very assertive in getting the meal he was looking for!

Late Afternoon

Late Afternoon, originally uploaded by Chris S Thorpe.

Daylight Savings Time...it's that time again. I'm not sure if it's magic or some form of time travel but it gets later earlier tomorrow morning. I'm also not sure if we all get an hour older tomorrow or not but I'm a huge fan of the light. Daylight Savings Time declares that we have survived the early darkness of winter, spring is on the radar and the afternoon light will linger a bit longer. So, spring those clocks forward and enjoy the gift of later sunsets!