You can reserve a ride on this unique vessel in Johns Pass near my house. I have a question for seasoned sailors, if it floats and has a motor does that make it a boat?
Whatever it is, it looks like a great place to spend happy hour: hanging out with friends, listening to fun tunes, and drinking a cold beverage while watching the sunset and dolphins frolic in the bay.
Happy Friday, y’all!
Treasure Island Afternoon, Florida January 2020
Every once in awhile the weather decides to remind Floridians, that yes, winter is a season and yes, winter is cold (full disclosure: cold down here means anything under 60 degrees).
As these “seasonal disturbances” blow through and interrupt our sunshine state of mind they create some rather striking designs in the firmament. And though I have to put on extra clothing for my afternoon ramble, I really have nothing to complain about. After all, I’m still living near the beach!
Every Sunday afternoon a drum circle forms on the beach near me. I’m not sure how or when it started but it is now a local tradition where everyone is welcome. Don’t have a drum? Use a tin can, old pot, or five gallon bucket. Can’t play a percussion instrument but still want to participate? Go ahead and hula hoop, belly dance, juggle, blow bubbles, or just move with the flow of the music.
Just want to relax and watch? Bring a blanket or chair and your favorite beverage. Really, anything goes. The circle ebbs and flows for the two hours leading up to the main event. As the sun dips into the water everyone turns to the west and cheers. It’s a great way to celebrate the end of week. Yet another reason why I really like it here!
National Squirrel Appreciation Day I present some of my favorite photos of these furry bundles of energy.
I have a few shots that deserve extra special attention, like this series I snapped in 2010 of a Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel squeezing into his hole in the high country of New Mexico (someone had been preparing for a long winter):
Or this one in Portland, Oregon back in 2012 who was clearly laughing at my attempt to photograph it:
And my all time favorite, from Rocky Mountain National Park in 2010:
Love them or despise them, you have to admit, they are characters!
As per usual, I spent a few hours on the beach yesterday afternoon. The beach was crowded with people attending the Treasure Island Kite Festival. It was a perfect day for it – warm, sunny, and breezy. The festival continues today and while the breeze is still present the temperatures have dropped and the sun is obscured by clouds which are due to drop rain any minute now.
While I enjoy the pretty colors and interesting designs, I confess I’ve never really been all that into kites. That said, I was mesmerized by the synchronized kite flying team.
Man and Dog SUP, Treasure Island, Florida January 2020
I watched these two paddle along the coastline yesterday. They made a great team and seemed to be having a wonderful time together. What a way to spend an afternoon!
Pin Found in Corpus Christi, Texas September 2019
I stopped one afternoon this past summer to photograph a cool mural in Corpus Christi. The azure, geometrical depiction of waves was the lone bright spot in the entire run-down area. In other words, I wouldn’t have stopped there, alone, at night (if you know what I mean).
I walked around the derelict parking lot for about ten minutes snapping the pictures I wanted. On the return trip to my car I espied a small pink object. Ever curious, I reached over and picked it up. The message on the front of the pin brought a smile to my face. Why, yes, I do sometimes feel like I’m capable of magic (or at least capable of experiencing magical moments).
The pin may be a little rough around the edges, yet it retains a positive outlook. This pin and I have much in common!
Sunlight on the Water, Treasure Island, Florida January 2020
Spotted at Johns Pass, Treasure Island, Florida January 2020
I snapped this photo because the usage of the word groin struck me as odd. Previously, I was only familiar with it anatomically. Turns out groin* has another, rather specialized meaning: beach training structure designed to interrupt the flow of sand. Don’t you just love the idea of training a beach? Sit. Stay. Good beach. As if!
It strikes me as odd, with all the traveling I’ve done and my two plus years of living coastally that this is the first time I’ve encountered this term. After doing my research, I still have a problem with this sign. Technically, a groin is shorter than a jetty and is constructed in a series to protect beachside property from erosion, while a jetty is built to protect a coastal inlet or channel.
Since this structure is on the south side of Johns Pass, helping to keep access to Boca Ciega Bay open to water traffic, it is therefore, a jetty and not a groin. Nevertheless, this sign gave me an opportunity to learn something new.
*Of course, the rest of the world uses a different spelling (which lessens confusion): groyne, from Latin for snout.
Hope this bit of sunset over the gulf helps you get ready for the weekend!
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