The interstate highway in Florida is long stretches of boring punctuated with brief glimpses of amazing. Interstate 75 is inland, protected from the hurricanes, but when it crosses marshes or rivers you get a quick glimpse of the landscape. This bridge stretches a mile over the Manatee River near my home. There are houses that line the river but I managed to find a vantage to take this without walking through someone’s backyard. Can you imagine waking up to this each morning?
Drawbridge at Sunset
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Getting stuck on a drawbridge is not necessarily a bad thing. I was headed to the beach to watch the sunset and got “stuck” here while the bridge lifted to let a sailboat pass. The first thing you do is kill the engine, roll down the windows and enjoy the scenery. Or, in my case, grab my camera and take a few photos. In fact, truth be told, I secretly hope I get stuck on a drawbridge. Just one of life’s happy little surprises.
Dog’s Eye View
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Last weekend I came to the local farmers market with my dogs. It gets pretty hot in the day so I sat down on the sidewalk under a tree across from some local musicians. Sitting there I thought, why not shoot the scene from Wiggle’s point of view. So this is the result of that. We sat there for a few minutes listening to the music and enjoying the atmosphere. Then moved on to check out more cool stuff.
Bike Messenger
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A messenger in downtown Tampa reading his text for the next pickup.
Just Before Sunset
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Usually, due to procrastination, I arrive at the beach only a few minutes before sunset. This time is was thirty minutes. For me that’s good. Anyway, a couple of years ago I shot this same scene. My style changes over time and so revisiting the same location provides an opportunity to see it with new eyes. I’ll probably come here again in another year or two and do the same thing all over again. And who knows what it’ll look like then.
Up For Air
A few days ago we went to Crystal River to meet friends and swim with the Manatees. There are warm springs in the area so during winter months the Manatees congregate while they wait for the ocean to warm up. Well, it’s Spring and most of them are gone, back to the gulf to get some real food. However, there are still a few that linger along the river so it’s still possible to see and swim nearby. Regardless, for me just spending a day on a boat is going to turn out good.
Roseate Spoonbill
It’s not uncommon to see a Spoonbill along the side of the road here in Florida.
Clam Digger
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A gentleman digs for clams along the causeway the other day. I was on my way to a restaurant near the beach with my wife and a friend when I quickly pulled over to get this shot. The people in my car must think I’m crazy. I think I am a little crazy when it comes to pictures. At least I wasn’t on a mountain road, now that would be CRAZY.
Sarasota Bay Fishing Pier
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Last night I headed down to the fishing pier in Sarasota to catch the colors and take a few photos. As usual there were a lot of people fishing and as usual there was a lot of nice things to see. I shared a photo with some friends from my iPhone however one was in Japan, and so the same sun that was setting for me it was just rising for him. Small world, isn’t it.
Night Scene from the Pier
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A scene of the sidewalk from the pier. Normally I shoot in the other direction, but turning around can be cool also. I sit here several times a week, it’s the midway point of my walk. It’s a quiet spot on the water and a place to chill for a few minutes before I head back.