Lake Placid

While driving across central Florida we stopped at Lake Placid for a picnic lunch. I'm guessing the lake got it's name from the fact that it's mostly calm water which is what I saw that day. In any case I enjoyed a sandwich and taking pictures of the shore such as this. It was a calm and peaceful scene indeed.

While driving across central Florida we stopped at Lake Placid for a picnic lunch. I’m guessing the lake got it’s name from the fact that it’s mostly calm water which is what I saw that day. In any case I enjoyed a sandwich and taking pictures of the shore such as this. It was a calm and peaceful scene indeed.

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Under The Tree

Two children playing under a well known tree along the shore of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. Actually, I don't know if the tree is well known, but its my story so I'm sticking with it. I also imagine the tree is quite happy having children play under it and climb its branches. One of those things I can only imagine but never really know for sure.

Two children playing under a well known tree along the shore of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. Actually, I don’t know if the tree is well known, but its my story so I’m sticking with it. I also imagine the tree is quite happy having children play under it and climb its branches. One of those things I can only imagine but never really know for sure.

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Benderson Park

In Sarasota we have a new world class rowing facility called Benderson Park. This is the far side one evening as I walked around it with my dogs. Right next to this scene is a sign warning of the local alligator that lives here. So, one eye in the viewfinder, one eye on the water, and desperately listening for any sounds as I  snapped this and moved on. Sometime I just have to wonder about the things I do to get a good picture.

In Sarasota we have a new world class rowing facility called Benderson Park. This is the far side one evening as I walked around it with my dogs. Right next to this scene is a sign warning of the local alligator that lives here. So, one eye in the viewfinder, one eye on the water, and desperately listening for any sounds as I snapped this and moved on. Sometime I just have to wonder about the things I do to get a good picture.

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Dakin Dairy Shed

This was taken at Dakin Dairy farm here in Manatee County. I imagine this big shed is so the cows can find shade during the long hot Florida summer. As a rule I don't drink a lot of milk, however they have a milk bar where you can get fresh bottled milk. It was the freshest milk I've had in a long while. If I had to guess I'd say they were happy cows. And living out here in the country, why not?

This was taken at Dakin Dairy farm here in Manatee County. I imagine this big shed is so the cows can find shade during the long hot Florida summer. As a rule I don’t drink a lot of milk, however they have a milk bar where you can get fresh bottled milk. It was the freshest milk I’ve had in a long while. If I had to guess I’d say they were happy cows. And living out here in the country, why not?

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Walk in the Park

A North Carolina forest last fall. The only sounds were the leaves beneath our feet, birds and the distant sounds of the river. After the sensory overload of everyday life I need a period of quiet from time to time. North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains has  quiet and beauty for those who seek it out. It's no wonder so many creative people live hear, you can finally hear your own thoughts for a change.

A North Carolina forest last fall. The only sounds were the leaves beneath our feet, birds and the distant sounds of the river. After the sensory overload of everyday life I need a period of quiet from time to time. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains has quiet and beauty for those who seek it out. It’s no wonder so many creative people live hear, you can finally hear your own thoughts for a change.

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Top of the World

I just found this image on my iPhone. While touring the south island of New Zealand by helicopter I must have taken my iPhone out at some point to capture the moment. As I recall this was on top of a Glacier that sloped down and that the ice was quite slippery. I took this and then walked a little beyond where my friend was standing and then realized that if I slipped there was no way to self arrest. That's when I began taking baby steps backwards until I felt I was no longer in danger. As long ago as this was, I remember it like it just happened.

I just found this image on my iPhone. While touring the south island of New Zealand by helicopter I must have taken my iPhone out at some point to capture the moment. As I recall this was on top of a Glacier that sloped down and that the ice was quite slippery. I took this and then walked a little beyond where my friend was standing and then realized that if I slipped there was no way to self arrest. That’s when I began taking baby steps backwards until I felt I was no longer in danger. As long ago as this was, I remember it like it just happened.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is a must see. Only what you don't see in this photo is the bus loads of people behind me. But that's because it was the middle of summer and this is a must see. So, if this is the middle of summer, how come there's snow back there? Well, ...those are big ass mountains, and sitting on top are glaciers. So the scale is grand, as in really really big, as in OMG. So there you go, now you know, now you know why you need to visit the Canadian Rockies. You're welcome.

Lake Louise is a must see. Only what you don’t see in this photo is the bus loads of people behind me. But that’s because it was the middle of summer and this is a must see. So, if this is the middle of summer, how come there’s snow back there? Well, …those are big ass mountains, and sitting on top are glaciers. So the scale is grand, as in really really big, as in OMG. So there you go, now you know, now you know why you need to visit the Canadian Rockies. You’re welcome.

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Sailboat Sunrise

The waterways around here are typically sheltered from the ocean by keys. Most people think Florida's keys are at the southern tip, such as Key West, but we have them up and down the west coast along the Gulf of Mexico. All manner of sail and power boats travel up and down, stopping in little towns along the way, there are restaurants and shops catering to these unique sailors. And because the water is calm you will always find boats docked here which can make for some nice pictures if you manage get up around sunrise.

The waterways around here are typically sheltered from the ocean by keys. Most people think Florida’s keys are at the southern tip, such as Key West, but we have them up and down the west coast along the Gulf of Mexico. All manner of sail and power boats travel up and down, stopping in little towns along the way, there are restaurants and shops catering to these unique sailors. And because the water is calm you will always find boats docked here which can make for some nice pictures if you manage get up around sunrise.

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Old Rod and Reel

The Rod and Reel is a favorite spot of the locals on Anna Maria Island in central Florida. I took this before they renovated due to fire. No worries, it's just as laid back as it ever, the atmosphere hasn't changed a bit which is a very good thing. This is where you come when you just want to get away from it all and pretend you're on a tropical island somewhere.

The Rod and Reel is a favorite spot of the locals on Anna Maria Island in central Florida. I took this before they renovated due to fire. No worries, it’s just as laid back as it ever, the atmosphere hasn’t changed a bit which is a very good thing. This is where you come when you just want to get away from it all and pretend you’re on a tropical island somewhere.

Click on photo to enlarge