Fall clouds

In the fall we often have clouds standing on the horizon — mostly a solid dark line with a few taller ones arising out of the mass.

That was my greeting this morning. The lower humidity and a nice breeze gave me hope that summer's heat would soon be behind us.

When the sun started to appear behind the clouds... it was just spectacular, but someone said it better than I, "a picture is worth a thousand words."

All puffed up...

It was dark when I started out and I couldn't really see any clouds, at the far point of my walk it was lighter and when turning back toward home, I was stunned by this big guy lurking behind me.

What a great cloud. Standing so tall and alone as a sentinel over the beach, the ocean and all the other clouds. After my awe waned and I began to wonder why this one cloud was standing so tall, a thought struck me... "all puffed up and nowhere to go."

That's a phrase I use laughingly and fondly with my cat when she puffs up to show off to other felines who wander into her territory. What fun, amazed and silly all in the span of mere moments.

Progression

At first there is just a little bit of brightness at the edge of the horizon. The sun was barely visible and almost like one of those pinpoint laser lights.

But it didn't take long before old sol was making its presence fully known.

Then fully lighting the sky, except of course for the clouds which kept the images interesting. Hope the rest of my day progresses as nicely as this, but no matter what's in store, it would be hard to beat this start to the day.

Worth it

Unfortunately my walk was shortened by rain. I found shelter under a palm tree for awhile because I could see the sun trying to break through. The rain stopped, I continued on my way, then the rain came back with a vengeance. I decided to head home after walking less than a half mile. It was then that I got to enjoy the best part of the mixture of rain and sun. A rainbow... a bit faint but colorful nonetheless.

So I may have gotten wet, but it was certainly worth it. Rainbows are rare and inspiring sights and too quickly gone.

Nestled sun

My life has been a little chaotic here of late and my only respite seems to be found on the beach. How appropriate this photo was of the sun being nestled in the loving arms of the surrounding clouds. It made me feel safe.

Oh, what a great restorer nature is especially when those lucky enough can open their hearts and minds and let it engulf them.

Oh brother, aren't I being dramatic while waxing poetic. Pfffft! All's right with the world.

Peekaboo

There were some interesting clouds right along the horizon and I anticipated a lovely sunrise. What I didn't anticipate was the sun peeking out from behind that one strangely shaped cloud. It reminded me of a child playing peekaboo and brought a special smile to my lips. Thanks for that fun-filled image, Mr. Sun.

Free lunch

It seems whenever a fisherman comes to the beach there will be some feathered freeloaders looking for a handout. This pair was waiting patiently with hopes of bait-fish samples.

Nothing much will chase them away but I'm always amused by their lovely white feathers, the studious looks on their faces, and their long black stockings ending in bright yellow feet. Definitely dressed for fine dining. No maître d' could turn this pair away.

...and it's all right

Not many people on the beach this morning probably because it was close to high tide and tough walking. The sun was trying to make its arrival but was taking its time. I passed one visitor (you can always tell the tourists) waiting with camera in hand for the sunrise but the sun had not yet shown itself. On my return, the sun was ready to make its entrance (see above) and the same fellow was still waiting. He looked at me and said "here comes the sun" I said "right" as I kept up my pace, then I heard him say "do-do-do-do." Huh?

I was several paces down the beach when it dawned on me, then I was singing this happy little song all the way home. Thanks again to the Beatles for making me start the day with a song. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CH-0Nu3dHEI

Holiday boon or bust

Those hoping for a sunny Labor Day holiday here at the beach will, I'm afraid, be disappointed. If on the other hand you are hoping for some good local shrimp, your wishes will be fulfilled.

The beachside greeting was dark clouds and shrimp boats (three tiny points of light on the horizon). The clouds were fine even after they turned soggy — I was glad I had taken my umbrella. I put it to good use and others caught in the rain looked at me with envy.

On the other hand, the smile brought on by the shrimp boats could not be doused by the rain. A visit to the local fish market in the next couple of days will surely produce some delights. Happy Labor Day!

Surfer's delight

It was surfer heaven when Hurricane Earl was churning up the waters off our coast. On the best day for tremendous surf my camera unfortunately was dead. But here it is three days later and we still have stunning surf and grinning surfers.

Arriving at my beach approach just past dawn and finding the parking area nearly full was a clue that something other than just a holiday weekend was happening. The surfers enjoyed the surf, I enjoyed the roar of the ocean and the brisk breeze. I only briefly wished to be younger so that I could join the boys on their boards but I could enjoy the fact that they were having a great time. That will have to be enough.

Another sunner-stunner

Still windy and exhilarating on the beach with the mix of clouds and sun just plain stunning. What more can I say?