Turtle Day!!!

Today at the beach I was greeted first thing by the tracks of a rare green turtle who, during the night, had laid her clutch of eggs. Then saw a friend who said there was a loggerhead farther south who had just come ashore. They usually come during the darkness of night so a 6:30 a.m. sighting is rare indeed. I headed south to see if she was still there. She was! Here are two photos. The second one she was finally finished — after about 2 hours — and headed back to sea. I took some video too and will post it later. Here's just an appetizer.

Couldn't ask for a better Monday morning beginning than this one.

Here it comes....

I missed a couple of days on the beach but was stunningly reminded of one of the reasons I enjoy my early beach mornings so much. Being tantalized by the prospect of a lovely sunrise, again... bliss.

Finally... new camera

Still trying to get used to my new camera and learning what it can do. 
Today I played around with its 12x zoom. Below is a stunning look at the sun behind a big ol' lump of cloud.

Here's a zoomed-in and even more splendid look at the sun up-close and almost personal.

Only drawback was standing at the edge of the surf wearing my good walking shoes. I was so engrossed in the camera's operations that I got a wet surprise as an incoming wave covered me to my ankles. Chilly too! Woo hoo!

Happy Independence Day!

I see this flag every morning on my way to the beach. Today it takes on a special and very poignant meaning. 

Happy Independence Day America. Let us all take a moment to remember what our founding fathers fought for and what a wonderful thing they created in the Constitution of the United States of America. We should also remember how lucky we are to be able to live in this great country. God BLESS America!

New venue, new view

Tides, soft sand and beach erosion have made walking on my normal part of the beach very difficult lately. That plus a cat-sitting job a few miles south of here have me looking for a new venue for my daily beach walks. 

Since there is a new beachfront park in town about 4 miles south, I decided to give it a try since I'd be driving anyway.

What else can I say but... lovely. Enjoying the sun framed by newly planted palm trees is a great way to start any day. 

I also ran into some of my normal beach buddies walking here as well. Sand is much firmer with fewer peaks and valleys to contend with. Though I must admit that I do miss my normal cadre of beach walkers and fishermen. Sigh, can't have it all, huh?

Progression...

My camera is broken so I dredged out an old cumbersome one that doesn't take such great pictures but the progression of the sunrise this morning was too spectacular not to share.

The pelican below isn't afraid of melting its wings — unlike Icarus. Beautiful!

Finally here comes the full force of Old Sol... almost blinding in its brightness!

Great day, Great Heron

I admire the patience and grace of the great herons we often see along the shoreline. Feet in the water, gazing to see if there are any breakfast fish in the surf while enjoying the golden sunrise. Ah, what a life.

This one was quite captivating and didn't seem to mind me and a couple of other would-be photographers as we captured its long legged "strike-a-pose" attitude. I'll share him the only way I know how — through pictures.

I'm easily amused, but it just tickles me that their knees bend backwards when they walk.