Beaches and Shores

It is a little known fact that I must have a lake, an ocean, a seashore, a riverbed, or if all else fails, just a pond nearby to make all things right in my world. Water is one of the many driving forces that nurtures my world. Add to that a forest or a woods or a grassy plain, or even a mountaintop overlook, and my world is so much more. The many elements that make up our world also enrich our lives in ways we never imagined.

Oftentimes, I view photographs such as those like Jean's from the quaint island of New Zealand, or Barb from the snow covered Rockies in Colorado, or Frank from 'across the pond' in England, or Steve from the windswept coasts in New England, and I wonder just what it would be like to live in one of those beautiful places.

Then I remember a thought shared years ago, that I am sharing my world and its many experiences, through the images I capture. And that makes 'your' world so much more. I gathered a few of my favorite images I have captured over the years to share with you today. Images such as these from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the shores and the bays of Lake Michigan, and Nantucket Island off Cape Cod, to share with you today. ENJOY!

Linking to Skywatch Friday and Foodie Friday and Everything Else

Sea Dreaming!

I've been seadreaming! Of the seashore and shorethings. Of seagrass and seagulls. Of sailboats and lighthouses. I've no plans to visit the shore this year. I thought I would stay inland. However, a short trip to the shores of Lake Michigan might be needed. Perhaps. I've been seadreaming again . . . so I share with you mementos of beach days gone by. Almost certainly the seadreaming is a by product of the mild temps here in Kentucky the past few days. It's only going to get warmer later this week. Spring perhaps, ahhhhh.

I'm still playing with my Picnik software. I like the mirror mat I added to this image. I really like this software. Give it a try.

My sister left me a chocolate cupcake topped with layer upon layer of more chocolate from Gigi's Cupcakes and a beautiful Valentine card at my door today. She's the best. Thanks Jo. I love you so! Hope all of you had a heartfilled day. ENJOY!

Where Were You In 2010?

The year seemed to fly by. I don't know where the time went. Did you stay close to home or travel far from home? In my quest to travel back in time to some of the many places I visited, I sought out images from my archives that may not have been posted on my blog. I chose many, many images before finally settling on a select few and then brought them together in a collage just for you.

Looking back at this past year. I traveled several times to Mustatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, in southcentral Indiana, to view the wildlife in the wetlands. I visited the nearby arts and crafts village of Nashville, Indiana, in Brown County, to browse the shops and lunch at my favorite restaurant, Artist's Colony Inn. There were quick jaunts to Lexington's Bluegrass Region, one snowy February weekend, and to historic Bardstown, Kentucky, to capture images of My Old Kentucky Home, in late fall.



Of course, there were frequent visits to nearby Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest located in Clermont, Kentucky. I shared photographs of the purple foxgloves blooming in the Arboretum gardens in spring, captured many images of the water lilies basking in the summer sun in the pond, and least I forget, remember that beautiful golden sunflower I photographed outside Bernheim's cafe, where I would take a break from the sweltering record breaking summer heat and grab a quick bite of lunch. Best of all, I planned a week's long trip and ventured to Cape Cod to photograph the little towns of Sandwich, Chatham and Yarmouth, and viewed their harbors filled to the brim with every shape and size of boat. But, the real highlight of my vacation was the day trip to Nantucket Island, where I spent hours walking along the Boat Basin, shopping in town and touring the island on one of the many tour buses. What a trip to remember!

It's been a busy year and a great one in many ways. But we must keep moving forward. And there's a new year coming. So again, I ask you, where were you in 2010? I invite you to click on the image to view a full screen version. ENJOY!

Mosaic Monday!

A little something that I rarely do . . . Mosaic Monday. Thought a little color in your world might brighten your day. A few of my top photos from my summer trip to Cape Cod and Nantucket. It seems like ions ago and yet it's only been four months ago. Oh, before I forget, what is your favorite photo in the collage? ENJOY!

Historic Sandwich, Massachusetts!

Sandwich is such a nice small town on the Cape. If I didn't need to check in at the Inn I would have spent more time and actually walked out on the boardwalk. Even though they charge $10 to park your car. However, I did manage to get a few quick photos. It was a crystal clear day and there was a breeze. I don't have a filter on my digital camera so unfortunately the blue haze came through on the boardwalk images. It was a mild 79 degrees that day and after coming from 95 degrees, I was a happy camper. ENJOY!

Historic Dexter's Grist Mill, Sandwich, Massachusetts!

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Just a few images of Sandwich, Massachusett's "famed" Dexter's Grist Mill. Beautiful area of the Cape. I spent my first day on the Cape exploring Sandwich before heading over to Centerville, which I discovered, was about a fifteen minute drive to the Inn. They were doing some sprucing up to the mill as you can see from some of the new boards. Supposedly there were swans in the pond by the mill but I didn't see any during my visit. The little town of Sandwich has some really great antique shops and other boutique shops, as well as some great places to dine. I spent several hours around the town checking out the beaches and the area.

It's going to be 95 degrees in Louisville most of next week. Could somebody please, please turn down the heat. I was really hoping to get out and enjoy some of this early Fall weather, but apparently Summer isn't quite done with us yet. ENJOY!

Chatham Harbor, Cape Cod, MA

This was such a beautiful perspective of the harbor at Chatham that I wanted to share it with everyone. I'm really missing the beach right now. For those of you who are within 200 miles of a beach, I'm jealous! Please click on the photo for the a larger image. ENJOY!

Postscript: I sat outside for a bit tonight as it as cool. The trees in the woods behind my condo are all turning. They are no longer their usual green. I'm afraid after .10 inch of rain in 3 weeks all the leaves will turn brown though. Ugh!

Beautiful Yarmouth Harbor, Cape Cod

Such beauty should be shared. One of my favorite pics from my trip. Click on the photo to get the full effect. Stay safe Cape Cod and Islands. ENJOY!

Seals, Chatham, Cape Cod

On my way out of Chatham, I stopped to see if the seals were hanging out at the dock waiting for leftovers. And, yes, they were. There was a bit of a crowd, but I managed to get a spot at the railing to take a few photos. I was on my way back to Centerville to the inn. The weather was perfect too other than a brisk wind. Chatham is a really cool little town. I only regret I didn't have time to stop and take in some of the boutiques and shops but it was getting late and I knew it would take a bit of time to get back to Centerville with all the traffic.




And here is why the seals were hanging out by the dock! Looks like he's about done.



I should also mention, I'm anxious for fall to get underway. I can't take another 96 degree day like yesterday. This weekend it's supposed to be 79 and beautiful on Saturday and low 80's Sunday. I can't wait! ENJOY!

Ospreys, Morris Island, Chatham, Cape Cod

On my day trip to Chatham while visiting Cape Cod a few weeks ago, I drove out to the wildlife refuge, which I posted about earlier on. During my visit at the refuge, I photographed an osprey nest filled with life.



The osprey parents were feeding their young as I walked across the wildlife refuge and got a little closer. Apparently too close for the Mom who had some food in her clutches and took flight, then Dad followed. As I walked away from the nest to give them their distance, Mom and Pop returned to the nest and continued feeding the youngsters.







It's worth mentioning that the wind was blowing about 15 miles an hour and picked up to about 25 miles per hour while I was at the beach, making it really difficult to get any decent photos of these beautiful creatures. ENJOY!

Inner Harbor, Nantucket, Massachusetts

There was considerable sunlight shining through after the storm during my trip to Nantucket Island. This is one of my favorite views of the harbor. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. The major heat broke this week and now we only have low 90's but this week up and coming we'll be in the high 80's late into the week and I can't wait. I've already enjoyed the slightly cooler weather considering just how hot it was at the end of last week. I'll be posting images of Nantucket the next few weeks. You are allowed to say "enough already". It's just, I'd never been to Nantucket so I can't help but show everyone how cool it is. ENJOY!

Cape Cod Trip 2010, Nantucket Boat Basin

DAY TRIP, THE BOAT BASIN, NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

As I mentioned in my last post, the sun came out in the late afternoon after an unbelievable downpour during my day trip to Nantucket. In the late afternoon I took the Nantucket Island Tour, mainly to rest my feet, but also to get my bearings on the size of the island. It is only about 7 miles wide and you realize how small it is when you can take an island tour in an hour. After I finished with the Island Tour, I walked back over to the Boat Basin to take a few images while the light was better. This first image is one of my favorite photos from my Nantucket day trip, the Cottages at the Boat Basin. It's such a uniquely different place to walk around. There are cottages, shops and then you have boats of every size and configuration. Yachts, sailboats, motor boats, and at running the risk of repeating myself, more yachts. Surreal.



This image is of the Dockmaster's Quarters. Even the Dockmaster has a flower box.



I've always had an infinity to wooden boats and this big boat docked next to the Dockmaster's Quarters is no exception. It was huge so I really couldn't get a picture of the whole thing. I think I heard someone say it offers tours of the harbor, but I could be wrong.



You have to admit, it's pretty daunting. ENJOY!

Cape Cod Trip 2010, Nantucket Island

DAY TRIP NANTUCKET, MASSACHUSETTS

This first image is the entrance to Straight Wharf where the Hy-Line Cruise Ferry arrives and departs. Close by as you walk along the Boat Basin is the Nantucket Bike Shop, only one of many bike shops on the Island.





As you walk southeast away from Straight Wharf, you'll encounter many shops along the walkways of the Boat Basin. There are shops selling handbags, artwork, decor, fashion. You can find almost anything amongst these shops. I tend to favor all of the beautiful flowers growing outside the entrance to each shop and the window boxes overflowing with beautiful blossoms. It definitely added to the surreal feeling I experienced walking along the Boat Basin.

My sister gave me a rundown of what the Island would be like as she had visited several years ago, but there is no comparison to the actual experience as you walk the Wharf areas and the Boat Basin itself, stroll the cobbled streets and shops in Downtown Nantucket and see some of the outlying island area such as Sisconset. For those you who live in New England and may visit Cape Cod and the Islands, I'm sure I'm boring you to tears, but for me it was truly a treat to see Nantucket!







One other aspect of Nantucket that held true from all of the photos I saw online while planning my trip, was the many bikes you'll find sitting idle against the lightposts and trees around the docks and throughout Downtown Nantucket.





Walking along the docks of Old South Wharf you'll find many shops scattered throughout. My favorite aspect of the shops had to be the colorful flags blowing in the breeze hanging outside almost every shop along the dock. The flags and all of the beautiful flowers and bushes added such charm to this whole experience. This particular image below is one of the main walkways boasting many a flag and is arguably one of my favorite photographs from my trip. I took some of these photos before the storm and some after. This image I photographed in late afternoon to capture the beautiful colors of all of the flags.



The oddity in my day trip to Nantucket surely was the weather. As we pulled away from Hyannisport, fog shrouded the Kennedy Compound. As we neared the Island, dark clouds loomed in the west. After departing the Ferry and walking about the Boat Basin and throughout the immediate downtown area, lightning and thunder began to break out and a huge downpour followed. Many streets and some shops were flooded. I held up in a shop happy to be out of the weather. I had had the foresight, however, to bring my umbrella. Something told me the weather was going to be iffy. As the rain let up I would trapse between shops. At one bike shop, the guys were literally sweeping waves of water out of the shop and down into the gutters. After about an hour of this scenario, the rain stopped, the sun began to peek out from behind the clouds and low and behold the rest of the afternoon and evening was beautiful. Again, surreal.

I invite you to click on each image to view a larger version. ENJOY!

Cape Cod Trip 2010

DAY TRIP WOODS HOLE, MASSACHUSETTS

I felt a quick day trip was in order last week to shoot a few photographs of Nobska Point Lighthouse and take in a few shops in Woods Hole. The main road to the lighthouse sort of guts out into the peninsula away from the mainland. The weather was a bit cloudy so no real sunshine to speak of. There were signs posted that the property next to the lighthouse was private land. I read on a website that the owner of the house is actually the commander of the Coast Guard Sector, Southeastern New England. You're rather limited as to where to stand to take photographs as the road wrapped tightly around the lighthouse.





When I first pulled up to Nobska's small little parking area, the ferry was making its way to Martha's Vineyard. The vineyard sits in the background of this image.



Hope everyone is staying cool this week as I know many of us are under heat advisories. I was out yesterday and starting feeling peeky and had to get inside. It's not fit for man nor beast. Enjoy!

Cape Cod Trip 2010

DAY TRIP TO CHATHAM, MASSACHUSETTS

While visiting Cape Cod last week, I took a day trip to visit the town and harbors around Chatham, Massachusetts which is on the southeast tip of Cape Cod. Such a beautiful, quaint little village with a very busy Main Street, lined with shops, boutiques and restaurants, along with the usual tourist attractions. I drove through town southeast to Morris Island, which is part of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. At the tip of Chatham, I drove past the Chatham Lighthouse. There you'll find a narrow road leading back to the refuge. On the right is Chatham Harbor filled with boats. On the left is the refuge which is basically flatlands with various water inlets weaving throughout.

Pulling up to the refuge office, I parked, got out and took the wooden plank walkway and steps leading down to the beach.





It was a really windy day with the wind blowing 25 mph. Walking along the shore, I encountered plovers and dead horseshoe crabs aplenty. Looking back at the refuge there was a large osprey nest almost dead center, with Mom and Pop flying to and from the nest, feeding their young. I have a few photos of the nest I'll post later, but wanted to post these images of the coastline and the harbor.

As you drive down the narrow road leading to the wildlife refuge, looking to the right, you'll see this beautiful little harbor lined with boats. It was late afternoon and the light was almost perfect.



The Chatham Lighthouse is in the background in this image below. As I walked from the refuge along the beach towards Chatham I noticed kayakers paddling back into the harbor.





These beach cottages were sitting out past the town, its harbors and the refuge. How do they manage not to get blown away in a storm, I'll never know.



My favorite image of Chatham has to be this lone boat floating in the water actually in the refuge itself.



I'll be posting quite a few photos of my trip in the next few days or weeks. Hope everyone had a great week. ENJOY!

Trumpeter Swan, Chatham, Massachusetts

I'm on Cape Cod and was on my way out of Chatham, Massachusetts, heading back to the Inn in Centerville, when I happened upon this beauty. I'll have much more to post later but wanted to send wishes for a great week to all of you. Enjoy!