Beach Bums

The clouds around this bird look like bird wings to me, can you see this?

Shorts and t shirts are still my attire but that will change soon enough as I begin my journey north later this week.  I got lucky these last couple of weeks in  Florida it has been unseasonably warm with gentle breezes, temperatures in the low 80's. 

Shrimp Fleet FMB

I spent most of last week painting the exterior of my sisters new house, got to earn my keep somehow.  It really was easy painting since the house is single story.  I do not mind as I am able to get some exercise and be outdoors, a bit of trim left to do and I can head home with a clear conscious.

Christmas Decorations on FMB Noodle & Flip Flop Trees

A girlfriend from Boston arrived last Thursday and two girlfriends from St. Pete came down to spend the weekend, we had a ball.  With the beautiful weather beach cruising was a must and we went to one of my favorite old haunts Fort Meyers Beach on Saturday and Santibel & Captivia on Sunday where I was once a licensed landscaper.  In the early 90's I used to winter in Florida and worked for a couple of landscapers as well as independently.

We got chased off Fort Meyers Beach when this short intense storm popped up

As usual there were lots of interesting subjects to photograph.  Avian life still beats strong on the beaches despite the tourists and eco-risks.  As far as tourist traffic goes it was easy on/easy off both the islands, after Christmas that will be a different story when the snowbirds flock back south.

Me and the Girls

We went swimming in mother ocean, strolled for shells, ate some tasty fish tacos, swallowed crisp pinot, saw a rainbow and listened to three local bands all and all a lovely weekend.

Ibis feeding

A large flock of pelicans at Blind Pass between Santibel and Captivia Islands