Theme Day: Pink

Jack at Hartford Daily Photo was kind enough to remind me recently that September's theme day was coming up and the theme would be pink.  Thanks for the reminder, Jack, and your efforts in helping to pull this theme day together for CDP. Although, we're still limping along at SDP, we wanted to participate in this month's theme day. So, when I was shopping at Costco yesterday without my camera and saw this display of pink capped white zinfandel bottles as far as the eye could see, I thought, 'Aha!' and did what any resourceful photographer without a camera would do...I pulled out my iPhone.  And...voila! The entire staff at SDP is working diligently to get back up and running very soon. Acquisitions signed off on a special order Mac laptop and it's about to be picked up.  Hip-hip-hooray!  There's a lot of hard work ahead to get our photo library in order...but, one step at a time.  I hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to seeing your theme day submissions.  To see more pink pics from around the world, click here.

Disembodied

Things remain quite busy. I'm just trying to keep my head above water, like this alligator I spotted recently at Myakka River State Park. We've been getting lots of rain lately in Sarasota and many areas of the park are flooded, which is causing the wildlife to modify its behavioral patterns. Since the plants and brush that the deer and wild boar eat are now under water, the animals are moving inland to higher ground.  My favorite hiking trail is submerged and impassable, but I spotted several deer as they galloped through the standing water last night.  Normally, deer are quite stealth. But, these snorted loudly before racing through the water. They seemed displeased with the situation (I wasn't pleased either, as I was battling a healthy, ferocious contingent of mosquitoes.) Anyway, some of the deer are looking thin and I hope they're able to scrounge up enough food while we wait for the flooding to recede.  As I left last night, there was another heavy downpour. I'm starting to think the only ones out there appreciating all the rain are the gators.  By the way, thanks to those who have been so kind to reach out to us at SDP to ensure we're still alive.  We're hoping to return to regular posts by the end of summer.  **fingers crossed**  Hope everyone in the CDP community is doing well!

He Did It!

Sarasota is still abuzz over Nik Wallenda's knuckle-biting, stomach-flopping, palm-sweating, awe-inspiring wire walk across the Grand Canyon last night. What a feat of strength (physical and mental), concentration, balance, fortitude and faith!  The public and most media outlets were kept 5-miles from the walk location. But, an acquaintance, who's a still photographer here in town, was invited by Team Wallenda to have exclusive access.  I cannot wait to see his photos.  Lots of folks turned out for a block party in downtown to watch the event. (Okay...quite a few people were stealing glances at the big screen because it was too nerve wracking to actually watch the 23 minute skywalk, with Nik balancing on a 2-inch cable 1,400 feet above the canyon without a safety tether.)  The community is so proud.  Congratulations again, Nik -- you are an inspiration!

Nerves of Steel

Look!  Up there!  High above the cars...seemingly walking on air!  It's....Nik Wallenda!

Sarasota's hometown hero and high wire daredevil, Nik Wallenda, is at it again.  This time he's training to walk across the Grand Canyon this Sunday, June 23rd. The set up for his training actually is somewhat subdued from the standpoint that the tightrope, while thick, is quite low to the ground -- perhaps 15 feet high at the maximum. (Compare that to the pending canyon walk which will be 1,500 feet high.) Without question, Nik knows what he's doing and will be properly prepared for his latest feat.   But, it's going to be a nerve wracking (yet awe inspiring) experience watching him stroll high above the Grand Canyon on live TV without a tether.

During his training session last night, he sat down on the wire and fielded all kinds of questions from the audience. (And, it was a good size crowd, especially on a week night.) Reporters from around the globe have been descending upon Sarasota to produce stories about Nik training here.  From what I understand, though, media access at the Grand Canyon will be limited to invitation only.  We're all proud of Nik and we're praying for his success in Arizona. The walk starts at 8 p.m. EST on the Discovery Channel.   Click here to see a pretty cool promo with Nik sitting on the edge of the canyon.

Gotcha!

Sometimes you're the bird.  Sometimes you're the fish.
Here's to a birdlike Tuesday!

Daisies & Deer

This meadow is one of my favorite locations at Myakka River State Park, especially this time of year with all the pretty daisies blooming. And, it's a favorite with the Sarasota fauna.  Without fail, every evening I've been here, I've seen deer and wild boar.  I've also spotted turkeys and armadillos.   On this particular evening, this doe was keeping a close eye on me during her stroll looking for dinner. She must have thought I was Mr. DeMille...

 ...because she certainly was ready for her close-up!  (And, she strongly suggested her right side was her best side.)

Seashells Galore

Wow -- look at all those seashells! The shelling is always good on Sanibel. But, it was especially terrific last weekend after Tropical Storm Andrea breezed by the island. The storm brought lots of rain...and then lots of shells. These are Florida fighting conchs (strombus alatus), a warm water sea snail.  They were all over the beach early Saturday morning. But, they weren't just pretty shells for a  beachcomber to collect.  They were homes.  And, the mollusks living inside, were wiggling out of their shells onto the warm sand.  Seeing that left me in a quandary. What to do?  Reunite these creatures with the Gulf of Mexico or let Mother Nature have her way? After helping a few return to the sea, I quickly realized I was outnumbered and opted for the photo opps instead.  The New York Times published a good article last summer about shelling on Sanibel.  Click here to check it out.  Hope everyone has been doing well!