HALF

The water was absolutely still, perfectly reflecting this tree. Unfortunately, I had my long lens on the camera and couldn't get far enough away for a shot of the tree too. Took this while on a walk at Ft. Pickens.

 

PRIVATE

 

The temptation to pause here and swing along with the breeze and watch the sun go down was strong. I hesitated, battled momentarilly and walked on.

 

NUNS ORCHID

 Last fall, a friend had divided her Nun's Orchid plant and passed along a portion of it to me. I'd never heard of this plant, but took good care of it through the winter. Named for its hooded flowers. Phaius tankervilliae or Phaius grandifolius originally came to the US from China during the 18th century. It is attactive, adaptable and easy to maintain.  My reward is this amazingly beautiful flower. Three stalks of lovely.

 

STRETCH

This great egret was strolling around inspecting the landscape. I think he was craning his neck looking for bugs or maybe he was just pausing to smell the flowers. :)

 

GARDEN BENCH

 

"To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment."
- Jane Austen

 

I'M LATE, I'M LATE....

This little guy was speeding down the beach and as it drew closer to me, it graced me with a sweet look before it continued it's speed walk down the beach.

 

 

MORNING VISITOR

Nature's prime favourites were the Pelicans;
High-fed, long-lived, and sociable and free.
- James Montgomery, Pelican Island

 

 

GOING BANANAS

You can discover so  many things when you go for walks. Came across this banana tree on one of our exploratory walks on Captiva Island. Just love the large purple inflorencence, which will open and fall away, revealing tiny curved bananas reaching for the sun.