Archive for July, 2008

Caspersen Beach Quiet Afternoon

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Caspersen Beach in Venice, Florida

Caspersen Beach, in Venice, Florida is a lovely beach. There are no buildings on the beach. Just cabbage palms, sea grapes, and sea oats. The sand is dark gray–very dark in some places–because of fossilized materials mixed with the shell and quartz. It’s fairly easy to find fossilized sharks teeth here, among other fossils. This photo was taken on a quiet afternoon in May after I stopped by the annual Shark’s Tooth Festival. It was too much noise and commotion for me, so I retreated to the quiet of Caspersen Beach and stayed for the sunset. Time just seems to disappear when I’m here. I get lost in the peacefulness of the place. Maybe that’s why turtles love to nest here–less chance they’ll be disturbed.

Pass-A-Grille Evening

Saturday, July 5th, 2008

We love to have a sunset picnic on Pass-A-Grille beach.

Pass-A-Grille has one of my favorite beaches in Pinellas County. It has no tall buildings on the beach, and the neighborhood is usually quiet and laid-back. I took this photo from atop the jetty at the south end of the beach. The telephoto lens foreshortens everything, so the huge Don Cesar Hotel appears much closer and more imposting than it really is.  It’s about a 45 minute walk from where I’m standing, to the Don Cesar. I love to photograph this historic hotel because of its unique architecture and its lovely pink color.

Caladesi as Seen From Honeymoon Island

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

Standing on Honeymoon Island, looking at Caladesi Island.

This photo really isn’t too exciting to look at. The composition isn’t particularly pleasing, and there is a wooden structure on the left foreground that is ugly. The colors aren’t that great, and the focus isn’t sharp.

The photo is VERY interesting once you realize how much is actually present in the photo, and what it reveals about Clearwater and its beaches.

I am standing at Main beach on Honeymoon Island, looking across Hurricane Pass toward Caladesi Island (number 1 beach in the nation for 2008). There are no buildings other than the concession and the ranger’s house on Caladesi Island. The tall buildings you see are actually several miles away, across St. Joseph Sound, in downtown Clearwater! The buildings look like they are on Caladesi don’t they? The only thing visible on Caladesi Island is the white sand beach and the mostly cabbage palm forest.

Beach Sand Art

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

People get inspired and creative when on a beach vacation.

People get really creative when they are on vacation. I come upon all kinds of sand sculptures while walking along the beach. Here is a nice one I found while taking an evening walk on Sunset Beach, which is at the south end of Treasure Island, in Pinellas County, FL.

The words, FLORIDA ‘08 are highlighted with broken shells.  I like it.

Photo: July 1 Sunset on Clearwater Beach

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2008

The sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico on July 1, 2008 at Clearwater Beach.

I wasn’t expecting much of a sunset because of the hazy, overcast conditions over the Gulf, but I got a pleasant surprise. Upon nearing the horizon, the sun broke through the clouds and went down in style. I love it when that happens!