Christmas Colors

Vonnie captured these red berries hanging from the palm tree much better than I, so I'm using her photo instead. When they're not plucked from the tree to use as "ammunition" to throw at another I'm told planting these will produce new trees.
We have numerous hibiscus plants throughout the grounds. Some, like this one, grow quite tall. This one was several feet above my head, which made having a shot against the blue sky background very convenient.
The O'Sullivan's dressed up their patio candle with a colorful ring for the holidays. It stands tall awaiting dusk so it can be lit and cast a warm glow around the table.
One of many different shrubs close by bursting with colorful flowers.
Multiple five petaled flowers adorn this bush not far from my room. The yellow center is a beautiful contrast to the red that surrounds it.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Beach Angels and Sunsets

Even though there is no snow in Antigua there are still angels among us. Here they're beach angels instead of snow angels.
A sturdy palm reaches for the blue skies beside the aquamarine waters of Half Moon Bay. Just me kneeling in the sand for a quick self pic.
The rain cloud tried to mask the setting sun, but there were still a few moments when it peeked thru to reflect off the beach while brightening the skies behind. A nice Christmas Eve.

Sunday Afternoon at Calliloo Bay

Calliloo Bay is a common spot to find an array of tiny shells washed up on the beach. However, after stormy seas larger pieces have been left scattered across the sand.
You can see the weathering these pieces have endured before settling on the beach. Many shells are broken and destroyed from being pummeled against the reef that surrounds a fair amount of the island. Rougher waters will toss the shells over the reef and eventually end up on the beach.
A froathy wave approaches a shell to push it further up the beach.
Hello there! This little guy was trudging along the sand in search for a larger shell to call home. He was a bit shy at first, but after a couple of minutes decided to come out for his "Kodak moment".
In an area further down the beach a lone conch shell had recently been washed up and was now nestled in the sand. In time the sun will bleach out the exterior colors and it will look like so many others deposited here.

Rainbow Morning!

As I walked to work this morning I caught this faint rainbow reaching down to kiss Antigua.

Isn't the end of the rainbow where the treasure is? I think so, and the treasure found at the end of this rainbow is a beautiful Caribbean island!

Windy Day w/ Large Waves, Half Moon Bay, Dec 9th, 2008

As the rough seas crashed on the beach they reached some nearby rocks to splash upon. I caught this shot as a foamy wave hit the rocks and cast itself into the air.
On the opposite side of the bay there is an area where the waves constantly pound against a series of rock ledges. With the stronger winds of the weekend the waves were considerably larger and beating against the rocks with even greater force.
During unsettled seas an increased amount of seagrass and debris are deposited along the beach. However, not everything left on the beach is unwanted debris. Amongst the seagrass left to dry was a colorful conch shell.
The weather didn't seem to disturb these beautiful flutted flowers growing in the trees along the shore.

Deep Bay, Friday Afternoon, Dec 7th, 2008

A shot of an old fort atop the hill as viewed from within the bay. Yes, I was in the water again with the camera.
A closer shot of the fort.
Sailboats in the bay as the sun shines bright and casts its reflection across the water.
Friday afternoons are typically when we schedule "Warfit". A time for exercise with the intent of remaining fit. Since we have such wonderful surroundings we choose to take advantage of the opportunity to do so outdoors vs. in the gym. As you can see, Justin is enjoying his run in the surf much more than he would on a treadmill!

Sunset At Runaway Beach

Another golden sunset reflecting off the water. This time from a new location, Runaway Beach.
The colors of nature compliment one another so nicely as the bright rays of sun find their way beyond the clouds to extend themselves into the vast blue sky above.

Sunday Afternoon At Half Moon Bay

A lone palm casting its shadow on the beach below.
The same palm viewed from the opposite angle as it towers toward the sky.
It's amazing how nature molds the beach differently day by day. Occasionally the movement of the water will make its way higher on the beach and create an errosion ledge as shown here.

November comes to a close w/ an afternoon at Jabberwock Beach

One might think I would learn not to take my camera into the ocean, but I can't resist when I see the sun dancing on the water like this.It was a nice way to end the day, the week, the month.

Watching the sun come up over the runway at V.C Bird International Airport

As I sat beside the runway this morning waiting for our aircraft to arrive from Ascension I was blessed with another glorious sunrise!
I love how the sunlight reflects off the higher clouds to bring the vibrant colors to other parts of the sky, yet leaving enough blue available to make a beautiful contrast. Amazing!
Just prior to sunrise we had a nice rainfall. You can see the wetness of the pavement as it mirrors the colors of the sun from its surface. It added so much to the scene. Thank you Mother Nature for making my early morning so welcoming with another colorful display!

Another Magnificent Sunset!

Here's just another reason I enjoy being here!

Colors Of Nature

This tiny yellow flower casting its shadow on the dark green leaves below was captured by Justin during one of our recent hikes.
A tiny sculpted lavender flower adorns these delicate green vines. Regrettably the leaves on those vines leave you with a painful sting when touched. Yes, that is the voice of experience talking from several hours of stinging skin.
Vibrant orange blossoms cover a tree I am lucky to walk past every day on my way to the office.
Large trumpeting flowers display their rich golden color against a patchwork of cloudy sky.
I cought this shot after a gentle rain had passed. The broad leaves gathered the liquid into small bubbles that eventually evaporated into the tropical air.

Sunrise at Devil's Bridge

The deep colors of sunrise as it appeared over Devil's Bridge this morning (Friday, Nov 23rd 2007).
With a slower shutter speed I was able to catch the waves in a softer form as they crashed against the rock ledges.
Some of the errosion along a rock ledge showing the immense power the movement of water has over time.
Shards of golden sunlight breaking through the morning clouds.
A splash of water coming up from under Devil's Bridge back dropped by the light of the morning sun.

Thanksgiving Day at Half Moon Bay

Some local "art" created on the beach by a few of the local kids.
I found the washed up bottle, but there was no mysterious message inside. :(
The sun was definitely bright and created a very distinct shadow.
I thought this was a neat capture of the seafoam approaching as I walked along the beach.
Ahhh, the serenity of a leaning palm near a sun canopy overlooking the colorful waters of the bay as the clouds float by.

Spending a few hours at the bay was an ideal way to relax and take time out to thank God for all He has blessed me with. Happy Thanksgiving!