Sunday, October 19, 2008

Joel n Kayla's Visit - Final Night - Tuesday, 19 Aug 08

Even though their trip was originally planned to be shorter it still seemed like it went very, very quickly overall. Before we knew it their final night was upon us.
The palms along Jabberwock Beach tower above the other trees to make a beuatiful silouhette against the blue skies of the evening.
Big smiles and coconut drinks provide the perfect photo as testament to the good times had by all during their stay. Had I not been taking the picture I would have been beside them looking the same, I enjoyed my time with them very, very much!

Joel n Kayla's Visit - A Day Of Sailing - Sunday, 17 Aug 08

Thanks to Tim's generosity we were able to enjoy some time out on his boat casually sailing along the western shores of the island. Even though the waters were teaming with large jellyfish we still enjoyed the day. It was actually quite interesting to see them so clearly as we gently cut through the water.
Not too much wind in the sails, as is evident by the minimal tilt of the boat. I think both Kayla and I were perfectly ok with that. :)
Joel "stands tall" after dropping the sail in preparation for anchoring near Turner's beach. We enjoyed some time in the water (no jelly's here) before a nice lunch and cocktails.
On the return trip Tim handed over the wheel to Joel so he could Captain the vessel for a while. I think he enjoyed it a great deal!

Joel n Kayla's Visit - Beautiful Sunset From Coconut Grove - Wednesday, 13 Aug 08

You can't see them in the photo, but Kayla and I are enjoying a tasty Banana Whop as we watch the sun go down. They are a specialty of the Coconut Grove Bar/Restaurant.
The colors of the sky were exceptionally vibrant tonight! Excellent oranges and yellows against the blue sky.
Joel stands quietly by as Mother Nature provides a magnificent show to close another wonderful day of vacation.
As the sunset progresses the colors become more an more rich. You never know what each evening will bring, as well as how the skies will change from one moment to the next!
One final pose before the skies become too dark. Smiles and looks of contentment - signs of another fantastic day!

Joel n Kayla's Visit - An Afternoon At Half Moon Bay - Tuesday, 12 Aug 08

Half Moon Bay never seems to disappoint me in any way! The water was beautiful, the surf pleasant and the beach just as soft and inviting as any other day! It truly was one of my favorite places on Antigua.
Joel n Kayla seemed to enjoy this location as well. It was very nice to see them enjoying some togetherness time as they relaxed in the warm waters of the bay. It was my pleasure to share this place with them!

Joel n Kayla's Visit - Dion Bay - Tuesday, 12 Aug 08

Near Devil's Bridge is a beautiful bay named Dion's Bay. I can't tell you the last time I saw it with such amazing colors!
It was another sunny day to enjoy outdoors and that's exactly what we were doing.
I just couldn't keep from taking numerous photos of the vibrant colors the waters were showing this morning. I love how each day can be different!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Joel n Kayla's Visit - Jolly Harbour/Beach - Mon, 11 Aug 08

The sun peaked through the clouds long enough to brighten the harbour area at Jolly Harbour/Beach.
The beach portion of Jolly Harbour/Beach is captured more in the background of this shot behind Joel n Kayla. Even with some cloud cover it's still a wonderful view.

Joel n Kayla's Visit - Evening At Shirley Heights - Sun 10 Aug 08

Whenever possible, a Sunday night at Shirley Heights is a "must do" on any holiday trip to Antigua. Steel drum band, magnificent views and groups of people all having a great time.
Here's a quick snap of my local friends Tina and Patricia along with myself, Joel and Kayla. It was a fun evening (even if the clouds kept the beautiful sunset hidden).


Joel n Kayla's Visit - Afternoon at Runaway Bay - Sun, 10 Aug 08

Our afternoon at the beach was a bit disrupted by these "mammoth" jellyfish that were quite prevalent in the water. Regrettably, a long portion of hurricane season is also jellyfish season. These are the largest ones I've ever seen. They were averaging a good 14" in diameter!
Such a wonderful photo to snap; watching your friends walk hand in hand along the beach as they relax and enjoy a their stroll beside the lapping waves.

Joel n Kayla's Visit - No Time Wasted - Sat, 9 Aug 08

My very good friends, Joel n Kayla arrived from Georgia on Saturday afternoon for several days of fun in the sun. No time was wasted after leaving the airport. I whisked them away to their room so they could change into beachwear and we were off to Sneaky Pete's on Dickinson Bay for the remainder of the day and a beautiful sunset.
You can't let the day go by without a photo of some smiling faces in the sunshine.
What a welcome they had for their first sunset. We hoped for the "green flash" but low lying clouds obstructed the view of the sun slipping below the waters edge on the horizon. No matter, it was still a wonderful sunset.

Antigua Carnival - Tuesday, 5 Aug 08

Every year Antigua is inundated with people from around the Caribbean (and some from even further) to celebrate Carnival. This is a time of huge parties, multiple parades, beauty queen pageants and continuous days and nights of celebrations.
As you can see, the "Grand Marshall" of the parade was dressed very, very colorful. The perfect beginning for what was to come.
There were numerous groups of dancers in a variety of vibrantly colored costumes.
The stilt-walkers did a great job as they made their way down the street and moving to the music.
Even the youngest participants were dressed in bright colors as they walked the parade route.
There seemed to be no end to the dancers, costumes, displays, music etc! I can only imagine how crazy the atmosphere became once evening set in!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Afternoon Pool Party - Sunday, 27 Jul 08

The perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon is with friends around the pool. Tony, Mary, Patricia and Catfish join me for quick "timer" shot poolside at Patricia's beautiful picturesque home.
Of course, wonderful pool parties always seem to continue on into the night. Remnants of Artichoke Parmesan dip and almost empty glasses of wine mark the end of a very pleasant day spent with friends.

Magnificent Rays - Friday, 25 Jul 08

Another morning of restless sleep provides the opportunity to enjoy this display of magnificent rays bursting from behind the clouds. Maybe the torment of restless sleep is truly a blessing in disguise.

Golden Sunrise - Thursday, 24 Jul 08

Sometimes not being able to sleep very well has it's rewards. I was able to enjoy this beautiful golden sunrise welcome in the morning.

And The Sun Goes Down - Sunday, 13 Jun 08

The sun continues it's decent as the waves carress the sandy shores except where the occasional rock causes the waters to leap in the air.
Before the sun could reach the horizon a bank of clouds came in to provide a beautiful display of bright rays shooting up to the sky and colorful ones reaching down to the water below.

Dolphins At Play - Saturday, 5 Jul 08

After an afternoon of snorkeling with Donald, Katie and friends we had the great fortune of seeing a group of dolphins on our way back to shore.
Four of the six dolphins swim near the surface in a group, occasionally coming above the surface.
One of them was a bit playful as we watched, but this was the only photo I was able to snap in time catch him out of the water.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Independence Day Fireworks - Friday, 4 Jul 08

A fireworks display off the eastern coast of Key West lit up the night sky in an array of colors after the "whoosh" of being set off. It was an amazing display that lasted about 45 mintues. I don't have the type of camera to truly capture the splendor of fireworks, but here are a few highlights I could catch somewhat.





Thursday, July 31, 2008

My Hometown - Wabeno, WI - Monday, 30 Jun 08

My hometown is a very small town in northern Wisconsin in the heart of Nicolet National Forest. It's a place for tourism all year round.
The town was founded as a logging/farming community. In the small park in the center of town "Larry The Logroller" stands about 30' tall near a historical steam engine.
The Logging Museum provides an array of information about the town of Wabeno and it's evolution over the years.
A tiny church stands on a small plot of land adjacent to Main Street.
Our Public Library is an old log building which also stands adjacent to Main Street, very near the small church. The town is approx 1.5 miles long and maybe 1 mile wide with a population that may reach 600. The homes I grew up in were 6 and 10 miles outside of this tiny little town.

Scott n Holly Sloan's Wedding (Part II) - Saturday, 28 Jun 08

Since we had some time between the wedding and the reception Laurie, Sue and I found a nice Italian Bistro near the riverside with a outside patio to enjoy some cocktails and snacks. It was an excellent afternoon stop.
We just couldn't keep Dad in his tie once he was out of the church. I'm actually surprised he didn't loose the jacket as well.
The only reason I posted this picture is because of the adorable look Laurie has on her face here. She really does look sweet.
A little dance between Holly n Uncle Will. And a kiss on the head to boot.
Five out of six of the sibs together: Jerry, Romelle, Will, Tina and Roy. Tami wasn't able to make it. We obviously were having a bit of fun!