A Few More From Puerto Rico - 18-22 Feb 08

Another day in Puerto Rico allowed some scenic drives through the hilly areas in the central part of the island, a stop in the city of Ponce along the southern shores and some moonlight kayaking into a bio-luminescent bay in the northeast.As the sun shown brightly on this fountain in the square the hint of a rainbow appeared to bring an unusual bit of color to an every day item.
More brightly shining sun casts its glow behind a lampost outside the cathedral square. Carnival had recently taken place in Ponce and the decorations were still on display.
A full moon brightens the evening sky and casts its reflection across the bay. This was the bay where the kayaking tour started. After paddling across this bay and through a channel amongst the mangrove trees we arrived in the bio-luminescent bay. The brilliant light given off my the micro organisms was amazing. I can only imagine how much more could have been seen on a completely darkened night.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico - Monday, 18 Feb 08

Old San Juan was probably the best part of Puerto Rico. The old castle and surrounding fortifications were in amazing condition. There was a great deal of history in this area.
Here is one of many small spiral stairways that allowed access throught multiple levels of the castle. I really do love experiencing castles of all types. This one wasn't the same as many of those I've seen in Europe, but still a beautiful structure!
Once a week a traditional dance event is presented in the main open area within the castle walls. It was a very colorful and energetic performance. I'm glad timing was ideal to take in this event.
This is just one of the many lookout posts that are repeated along the original city walls. Most of these lookouts are just like this one; protruding out from the wall and overlooking the sea.
I think this is my favorite photo from Puerto Rico. The full moon adds so much to the shot with its position behind the foot of one of the figures of the sculpture and also as casts its glow on the nearby clouds. I wasn't sure what to expect the camera to capture. I'm so glad this shot came out!

A Few Artistic Shots

A day at the beach with a camera in hand allows for some interesting/artistic shots to be captured. It was fun to take dozens of pictures in hopes of getting a few good ones. Here are a few worthy of sharing.
I saw this pose once before and liked it very much. It was like the photo was saying "come to me" in a kind and gentle way. I loved it.
Apparently it's much harder than it looks to put half of yourself under water, open one eye and look comfortable doing it. Felix makes it look easy though.
No, I'm not trying to stick my nose out to mimic the front of the Hawksbill rock protruding from the water in the distance. It just turned out to be a cool shot that reminded me of some vintage look.
Once we stopped laughing about rolling around in the sand to get low enough to take a shot from this angle we actually were able to capture a few good ones, like this.
And as the sun goes down once again it provides the perfect background for another excellent photo.

As The Sun Goes Down

The intensity of the sun as it falls toward the horizon almost make these pics appear to be black n white. However, there's a hint of blue sky that still shows beyond all else that appears darkened to prove they really are all in color.
A gathering of stones in the sand and some pieces of shells hung from a large piece of driftwood were collected in this area to make, what appeared to be, a memorial of some sort. Whatever it was, it made for a nice photo with the sun casting it's rays in the sky behind it.
As the sun bursts it's rays across the sky the seas below continue their never ending movement of bringing wave after wave to the sandy shores. You can faintly see some splashes of water on the left side of the picture where the water has been tossed in the air after hitting the rocks.
Here you see a larger splash as the sea hurls itself against the rocks. The shards of sunlight continued to cast themselves in all directions as the sun made it's way toward the horizon. The ending of another magnificent day!

Some Black n White Art From Half Moon Bay

Amongst the colorful atmosphere of Half Moon Bay Felix was able to capture some black n white shots that provide a different perspective to the surroundings.
This is a small and somewhat hidden 'stairway' from the beach to a private home above the bay.
A snapshot of Inma and I as we walk along the beach on our way to view the crashing waves around the bend of the bay where the sand meets the rocks.
With the right light, shadows, clouds and rocks a simple shot can turn into a piece of art. Felix has an eye for capturing those moments. I'm glad for this one; it makes me look rather fit!

An Evening At Shirley Heights

A Sunday evening at Shirley Heights is always in order whenever someone comes to visit Antigua. The steel drum band, flowing rum punches, view of English Harbor and sunset over the ocean are all wonderful ways to end a day of vacation!
They Halycon Steel Drum Band performs for the crowd at Shirley Heights.
After a day in the sun Felix and Inma enjoy a fun-loving embrace as the pose for the camera.
As the band plays on and the rum punches flow the sun continues to drop from the sky to give us another beautiful sunset!

A Day At Sneaky Pete's

Sneaky Pete's became a favorite spot for my friends Felix and Inma during their visit here from Spain. It was a nice sanctuary from the winds that blew against the other side of the island.
A nice cluster of palms rustle in the breeze above as white clouds pass by with the blue sky behind.View from the lounge chairs in front of Sneaky Pete's Beach Bar.
Felix and Inma returning from a fun time at sea on their jetski.
Inma and a cloudy sky as reflected in Will's sunglasses.