At the Beach: The Coconut Palm

When thinking of warm-weather destinations, one image that quickly comes to mind is the Coconut Palm.  Just like those seen in today's photos, these trees do well in tropical coastal environments because they thrive in sandy soil, tolerate salt sprays, need plenty of rain, require a daily temperature greater than 54 degrees Fahrenheit and must get direct sunlight.  Therefore, one easily understands why this species is not found in a forest under a canopy that captures most of the sun's direct rays.

At the Beach: Sand Castles

Sand castle on the beach,

I built you big and strong.

A wave washed in upon the sand.

Whoops!  You were gone!

                          --Saundra Winnette

 

 

At the Beach: El Mar Caribe

 

Today's photos feature breathtaking views of the emerald and turquoise colored waters of the Caribbean Sea just off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun.  Due to its location, this area of the sea continually gets warm water from points south; hence, the average water temperature is between 79 - 84 degrees Fahrenheit.  This week my posts will include additional images captured during a recent visit to this tropical destination.  Enjoy the views!

Drop it!

 

Amid all the activities at a pumpkin patch, I spotted this game of toss and retrieve the tennis ball taking place between a youngster and the farm dog.  While most kids were engrossed in selecting the perfect pumpkin, this boy seemed most content having the athletic pooch run after, sometimes catch and then return the bright green ball.  And, I suppose at the end of a busy day at the pumpkin patch, this furry four-legger was exhausted yet eager for the next person to grab the tennis ball and hurl it into the air...remind you of any dogs you have known?

A Shorebird

 

During a recent trip to the Gulf of Mexico, I spotted this shorebird as it was feeding on the sandy beach.  Just as the surf moved toward the feathered creature, it would dart out of the water's reach but then quickly follow the retreating waves as they exposed various crustaceans and so forth.  Regarding the exact species, I am unsure but my best guess is a juvenille Sanderling.  However, if you know otherwise, please let me know!

Already Arriving

 

In the short time since Thanksgiving, we have already received some holiday greeting cards, including traditional handwritten messages and other computer-generated creations.  So, I guess that serves as my 'wake-up call' that Christmas is just a few weeks away and I need a plan for completing our annual holiday card...even though, to this point, I haven't given that idea any consideration.  In that spirit, I decided to post a few photos of last year's undertaking as I made a lot of cards!  Whew!  That was a job but worth it nonetheless as each card was a labor of love designed by hand.

Hand In Hand

Although Thanksgiving and pumpkin season are over for this year, I just had to post this adorable photo of these two little tots at the pumpkin patch.  Big brother has a grip on little sister's wrist and they are off...but actually not to look for just the right pumpkin but rather to climb on an old tractor (that isn't visible in the picture).  Since this little guy is intrigued by most machines and motorized equipment, he immediately made his way to the tractor and into the driver's seat.