Florida vacation.....

It was so nice to get away to Florida. I didn't do any painting while we were there. I brought a sketchbook which I got to use, but this trip was more for relaxation. I always suggest to fellow artists to keep you camera with you wherever you go- you never know what a fabulous photo op will occur! This gorgeous sunrise we witnessed while sitting in a fishing boat in the middle of Lake Placid. With digital cameras getting ever better, and smaller, it's so easy to stick one in your pocket and carry it along....even while fishing! Fishing was good, and the sunrise even better. Now if only I could do it justice in a watercolor.....sigh!

We went to visit former neighbors who took us to lunch at a fun, beachside restaurant at Flagler Beach. Couldn't resist getting a photo of some motorcycles parked there. No surprise there would be so many bikes, so near Daytona! The Tides restaurant has great seafood and you get to dine overlooking the ocean. Ahhhhh!

The photo on the left I took while fishing. Never in a million years did I ever think I would be that close to an alligator......and not be at a zoo! That was really something to see. That section of Lake Placid reminds me of Africa. A very still lake surrounded by trees, some of which are dead, that host very large turkey vultures and eagles who silently perch and survey the area. SO quiet and still, with all the wildlife around you, the bird noises and the fish jumping and the alligators silently cruising their lake. And I emphasize the word "their." For you feel so strongly while there that you are just a visitor in their home. Beautiful place.