Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Gasparilla State Park in Boca Grande

John and I had planned on returning to the beach we had visited in Boca Grande while we were down here visiting the children last June, so my next adventure was to do just that.

This morning, I once again took a deep breath, squared my shoulders and set forth with "Lola's" directions. Oh, I haven't mentioned Lola have I? She's the voice on my GPS, so named because whatever Lola says, we do and so far, she hasn't gotten us lost. So, having programmed Lola to get me to the beach in Boca Grande, I set out for my adventure du jour. I left around 8:15 and was surprised that the traffic was not as bad as I anticipated. It took about an hour to get there and when I arrived, I found I was the only soul on the beach as far as I could see in any direction.

and since there was no one there to snap a picture of me, I just got one of my shadow! Traveling alone has its disadvantages.

The weather had recently been stormy and the surf was just beginning to settle down so I was finding some incredible shells and other less savory finds......

This stone crab had just recently passed away as he was still intact and quite colorful among the shells. I actually poked him just to make sure he wasn't still alive.
This poor shore bird looked like the unfortunate victim of a shark attack as the only thing left of him was his head. Needless to say, I did not venture into the water!

I walked up and down the long length of the beach for about 3 hours, searching for large shells that were still intact and found quite a few. It was interesting to note that similar shells were to be found in certain places and not others.

Other than the great variety of shells, I'm afraid I find Florida beaches to be a bit boring. There's not much to see other than a huge expanse of water that slowly drops below the horizon.
I guess I just miss my rocky coastline in Maine.



I did find a few interesting things though. This lighthouse was at one end of the beach....

and this pier to nowhere seems to have been what was left after a hurricane blew through.


Again, since I had no one to take my picture, I just got creative and realized I had a setting on my camera that was "self portrait"


The clouds above also made for an interesting photo.


And, last but not least, when I got back, I unloaded my bounty from the shore.....

I think I might just make a little "faux" beach when I get back home!

Life was sunny today.

Hugs, Giddy

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pretty park, but I too, am partial to our beaches, up here. Have to say though, I don't do very well finding shells.

Isn't that a spindly lighthouse?? Must be a lot stronger than it looks to withstand hurricanes.

I am impressed with your self portrait. Some of mine have been real doozies.

You have some really nice shots in this post, Giddy.

Anonymous said...

Love the toes.... The shells are great. We have better beaches, but Florida has better shells. I hope you enjoyed the day.

Kerri said...

Those shells are so pretty. A little faux beach will be fun in your garden back home in Maine. The gnomes will be giddy with excitement :)
Headlands, rocks, sandhills, etc. do make a beach much more scenic. I grew up on Australian beaches, and for me, nothing compares to them. Those Maine coasts sure are gorgeous though.
I love your self portrait...very creative. Wish I could feel the sand in my toes. I miss it and the smell of sea air.
Your photos are beautiful, Giddy.
We have crocuses blooming! :)
(but they were closed yesterday morning and covered with a dusting of snow).

Giddy said...

Thanks for the kudos, Sandy. Coming from such an accomplished photographer as you, it's quite a compliment!

Ali, I think I should have gotten a better close up of my toes!

Kerri, please have good growing weather when I get home. I can't wait to get my hands in the dirt!

glbuzz said...

Hi Giddy. You went right past where we are staying. We are at the Gasparilla Marina. We haven't gone to Boca Grande this time yet. We are trying to get the boat done so that we can head out of FL. My internet connection has been pretty bad here so I haven't had a chance to look at your posts until tonight. Looks like we are in the same area.

I am glad to see that you are getting out and about but I know that it must be so difficult for you without your best buddy.

Your photo's are wonderful. I have a new camera but haven't used it too much. Hopefully once we are on the water, I will get some nice shots to post.

Keep you chin up, gal! You are doing great.

~MyGalSal~The "Bird Whisperer" said...

Love your blog. I live in NH but my heart is in Maine. It is where I feel closest to God and my own spirit. I have gone out to Long Island and climbed down a cliff to collect sea glass ("Gems to the Sea"). God bless you.

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