The challenge this week is to share a few photographs that have inspired me or are meaningful in some way. Each picture either has a story to tell or captures a particular meaningful moment. All were taken near our home on Kiawah Island, SC, except the last one.
This first picture is telling a story about an Anhinga and the juvenile alligator. When I walked nearby, the Anhinga was quietly resting on the fence post. Then, when the alligator decided to cross the golf path and head for the water on the other side, the excitement began! The Anhinga went crazy, he started making loud “cruk-cruk-cruk” sounds while moving around on the fence post. He was not happy and was trying to intimidate the ‘gator. The alligator ignored it all and kept calmly walking until he reached the water. Then, the Anhinga resumed resting again as though nothing had happened. This encounter occurred at one of the golf courses on the Island.
A fun evening of fishing with friends at a nearby pond. One man stopped fishing for a minute to watch the eagle flying overhead. It was a cloudy day and as the sky began to set, this beautiful golden color coated everything in the area.
Some years ago this scallop boat was traveling from NJ to FL during the time of our annual king tides. When it anchored in the ocean for the night, a bad storm came up during high tide. The anchor line broke and heavy waves and wind pushed the boat way up on the beach near these homes. When the tide went back out, the boat was stranded. This photo was taken the next morning during low time as the coast guard was draining the fuel from its tanks. Several months went by before the coast guard was able to tow it back in the ocean.
This picture was taken on a lovely summer evening as a shrimp boat was heading back to the local seafood company to unload and prepare for another day of fishing.
I was walking on the beach another evening right after a heavy rain shower. As the tide was going out, sunlight shining on the ocean created such a surreal glow, it was magical looking.
These tulips were in a vase near our kitchen window. On one particular morning, when the sunlight was shining on the arrangement, I noticed how the colors in the flowers came alive and how beautiful they looked. Unfortunately this only lasted for several minutes.
This last photo captures a special time a little over a year ago when my son took me on an amazing tour along the southern coast of Maine. I took this picture with my iPhone while he was flying over the York beach.
Thanks goes to Joanne, of Joanne Mason Photography, for selecting such an interesting and challenging topic. And, be sure to check out her post to see her beautiful picture.
In closing, I will share a wonderful quote by Annie Leibovitz, a famous American portrait photographer:
“I wish that all of nature’s magnificence, the emotion of the land, the living energy of place could be photographed.”
What a wonderful post, Sylvia. You have captured this favorite spot well, and it’s a great response to the challenge. I loved your photographs, especially the beach after rain and the tulips in the window, both of which are exquisite. The alligator is pretty cute. Thank you so much for sharing.
Sylvia, a great post for the challenge! Loved the boats, but most of all the Anhinga and the gator – story and picture. I’d love to see that !
The bird/alligator photo and story is amazing. Strange how much they look alike!!!
Wonderful response Sylvia. I remember that fishing boat episode very well but didn’t capture any photos, so good on you!! And I loved the anhinga/juvie gator encounter 😍
I love your collection of photos this week, Sylvia. You’ve captured special moments.
Sylvia, Wow! These are all incredible! I love the stranded boat on the beach and the shrimp boat.
Great inspirational images Sylvia. I thought the bird and juvenile alligator was great.
thanks for sharing this nature beauty via your photos