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Post by htmb on Dec 23, 2014 18:04:12 GMT
The place where I stayed was very comfortable, but relatively cheap in cost. Less than $100 per night. There is parking underneath the two story building, but I decided to move my car to even higher ground last night when the high tide seemed to be getting VERY high due to the intense storms we were having. I was standing near the high tide line when I took this photo. The place was practically empty and I was the only one occupying my six unit building. My unit had a living/dining/kitchen combination, one bathroom and one bedroom. The unit faced south. The view off the deck.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 23, 2014 18:28:25 GMT
Wow! Very nice digs, Ms. Htmb!
So pleased to see this thread being updated, as it's one of my favorites. It's reassuring to know that some of "old Florida" still remains. Super pictures, as always.
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Post by htmb on Dec 23, 2014 18:40:19 GMT
Thank you, Bixa. I'm afraid we may have "dueling threads" for awhile. Funny though. When I was a kid I used to stand on the beach along the Gulf Coast of Florida, scrunch up my eyes, and try my hardest to see Mexico.
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Post by htmb on Dec 23, 2014 20:04:03 GMT
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Post by htmb on Dec 23, 2014 20:26:56 GMT
Here are another couple of downtown photos I forgot to add earlier. And the only sunset I saw due to the impending storms.
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Post by tod2 on Dec 24, 2014 6:44:42 GMT
Some truly terrific photos!! I love the palms with the little yacht in the background and then again your last photo with a tinge of pink on the horizon. Fabulous. As I looked over your photos again I saw you mentioned the 'cement' grave. Is it the one that is rounded on top? If so, I will try and dig out a photo of my family graves from the last century - they are just like that but painted white.
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Post by htmb on Dec 24, 2014 11:00:41 GMT
Yes, Tod. Those look very strange to me. I'd love to compare.
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Post by htmb on Dec 24, 2014 13:04:05 GMT
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Post by htmb on Dec 24, 2014 13:10:02 GMT
The local volunteer firefighters had gotten into the spirit of the season. And, just like this time last year, an osprey was perched on top of their alert tower.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2014 15:27:17 GMT
I am both attracted and somewhat dismayed by off season resort towns. After awhile, I feel as though I am visiting a ghost town yet simultaneously I feel as though there is big arrow pointing out of the sky at me to make all of the locals stare at me as the lone intruder, especially when I am taking pictures of the wrong things.
But it's a very lovely town, even though I will never get over the feeling that Christmas decorations and palm trees don't mix. In my travels, this has been most obvious in Australia, Singapore and Egypt.
I'm always impressed when I see big intact piers on the Gulf of Mexico. In my hometown it seemed as though no pier lasted more than about 10 years before being swept away by a hurricane, and they seemed to rebuild fewer and fewer of them each time.
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Post by htmb on Dec 24, 2014 17:33:30 GMT
I am both attracted and somewhat dismayed by off season resort towns. After awhile, I feel as though I am visiting a ghost town yet simultaneously I feel as though there is big arrow pointing out of the sky at me to make all of the locals stare at me as the lone intruder, especially when I am taking pictures of the wrong things. Kerouac, to fit in like a local at Cedar Key you'll either need a t-shirt with a big fish on it, or you could get yourself one of these
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 25, 2014 0:54:33 GMT
Thank you, Bixa. I'm afraid we may have "dueling threads" for awhile. Htmb, is that anything like being "worthy opponents"? This is just the loveliest thread. You really capture the feel of the salt air and all the water pictures are wonderful, with the evening ones being downright magical. And, oh yes -- the photo of the palms framing the sailboat: primo!
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Post by htmb on Dec 25, 2014 1:00:40 GMT
Perhaps one day I'll be a semi-worthy opponent. Thank you for your very kind words!
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Post by htmb on Dec 26, 2014 15:29:43 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 26, 2014 15:37:05 GMT
Glorious! Your dawn foray certainly bagged you some stunning photographs.
Obviously those clam fisherman have to be bundled up, but in your pics from the 24th it appears many people had on either open or no jackets. So it was not very cold, right?
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Post by htmb on Dec 26, 2014 15:46:14 GMT
That's correct, Bixa. As the weather became stormier, the temperature rose so that the rain jacket I wore when walking the dog was a bit too hot and I was happy I'd brought at least one short sleeved t-shirt. I would have gladly traded in my jeans for a pair of shorts, as well. Even up until Christmas Eve it was so hot and humid I finally gave in and turned on the air conditioner when we were cooking. Fortunately, the bad weather cleared out by Christmas afternoon and we are now back to "sweater" weather.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 26, 2014 15:52:24 GMT
Ohhhh, the birds! This is such a great report overall, but that crane hunched on the sandbar and the -?- scampering over the seaweed are in themselves worth the price of admission. Stellar!
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Post by htmb on Dec 26, 2014 16:20:11 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 26, 2014 17:02:41 GMT
Humph, you've gotten the last nice comment out of me, Missy! Stop waving those crab legs under my yearning nose. Htmb, this latest sequence is downright lyrical, every picture. You could pretty much rest on your bird-photo laurels forever after that exquisite pelican portrait.
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Post by htmb on Dec 26, 2014 17:19:46 GMT
Humph, you've gotten the last nice comment out of me, Missy! Stop waving those crab legs under my yearning nose. Htmb, this latest sequence is downright lyrical, every picture. You could pretty much rest on your bird-photo laurels forever after that exquisite pelican portrait. Bixa, those Pelicans know just how to pose in hopes of getting a food reward. You've been so kind, I really hated to post the crab legs picture again. You'll just have to come to Cedar Key during stone crab season. In the meantime, click {HERE} while I run and hide.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 26, 2014 17:23:11 GMT
You are a talented but evil person!
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Post by htmb on Dec 26, 2014 17:25:00 GMT
Well, the stupid text is not coming out right so I'm not sure I am all that talented.
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Post by htmb on Dec 27, 2014 19:54:16 GMT
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Post by htmb on Dec 27, 2014 20:11:32 GMT
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Post by htmb on Dec 27, 2014 20:25:45 GMT
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Post by htmb on Dec 27, 2014 20:56:47 GMT
In this photo you can see the compound where I stayed. All of the units are owned privately and the compound is managed by a couple who keep regular office hours and handle the rental process for each unit. Owners are typically laid-back, unpretentious types who enjoy fishing and the salt air. Fortunately the really rough weather stayed to the north and east of me and I didn't have to take a boat off the island. The weather on my last morning was drizzly, but calm And I was able to get off the island and head home just in time for Christmas.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 27, 2014 22:30:11 GMT
Well, the weather may have been crappy, but you sure turned it to your advantage with those wonderful atmospheric photos. Loved all of them, but the first one in #52 and the first one in #54 I found particularly appealing, ditto that last classic, perfectly composed highway shot. Glad you got home with no more weather drama.
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Post by htmb on Dec 27, 2014 23:18:00 GMT
Thanks, Bixa. Those are two of my favorite pictures, as well.
I knew the weather was going to be bad due to the forecast, but am still glad I went since it was really my only opportunity for a good while. My only regret was in not bringing a flashlight. I have an flashlight app on my cell so kept it charged, and fortunately the power never went out. (A good flashlight is still something I should keep in the car. )
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Post by mich64 on Dec 28, 2014 4:36:53 GMT
Even though the weather was not at its best, it seems you had an enjoyable leisurely time and a really nice break from your routine. A beautiful view, some great walks and delicious food equals a great vacation break. I loved the photos of Lily pulling you along her journey.
I wonder what that person was looking for in the water at the shore?
When I saw the photos of the windsurfers I immediately thought it must be a crazy Canadian to be out there off season and in the rain.
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Post by htmb on Dec 28, 2014 5:05:03 GMT
Mich, i think that kid was trying to net baitfish.
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