Thursday, 22 August
Somewhere on I-95 south in florida
When we made plans for this stay, we knew that the hot Florida weather would likely not allow us to do much more than walks on the beach. And that’s exactly how it turned out. Most mornings we were on the beach well before sunrise. By the time we were back at the coach around 7:30a, the rising sun was increasing not only the temperature, but the humidity as well.
The bonus we were hoping for was that the near-constant breeze would allow us to spend at least a portion of each day on the patio. We were not disappointed. Between the breeze and the afternoon shade on the patio side, we managed to spend considerable time outside. Even the daily thunderstorms cooperated so that we could enjoy happy hour as the sun set across from us — most days.
When the thunderstorms cooperated, this was our view from the patio …
… When the thunderstorms didn’t cooperate, this was our view from the patio.
This was the worst of the thunderstorms we had, and it caused the gulls and terns to
fly off in a flurry of white feathers. Yes, those white specs against the black sky are birds.
This afternoon thunderstorm was the exception rather than the norm;
most days, the rain and thunder came through in the overnight hours.
When it was too hot to sit outside, we took care of chores, packed our bags for our upcoming trip, and watched pre-recorded movies on TV. Ships — navy, passenger, and freight — and small boats plied the boat channel daily, adding to our entertainment. As did the pods of dolphins that swam around the channel day in and day out.
USS Taylor (FFG 50) leaving the ship basin at sunrise.
Here’s one for our USCG friends Paul and Chuck …
USCGC Confidence [I believe] returning to the ship basin after a day at sea.
While it may seem like we didn’t do much during our stay at NS Mayport, we were actually quite busy and the time passed in the blink of an eye. On the one hand, we were unhappy with how quickly the days went by. On the other hand, we were glad as it meant we were that much closer to this year’s off-road adventure. A mixed blessing either way.
On that note, I’ll wrap up this making-the-blog-whole post with the last two photos I took yesterday morning at NS Mayport.
Looking west, the moon is still high in the sky over USS Vicksburg
and the other ships in the boat basin …
… looking east towards the Atlantic, the rising sun bathes the sky a beautiful golden hue.
See you all for one more post before the Phaeton goes on hiatus.
That storm sky looks awful. Those palm trees are sure swaying.
ReplyDeleteThe blue moon was so lovely. Great shot of the rising sun. Love the bird off on the left.
sure seems like you had a great two weeks of R and R. great photos as always!!!
ReplyDeleteThose thunderstorms are impressive! Hard to imagine that kind of cloud cover and being hot at the same time. So nice that you had time to get ready for your big adventure. Curious where you are storing the Phaeton for the trip. Really looking forward to every post coming up, Erin.
ReplyDeleteWe decided central Florida was going to work out best for us.
DeleteI don't seem to remember you telling us where you are going. Did you? Great pics, as usual.
ReplyDeleteAll will be revealed in a day or so ;-)
Deleteyour pics really told the story today. ..way to go!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fabulous angry storm picture. Glad the spot worked out so well for you in spite of the heat. Sure would love to get a sunrise picture like that first one. I see them but that isn't what my camera reports back to me.
ReplyDeleteWow, great pictures! Those clouds and thunderheads are not something we see much of around here. I especially liked the photo of the boats with the water spraying. The golden glow of the sun makes it just perfect. Hope you have a wonderful time on your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos...especially the boat spraying water.
ReplyDeleteThat was a great picture of the Coast Guard cutter, not that I (sniff) miss it (sniff), sniff) much now that I'm retired...
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a chance to rest up and catch your breath...on to the next great adventure!
Impressive skies! Enjoy your vacation.
ReplyDeleteClouds and weather always make for interesting photos but throw in a sunset and some pretty impressive ship traffic, the results are stunning!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of the storm clouds. When I worked on the 27th floor of a building in downtown Jacksonville, I used to enjoy watching them roll in.
ReplyDeleteSmall World! I used to travel to my company's JAX HQ frequently .... but I lucked out with no storms on any of those trips.
DeleteYou have done it again. We really enjoy them a hundred times over. But it should not just be us, the world should see them also. That storm picture was breathtaking.
ReplyDelete