Happy New Year everyone! This is officially my first post of 2013. And this image was shot on the first day of the year!
For my first outing of the new year I decided to go for a bike ride. I wanted to see something different so after researching the Florida State Parks website for bicycling activities, I chose this area: Cross Florida Greenway – Withlacoochee Bay Trail. Situated in Crystal River, Florida the trailhead starts at Felburn Park. The trail runs 5 miles out to the Gulf of Mexico along an old barge canal. There are pavilions along the way with tables and benches where you can sit and relax with a beautiful view of the water.
The day started out as kind of a gray cloudy day. I prefer blue skies with puffy white clouds, but you have to use what you’re given. I stopped along the way to the Gulf at the different areas to see what I could shoot. I wasn’t really feeling inspired so I continued on. I did get to see a family of deer run across the trail right in front of me which was pretty cool!
When I got to the Gulf area, I saw the most beautiful God rays I had ever seen. And they lasted for quite awhile. I hope to post one of those shots on the blog real soon.
When I started heading back I was watching the sky and noticed that there was some blue color trying to show through. With eager anticipation I kept looking upwards and decided to stop one more time. I finally got to get what I was hoping for.
Please click on the image below to view full-screen.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post. Please consider leaving a comment as I always enjoy hearing from my visitors! 🙂
AMAZING – WOW – thanks for sharing!!!
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Thank you Renee! I’m glad you liked it!
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Hi,
What a stunning photo Michael, I can only imagine what it would of been like coming across this beautiful place. I love the patterns of the clouds that are mirrored in the water, it is totally different from what I have seen before, a beautiful shot. I love it. 🙂
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Thank you so much Mags! It was pretty amazing to see in person. I really appreciate your wonderful comments!
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What a beautiful photo Michael. Please take some more. Happy New Year!
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Thank you very much Jim! Happy New Year to you too!
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Those are some mighty incredible clouds! I love the contrast they strike against the blue sky, and that reflection is really quite fabulous! What a great way to roll in 2013, my friend!
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Thanks so much Toad! You know me and reflections! I hope your 2013 is off to a great start too!
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I’m not often jealous of Florida’s weather, but I’ll admit to thinking it mighty nice to be able to go for a bike ride on January 1. I’m glad you stuck it out to get the shot(s) you did, Michael!
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Thanks Sid! It was pretty nice but I do like colder weather which is something we don’t get a lot of. Thanks again for stopping by!
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Awesome shot, love those clouds and reflections! Perfect cloud day
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Thanks Mike! It was a great day for sure!
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Very lovely and soothing view 🙂 Great shot Michael, thanks for sharing this photo… It’s like heaven!
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Thank you so much Dolly! I appreciate the kind words!
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Reblogged this on allaboutlemon and commented:
A soothing and lovely view by Michael 🙂 Enjoy!
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Thanks for the reblog!
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This is a beautiful blog, bold *and* subtle. I like the story of the “family of deer” which is so encouraging. And good photographers wait well. You waited well and were graced with a mesmerizing shot of God’s rays and reflections. *Thank you* for sharing that grace and your gifts.
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Thank you for your very wonderful and kind comments! I appreciate you visiting my blog and I hope you return again soon!
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I really like the reflection of the clouds, well done!
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Thank you so much Denise!
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Gorgeous work Michael!, I am STILL trying to catch up to you!
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Thanks Stan! Much appreciated!
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