Plaza Hotumatua

This one of the main intersections in the only town on Easter Island, Hanga Roa. And here one of the few moais looking out to sea sits on the sign for the Plaza Hotumatua.

More of the shore

While standing on the point by the dock the view of the coastline is great. The clouds gather around the volcano cones reflecting the sunset and everything seems to glow.

Another beauty

The craggy shoreline of Easter Island doesn't seem as intimidating in the warmth of the sun dipping into the Pacific Ocean.

"Look out!" was all I heard as I scrambled up the hillside hurrying for a spectacular sunset shot of Ahu Tahai. I quickly jumped out of the way and was able to photo the horses as they thundered by. Sometimes the Gods smile upon us.

Tahai sunset

So, it was worth the out-of-breath photography to get this shot. It looks great at sunset and at sunrise. Honestly, that's a phenomenon. I'll put up sunrise later. After all, this is a sunset time, right?

Easter Island Sunsets

I've been trying to decide how to give a tour of this fantastic destination. So I'm going to give everyone a glimpse of how the day ends. Surprise, surprise, surfers come from all over the world to attempt taming the torrid tide. I had no idea this was a surfing destination. More sunsets to come.

Welcome to Easter Island

The most remote place in the world. And that's how you feel when you're there in the mist of the clouds one moment and it's crystal clear the next. I felt isolated but not alone...aahh the spirits were at work.

Sunning in the moonlight

Anhingas are beautiful birds, especially when sunning/drying in the wild. It's like they're in a deep trance, oblivious to everything around them. I loved it when in the early morning light I was able to capture this image with the full moon in the background.

Crocodile rock

These are two American Crocodiles resting on the canal's banks behind the marina store in the Everglades National Park. I've seen lots of alligators in my time but the crocs rock as far as being totally frightening.

Go Gators!

This is for all my SEC fans and Florida Gator friends wishing the boys from ole Florida the big win. The two don't necessarily go together most of the time. These were taken in the Everglades in December. I've never seen the alligators so active and when I questioned a Ranger he said it was due to the drought. Less water, less food, more competion.

Here's looking at you...

This great blue heron seems to say here's looking at you but actually he's looking for something to eat. The drought in Florida has caused a concentrated population of wildlife in specific areas. Where there's water you'll find birds looking for fish, fish looking for bugs and alligators looking for all of the above.

Flamingos Flamingos Flamingos

This image of a flamingo taken at a bird sanctuary is one of my favorite pictures. Often the best animal photos are shot at a zoo or other type of refuge. Flamingos are beginning to make a comeback as part of the birding congregations in south Florida. Your best chance of seeing them would be on Florida Bay around the Flamingo (yes that's really the name) area of the Everglades National Park. Or along the Ten Thousand Islands stretching from Sanibel Island to the Keys.