The Poles - Saturday Sunrise

This shot was taken right before the sun had completely risen for the day. After this moment, the sky became very light, and dawn had passed.

This is my first week participating in SkyWatch Friday. There are lots of other neat skies around the world -- go check them out!

The Poles, another shot

Just another shot of the poles. Wait for tomorrow. Tomorrow is the real prize winner ;)

The Poles (part 2)

Here are the poles, the actual poles for which this break is named. They draw the line between Hanna Park and the Mayport Naval Base. A surfer walks out to the ocean with his board.

The Poles

The Poles is one of the better surf breaks here in Jax Beach. If a surfer really means business (and they're aggressive enough), they'll fight the crowds for a good wave at The Poles. My husband is an example of one of those guys. Always looking for good waves -- even if it means fighting others for the ride.

This weekend we saw some of the biggest waves we ever see around here due to the enormous swell sent by Hurricane Bill. My husband was checking the surf report and talking about going for days beforehand. So, on Saturday morning at dawn, we drove down to The Poles. Here, you can see him carry our daughter out to the beach as we arrived.

Over the next few days or so, I'll post some photos of that morning at the beach.

Empty Lifeguard Chair

I apologize to everyone for my absence this week. I received some fairly big news last weekend, the shock of which has left me thinking about all kinds of things -- but not taking pictures. And if I have no pictures, I have nothing to give you. Again, I apologize, but I am getting back on track.

Without further ado, I give you this empty lifeguard chair. There's a story here. I'm not sure what it might be, yet, but I know there's a story here. It seems wrong somehow that the lifeguard chair, a symbol of safety and security, stands empty. Perhaps someone is being rescued, and that's why it's empty? Perhaps the lifeguards are not yet on duty, or have taken a break, or are off for the day. Perhaps the said lifeguard got terribly hot, and thought that a quick dip in the ocean wouldn't hurt anyone. Ahh...but then, who's watching all those hapless swimmers, especially the out-of-towners who don't know about the undertow?

Under the Pier

Jax Beach Pier is often used as a respite from the hot sun during the summer. It's the perfect place to enjoy the ocean without melting in the scorching sun. It's also a great place for some interesting people-watching.

Bali Cargo Company - Corner Mural

So, this is not the most artistic photo I've ever taken. But the point of this picture isn't my amazing skills with a camera -- it's the way cool wall that you're looking at. I love this mural. It's really quite a shame that the new location isn't decorated as nicely as this one is. Eventually, someone will buy or lease this storefront, and will probably paint over it -- a very boring beige or grey or army green. Ahh well. Such is life.

Bali Cargo Company - Wall Decoration

Well, it appears that I was mistaken. Apparently, the owner of this little enterprise realized the same thing I had known all along -- this location would likely kill the store. I've been informed that they have indeed moved to the shopping district in Atlantic Beach. I'll have to go check out the inside now -- and get some photos!

Bali Cargo Company - Front Entrance

This is the front entrance to a little store that lasted for only a few months here at the beach. I was just going to check it out the other day when I realized it had closed shop. I was more than a little disappointed...it seemed like such a cool place. I'll be posting a few photos of the outside in the next couple of days.

Unfortunately, these little boutiques usually don't last very long here at the beach. Most of the time, people set up shop right along the main drag, 3rd street. However, there's little to no foot traffic along 3rd street. Everyone drives. So you really have to have something special -- or incredible marketing -- to make it there. A better location for these kind of stores would be someplace along 1st street in Jax Beach, or in the shopping district of Atlantic Beach. The rent for those locations, though, is (I'm sure) more than a beginning entrepreneur could afford.

Beach Fence

I found this little fence on the beach, next to the dunes. I'm not sure what the original purpose of the fence was -- it was too tiny, being only about 4 feet long, to really fence off or protect anything. My best guess is that it is all that remains of a fence that was once used to protect the dunes from playing children or those that don't know better.

I'm posting this shot for Monochrome Monday. Please do go check out some other great photos!

Lee's Ice Cream

Lee's Ice Cream is a very cool, vintage ice cream parlor in the entertainment district of Atlantic Beach. Located just a few blocks from the ocean, this is a great place to go get a cool treat and enjoy the amazing weather we've been getting!

For those who have been dropping by, I am going to be down in Ft. Lauderdale the next few days. Unfortunately, I won't be able to post while down there, but I will take some awesome pictures which I will share with you when I return. See you next week!

Shadow of a Palm

This photo, again, was taken in old Atlantic Beach. This is the beach access, and these palms line the brick road up to the sand.

Our rainy days have passed and we've been getting some amazing weather. This is the season when it's not uncommon to see pedestrians and cyclists out in board shorts and bathing suits. It's a very lazy and slow time of year.

Walk of Palms

This is the entertainment district in Atlantic Beach. I love this part of town, the brick sidewalks and roads, the palm trees, and the stores and restaurants. Just beyond this walk is a beach access. It's a great place to ride your bike, and there are plenty of stores and coffee shops to hang out in.

Local Artist

A local artist paints at a coffee shop.

Amusing

Jax Beach is definitely located in America's Bible Belt. I'm not sure that you could find a park sign exactly like this one anywhere else (correct me if I'm wrong). As they say in Jacksonville, my beloved metropolis, "Big city, small town feel".

Lawn Chairs

These lawn chairs are always sitting outside a painted furniture store. I love how colorful they are, even if I, personally, would never buy a lawn chair with a pink flamingo in a bathing suit on it.

A Curious Additon to a Veterinary Practice

I've always found this statue a bit odd. As far as I can see, it has nothing to do with the veterinary practice inside. If it was a horse, then I could perhaps see the connection. But it's a Pegasus. Nevertheless, the owner must be quite attached to it. Several years ago, the statue was demolished in a car accident, and the practice spent a good deal of time and effort to have it replaced. I suppose they had a good reason -- this Pegasus practically shouts, "Beaches Animal Clinic" to those that live here.