Li Newton- Art and Photography - linewtonartandphotography

The finished piece.
Added the station logo, scalloped shells.

Finished Left Panel


Finished Center Panel ( sans top)


Finished Right Panel


Left Panel- Sky and squid.
And new water at the top.

Finished Right sky and water


Finished Sky and 'Cuda
And yes, I changed the barracuda too.

Barracuda Got A Face Lift
Opened his mouth, moved his eye and added some little fish around as I often see them.

Center to Right panel transition
Flows better after repainting behind the angelfish. ( Shut up Tim.)

Center and Right panel
More fish!

The dreaded right panel.
In my rush to finish the first time, I just kept slapping more paint on a bad composition so with 1 day left, I painted out everything marked and started over. Much happier now.

The Repainted Area
Much better.

Tyron the Lobster
The Bahamian guys that work here begged for a spiny lobster because it's a huge part of the diet.

Did some subtle changes here.
Tweaked the colors in the background to pop out the foreground.

A few minor adjustments....
Needed to knock the hogfish back and define the foreground.

Tropic Bird- left panel


Frigates, Terns and Booby's- oh my!


Crossing Paths


Brown Booby Bird


More sky and birds
The birds really helped the depth in the sky.

Adding the Cays.
Center

Finishing the clouds


Working the birds in


Defining the Cays
Night photo- on the yellow side.

Finishing off the Marble


Adding clouds
I've NEVER done a big sky before so it was a learning experience. Many layers of glazes.

Building clouds
The sky terrified me at first.

To Be Continued
That's what I could get done in 13 days. I did a lot of detail in the corals which did take some extra time. I estimate I need 3- 4 days to complete the whole thing in Dec.  2009-09-07

Last Day- Laft Panel
As much as I could do in 13 days. Back in Dec. to finish.  2009-09-07

Last Day- Center
As much as I could get done in 13 days.  2009-09-07

Last day- Right Panel
As much as I could do in 13 days.  2009-09-07

Angry Angel
Queen Angelfish. They ALWAYS look miffed. 2009-09-07

More Fish Please
Hogfish and bluehead added. 2009-09-07

Bottom of Left Panel- right side
It's getting there.

Bottom of Left Panel
Angelfish, sponges and corals. 2009-09-07

Fish of Center Panel
Love my trunkfish!  2009-09-07

Tackling the Troublesome Panel
Finally getting a handle on the right panel. 2009-09-07

Snapper School
They start on left panel and flow into central panel.  2009-09-07

Tangs and Nurse Shark
Right Panel 2009-09-07

Queen Triggerfish
Left Panel. 2009-09-07

Nassau Grouper
Central Panel. 2009-09-07

More Fish on Left Panel.
A Ray, grunts, surgeonfish, snappers, triggerfish. 2009-09-07

Sgt. Major Fish
Him I like. From a photo I took in Jan. 2009-09-07

The Fun Part Begins
Let the fish begin. Here a juvenile Parrotfish, butterfly fish and a wee tang. 2009-09-07

Right Panel Coming Together
Had some struggle with this panel. Started off on the wrong footing and fought to get it back.  2009-09-07

The Barracuda
Scary. He's big. If he didn't look right, it would take away from the whole picture.  2009-09-07

Conquering the Water
After painting out the water 3 times, I finally got it. Yea me.  2009-09-07

Left panel coral
Ready for the fishies!  2009-09-07

Muralist Hard At Work
Dave took this without my knowing.  2009-09-07

Stinky Painter
Aug. in the Bahamas with no air conditioning. The sweat is running freely.  The painting starts a foot and a half below the scaffold so quite a bit had to be painted on a ladder.  2009-09-07

Mural at a Distance
How it impacts the room. Starting to get excited.  2009-09-07

Water Day Six- The Three Panels
Starting to actually look like something. .jpg 2009-09-07

Day Six of the Water
Starting to add in the larger elements.  2009-09-07

Center panel detail
Struggling with the water. Never painted ocean bottom before. 2009-09-07

Adding in the foreground
If the big elkhorn doesn't work, I'm sunk! 2009-09-07

Three Panels
Night shot of the three panels. 2009-09-07

Night Two of the Water
Looking at the big picture. 2009-09-07

Adding Distinct Corals
Middleground of left panel. 2009-09-07

Left Panel- Middleground
Adding more color and detail. 2009-09-07

Middle Distance
Adding in a little more color and detail. 2009-09-07

The Distant Reefs- Detail
Working forward.2009-09-07

Painting the distant reefs.
The distant reefs are painted with just blues, greens, and purples to keep them in the distance.2009-09-07

Adding Depth
Slowly adding in the background depth with acrylics. 2009-09-07

Adding the water
Base coated the water area an aqua color then pounced in darker colors to start building depth in the reefs.

Green Marble Detail
2009-09-07

Columns
The columns are a lighter marble.

Taking Shape
The marbling took 2 days.

Marbling the base board
Base coated the green marble with black eggshell then feathered on lighter greens in 5 steps.

Now It's Ready
A total of 6 days just for wall prep, scraping, sanding, filling, priming. Six days that would have been better spent painting but it was necessary.

Stripping the Wall
It took 3 days just to get the sign off. The stripping caused even move damage because I really had to gauge in some places.

GRC Cafeteria
The room the mural will hang in.

Wall Condition- Not Good
There had been a sign glued to the wall years ago. Instead of removing it, it was painted over repeatedly.  2009-09-07

The Mural Space
Gerace Research Centre Cafeteria, San Salvador, Bahamas.  2009-09-07

Bat Room- New Chamber
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Surveying New Chamber
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Anne In Lamp Light
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Side Tunnel
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Tunnel From Bat Room To Main Cave
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Bat Room
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Small Chambers Off Main Entrance
Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Entering the Bat Room
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Formations in the New Room
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Devin- Bat Room Water Inlet
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Surveying the Bat Room
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Blurry New Chamber-The Bat Room
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Stalagmites
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Exiting New Chamber
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Southern Small Chamber
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Abstract reflections
Abstract reflections. Bernier Cave.

Into the deep
Into the deep. Bernier cave.

Chamber Reflections
Bernier cave. April 2013

Cave Composition
Where cave meets water. Bernier cave. April 2013

Sarah Deep In The Water
Size contrast of cave vs human. Bernier cave. April 2013.

Devin In The Dark
In April we discovered a new large chamber in Bernier cave. There is no light and lots of guano water.

Reflection of water
Cave walls playing with light and reflections. Bernier cave. April 2013.

Emerging From Depths
In April we discovered a new large chamber in Bernier cave. This is what you see when returning to the main chamber. April 2013.

Looking East
Cave walls and reflections. Bernier cave. April 2013.

Exploring The New Chamber
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Entrance to Newly Discovered Chamber
From inside the new chamber, looking back at entry point. We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room.

Cave Textures
Bernier cave. April 2013

Side Chamber- Main Cave
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Side Chamber
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Stalagmites
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the geology of the new room.

Sarah Exploring
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Light Flooding
Main chamber of Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Route to New Chamber
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Reflections
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Devin Exploring
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room.

Bat Room- The New Chamber
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room.

Cave Towards Light
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Devin Exploring New Chamber
We had to carry light and cameras underwater to get into the newly discovered chamber in Bernier cave. No way to clean the lens. The only light came from headlamps. Terrible photo but it gives an idea of the size of the new room. April 2013.

Water Reflection
Bernier Cave walls. April 2013.

Devon Marking Map Stations
The cameras hate the moisture! Bernier cave. April 2013.

Cavewalls.jpg
Cavewalls.jpg 2013-05-14

Entrance from Cave Floor
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Changing Light
Bernier Cave. April 2013.

East Wall and Light
Bernier Cave. April 2013

Sarah Firth Taking Date
Exploring and mapping Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Larry Davis
On top of Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Behind Brittlestar Point
Bernier Cave. April 2013.

LarryDavis -Above Bernier Cave
April 2013

Light and Reflections
Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Let The Mapping Begin
Devin and Sarah. Bernier Cave, April 2013.

Surveying
Devin mapping Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Abstract Light
Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Cave Opening
Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Brittlestars in Bernier Cave
April 2013.

Beyond The Rock
Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Light On Wall
Bernier Cave, April 2013.

Main Chamber From Li's Penninsula
Bernier Cave. April 2013.

Golden Walls
Bernier Cave, April 2013.

Beyond the Point
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Afternoon Light Inside Bernier Cave
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Curving Cavern
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

View From Inside Looking Out
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Jerry Carpenter
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Walls Within
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Serenity
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Under The Caverns
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

And The Light Came
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

If These Walls Could Talk
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

If These Walls Could Talk- Different Horizon
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Faces In The Walls
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Reflected Lights
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Holes In The Sky
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Contours Revealed
Bernier Cave. Discovered by John Winters and Don bernier in 2010 on the east side of San salvador Island, Bahamas. I am working as an assistant to micro-biologist Jerry Carpenter collecting specimens and cutting trail. Very exciting to be one of the first persons (okay, I was number 6) into a place that perhaps has never seen humans before.

Sipping the Surface
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Grahams Harbor, Bahamas. The turtles were very kind to me this year!

Rise
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Grahams Harbor, Bahamas. The turtles were very kind to me this year!

Beneathe Me
Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) in Grahams Harbor, Bahamas. The turtles were very kind to me this year!

Glide
Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) have moved back into Grahamas harbor. What a thrill it is to swim with them.

Dive
Green Turtle in Grahams Harbor.

TurtleGrDownFromSurfaceNPt.jpg
TurtleGrDownFromSurfaceNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

TurtleGrReadyForAirNPt.jpg
TurtleGrReadyForAirNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

TurtleGrFlightPlanNPt.jpg
TurtleGrFlightPlanNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

TurtleGrGulppingAirNPt.jpg
TurtleGrGulppingAirNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

TurtleGrHeadAboveNPt.jpg
TurtleGrHeadAboveNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

TurtleGrGoingUpNPt.jpg
TurtleGrGoingUpNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

RaySpottedEagleJuve2NPt.jpg
RaySpottedEagleJuve2NPt.jpg 2012-05-16

RaySpottedEaglesoaringByNPt.jpg
RaySpottedEaglesoaringByNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

TurtleGrFeedingonGrassNPt.jpg
TurtleGrFeedingonGrassNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

TurtleGrWingsUpNPt.jpg
TurtleGrWingsUpNPt.jpg 2012-05-16

TurtleLittleGreenSideSwimByNP.jpg
TurtleLittleGreenSideSwimByNP.jpg 2012-12-18

TurtleGrFaceMeSuspendedNPt.jpg
TurtleGrFaceMeSuspendedNPt.jpg 2012-12-18

Plowing the Road
Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) have moved back into Grahamas harbor. What a thrill it is to swim with them.

San Sal Drive By
Spotted Eagle Rays (Aetobatus narinari) have moved back into Grahamas harbor. What a thrill it is to swim with them.

TurtleGrFaceClearNPt.jpg
TurtleGrFaceClearNPt.jpg 2012-12-18

RaySESideview1.jpg
RaySESideview1.jpg 2012-12-18

Come To me
Green Turtle. Acrylic on canvas. Sold.

John Winters
My friend John Winters, awesome trail finder and archealogist after a long day in the jungle. Pastels on Sanded paper. SOLD.

Mary's Psalm
30" X 30" mixed media; acrylic, interference metallics, wc's, lace paper, torn wrapping paper. Inspired by a couple of still life''s (which I NEVER do) by Mary Moore for the April 6 WDE on wetcanvas. Available. $ 600.00

Salty Seas
Inspired by a plethora of photo's by Helen Percy Lystra in her April 13th WDE. Thanks Helen! 12" X 12" mixed media on canvas; Hand cut and painted 'iron' window, clay pagoda, molding paste, metal fish, sea shells, coral, glass beads, torn paper and maps, acrylic paints. Available. $ 150.00

Soar
Soar -12" X 24" acrylic on canvas. SOLD.

Gimme A Kiss
I don't often revisit a failed painting, I usually just scrape it down, paint over and move on. This is a facelift of this: http://linewtonartandphotography.shutterfly.com/2564 There were some general elements that I liked so I hung on to it although it was relegated to the back of the studio. I am much, much happier with it now. Mixed media; acrylic, handmade paper, torn paper, glass beads and doo-dads, encaustics, grass, sea shells, coral fans.....kitchen sink. 24 X 24 inches. Available $ 600, plus shipping.

I Feel Like I'm Living In A Fishbowl
Soft pastels on sanded paper. 20" X 20" I forgot to photograph this before putting it under glass, thus the reflection and color distortion. This is much more vibrant and one of my favs. Inspired by WDE- reference by Christine/ wetcanvas.

Fresh Off The Tree
Banana tree from out in front of our apartment. Acrylic on canvas. 20" X 24". Available. $ 400.

Mosaic Sea Turtle
Approx. 20" X 18". Available. $ 500.

Flight of the Kingfisher
Mosaic on masonite. Approx. 22"L X 20"H. Available.

Flight in Water
Commission. 10" X 20". Acrylic on canvas of Spotted Eagle Ray I saw at Dump Reef. 2012. SOLD.

Tuttle The Turtle
Inspired from our swims in Belize. 30" X 30", acrylic on canvas. Sold.

The Lonely Road
36" X 24", acylic on canvas. Inspired by a blurry photo I took while running to catch a bus in Nassau. Available. $ 600.

A Quiet Place
Canoes in Belize. This was the work in progress. Acrylic on canvas. 20" X 24".  SOLD.

U is for Umbrella
Painting for the letter 'U' for an ABC book for kids I know.

Maggy Mae
12" X 12" acrylic painting of a wetcanvas friends ( Christine P) baby Queensland puppy, a breed I know and love. 2012. Available.

Tug Master
Reference from James Swanson on PMP. Thanks james! Available.

Then The Flood Came
Ink on wood. 16" X 20". Available.

Old Timer
12" X 12, acrylic on canvas. Available.

Sanctuary
Acrylic on canvas. 36" X 24". Sold.

Belmont Ruins
24" X 18". Acrylic on canvas. Sold.

What's on the menu?
20 X 16". Watercolor, recipe clippings, torn paper, acrylics, dyes, markers. Available. Inspired by 4 images combined- reference by Kay Smith, wetcanvas. Available. $ 125.00

Ripe for the picking
Watercolor study. Available. Reference from Paint My Photo...which I can't seem to get onto anymore. Shame.

Ballerina Dreams
Pastel on sanded paper. From photo by Sharron marshall. Sold.

Crash
Acrylic. 18" X 24". available

Stranded
acrylic 18 X 24". available. Ref by James Swanson- Paint My Photo.

The Lion Dancer
Soft pastel. NFS. Redoing her soon on decent paper.

Savage beauty
Tiny 10 X 12" pastel on ampersand. Sold but planning a large version when supplies arrive! Stay tuned! Reference from Seiber- Paint My Photo.

Rudy the Red Fingered Rubble Crab
Mosaic; stained glass, sea glass, beads. Approx. 22 inches across. Available.

Munchin' Coral
NFS. Part of our house wall mural.

Crabby mosaic
A wee one- 6 X 6". Sold.

Crystal Waters
24 X 18 acrylic on canvas. Available.

Ready for Fishing
acrylic 30 X 30. Available.

Tang-A-Lang
26 X 26 Mixed media. Available but about to have a make over. Make over done! (See the Kissing Fish. Feb 2012)

Portal Window- mosaic and wood.
Personal piece.

Mural !! detail
8 ft X 5 ft

Does this foot make my head look small?
Baby conch- mixed media 10 X 20. Acrylic, sand, modeling paste.

My Girl
Zipper- Acrylic on canvas. 20" X 16". Not for Sale.

Mangrove Madness
Acrylic on canvas. 20" X 24". Available.

GRC Mural Finish
20 ft X 10 ft. Acrylic on plywood wall. About a foot missing on the top because of the ceiling beams. 19 days of painting, plus 2 days of varnishing.

GRC Mural Finish- Left Panel
20ft. X 10 ft. Acrylic on plywood wall.

GRC Mural Finish- Center Panel
20 ft. X 10 ft. Acrylic on plywood wall.

GRC Mural Fish- right panel
20 ft. X 10 ft. Acrylic on plywood wall.

Flaming Flamingos- April art 2009
16 X 20 on masonite. Took almost a week because the pieces are so tiny. I prefer to work MUCH larger when doing mosaics!
available.

Zipper II- April 2009 Paintings
A wee one !2" X 12". Zipper is a potcake dog in the Bahamas.
Acrylic. Gift for Tom and Erin.

The Elkhorn Diver- April 2009 Paintings
24 X 18 acrylic. Available.

The Wood Carver- April 2009 Paintings
Kenny's hands. Acrylic on canvas. 30 X 24. Available.

Caspian Terns- April 2009 Paintings
Caspian terns in French bay. 20 X 12 acrylic on canvas. available

April Paintings- Work in Progress
San Sal Rock Iguana. Acrylic. Available.

Glide
Hawksbill turtle. Acrylic on canvas. 16 X 20. available.  Available.

Into Blue- April Paintings 2009
Flamingo tongues. Acrylic on canvas 26 X 20. Available.

Morning Swim- April Paintings 2009
acrylic/ mixed media.  30 X 30. Available.

Oct Paintings
White- cheeked Pintail. Pastel. 20 X 16"

Oct. 2009 Paintings
BMW- acrylic. 30 X 24"

Cafe Cat
30" X 30" acrylic on canvas

Council House- March Paintings 2009
San Salvador Community House. Acrylic. available.

Mangrove- March 2009 Paintings
The Lone Sentinel- French Bay, Bahamas. Acrylic on canvas 30 X 30. Available

Little Iris- March 2009 Paintings
Little Iris- pastel. Sold

Railey Bay- March 2009 Paintings
acrylic. 20 X 12. available

BluebellWoods- March2009 Paintings
acrylic on paper. available

Pigs in a Poke- March 2009 Paintings
Piglet pastel. Available

Thai Bouquet- March 2009 Paintings
Acrylic on canvas. Available

Fishies in School- March 2009 art
Fish Sculpture- available

Work In Progress- Cynthia Smiles
In Progress 16 X 20 acrylic on canvas

Essau
pastel on colorfix sanded paper 16 X 20

Grandpa Elliot
pastel on colorfix sanded paper 16 X 20

Olivia the Ostentatious Octopus
Glass Mosaic- 3 ft X 4 Ft- Sold

Junkanoo Warrior
acrylic on paper 12 X 16

Peeking at the Parade
acrylic on paper 12 X 16

Laundry Day
acrylic on canvas 20 X 20

Jelly Ballet
pastel on ampersand board 10 X 14

Unto These Hills
Cherokee clan spirit dancers. Mixed media, acrylic, watercolor, handmade papers, fiber, dyes. 16 X 20

Alabaster sculpture
Actually from last year but I never photographed it.  approx. 5" high and 6" long, 3" wide. My first stone carving!

Drizzle in Times Square
pastel on ampersand board 16 X 20

The Mountie- Derek
pastel on sanded paper 12 X 16

The Journey
acrylic on canvas 16 X 20

Spring blossoms
Pastel 10 X 12

Girls of Summer
A posterizing experiment....meh.
Acrylic on Paper 16 X 20

The Lost Summer
Acrylic on canvas board 10 X 12

The Kiss
Pastel on Colorfix sanded paper 12 X 12

Blues Rising
pastel on Colorfix sanded paper 16 X 20

Getting Muddy
acrylic on canvas 16 X 20 Sold.



Freeport Morning
Acrylic on canvas- 30 X 30"

Looking Homeward
pastel- sold

Full Moon in the Big Easy
pastel on ampersand board 16 X 20. Tribute to my dads home.

Alexis the Mighty
pastel on ampersand 12 X 16

Morning Revelry
acrylic- 24 X 24

Lionfish
Watercolor, fluid acrylics, handmade papers, dyes, glass beads.

Ty's Haven
Pastel on ampersand board- 12 X 17

Frolic
acrylic on canvas 24 X 24

Dizzy
Pastel on Ampersand Board. 16 X 20

This won honorable mention in Pastel Journals 2008 competition. Will be published in the April 2009 issue.

Waiting for the Sails
acrylic on canvas 24 X 24

The Pelican Briefly
acrylic on canvas board 16 X 20

The Shy Bride
pastel on ampersand board 12 X 16- Sold to Gallery in Freeport, Bahamas 2010

WORK IN PROGRESS- Runoff
acrylic on canvas 24 X 36 Courthouse Creek

WORK IN PROGRESS
24 X 36 acrylic- about 3/4 finished. The purple bits are the underpainting that still needs to be finished.

Slot Canyon Sunrise
acrylic on canvas 24 X 36

The Facelift
pastel on ampersand board 10 X 12

Days of Summer- Valri
pastel on wallis sanded paper 12 X 16

Sin City
acrylic on canvas paper 10 X 16

The Glow- Steph
acrylic inks on paper 12 X 16

Lost in the Pages- Cynthia
pastel on colorfix sanded paper

Grand Gulch Morning- Ichhhh. I quit!
pastel on Colorfix sanded paper 16 X 20

Door series 1
watercolor

Door series 2
watercolor

Door series 3
watercolor

Door series 4
watercolor

The Lure
acrylic on canvas 20 X 24

Jazz Abstract
acrylic- sold

The Smithie
acrylic on canvas 16 X 20

Team Joshua
pastel on colorfix sanded paper 16 X 20

Mulligan Stews- March 2009 Paintings
Done for "green" painting challenge. Mulligan- acrylic on paper

Vincent- March 2009 Paintings
Pastel on board. available

Morning Chores- March 2009 Paintings
Farm scene- acrylic on canvas. Available.

March 2009 Paintings
Seal Pup- pastel on sanded paper.

Waiting for Work
acrylic on canvas 16 X 20

The Sentinel
acrylic on canvas 24 X 36

Catch of the Day- Burano
acrylic on canvas 16 X 20

Wisteria Lane- Biltmore
acrylic on canvas- sold

Better than a Popsicle
pastel on Colorfix sanded paper 16 X 20

Hiding in the Shadows
Watercolor 16 X 20- sold

Snouper the Grouper
Watercolour/ mixed media- 14 X 20

Abandoned Dreams
Acrylic- sold

Baker Creek Breakdown
pastel on paper 10 X 16

Sunning Faces
watercolour on paper 12 X 16

Morning Bells
Pastel- 14 X 18

Rice Bay
Pastel- 10 X 12- sold

You
acrylic- sold

Lilypad Ballet
acrylic on canvas 20 X 24

Serenade
acrylic inks -sold

Mardi Gras Mayhem
acrylic- sold

Zydeco
acrylic- sold

Dancer
acrylic- sold

The Monastery
pastel- 16 X 20- sold

Achoo!
pastel on ampersand board 10 X 12

The Lost Mill
acrylic on canvas 20 X 24

The Gardeners Retreat
acrylic on paper 12 X 16

Leah's Way
acrylic on canvas board 12 X 16

Sus
Watercolor- 12 X 16

That
acrylic- sold

First Swim
Watercolor 12 X 16

Patty's Angel ( Tenli)
Acrylic 12 X 12- sold

Stone Bridge- Biltmore
acrylic- sold

Matty the Mutt
acrylic on canvas- sold

Powder Fresh
pastel on Wallis sanded paper 12 X 16

Awakening
Oil on canvas- sold

WORK IN PROGRESS- Apple vendor
acrylic- 10 X 14 Ich. Off to a bad start. Abandon ship!

starburst
Encaustic card.

At the Majestic
Encaustic card 5 X 7

abstract scarves
A variety of scarves. Hand painted silk. All Sold.

retro1
Encaustic ( wax painting) sold

animal scarves silks from 2003
silk scarves- sold

Blues Paintings- New Orleans 2004
silk paintings- sold

July 4th Show, 2004 Lake Tahoe
silk booth- all gone!

ghecko10
ghecko10.jpg 2008-07-16

Bristlecone Pine- detail
40 X 40 silk painting- sold

Surveying Her Kingdom
35 X 35 hand painted silk. Sold.

My Blue Heaven- detail
silk- sold

Silk Shawls- 2003
shawls.jpg 2008-07-16

Scarf detail
silk- sold

Wearable Art scarves
silk- sold

Strawberry Music Festival Scarf design
sold

Earth Tone scarves
silk- sold

Silk Pintings- 2004
sold

2004 fires in Big Pine
Journal entry. nfs

Morning shoal
Pastel on ampersand. 2006-03-19 Sold

Wendy's Wacky Cows
pastel 2006-01-29 10 X 12"

Firestorm
Oil on canvas 40 X 20

KerrMountwindowMainHouse.jpg
KerrMountwindowMainHouse.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMount1.jpg
KerrMount1.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountKitchen1.jpg
KerrMountKitchen1.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountMainTwoRooms.jpg
KerrMountMainTwoRooms.jpg 2010-05-02

HardBargmantle1.jpg
HardBargmantle1.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountMainHouseentry.jpg
KerrMountMainHouseentry.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountMainVeranda.jpg
KerrMountMainVeranda.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMount2gin.jpg
KerrMount2gin.jpg 2010-05-02

PollyHillDaveDiscovering.jpg
PollyHillDaveDiscovering.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountMainHouseLookingIn.jpg
KerrMountMainHouseLookingIn.jpg 2010-05-02

LighthousefromPondMar2010.jpg
LighthousefromPondMar2010.jpg 2010-05-02

SunsetTropics.jpg
SunsetTropics.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountTrailcave.jpg
KerrMountTrailcave.jpg 2010-05-02

Lloyd1.jpg
Lloyd1.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountKitchenPCview2.jpg
KerrMountKitchenPCview2.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMount1.jpg
KerrMount1.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountMainhouse1.jpg
KerrMountMainhouse1.jpg 2010-05-02

LighthouseclearMar2010.jpg
LighthouseclearMar2010.jpg 2010-05-02

DavemachetemanPollyH.jpg
DavemachetemanPollyH.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountMainHousewhole.jpg
KerrMountMainHousewhole.jpg 2010-05-02

HardBargDavedoor.jpg
HardBargDavedoor.jpg 2010-05-02

HardBargmantle2.jpg
HardBargmantle2.jpg 2010-05-02

KerrMountMainHouseentryPOST.jpg
KerrMountMainHouseentryPOST.jpg 2010-05-02

Tyroncoolness.jpg
Tyroncoolness.jpg 2010-05-07

Mangroverootsfish1.jpg
Mangroverootsfish1.jpg 2010-05-09

TomHatGRC.jpg
TomHatGRC.jpg 2010-05-10

MarvaTwoDaughters.jpg
MarvaTwoDaughters.jpg 2010-05-11

MarvaMiddleDaughter.jpg
MarvaMiddleDaughter.jpg 2010-05-11

KennyLaughs.jpg
KennyLaughs.jpg 2010-05-11

MarvaOldestDaughter.jpg
MarvaOldestDaughter.jpg 2010-05-11

KennysMomPortrait.jpg
KennysMomPortrait.jpg 2010-05-11

Sonja1.jpg
Sonja1.jpg 2010-05-11

MarvaMiddleDaughter2.jpg
MarvaMiddleDaughter2.jpg 2010-05-11

ThomasHanna2.jpg
ThomasHanna2.jpg 2010-05-11

Alexisshadows1.jpg
Alexisshadows1.jpg 2010-05-12

ZachSoccer2.jpg
ZachSoccer2.jpg 2010-05-12

Hard Bargain Trail Heath
One of about 7 buildings from the Hard bargain Trail. I hadn't discovered this during our first time here.

Dance of the Blue Tangs
Sue Point Reef.

Spotted Trunkfish in shallow waters
Dump Reef.

Year of the Ray
I'm seeing them a lot this year. This Southern Stingray was shot in Grahams Harbor.

Traveling By
Spotted Trunkfish.

Dixon Lighthouse Gate
The path beyond leads to the cave.

Of Sand Dunes and Cays
On the route down to Pigeon Creek.

Another Goofy Day
Spotted Trunkfish. They are so comical and curious.

Sue Point Reef
Fire Coral and wee fish.

Swimming with the dolphins!
My sis and I. Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Ready to Play
Dolphins at Paradise Island.

Life in Paradise


Flowers along Fortune Hill
San Salvador, Bahamas.

Flamingo Tongue on Purple Fan
San Salvador, Bahamas.

Bahama Wood Star Hummingbird
Interior trail, San Salvador, Bahamas.

The Sweetest Kiss
Me and my dolphin friend.

Land Crab Appetizer
Yellow Crowned Night Heron with land crab. San Salvador, Bahamas.

Kiki's Kiss
Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Low Tide at Fortune Hill Pond.


Natures Intricate Designs
Helmut Conch

Sea Lion at Paradise Island, Bahamas.


Blue Lagoon
Off of Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Wee Snappers over Coral Rods


FlamingoT1Mar2010.jpg
FlamingoT1Mar2010.jpg 2010-03-30

Dolphin Swimming
Paradise Island, Bahamas.

Happiness
Zipper in her element.

Palm Breezes
Blue Lagoon, Bahamas.

Basking in the Sun
Sea lion at the Blue Lagoon.

Fortune Hill in waning light
 2010-02-13

Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) on alert
2010-02-13

The Poser- Ruby Throated Hummingbird
 2010-02-13

Bananaquit from behind
2010-02-13

Catholic Church in United Estates
 2010-02-11

Fortunepondfence2Feb11.jpg
Fortunepondfence2Feb11.jpg 2010-02-11

FortuneponddiscoveryFeb11.jpg
FortuneponddiscoveryFeb11.jpg 2010-02-11

FortunepondeastsideFeb11.jpg
FortunepondeastsideFeb11.jpg 2010-02-11

WhitecheekedpintailsFeb10.jpg
WhitecheekedpintailsFeb10.jpg 2010-02-11

Buddy at Fortune Hill Pond
2010-02-11

Dave2EastBeachFeb10.jpg
Dave2EastBeachFeb10.jpg 2010-02-11

Rubythroat3.jpg
Rubythroat3.jpg 2010-02-13

Ty2Feb7.jpg
Ty2Feb7.jpg 2010-02-13

Ruby Throated Hummingbird
 2010-02-13

Ty working the cement
2010-02-13

Eurasian Collared Doved
Feb. 7, 2010

Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird from behind
2010-02-13

Rubythroat2CR.jpg
Rubythroat2CR.jpg 2010-02-13

The Ichnology Meeting Will Come To Order
Who's got the gavel? Al Curran's group of Ichnologists at Bamboo Point. They would all look down, point at the trails in the sand, swim up, discuss, repeat.

Red Mangroves in French Bay


Seed Pod
Along the Fortune Hill road.

Coconut Palms in Evening Light
GRC

Contrasting Colors


Fortune Hill in Blue
Jan 2010

Koji and the Dive Flag
Al Currans group. Jan. 2010

Light on Palms
Hard Bargain Trail. Jan. 2010

Gov. Dock Buildings
From North Point. Jan. 2010

The snails are everywhere
Hard Bargain Trail. Jan. 2010

Happy to be Home
Zippy on North Point. Jan. 2010

Gorgonian Fan
Dump Reef. Jan. 2010

North Point and Cut Cay
2010-01-21

Butterfly and Fan
Dump Reef. Jan. 2010

Hard Bargain Trail
Jan. 2010

Dragonfly Along Hard Bargain Trail
Jan. 2010

Sandy Point Surf
Jan. 2010

Coral Fossils
Cockburn Town. Jan. 2010

The Daily Stalker
Don't think I've ever had a single swim without a barracuda escort. This guy was small, about 2 feet. It's the big ones that set the nerves on edge. Aug. 12, 2009

Sea Star Walkin'
Cushion seat star on the move. Aug 12, 2009

Grunts On The Move
They always travels in large schools. The light happened to be great today against the golden grasses. Aug 12, 2009

Fledging Mockingbirds Sleeping
Well, one had his eye on me. Aug 12, 2009

Aug12FishsPipe2.jpg
Aug12FishsPipe2.jpg 2009-08-12

Aug12RockBeauty.jpg
Aug12RockBeauty.jpg 2009-08-12

Dainty Eyes
Blue Tang at Rocky Point reef. 2009-08-10

Hungry Tang
Rocky Point Reef. 2009-08-10

Blue Tang Detail
Rocky Point Reef.  2009-08-10

Clear Waters
Rocky Point Reef 2009-08-10

Surprised Triggerfish
 2009-08-10

White Spotted File fish Rising
Rocky Point.  2009-08-10

Sea Star in Evening Light
Cushion sea star. 2009-08-11

Grey and maroon parrotfish?
Can't find it in the book. Anyone have an ID? Aug 11, 2009

Wary Queen Triggerfish
2009-08-10

Tha Constant Stalker
Great Barracuda at Grahams Harbor. Aug 11, 2009

Mockingbird Protecting the Nest
Dave discovered a Bahamian Mockingbird nest by the kitchen. Hopefully I'll get pics of the fledglings tomorrow. Tonight she would have none of my meddling. Aug. 11, 2009

Happy Potcake Zipper
Zipper beginning to feel the love of swimming! 2009-08-07

Zuzu Heads Back To Shore
The original Zipper swimming at Dump Reef. 2009-08-07

Zuzu and Buddy
Zipper and buddy relax after swimming the reef. 2009-08-07

French Angelfish Swims At me
 2009-08-07

Tiny Hawksbill
Been a while since I've seen any Hawksbill Turtles at Dump Reef. Today there were 3. That's a good sign. All of them looked very young. 2009-08-07

Angel and Fan
Caught this French Angelfish swimming by a young Gorgonian Fan. The colors work nicely. 2009-08-07

Follow Me!
Hawksbill Turtle emerges from the reef. 2009-08-07

Fishermen Off The Dock
One of the American researchers hired them to catch some samples but forgot to give them parameters. They caught everything living there.  And the Americans always chastise the locals for catching food for their families. Perhaps we should look into a mirror before casting stones.  2009-08-07

Rising Up
Young Hawksbill turtle at dump reef.  2009-08-07

Townsend Angelfish
A hybrid of Queen and Blue Angelfish.  Angelfishes- Pomacanthidae

Hidden in the Turtle Grass
Young Hawksbill Turtle.  2009-08-07

Zipper The Potcake Swims!!!
 2009-08-07

Buddy's a Goofus
He'd been digging up ghost crabs then swam out to me. Silly Boy. Aug. 7, 2009

Wee Little Lizard.
I think a brown anole in Dave's hand. Rescued it from Tom and Erin's sink. Aug. 7, 2009

That's a Happy Dog
Buddy in the catchment basin. 2009-08-05

Octopus Hiding with one eye out
Dump reef.  2009-08-06

Cut Cay View
2009-08-06

Injured Palometo anda pal
Looks like he got caught in fishing hooks and lines. Had a little cleaner fish with him.  2009-08-06

The San Salivators
Buddy and the two Zippers. They run, chase birds, run some more, swim, more running. They are wearing me out.  2009-08-06

Cliffs of North Point
 2009-08-06

Anemone in the Turtle Grass
Grahams harbor. 2009-08-06

The Zip Swims!
Finally. He get more confident everyday. 2009-08-05

The Three Amigo's
Buddy and the Zippers at Cut Cay.  2009-08-05

This Dog Can Dive!
I taught him this our first time here. He is relentless when he wants that toy. The lab in him means he has that underwater eye protection. Wild. Aug, 2, 2009

Natures Perfect Designs
Giant Anemone at Grahams Harbor. Aug 2, 2009

Grey Triggerfish
It let me get very close. Grahams Harbor. Aug 1, 2009

Lovely Social Worms
Social feather duster worms in shades of golds and purples. I have a new found respect for the worm world. Who knew? Rocky Point Reef. Aug 1, 2009.

Aug1WormsSocialCrop2.jpg
Aug1WormsSocialCrop2.jpg 2009-08-01

Aug1WormsSocial2.jpg
Aug1WormsSocial2.jpg 2009-08-01

Aug1GorgonianPurpleLight.jpg
Aug1GorgonianPurpleLight.jpg 2009-08-01

Aug1FishFanRightAngle.jpg
Aug1FishFanRightAngle.jpg 2009-08-01

Aug1WormsSocial1.jpg
Aug1WormsSocial1.jpg 2009-08-01

Aug2OctopusDR.jpg
Aug2OctopusDR.jpg 2009-08-02

Aug2Trunkfish1.jpg
Aug2Trunkfish1.jpg 2009-08-02

Spotted Trunkfish on Rocky Point
Lactophrys bicaudalis on Rocky Point Reef.

Trying to Hide
Lactophrys bicaudalis on Rocky Point Reef. July 29, 2009

And My Backside
Lactophrys bicaudalis on Rocky Point Reef. July 29, 2009

Cushion Sea Star at Rocky Point Beach
Oreaster reticulatus. July 29, 2009

Reef in Blues
Coral fans in evening light. Rocky Point Reef. July 28, 2009

French Angelfish and Rods
Pomacanthus paru at intermediate stage. Rocky Point. July 28, 2009

July28RPRFilefish1.jpg
July28RPRFilefish1.jpg 2009-07-28

July28RPRCantherhinesMacroc.jpg
July28RPRCantherhinesMacroc.jpg 2009-07-28

July28CoralFeeding.jpg
July28CoralFeeding.jpg 2009-07-28

July28RPRTwoFishinBlue.jpg
July28RPRTwoFishinBlue.jpg 2009-07-28

July28AngelQuDoctor.jpg
July28AngelQuDoctor.jpg 2009-07-28

July28TurtleGreen2.jpg
July28TurtleGreen2.jpg 2009-07-28

July28TurtleGreen.jpg
July28TurtleGreen.jpg 2009-07-28

July28RPROverhangReef.jpg
July28RPROverhangReef.jpg 2009-07-28

July28RPRFileCantherhinesMa.jpg
July28RPRFileCantherhinesMa.jpg 2009-07-28

July28Damsel2.jpg
July28Damsel2.jpg 2009-07-28

July28Surgeonfish.jpg
July28Surgeonfish.jpg 2009-07-28

July28RPRLaceyCorals.jpg
July28RPRLaceyCorals.jpg 2009-07-28

July28RPRElipticalCoral.jpg
July28RPRElipticalCoral.jpg 2009-07-28

Shark!
Nurse shark surprised me swimming at Dump reef. Every time I see that profile, my heart gets excited, even when it's the harmless variety. They can still do some damage when they feel harassed. july 27, 2009

Evening Light on Coral
Evening light on coral feeding. July 27, 2009

Spotted Trunkfish
A little fuzzy. He just kept darting around. July 27, 2009

Evening tang
His colors are more red in the sunset light. Dump reef. 2009

Where's MOMMY????
Buddy frantically coming to save me. July 27, 2009

Gorgonian Fan Skeleton
July 27, 2009

Wee Hermit Crab
And my dirty finger nail. He was feisty! July 26, 2009

The Watcher
Great Barracuda- Sphyraena barracuda. July 26, 2009

Stalking the Waters
Great Barracuda- Sphyraena barracuda. July 26, 2009

Constant Companion
Great Barracuda- Sphyraena barracuda. Dump Reef. July 26, 2009

Giant Anemone
Condylactis gigantea under dock ramp. Grahams Harbor. July 26, 2009.

Goofy Grey Trigger
Very curious Grey Triggerfish at boat anchor. Balistes capriscus. July 26, 2009

Honey I Shrank The Dog!
Buddy looking absolutely teeny weeny from my perspective behind the boat. July 26, 2009

Caveman on the Beach
Dave and mutts. July 25, 2009

Tom and Erin
Field station director and his lovely wife and fellow scientist. Their last day before their well deserved vacation. July 26, 2009

Me Catch Good Eats
Dave scouring the coast for food. July 26, 2009

So Stressful Here!
Li and the Boo. Grahams Harbor. July 24, 2009

Big Blue
Acanthurus coeruleus. Blue tang at Grahams Harbor. July 24, 2009

Damsel
Microspathodon chrysur in Dump Reef. July 24, 2009

Yellow Tail Damselfish
Microspathodon chrysur. Dump reef. July 24, 2009

Tiny Blue Tang
Junvenile Acanthurus coeruleus. July 24, 2009

Curious Grey Triggerfish
Balistes capriscus. Three of them followed me all over the reef today, usually staying just out of camera range. July 25, 2009

Protecting The Nest
Tropicbirds dive bombing the dogs. July 25, 2009

Buzzed by a Tropicbird
July 25, 2009

Best Buddies
Taken with Daves awful Sony cybershot. Terrible clarity. July 25, 2009

Landcrab Alert!
By the thousands they came, after the rains. July 24, 2009

Tricky Little Devils
Landcrabs can apparently climb trees too. July 24, 2009

Rice Bay Arch
Okay, there is no Arch. It's only about 10 inches high but with the right camera angle .... July 23, 2009

Remains of French Bay Pier
July 23, 2009

Three Sisters
Rock formations off of Rice bay. And yes, those are the real colors of the water! July 23, 2009.

Conch Reflections
French Bay. July 23, 2009

My Old Gal Zipper
She's breaking my heart. The spirit is all Zipper but the body is getting old and weary. She's having trouble getting around. French Bay. July 23, 2009

Reclamation
The island takes back another building. Pigeon Creek. July 23, 2009

Towards Sandy Point
French Bay. July 23, 2009

Buddy in the Tide pools
French Bay. July 23, 2009

Mangrove Shore
French Bay. July 23, 2009

Wild Grasses
French Bay. July 23, 2009

High and Dry
Mangrove in French Bay. July 23, 2009

Left Alone
This house was abandoned after a direct hit from a hurricane in 2004. When we first saw it in 2005, the yard was clear and the way in accessible. Now the island is encroaching and it is barely visible.
July 23, 2009

Camouflage
Crab in the tide pools at French Bay. July 23, 2009

Encroachment
Abandoned house at Pigeon Creek. July 23, 2009

Entangled
Mangroves at French Bay. July 23, 2009

Li and the ZooZoo
Sunset light in front of the station. July 22, 2009.

Wee Tang Hiding
Dump Reef. 2009-07-22

Luminous Snails
Grahams Harbor. 2009-07-22

Home Sweet Home
Beach at Grahams Harbor. 2009-07-22

A Quiet Place To Roam
Tang at Dump Reef. 2009-07-22

School's In!
A flurry of fish at Dump Reef. 2009-07-22

Fanciful Fans
Soft Corals at Dump reef.  2009-07-22

Golden Rods
Soft Corals at Dump Reef. 2009-07-22

Exquisite Architecture
Snails at Grahams harbor. 2009-07-22

Trunkfish Sailing By
Dump Reef. 2009-07-20

Banded Butterfly
Dump Reef.  2009-07-20

July20Trunkundershelf.jpg
July20Trunkundershelf.jpg 2009-07-20

June1DaveDumpRF.jpg
June1DaveDumpRF.jpg 2009-07-20

July20Minnowschool.jpg
July20Minnowschool.jpg 2009-07-20

July20fan.jpg
July20fan.jpg 2009-07-20

Day at the beach
Dave takes a short break from work to frolic with the pups in front of the station. July18,2009.

Forever Frisbee
Buddy at the beach with his constant companion. July 18, 2009.

Splash!
Took the photo in the water as the frisbee and the dogs were flying at me.

I Got It First
Fishting over the toys as usual. Grahams Harbor. July 18, 2009.

Looks Like I Win
Dogs leaping after the frisbee which hit the camera dead on. Grahams Harbor. July 18, 2009.

Throw It, Throw It!
Zipper and Buddy waiting for Dave. Grahams Harbor. July 18, 2009.

Banded Coral Shrimp
Stenopus hispidus under the dock at Grahams Harbor. They look like little pipe cleaners with way too many antennae! July 18, 2009.

Lovely Green
Green Turtle, Chelonia mydas, emerging from Dump Reef. July 16, 2009.

Lane Snapper
Lutjanus synagris near the boat anchor, Grahams Harbor. July 17, 2009.

Tight Formation
Juvenile Yellowhead wrasses, Dump Reef. July 17, 2009.

Showing Colors
The always curious Queen Triggerfish, Balistes vetula near Dump Reef. July 16, 2009.

Yellow Stingray
Urolophus jamaicensis just coming out onto the reef, well camouflaged. Dump Reef. July 17, 2009.

Bluehead Dance
Juvenile bluheads shoot out of soft coral. Dump Reef. July 17, 2009.

Traveling Hound
Buddy relaxing in the van as we head to Florida. July 13, 2009.

Ready for her close-up
Queen Triggerfish who did not seem to be spooked by my presence. She posed repeatedly. Dump Reef. May 31, 2009

Diving Down
Queen Triggerfish at Dump Reef. May 31, 2009

Skating By
One of my favorite little rays, a Yellow Stingray ( Urolophus jamaicensis.) Dump reef. May 31, 2009

They're Back!
Spotted the first lionfish since our trip in Feb. We had hoped they had been eradicated. This was a small one, about 4 inches at Dump Reef. Not good.

Queen Angelfish Chomping Coral
Dump Reef. May 31, 2009

Electric Blues
Queen Angelfish at Dump Reef. May 31, 2009

Happy 13th Dave!
Dave at Club Med for our anniversary. That's a smile not a sneer!

Framed by the Palms
Colorful Buildings at Club Med. Pretty but not at all indicative of the architecture here.  May 30, 2009

Yellow House
Club Med. 2009-05-30

Look at that Water!
The colors here have been amazing lately thanks to the storms abating. Docks at Club Med. May 30, 2009

Long Dock
At Club Med. May 30, 2009

Beach Cabana
Club Med.  2009-05-30

All In A Row
Beach Umbrellas.2009-05-30

Done For The Day
Abandoned catamarans at the end of the day. 2009-05-30

Tropical Light
On deep blue building at Club Med. They do know how to do color! 2009-05-30

Evening Gala
Club Med. How did all of these people get on our island? Where have they been??? 2009-05-30

Green Turtle Swimming
Green Turtle ( Chelonia mydas) on Dump Reef. May 30, 2009

Gotcha!
Green Turtle ( Chelonia mydas) on Dump Reef. May 30, 2009

Queen Triggerfish Sailing By
Dump Reef.2009-05-30

Nesting Tropic Bird
Hidden in the rocks. May 29, 2009

Killdeer in the Catchment Basin
Behind the station. May 29, 2009

Surprise Swim By
Hawksbill Turtle came out of nowhere and so I had to follow him. Dump Reef. May 29, 2009.

Hawksbill Rising Over Reef
Dump Reef. May 29, 2009.

Hawksbill Turtle Emerges for Air
A moment to breathe. Dump Reef. May 29, 2009

Hawksbill Turtle on Sea Surface
Turtle on reef bottom. Dump Reef. May 29, 2009

Skimming The Surface
Hawksbill Turtle on Dump Reef. May 29, 2009

Just Passing By
Hawksbill Turtle swimming through Dump reef. May 20, 2009.

Swimming Up
Hawksbill Turtle swimming through Dump reef. May 20,

The master of the Reef
Hawksbill Turtle swimming through Dump reef. May 20,

The Getaway
Hawksbill Turtle swimming through Dump reef. May 20,2009

The Lift Off
Hawksbill Turtle swimming through Dump reef. May 20,2009

More Beloved Worms!
Feather Duster Worms under the station boat ramp. May 28, 2009.

Smooth Billed Ani
Not a pretty bird. look at that beak!. May 29, 2009.

Juvenile Queen Angelfish
Dump Reef. May 29, 2009.

May29Catchment.jpg
May29Catchment.jpg 2009-05-29

Blurry Tropic Bird
Did not want to disturb her too much. Nesting in rocks above Grahams harbor. May 29, 2009.

Sunset on Grahams Harbor
May 28, 2009

Crazy Old Broad
Zipper ( not me) swimming in Grahams Harbor. May 28, 2009

My Other Boo
Dave in Grahams Harbor. May 28, 2009

Diving Boo
Yes, wonder dog can also dive and swim underwater!

Me and Wonder Dog
Buddy and Li. 2009-05-29

Catto Keye
The island where the Magnificent Frigate Birds and the Brown Footed Booby Birds nest.

A Deafening Roar
Frigate birds and brown Footed Booby birds.

Noble Pose
San Sal Rock Iguana on Grren Keye. The San Salvador rock iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is an endangered subspecies of lizard of the genus cyclura from the family Iguanidae.

Curious Iguana
San Sal Rock Iguana on Green Keye. The San Salvador rock iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is an endangered subspecies of lizard of the genus cyclura from the family Iguanidae.

Out of the shadows
San Sal Rock Iguana on Green Keye. The San Salvador rock iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is an endangered subspecies of lizard of the genus cyclura from the family Iguanidae.

Posing
San Sal Rock Iguana on Green Keye. The San Salvador rock iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is an endangered subspecies of lizard of the genus cyclura from the family Iguanidae.

San Sal Rock Iguana
San Sal Rock Iguana on Green Keye. The San Salvador rock iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is an endangered subspecies of lizard of the genus cyclura from the family Iguanidae.

Showdown
San Sal Rock Iguana on Green Keye. The San Salvador rock iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is an endangered subspecies of lizard of the genus cyclura from the family Iguanidae.

Green Keye
Home of the San Sal Rock Iguanas. Hmmm. Not much there. May 28, 2009

Natural Habitat
San Sal Rock Iguana on Green Keye. The San Salvador rock iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is an endangered subspecies of lizard of the genus cyclura from the family Iguanidae.

On The Move
San Sal Rock Iguana on Green Keye. The San Salvador rock iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi) is an endangered subspecies of lizard of the genus cyclura from the family Iguanidae.

Gaulin Keye
Roosting island for Sooty Terns , Brown Booby's and Tropic Birds.

Southern Ray in Grahamas Harbor
Totally blind shot off the side of the boat. May 28, 2009

Parrotfish Munching
Gaulin Reef. May 28, 2009

Parrorfish Munching Gaulin Reef
May 28, 2009

Desolation
Green Keye, home to the San Salvador Rock Iguanas. May 28. 2009

Lit From Above
Gaulin Reef where the wall drop to deep ocean. May 28, 2009

From Below
Gaulin Reef Elkhorn Stands. May 28, 2009

Gaulin Reef Scene
You can get an idea of the depth and breath of just a small section of the reef. Pretty spectacular. May 28, 2009

Large Anemone
Grahams Harbor. May 28, 2009

Tang on Gaulin Reef
Blue Tang. May 28, 2009

Big Bad
Barracuda on Gaulin Reef. May 28, 2009

Fire Corals
Painful but beautiful from afar. Gaulin Reef. May 28, 2009

Juvenile Highhat
They look completely different as adults. First time I've seen one. This wee one was about 3/4" big. Under the station boat ramp. May 28, 2009

Me in Grahams Harbor
 2009-05-29

Storm Rising
Grotto beach. May 27, 2009

Remains of the Day
Abandoned party hut. Grotto Beach. May 27, 2009

Sit And Stay A Spell
Hammock at Grotto beach. May 27, 2009

Grotto Reef
May 27, 2009

Chubs at the Grotto
May 27, 2009

White Spotted File fish
My first siting. Grotto beach. May 27, 2009

Out of Hiding
White Spotted File fish. May 27, 2009

Safe in Hiding
White Spotted File fish. May 27, 2009

Skinny Fella
White Spotted File fish. May 27, 2009

Fishies at the Grotto
May 27, 2009

Grotto Corals
Lot's of firecoral. May 27, 2009

Grotto Hut
May 27, 2009

Pintail Napping
White Cheeked Pintail. May 26, 2009

White Cheeked Pintail Resting
Also called Bahama Pintail. May 26

I Got An Itch
White Cheeked Pintail. may 26, 2009

Pintail Detail
Isn't it a lovely duck? The head is like chocolate velvet and the dappling superb. White Cheeked Pintail.  May 26, 2009

Pintails and Noisy Stilt
Two White cheeked pintail and a black necked stilt. May 26, 2009

Side By Side
Pair of White Cheeked Pintail ducks. May 26, 2009

Imposing Osprey
Osprey that nests at French Bay. He's huge! May 25, 2009

Opsrey Roosting at French Bay
May 25, 2009

Redfinger Rubble Crab
Eriphia gonagra -  redfinger rubble crab. San Salvador, Bahamas. May 25, 2009

Killdeer at French Bay
May 25, 2009

Tricky Killdeer
Pulled the broken wing act on me. French Bay. May 25, 2009

Mangrove Stand
French Bay. May 25, 2009

French Bay Tidal Pools
May 25, 2009

Stream at French Bay
May 25, 2009

South of Rocky Point
Beach in front of old museum. May 26, 2009

What the Tide Dragged In
Tidal pool at French Bay. May 25, 2009

Rocky Point
Viewed from the southern beach. May 26, 2009

Gorgonian Fans Galore
Lindsays Reef. May 25, 2009

Fans Refected
Soft coral abound at Lindsays reef. May 25, 2009

Soft Coral Rods
Lindsays Reef. May 25, 2009

Shallow Water
Lone grunt close to shore at Lindays Reef. May 25, 2009

Grunt
Off shore at Lindsays Reef. May 25, 2009

Two Brains One Reef
Brain corals in Lindsays Reef. May 25, 2009

Fan Alley
Passageway through Lindsays Reef. May 25, 2009

Three Parrots
Parrotfish at Lindsays Reef. May 25, 2009

Lindsays Reef
May 25, 2009

Buddy the Wonder Dog
Lindsays Reef. may 25, 2009

View of Watlings Castle
Old Loyalists Plantation. May 25, 2009

The Way In
Old Loyalists Plantation. May 25, 2009

Clear Skies at Watlings Castle
Old Loyalists Plantation. May 25, 2009

Trail to the Slave Quarters
Old Loyalists Plantation. May 25, 2009

Loyalist Fence
Along the trail to the slave quarters. Old Loyalists Plantation. May 25, 2009

Watlings Rubble
Old Loyalists Plantation. May 25, 2009

May26ParrotfStopLteef.jpg
May26ParrotfStopLteef.jpg 2009-05-25

May25YellowPencilLesserStar.jpg
May25YellowPencilLesserStar.jpg 2009-05-25

May25LRUnderpass.jpg
May25LRUnderpass.jpg 2009-05-26

Purple Gorgonian Fan
Sue Point.

Tang and Rod
Lindsays reef. May 25, 2009

Close To Shore
Grunt at Lindsays Reef.

Mustard Hill Coral with Scroll Algae
Lindsays reef. 2009-05-26

Stoplight Parrotfish Munching
Stoplight Parrotfish ( Initial Phase)- Sparisoma viride. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Jaws Wide
Stoplight Parrotfish ( Initial Phase)- Sparisoma viride. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Emerald Parrotfish
Emerald Parrotfish - Nicholsina usta. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Blue tang feeding at Sue reef
Blue tang- Acanthurus coeruleus at Sue reef. May 24, 2009

Bluehead Swimming
Bluehead- Thalassoma bifasciatum. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

A bevy of babies
Bluehead Initial phase. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Scattershot Swimming
They scatter like the wind when a diver comes by. Bluehead at initial phase. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Hiding Out
Stoplight Parrotfish ( Initial Phase)- Sparisoma viride. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Life on the Reef
An assortment of swimmers and soft and hard corals. Sue reef. May 24. 2009

May24SueReefscene3.jpg
May24SueReefscene3.jpg 2009-05-24

The Distant Reef
Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Colorful Fans
A Chub swims by all the lovely Gorgonian Fans in their variety of colors. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

I'll have Some Yellowtail
Snappers and a lone grunt on Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Blue Tang
Sue reef. May 24, 2009

Reef Formation
Hard and soft corals abound. Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

May24ParrotfOpenMouth2.jpg
May24ParrotfOpenMouth2.jpg 2009-05-24

May24SueReefStructure.jpg
May24SueReefStructure.jpg 2009-05-24

May24SueReefFuzziness.jpg
May24SueReefFuzziness.jpg 2009-05-24

Boo and the Zipster
Sue Reef. May 24, 2009

Catamaran Sails
Crossing Sue Point from the Club Med. May 24, 2009

May22Killdeer.jpg
May22Killdeer.jpg 2009-05-23

May22waterthruMangroves.jpg
May22waterthruMangroves.jpg 2009-05-23

May23turtlegrass.jpg
May23turtlegrass.jpg 2009-05-23

May22kestrelsideCROP.jpg
May22kestrelsideCROP.jpg 2009-05-23

May22kestrelback.jpg
May22kestrelback.jpg 2009-05-23

May22hermit2.jpg
May22hermit2.jpg 2009-05-23

North Point
Of Pigeon Creek. May 21, 2009

White Cheeked Pintails
I need a better camera! These are also called Bahama Pintails and they were so beautiful but so far away! You can see a glimpse of their signature pink bills and perfectly white cheeks.

Farquarson Plantation
Yes the same one we hunted for in Feb. It's glaringly obvious from across Pigeon Creek. May 21, 2009

Mangrove Roots
At Pigeon Creek. May 21, 2009

Long Billed Dowitchers
Not sure if these are long or short billed because the difference is negligible. Quarry pond near Pigeon Creek. May 21, 2009

Flock of Dowitchers
Long Billed Dowitchers May 21, 2009

May21BlackNeckedStiltCROP.jpg
May21BlackNeckedStiltCROP.jpg 2009-05-21

May21BlackNeckedStiltcomp.jpg
May21BlackNeckedStiltcomp.jpg 2009-05-21

May21PigeonCreekInlandBud.jpg
May21PigeonCreekInlandBud.jpg 2009-05-21

May21PigeonCreekEast.jpg
May21PigeonCreekEast.jpg 2009-05-21

Slippery Slope
The rains brought out the frogs by the thousands. This one trying to climb the water tower. May 19, 2009

New Frogs
With the rains, came the frogs by the thousands. The sound at night was deafening! May 19, 2009

Green Backed Heron
In the catchment basin after the rains. May 20, 2009

Yellow Crowned Night Heron
After the rains in the catchment basin. May 20, 2009

Mating Ritual
Yellow Crowned Night Herons with crown in full plumage for mating. Catchment basin after the rain. May 20, 2009.

The Rains Came
After months of drought, two days of rain and much need boost to the water system. May 19, 2009

Mahogany Seed
Beautiful design by nature. May 17, 2009

Angelfish in Mating Mood
Dump Reef. May 16, 2009

Two Angels
Angelfish at Dump Reef. May 16, 2009

Elkhorn Branching
Elkhorn coral stands at Gaulin Reef. May 17, 2009

Fish Amoung the Elkhorns
Fish swimming through the Elkhorn Coral at Gaulin Reef. May 17, 2009

Coral Fans a Flutter
Graceful corals fans on Gaulin Reef. May 17, 2009

Elkhorn Coral Detail
Coral feeding on Gaulin Reef. May 17, 2009

The Odyssey
Towing us back in after being adrift for several hours. May 15, 2009

Waiting for the Rescue
Students from Univ. of S. Ga. waiting to be towed back to the station after our engine broke down. May 15, 2009

On the Wall
Ten mile off shore where shallow reef meets deep ocean. May 15, 2009

Healthy Elkhorn
Out on the Wall. Gaulin Reef. May 15, 2009

Parrotfish in Deep Water
Out on the Wall. Gaulin Reef. May 15, 2009

Active Coral
Life amongst the coral colonies out on the Wall. may 15, 2009

Elkhorn Braches
In the deep blue waters off the reef Wall. Gaulin Reef. May 15, 2009

Deep Waters
Lack of sun makes it hard to photograph but life keeps swimming by. Out on the Wall. May 15. 2009

Hungry Parrotfish
On the Wall. May 15, 2009

Hairy Cactus
Chihuly cactus is common in the interior. This time of year it seems to be spreading it's seeds. Notice the tiny snail living within the spines. Interior trail. May 14, 2009.

Lake Nets
Not sure if these are for research or local fisherman. Interior trail. May 14, 2009

Brackish Boo
Buddy cooling off in one of the brackish lakes along the interior trail. May 14, 2009

Banana Hole
Along the interior trail. May 14, 2009

Back of Dixon Lighthouse
As viewed from the interior lakes. May 14, 2009

Is the hike over ?
A tired pup after the interior trail hike. His paws were smarting! May 14, 2009

The Rough Trail
Miles of jagged rock, nicknamed Lava Rock although it is calcium carbonate, lines the interior trail and it's lakes. May 14, 2009

First Sighting
Thought it was a Hawksbill but the plating on the back says it's a Green Turtle. The shell plates lie side by side not over-lapping like the Hawksbill.

Green Turtle Rising
Dump Reef. May 13, 2009.

The Exit
Green turtle begins to exit having seen me stalking. May 13, 2009

The Escape
Green turtle fleeing my clumsy entrance. May 13, 2009

The Clean get Away
Off it sails. May 13, 2009

Worms Glorious Worms
Love the variety. These are Social Feather Duster Worms that live on the reef. If you wave your hand in front, the round feathery animal retreats into the stalks.

Spotted Trunkfish Close up
May 12, 2009

Banded Butterfly Fish
With wee Tang companion. May 12, 2009

Blue Tang Feeding
May 10, 2009

Surgeon Fish Duet
I love their subtle yet vibrant colors. They are in the same family as Blue Tangs.

Life passing By
Tang, surgeon fish, a snapper and a parrot fish. Sounds like a banquet!

Dave Checking Anchor Lines
Another day at work. grahams Harbor. May 9, 2009

Through the Shaft
Blind shot through the engine shaft- anchor. May 9, 2009

Angel on the Reef
May 9, 2009

Tracking an Angel
Angelfish. May 9, 2009

Floating
Dave snorkeling in Grahams harbor. may 9, 2009

Remains of Government Dock
May 8, 2009

Discarded Conchs
Under the old dock. May 8, 2009.

New Life
Coral and algae growing on the sunken dock. May 8, 2009

Trio of Gulls
On old dock remains. A little fuzzy since I took the photo in the water. May 8, 2009

Triggerfish Face
Dump Reef. May 8, 2009

Queen Triggerfish Feeding
Dump Reef. May 8, 2009

Surprised Angelfish
Dump Reef. May 8, 2009

Surgeon Fish
Under old Government Dock. May 8, 2009

Batwing Coral Crab
First one I've ever found. The pattern on it's back gave it the name. Dump Reef. May 8, 2009

Chrisrmas Tree Hydroid
Hydroids are tiny individual animals that group together to form colonies.

On the Reef
Dump Reef. May 8, 2009

View from the Catchment basin
May 8, 2009

Wee Damselfish`
Under the old government dock. May 8, 2009

Back Side of Cut Keye
Low tide allowed me walk almost all the way around the keye.

May7, 2009

Between A Rock
and a hard place is... calm waters. May 7, 2009

Sun Anemone
Cut keye. May7, 2009

Giant Anemone with Fish Visitor
Grahams Harbor. May 7, 2009

When Colonies Meet
Giant Anemones. Grahams Harbor. May 7, 2009

Through The Looking Glass
Back side of Cut Keye. May 7, 2009

Fireworm
I've become obsessed with underwater worms. Can't get enough. Such variety and adaptation. Segmented fireworm about 10 inches long. Grahams harbor. May 7, 2009

Fireworm Slithering
Making as fast a retreat as a worm is capable of. Grahams Harbor. May 7, 2009

Queen Triggerfish
Grahams harbor. May 7, 2009

The Dive Boat
Grahams Harbor. May 7, 2009

Under the Anchor
Blindly popped the camera into the old engine used as an anchor and caught this fellow. Grahams harbor. May 7, 2009

Sunset On the Catchment Basin
May 7, 2009

Little Green Heron at Sunset
May 6, 2009

Wild Tamarind
May 6, 2009

Little Green Heron
Doing laundry. May 6, 2009

Green Heron on a bender
Little green heron looking a little rough for wear. May 6, 2009

Osprey Nest
On top of old radar tower.

Close Encounters
This barracuda was swimming under the shelf as I was swimming over it. We reached the edge at the same time and were equally surprised to come face to face.

My Life Guard
Buddy the wonder hound. May 5, 2009

Just Passing By
Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Parrotfish Feeding
Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Elkhorn Coral
Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Colorful Corals
Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Duck and Cover
Squirrelfish at Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Lettuce Leaf Coral
Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Swim Buds
Bluehead and a wee snapper. Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Zen Swimmers
Parrotfish under lovely purple colored "black coral." Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Green Gorgonian Fan
Rocky Point Reef. May 5. 2009

Lesser Starlet Coral with orange tunicates
Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Coral Rods
May 5, 2009

Coral and Tang
Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

The Usual Stalker
Barracuda at dump reef. Followed me all day. May 6, 2009

Find the eel
Small, very primitive looking eel hidden in lettuce leaf coral. Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

School of Grunts
Rocky Point Reef. May 5, 2009

Hidden Eel
Look towards the center bottom and you'll see his face. Rocky Point reef. May 5, 2009

Kestrel Moon
Kestrel in the catchment basin behind the station with full moon halo.

Tiny Tang
Junvenile Blue Tang at Dump Reef. May 4, 2009

Hawksbill Turtle
Just got a fleeting glance before it swam away. May 4, 2009

Sea Cushion
Grahams Harbor. May 4, 2009

Green Sea Fan
May 4, 2009

Hanging on a Cloud
Sunset. May 3, 2009

Sunset on Grahams Harbor
May 3, 2009

That Hissing Moment
May 3, 2009

Last Light
May 3, 2009

Government Dock
May 3, 2009

Dave and Pups
Watching the sunset. May 3, 2009

My Boo
Buddy following me snorkeling. Look at that tongue! May 2, 2009.

Anemone Colony
May 2, 2009. Grahams harbor.

Purple Tipped Giant Anemone
Grahams Harbor. May 2, 2009

Into the Blues
Just 'cuz I like the simplicity and abstract quality. May 2, 2009

Large Cluster Anemone
May 2, 2009

Angelfish
They always looked royally peeved! Dump Reef. May 1, 2009.

Gliding Triggerfish
Dump Reef. May 1, 2009.

Old Samuel
102 year old basket maker in Long Bay. He's a sweetheart. 2009-02-19

Samuel Working
102 year old basket maker in Long Bay. He's a sweetheart.  2009-02-19

Working the Craft
102 year old basket maker in Long Bay. He's a sweetheart.  2009-02-19

Pigeon Creek Dock
In front of old plantation. 2009-02-19

Searching The Tidepools
Photo by Dave Trydahl. French Bay at low tide.  2009-02-18

Palm Sunday
View out old church window. Pigeon Creek. 2009-02-19

Old Blessings
Wall sconce at abandoned church. 2009-02-19

My New Favorite Critter
A Spotted Sea Hare, a shell-less mollusk about 4 inches long. Gooey and fascinating at the same time. First time I've found one in the tidepools at French Bay. 2009-02-18

Mangrove in the Bay
Teaching Dave how to frame and shoot photo's with a little help from me. French bay.  2009-02-18

The Blacksmiths House
Cockburn Town.  2009-02-18

Church Window
Former storehouse turned church in more modern times, now abandoned leaving signs behind of former glory. Farquharson Plantation. Pigeon Creek.  2009-02-18

Green Door
Cockburn Town.  2009-02-18

Abandoned Chapel
Former storehouse turned church in more modern times, now abandoned leaving signs behind of former glory. Farquharson Plantation. Pigeon Creek.  2009-02-18

Dave at French Bay
His first half day off. Searching the tidepools at French bay.  2009-02-18

Mangrove in Low Light
The sun abandoned us to make a nice mangrove tree silhouette.  2009-02-18

The Lucky One
Ghost crab survivor of Buddy's digging. French Bay.2009-02-18

Goofing with the Dogs
Photo by Dave Trydahl.  2009-02-18

Earth Watch Ready For Work
Rice Bay 2009-02-16

Earth Watch Transects
Getting ready to count corals and algae. Rice Bay. 2009-02-16

Earth Watch Volunteers
Getting ready to count corals and algae. Rice Bay. 2009-02-16

Spiney Lobster
Rice Bay 2009-02-16

Pale Tangs
Rice bay. 2009-02-16

Large Anemone
A good 15 inches across. Rice Bay. 2009-02-16

Moment of Clarity
On a low visibility swim in Rice Bay. Tiny Tang on the left. 2009-02-16

Sunset
 Storm coming. 2009-02-16

Li and Bud at French Bay
Photo by Kiki Newton Moore 2009-01-02

At It Again
Photo by Kiki Newton Moore 2009-01-02

Me and Buddy
Photo by Kiki Newton Moore. 2009-02-06

Me Hunting
For Farquharson Estate. Photo by Kiki Newton Moore. 2009-02-06

Bug On The Windshield
Goofing at the Lighthouse. Photo by Kiki Newton Moore. 2009-02-04

peek-a-boo Li
Photo by Kiki Newton Moore 2009-02-04

Bahamian Plover
Shorebird north of Dump Reef. 2009-02-14

Two Is Better Than One
Bahamian plovers. 2009-02-14

Plover Sunning
A Bahamian plover shore bird. 2009-02-14

Anemone at Low Tide
Grahams Harbor. 2009-02-14

Anemone Exposed
Very low tides expose treasures along the shore in front of the station. 2009-02-14

The Take Off
Hawksbill turtle making an exit. Dump Reef. 2009-02-14

The Escape
Ran into him unexpectedly and he was gone. 2009-02-14

Is It Safe Now
Hawksbill Turtle deep in the reef. And yes, I'm still stalking them. 2009-02-13

Zoom
Hawksbill turtle sailing over my shoulder.  2009-02-13

Waiting in the Shadows
Shy hawksbill turtle at Dump reef. 2009-02-13

Hawksbill Flying
Turtle at dump reef. 2009-02-13

Feeding Rods
Dark purple rods ( soft corals colony animals) feeding at dump reef. 2009-02-13

FourEyed Butterflyfishies
Dump Reef 2009-02-13

Flamingo at dump reef
 2009-02-13

Spot the Fish
Camouflaged flounder. Squint your eyes and you will see him. 2009-02-13

HALT Who Goes There
A Seargent-Major fish ( named because of his stripes) confronts me at telephone pole reef. 2009-02-12

Extreme Low Tide
Low tides exposing elkhorn and other corals out on Rocky Point Reef. 2009-02-12

Reaching for Sun
The tide got so low I got trapped in the fans and had to ease my way off the top of the reef and this is a good 10 to 15 minute swim off shore. Rocky Point reef. 2009-02-12

No Vacancy
Firecoral, painful to humans often hosts a number of creatures who hide in it for protection. Not a great photo because I was being pushed over it at the time but here are at least two kinds of crabs, a red-tipped fireworm and a tiny fish, all within about a two inch space.  Rocky Point Reef.  2009-02-12

Supper on Rocky Point
Blue Tang, Doctorfish ( the dark one with the blue edging,) and snapper. 2009-02-12

Reef Landscape
Rocky Ponit Reef 2009-02-12

The Eyes Have It
Not the prettiest puffer fish but his eyes were like encrusted jewels when the sun hit them. Rocky Point Reef. 2009-02-12

Tang Feeding
Rocky Point Reef 2009-02-12

Spiny Sea Rod and Fan
Rocky Point Reef 2009-02-12

Lesser Starlet Coral
Rocky Point Reef 2009-02-12

Rocky Point Tangs
 2009-02-12

Swimming Away
Top of Rocky Point. 2009-02-12

The Drop Off
Rocky Point Reef 2009-02-12

Sand Dollar Beach
Another windy, snorkel-less day but nice view.

The Other Zipper
Erin and Tom's dog. Jane and I watched him while they were gone. He's a sweetie named after our Zipper.

Just Getting My Feet wet
Erin and Toms Zipper who is slowly taking to the water.

Full Moon Rising
Out the back door. 2009-02-11

Coral Passage
Lindsays Reef 2009-02-11

Flounder
Beautiful fluttering flounder on Lindsays Reef but they still creep me out. Just not right to have two eyes on one side of the face! 2009-02-11

Flamingos on Rods
Flamingo tongues feeding, and mating I suspect on rod coral. 2009-02-11

Morning Mockingbird
Tropical Mockingbird on the entry sign.2009-02-11

Welcome to Gerace
Gate with Tropical Mockingbird host. 2009-02-11

Suspicious Egret
French Bay. 2009-02-09

Egret At Low Tide
French Bay. 2009-02-09

Looking for Dinner
French Bay. 2009-02-09

Mangroves
Those grassy things are new Mangrove roots shooting up. French Bay. 2009-02-09

Tide Pools
French Bay at low tide. 2009-02-09

No Idea
Your guess is as good as mine. Could not identify it under corals or algaes.  Very grape like in color, form and clusters but harder like coral. French Bay 2009-02-09

Big Brain
About 3' across. French Bay. 2009-02-09

Cactus Blossom
Blooming cacti. 2009-02-09

Empty Shell
Crab shell on Barkers Point. 2009-02-09

Old Home
Would love to fix this up! Barkers Point. 2009-02-09

Moon Rock and the Sea
Barkers Point. 2009-02-09

Gazebo
Barkers Point 2009-02-09

Booties Ready. Check Please
Kiki at Pigeon Creek. Was too cold go in unfortunately.  2009-02-08

My Sis Not Feeling the Love
It's too cold but I trust you! 2009-02-08

Ready For the Cold
Turned out it was too cold but Kiki looked great all geared up! Pigeon Creek. 2009-02-08

Kiki Laughing
Do we really have to go in that cold water???? Uh, no. But she looks happy. 2009-02-08

Mmmm. Tasty!
Lovely little Bananaquit, local Bahamian bird. 2009-02-08

Calling For Backup
Little Bananaquit singing for it's neighbors.2009-02-08

Bananaquit
Lovely little Bahamian bird. 2009-02-08

Looking Up
Dixon Lighthouse stairway, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Dixon Lighthouse
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Lakes Reflection
Off lighthouse window, Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Through the Looking Glass
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

The Wee Door
Kiki coming through the tiny door to explore outside the top of the lighthouse. The door is about 2.5 ft tall. Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Lighthouse Top
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Groundskeepers House
Joyce, who also works at the field station, and her family have been the caretakers for the lighthouse since it was erected in the mid-1800's.  2009-02-08

The Long Way Down
Dixon Lighthouse stairway, United Estates. 2009-02-08

View Out Lighthouse Door
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-07

Through The Lens
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Dixon Stairs
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. The inside was only recently painted pink. Have to love those complimentary colors! Used to be yellow. 2009-02-08

Dixon Clock
Nine thirty seven .... 1942? Who knows when it stopped. Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-07

Lone Oil Can
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Out The Front Entry
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates.2009-02-08

The Window Rising
Window up the first flight of stairs. Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Prisms of Light
Dixon Lighthouse lens, United Estates. 2009-02-08

View of United Estates
From the top of Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Lake and Cemetary View
From atop the Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Yes, I Love the Lens!
It's a magnificent work of art. Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Dixons Gate
Gate leads down through old slave quarters to the bat cave.  2009-02-08

Plantation House
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Kiki On Top of Lighthouse
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Lighthouse Entrance
Dixon Lighthouse, United Estates. 2009-02-08

Watlings Castle
Plantation ruins on south end of island. 2009-02-07

Watlings Fireplace/ stove
Plantation ruins on south end of island. That iron bar hits around my shoulders. 2009-02-07

Watlings Cornerstones
Plantation ruins on south end of island. 2009-02-07

Thatches
Grass roof. Grotto Beach. 2009-02-07

Little Grass Shack
Grass shack probably erected recently by Club Med for a beach party. Don't see much of them around the island as they discourage exploration. 2009-02-07

Beach Hut
Grass shack probably erected recently by Club Med for a beach party. Don't see much of them around the island as they discourage exploration. 2009-02-07

Grotto Waves
During all the extremely high winds, I took Kiki to the Grotto because it's " always calm there!" Wrong.  2009-02-07

Look What Thw Waves Washed In
Pups at Grotto Beach on the west side of the island. 2009-02-07

Fortune Hill Plantation
The only plantation with a written record as the owner get a diary. Quite overgrown but in decent condition with many buildings partially standing and brush encroaching. 2009-02-07

Fortune Hill
The only plantation with a written record as the owner get a diary. Quite overgrown but in decent condition with many buildings partially standing and brush encroaching. 2009-02-07

Belmont Church
The first Anglican Church, early 1700's. 2009-02-07

Belmont Ruins
Belmont Church, the first Anglican Church, early 1700's.2009-02-07

Blowhole
Sandy Point 2009-02-07

The Big Splash
Sandy Point 2009-02-07

Roaming Pig
Road back to station. 2009-02-07

The Little Pigs
Most mammals stay hidden in the interiors. These three took a stroll in the middle of the road. 2009-02-07

Abandoned House
Damaged during Hurricane Francis. 2009-02-07

Museum Window
Cockburn Town 2009-02-07

Museum Doors
Cockburn Town. 2009-02-06

Left Behind
Old house in Cockburn Town. 2009-02-06

Broken Down
Another pier erected by the U.S. Navy and left to rot. 2009-02-06

Museum Grounds
Tiny building on museum grounds, Cockburn Town. 2009-02-05

Green Door
As you can see, I am fond of doors and windows. 2009-02-05

Crushed
Another view of old Navy pier, Cockburn Town. 2009-02-05

White Door
Abandoned house in Cockburn Town. 2009-02-02

MySister Kiki
Fortune Hill Plantation Ruins. 2009-02-07

Bahamian Star Hummingbird
In Erins garden. 2009-02-07

Bahamian Star Hummingbird
 2009-02-07

Alexis on the Dock
 2009-02-01

The Knowles
Victoria, Velda and Alexis 2009-02-01

Velda and her girls
The Knowles 2009-02-01

Velda in Flight
 2009-02-01

The Elegant Victoria
 2009-02-01

Alexis In The Water
 2009-02-01

Neal and Son
 2009-02-01

Victoria in Repose
Victoria2009-02-01

Tom Rothfus
The "new" director. 2009-02-01

Alexis Laughing
 2009-02-01

San Dollar beach
2009-02-01

Triangle Pond
 2009-02-01

Lesser Yellowlegs
At Triangle Pond 2009-02-01

Al and Jane Curran
 2009-02-01

Kenny the Woodcarver
Sugar Hill Settlement 2009-02-01

Working Hands
Kenny working on wood carving. 2009-02-01

Abstract Reeds
 2009-02-01

Wonky Reef
Rocky Point Reef 2009-02-01

Rocky Point Reef
2009-02-01

Honeycomb Cowfish
Rocky Point Reef 2009-02-01

Rice Bay Reef
 2009-02-01

Surgeonfish
Rice Bay 2009-02-01

Rice Reef
Fans and soft corals. Rice Bay 2009-02-01

Anemones
Grahams Harbor 2009-02-01

Lettuce Coral
Rocky Point Reef 2009-02-01

The Old Museum
Rocky Point 2009-02-01

Osprey
 2009-02-01

Kiki at North Point
My sister on her first day.2009-02-01

Jan29RPflamingo.jpg
Jan29RPflamingo.jpg 2009-02-01

Jan29rockypoint.jpg
Jan29rockypoint.jpg 2009-02-01

Houndfish/ Needlefish
Houndfish ( Tylosurus crocodilus) about 4' long near the shore. The largest of the needlefish. Very shy. Would not let me approach. 2009-01-27

French Angelfish
French Angelfish ( Pomacanthus paru) relatively small juvenile about 8". Very sandy water today so not a great shot.2009-01-27

Spotted Trunkfish
Spotted Trunkfish ( Lactophrys bicausalis) 2009-01-27

Hawksbill
Leaving the reef because of some intruder. 2009-01-27

Spreadeagle Hawksbill
2009-01-27

Spotted Trunkfish Close up
Spotted Trunkfish ( Lactophrys bicausalis) 2009-01-27

Bush Algae
 2009-01-27

Self-portrait
No, my hair isn't red now. It's complimentary colors kids! Just looks that way against that lovely light green ocean. Attractive huh? 2009-01-26

Rock Boring Urchin and visitor
Rock-borinng Urchin ( Enchinometra lucunter) and some sort of nudibranch ( I think) that I haven't identified yet. 2009-01-26

Fuzzy Chiton
Fuzzy Chiton ( Acanthopleura granulata)- a type of primitive mullusk that lives in the rocky shores. 2009-01-26

Lesser Starlet Coral
 2009-01-26

Through Cut Cay
Looking into Rice bay between Cut Cay and North Point. You can see the 1988 wreck of the oil tanker still above water on the right. 2009-01-26

Beach at North Point
 2009-01-26

Cut Cay
One of only a few cays you can walk to at low tide. 2009-01-26

Dump Reef
A jumble of hard and soft coral and algaes. 2009-01-26

Soft Corals
 2009-01-26

Gorgonian Fan
 2009-01-26

Harlequinn Bass
First time I've seen this guy. 2009-01-26

Skate Hiding
A wee ray on Dump Reef. Sorry about the fuzzy photo but he kept flapping his wings. 2009-01-26

Little Lake
Sunset on a road we'd never ventured down. 2009-01-23

Dave in Cockburn Town
Where the city meets the sea. 2009-01-23

Downtown Cockburn Town
The center of island government, Cockburn Town is just a few streets and side streets. 2009-01-23

Cockburn Town Looking North
Yes, the phone and electric lines are everywhere! The building on your far left is from the early 1800's and was the original jail house, turned church turned, gov. building. It's been closed since Hurricane Francis damaged the substructure.2009-01-23

Island Council Building
Where all the action happens! 2009-01-23

Dave at Sunset
Cockburn Town. 2009-01-23

Yikes! The "Sculpture" in town
This is the mess I've been babbling about in the journal that Micheal and I hope to restore. 2009-01-23

Russels
Micheal's in-laws store. One of three in town to find groceries and sundries. 2009-01-23

Queen Triggerfish
Dump Reef 2009-01-23

Shy Hawksbill Turtle
Dump Reef 2009-01-23

Sargasso Seahorse
Just sea grass that looked horsey to me. There is an unusual amount of it floating around right now. 2009-01-23

Lettuce Leaf Algae
 2009-01-23

Smooth Brain Coral
About 16" across. 2009-01-23

Bluehead Fish
Yes, that's the actual name. 2009-01-23

Wee Tiny Tang
Blue Tang Juvenile. 2009-01-23

Mighty Crab Hunter!
The Boo sniffing out crabs. He's good! 2009-01-22

Crab Hunter's Conquest
Ghost crab dug up by Buddy.  2009-01-22

Gerace Field Station
2009-01-22

Dorm Room at GRC
Typical military base housing turned field station. We lived at many growing up. The library is in the one story section.2009-01-22

Home Sweet Home
Still has the Christmas lights we put up 3 years ago!  2009-01-22

Dock Bar
Quiet during the week. 2009-01-22

Conflict Resolution
I love this poster at the bar. As if a drunk will stop and think to read it. 2009-01-22

St. Olaf Photographer
A photographer unaware of being photographed. 2009-01-22

More Nasties
Lionfish at the pier. They seem to be everywhere in just 3 years. Very invasive.  2009-01-22

Knobby Finger Coral
Gov. Dock. 2009-01-22

Grooved Brain Corals
On Gov. Dock.  2009-01-22

Collapsed Pier Underwater
Gov. Dock. 2009-01-22

Collapsed Pier Above Water
Gov. Dock. 2009-01-22

Fishermans Boat
Eddberth's boat. 2009-01-22

Snails Everywhere!
 2009-01-22

Conchs In A Row
Discarded shells. 2009-01-22

St. Olaf Strikes Again
More natural art from St. Olaf students. 2009-01-22

Discarded Conch
 2009-01-22

Cushion Seastar
Gov. Dock 2009-01-22

Island Interior
Hard calcium rock, palms and low trees, lot's of bushwhacking. 2009-01-21

Interior Lake
One of many with treacherous rock ground.  2009-01-21

Moon Rock
The surface of the island is difficult to navigate with these sharp shores. 2009-01-21

Tropical Cactus
Who knew? 2009-01-21

Banana Hole
One of many sunken areas on the island. These holes collect organic material and thus produce some of the best soils on the island, often collected for gardens. Caves and caverns dot the island. 2009-01-21

Tropical Mocking Bird
 2009-01-21

Top of the Station
The end of the interior trail looking over the station. 2009-01-21

Rods in Light
Dump Reef. 2009-01-20

Queen Triggerfish
 2009-01-20

Star Coral
 2009-01-20

Schools
Grunts, snappers and Tangs 2009-01-20

Tangs and Surgeonfish
 2009-01-20

Grahams Harbor
The beach north of the station. 2009-01-20

Conch Shells
They are strewn across the shores everywhere as they are common in the diet. Bahamians ate what they needed to survive but tourism has made them endangered.  2009-01-20

West Indian Sea Egg- An Urchin
Urchin- (Tripneustes ventricosus.) A smaller version than before, only about an inch wide.  2009-01-20

West Indian Sea Egg Urchin
Tripneustes ventricosus. About 4 " in diamter with some aldea growing on it. 2009-01-19

Grunts O Plenty
Striped grunts, similar to snapper but without the canine teeth. ( Haemulon striatum.) 2009-01-19

Rice and Hanna Bay Meeting Place
 2009-01-19

Grunt Traffic
Striped grunts, similar to snapper but without the canine teeth. ( Haemulon striatum.) 2009-01-19 2009-01-19

Blue Tang
Think Dory from Finding Nemo. ( Acanthurus coeruleus) part of the Surgeonfish family.  2009-01-19

Squirrelfish and Grunt
Longspine Squirrelfish ( Holocentrus rufus) and Striped Grunt (Haemulon striatum) under shelf at Rice Bay. 2009-01-19

Snails on Shore
Some sort of snail/ whelk ( couldn't find the name) very common. They are everywhere and were a key part of the diet here for years.  Often used in salads. Rice Bay 2009-01-19

Nobility
Boo-boo trying to look fearsome and noble. Rice Bay.2009-01-19

Juve Stoplight Parrotfish
Great variety of patterns and color on this young Stoplight Parrotfish. (Sparisoma viride) He's about 8" right now tip to tail but will grow up to 24". They turn turquoise, with red, pink and yellow markings as they mature.  2009-01-19

Profile of Juve Parrotfish
Great variety of patterns and color on this young Stoplight Parrotfish. (Sparisoma viride) They turn turquoise, with red, pink and yellow markings as they mature.  2009-01-19

Looking out to sea
Between Rice and Hanna Bays 2009-01-19

Frisbee battle
Buddy does all the work, Zipper gets the glory. 2009-01-17

Brackish Lake
This one is closest to the station and a short hike. 2009-01-17

Interior Lake Trail
Buggy, over grown and rough on the feet. 2009-01-17

Dave & Boo- Lunch Break
2009-01-17

Gov. Dock Evening
 2009-01-15

Art from Nature
St. Olaf students had to make art from natural elements. Here's one on the beach. 2009-01-15

Art from Nature 2
St. Olaf students had to make art from natural elements. Here's one on the beach.  You should see what they did with the cow dung! LOL> Photo tomorrow. 2009-01-15

Poop Art
St. Olaf students had to make art from nature. One clever group used the cow dung. 2009-01-17

Sunset Toward Field Station.
If you squint, you can see where we live, off there to left where the white buildings are. 2009-01-15

Evening Walk
Dave and the Boo in front of the field station. 2009-01-15

Remains of the Day
The remains of the old Government dock. Cool stuff emerges in the evenings.  A good night snorkel. 2009-01-15

Turtle Turning
They are so graceful I can't get enough of them. 2009-01-14

Adrift
Lovely hawksbill turtle. 2009-01-14

Tangs 'O Plenty
Think Dory in "Finding Nemo." 2009-01-14

Unaware
Yes, still stalking turtles and they are still letting me. 2009-01-14

Spotted Trunkfish
My second favorite fish next to puffers. They are so comical and curious. 2009-01-14

Spotted a Spotted
Spotted trunkfish off dump reef. 2009-01-14

She Can't See Me!
Little skate ray hiding in the sand. 2009-01-14

Purple/ blue Fan
Gorgonian soft coral fan. 2009-01-14

Following the flow
Hawksbill turtle 2009-01-14

Flight
Now she sees me and starts to take off. 2009-01-14

Parrots and Blue Tangs
Parrotfish with blue tangs. 2009-01-14

Traffic Jam
Parrotfish, blue tangs and snapper. 2009-01-14

Coral feeding
Normally a hard purple rod, the dead mans fingers put out these lovely feathery bits when feeding. 2009-01-14

Nasty Business
Invasive non-native lionfish. They showed up after we left a few years ago and seem to be breeding. Not good. 2009-01-11

I am the Walrus
Coo-coo-cachoo.

Dave snorkeling. 2009-01-11

San Sal High School
Now in the old Coast Guard station after the original school was destroyed a few years ago during Hurricane Francis. 2009-01-11

Fishing Boat
Looks abandoned but the guys it belongs to go conch fishing almost every day. East Beach 2009-01-11

Old Plantation House
Queens Highway near UE. 2009-01-11

Old Loyalist House
By French Bay 2009-01-11

A live Conch!
I'm pretty sure it's a Florida Horse Conch ( definitely NOT a Queen Conch by the shape,) fairly young still. Close to shore. Don't find those very often so close in. We deep fried it and it was delicious!!!! ( Kidding!!! Don't send PETA after me.) 2009-01-11

Old Settlement House
Gives you an idea of the island interior. Besides brackish lakes its brush, brush and more brush. 2009-01-11

East Beach
 2009-01-11

Into the Drink
Erin and Alexis ready for snorkeling. Sand Dollar Beach 2009-01-10

Erin and Alexis
Sand Dollar Beach 2009-01-10

Welding the Old Trucks
Dave working, dirty and happy. 2009-01-10

Old Welder
Dave 2009-01-10

Osprey
 2009-01-10

Night Dancing
Party at Gov. dock.2009-01-10

Bar shacks on beach
Gov. dock 2009-01-10

Dave relaxing
Watching the party on his bench. 2009-01-10

Dead Mans Fingers
This is a coral. Usually purple. The brown feathery bits mean it is feeding.

Flamingo on Fan
Day 7 Flamingo Tongue ( Cyphoma gibbosum) on Gorgonian Fan. Linday's Reef. A tiny mollusk with the lovely orange and black lined marking on their mantle skin.  2009-01-09

Into the Mystic
Lindsay's Reef 2009-01-09

Junvenile Stoplight Parrotfish
 2009-01-09

The Great Unknown
Day 7 Lindsay's Reef 2009-01-09

Under the Reef
Lindsay's Reef 2009-01-09

Sundown
Day 7. 2009-01-09

Night Canoes
 They've seen better days. 2009-01-09

Lab at Night
Across from our apt.  2009-01-09

Porcupine Puffer
Day 5 Caught him under a shelf.  2009-01-07

Porcupine Puffer
.2009-01-07

Porcupine fish and Bluehead
Love these guys. Very curious little puffers. 2009-01-07

The" Postcard" Pose
That was a lucky shot. San Sal Rock Iguana on Greene Cay. That little spit of land on the right horizon is San Sal.2009-01-07

The Challenge
San Sal Rock Iguana 2009-01-07

Iguana profile
San Sal Rock Iguana 2009-01-07

Rock Iguana
2009-01-07

Day5 IguanaRock
Day5 San Sal Rock Iguana.2009-01-07

Dive Boat from the Water
I hitched a ride with the gracious St Olaf's group and Edberth to snorkel on the reef. A lovely morning. 2009-01-07

Elkhorn Old and New
Coral Reef 2009-01-07

All Puffed Up
Day 5. Frigate birds in full color. Catto Cay.2009-01-07

Off to School
Various fish off reef. 2009-01-07

Gnawing on Coral.
Noisily! Parrotfish on reef. 2009-01-07

Yes I Like these Guys
Another day, another stoplight. 2009-01-07

Soft and Hard Corls
Out on the Reef.

Stoplight Parrotfish and Bluehead
A chummy pair.

Elkhorn Coral
Day 5. Out on the reef. 2009-01-07

A Coralcopia of Corals
Day5 Elkhorn and other coral out on the reef. 2009-01-07

Welcome Rainbow
First day back on the island. 2009-01-05

First sunset
2009-01-05

French Triggerfish
Dump Reef 2009-01-05

Gorgonian Fan
2009-01-05

Rods
2009-01-05

Conch in bay.
Discarded shell in filtered light.  2009-01-05

Cliffs and Dogs
You find the dogs! ( Look at those colors.) 2009-01-05

Floating Sargasso Weed
Taken from underwater. Check out that blue!

Orange Anemone
Can't find the proper name. ( ??? Anyone?) 2009-01-05

Pink Tipped Anemone
Grahams Harbor 2009-01-05

Happy and Exhausted
After a BUSY year at school and 3 days of non-stop snorkeling.

Zipper
Overlooking Rice Bay 2009-01-06

Anchored
Dive boat and buoy. 2009-01-06

Jump!
Buddy diving for frisbee. 2009-01-06

Bluehead
2009-01-06

Fish Tales
Busy day on the fringe reef. 2009-01-06

Lionfish
Day4 Lionfish- insideous creatures, non-native. 2009-01-06

Fan Detail
Day4 Gorgonian fan- soft coral. 2009-01-06

Snappers and Blue Tang
Day4 Dump Reef 2009-01-06

Skate
Lovely little ray off shallow reef. 2009-01-06

Day3 OnthePoint
 2009-01-06

Rush Hour
FishyLife 2009-01-06

Kestrel
Day4 Kestrel at the research centre. 2009-01-06

Hawksbill Turtle Emerging
Dump Reef 2009-01-06

Treefrog
Treefrog hiding at night. 2009-01-06

Hawksbill Swimming
Day4Turtleswim2009-01-06

Seeking Shelter
Hawksbill turtle. 2009-01-06

Tropicbird Nesting
Grahams Harbor beach.

Sundown
In front of GRC.

Glide
Hawsbill over Dump Reef.

Seastar


Morning Traffic


Anemone


Anemone 2
Under some rock. Rice Bay.

Angelfish
Night swim.2006

Stoplight Parrotfish
Grotto 2005. One of my first underwater shots.

Under the dock
2005

Sea grapes and anemone
in the wet lab

School's In Session
2005

Fanfare
2005

Spindly Shrimp
The name escapes me at the moment.

Blue Mood


Brown Booby Nesting
2005

Mother and Babe


Green Heron
GRC

San Salvador Map- © Larry Davis
 2006-03-23

Elkhorn Coral


Dixon Lighthouse


Cockburntown, San Salvador, Bahamas


The Venerable Mr. Forbes
A true Gentleman.

Rare Norwegian Trollfish
Dave off Rocky Point.

Junkanoo
Proud parents watching the kids parade. 2005

The Standoff


Oh No You Didn't
San Salvador Rock Iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi ) The beads mean they are part of a research group.


I Claim this Rock
Buddy on the Beach

Cynthia Smiles


Conch Shell study 5
2006

Honkin' Big Hermit Crab
 2006

How To Teach a Dog to Swim
Grotto 2006 Photo by Dave Trydahl

Young love.
Interspecies dating, lil' kit and the hermit.

Sunset and Conchs
Conchs on beach.

Last dawn
The old water tower at Gerace research centre, torn down in 2006.

Watlings castle
Loyalist ruin on San Sal.

Dixon Lens
Lighthouse lens. San sal. 2005

The Workin' End
Dixon's Lighthouse. Last working kerosene lighthouse in the Caribbean.

Lighthouse Keepers porch
2006

Captain Edberth Jones


Sunning on the Laundryline
2006

View from Government Dock
Grahams harbor. 2005

Palms
Can't have an island without 'em.

Storm Coming
2006

Blue Door
Island School destroyed during Hurricane. Government Dock.

Island School
Destroyed during hurricane.

Fuzzy Booby Babe
Brown Boobybird chick.

Caspian Terns
On old French Bay pier remains.

Terns 2
French Bay

Lost in Thought
Girl on Nassau pier.

I Got It First
The endless frisbee chase. Buddy and Zipper. 2006

The Bait
San Salvador Rock Iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi )

Zach
Velda's youngest. 2006

Mermaids Wineglasses
Growing on old boat rope.

Beautiful Swimmer
Hawksbill in Grahams Harbor. 2006

Dixon Lighthouse Entry
2006

To the Batcave!
2006

Elkhorn Diver
Earthwatch snorkeler off Lindsey's Reef.2006

The Zipster
Beach babe 2006

SANDPIPERS
East Beach 2006

The Watcher
San Salvador Rock Iguana ( Cyclura rileyi rileyi ) The beads mean they are part of a research group.

Alexis the Mighty
Watching the other kids in a parade.

School Boys
Hans and friend 2006

Cockburn Town Cemetery
2006

Betty Smiles
Oct 2006

Creature from the Black Lagoon
Dave during night dive.

Flamingo Tongue
On Gorgonian fan.

Sue Reef
2006

Pride
Sarah's lovely grand daughter.

Men at Work
Dismantling the old tower. Summer 2006.

Sarah
Head of housekeeper and sweet as they come.

Safe in Sisters Arms
Sarah's youngest grand daughter.

Yellow Fan Worm
2006

Brittle Octopus
Abandoned in the wet lab, we set a gaggle of them free.

To the Cays
From left: Sandy, Beverly, Eddberth, Li. March 2006

Photo by Lynna Walker.

Dressed to the Nines
Vendella 2006

Tiny Yellow Tang
At the Grotto. 2006

Parrotfish in Hiding
Dumb luck shot. Dove under a reef and shot the camera underneath without looking. Got home and there he was. Best shot I've ever gotten of one. The Grotto. 2006.

Bernie
The man to see for everything. 2006

Apple Murex
Apple Murex mollusk. Rocky Point 2006

Porcupinefish
Dump reef.

I spy
Little puffer off the drain pipe.

Featherduster worms
Social feather dusters.

Flamingo Tongue
Lindsey's Reef 2006

Bluehead


Siblings
Victoria and her baby brother.

Victoria
2006

Kids being Kids
Alexis bday 2006. Victoria, Alexis, Zach and their cousins.

Mother and Daughter
Velda and Alexis holding hands swimming. Summer 2006

Just Breathe
Hawksbill by Rocky Point.

Water Ballet
Hawksbill.  San Salvador, Bahamas

Dock of the Bay
Our last day in San Sal. Saying goodbye.

Gotcha
Puffer by the pipes.

Rochelle and Dave
Last day on the island.

Rochelle
The elegant.

Girls of Summer
Stooping for ice cream.

Ready for My Closeup
aug turtleface 2006

Hawksbill Swimming
Dump Reef 2006

Fly
Yet another Hawksbill. 2006

Spread 'em
Hawksbill 2006

My Stalker
Baracuda 2006 Grahams harbor

augFandetail.jpg
augFandetail.jpg 2006-08-16

My Skate Buddy
A little ray I saw quite frequently on my daily swims.

budunderwater.jpg
budunderwater.jpg 2006-08-16

flamingotounge1.jpg
flamingotounge1.jpg 2006-08-16

Southern Ray
Grahams Harbor 2006

Outta here
Ray in Grahams Harbor

Float
2006

Smooth Sailing
Southern Ray in Grahams Harbor 2005

Live Helmut Conch
2006 Rice Bay

Hiding
Out on the reef wall. 2006

After the BBQ
Discarded conchs after a celebration. Gov. dock. 2005

Cushion Seastar
Bseastarunder.jpg 2006-08-16

This Ones Empty
Seastar looking for a meal.

Star detail
2006

The Wall
2006-08-16

Helmut Detail
Helmut conch in Rice Bay.

LLoyd
Daves buddy.

Lloyd at Work
 2006-08-17

Spotted Trunkfish
Lindsey's Reef.

Yea..another turtle
Okay, so I may have become a hawksbill stalker.

Blue Tang


reef


Queen Triggerfish


elkhorn coral


Orange Bellied Queenslandfish
Buddy

Seagrass Abstract


Rufus


Me and the Boo
Photo by Lisa Montana Summer 2006

Blue Tang at sunken boat


Invisible?
Can she see me?

Southern ray, Grahams Harbor.

Cushion Seastar


Sea Fan


Caribbean Colors


Lighthouse in Light


Igu13.jpg


New Years Eve 2005
Victoria Hill

Greenstairs
Dixon Lighthouse

Conch study 4
East Beach 2005

Haitian Wreck


Betty.jpg


Davenight1.jpg


Old man


RPFlamingoRod1.jpg


featherdusterworms2.jpg
featherdusterworms2.jpg 2006-08-11

btschool.jpg
btschool.jpg 2006-08-11

LRanem2.jpg
LRanem2.jpg 2006-08-11

LRturt4.jpg
LRturt4.jpg 2006-08-11

nsbaracuda1.jpg
nsbaracuda1.jpg 2006-08-11

QueenTriggerfish.jpg
QueenTriggerfish.jpg 2006-08-11

triggerstalking.jpg
triggerstalking.jpg 2006-08-11

Gliding
2006

Firecoral.jpg
Firecoral.jpg 2006-08-11

Mar5.jpg
Mar5.jpg 2006-08-11

Porcupinefish.jpg
Porcupinefish.jpg 2006-08-11

Rods1.jpg
Rods1.jpg 2006-08-11

Staghorncoral.jpg
Staghorncoral.jpg 2006-08-11

Triggerfish
2005

abstractwater
The Grotto

Atlantic Tritons Trumpet
This one was about 18". Good size and voracious eater.

Brain Coral
2006

Snapper
Sue's Reef 2006

First Snorkel
With the Princess 2006

Follow Me
The princess on her first snorkel with me in Grahams Harbor. 2006

Out of the Office
Velda. Summer 2006

Together
Mother and Daughter. 2006

Stay with me!
Velda and Alexis 2006

Men at Work 2
Dismantling the watertower. 2006

Dave in the mangroves
2006

Juvenile Queen Triggerfish
And she was none to happy.

Kiss Me?
Smooth Trunkfish, Lindsey's Reef

She Exciteable
Zipper and the frisbee problem.

2/25/2012 10:30:27 PM - 004085814310
Hi Li! Thank you for finding me and for the interview. Amazing stuff! Keep it up!

Chris Ebersole

11/27/2011 4:49:49 PM - 002092946321
Hello Li...I just wanted you to know I finally finished my rendering of the photo you posted of your husband at work. I hope you like it.

Althea Estey

2/28/2011 5:56:48 AM - 001000740706
Thanx to Robyn I found your site, Li! what a wonderful display! thank you for your work posted here! love the mural...
Leslie van Gorkom

2/13/2010 5:58:13 AM - fb:699488974
Hi Li,

Your long and somewhat lost cousin Doug, says hi and wow! Your artwork certainly is impressive!

Hope you are doing well!

Regards,

Doug Gill

1/8/2010 2:53:10 AM - 003013745913
Hi Li, Wishing you and your family a wonderful year ahead. Hope this finds you in San Salvador, getting settled and happy. Would love to hear some news. All the best Sharron. (Sharrm)

10/1/2009 9:14:08 PM - 000098687818
Thanks for visiting the site. I really appreciate all of your comments! Our internet is sporadic so please  allow for delayed responses. - Li

9/27/2009 12:36:04 PM - 002089897995
I love your site, and see so many familiar WDE subjects but done with such expertise
I loved the growth of the mural and stand in awe at your vast talent
Bonnie (artastic)

9/25/2009 9:37:45 PM - 002089480330
I just popped in for a quick look at your art before breakfast but I think I am going to have to reserve an hour or so and come back for a better look
Christine (Crispur from WDE)

9/17/2009 3:47:05 PM - 002088853473
Hi Li!

Sharrm told us about this site so I came here to check out your cafeteria mural! It's amazing!! I'm glad you're busy and happy! I saw in one post you were headed for Idaho. I'm going to Blackfoot next week. Take care and we'll see you at the WDE!
Beth

5/29/2009 1:17:39 AM - 002037545185
Hey, you moved the party hut--that is not the same place you took me! I had visions of splattered bits of this old woman rolling back to sea as fish food!
ikik

4/23/2009 12:10:51 AM - 002065590993
Hi Li! Great job on the site. Your paintings and pictures are wonderful. Cyd Rust

4/3/2009 11:22:13 AM - 002063905873
Interesting work. I just checked in to browse the WDE gallery and discovered much more.I wish you a pleasant stay in San Salvador and I hope the caribe muses will be with you all the way

2/14/2009 5:22:16 AM - 002057443929
Hi Li! I hope your doing well! The pictures look beautiful! Miss you lots!

12/28/2008 3:13:03 PM - 002043468282

Li, Really nice job on your web site!! Your paintings look great!

Have a good time in the Bahama's! Happy New Year! Pat

Black Orchid Resort
Our home away from home in Belize. Located in the remote village of Burrell Boom, it was quiet, isolated, beautifully kept and the staff was exceptional.

Black Orchid Grounds
Our home away from home in Belize. Located in the remote village of Burrell Boom, it was quiet, isolated, beautifully kept and the staff was exceptional.

Hooda Bird
Black Orchid resident parrot, adopted 3 years ago.

Black Orchid Resort Grounds
Our home away from home in Belize. Located in the remote village of Burrell Boom, it was quiet, isolated, beautifully kept and the staff was exceptional.

BurrellSign.jpg.JPG
BurrellSign.jpg.JPG 2011-07-23

Daily Life
The sleepy village of Burrell Boom. Playing dominoes at the gas station, very much like life in the Bahamas.

A Place to Rest
This is the place to be after a long day of touring. Grab a glass of wine, a hammock and watch the river flow by while Howler Monkeys screeching in the background.

Daily Life
The universal equalizer, laundry. Burrell Boom.

The Road to Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave


Gliss
Our fabulous guide to the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave.

River Crossing
We crossed the river three times on our hour long trek to the ATM cave.

Crossing the river
On route to the Maya ATM Cave.

Bird of Paradise Relatives
Goreous wild tropical plants bring color to the dense green jungle.

No Ordinary Cave
The Actun Tunichil Muknal, or Cave of the Stone Sepulcher, first entered by the Mayans in AD 300-600.

Entrance to the Past
It wasn't until AD 700-900 that the Mayans went deeper into the cave to perform their ceremonies. Our journey took around 4 hours to swim, climb and squeeze through narrow openings to reach the inner sanctum.

Photographing the Photographer
Li- getting ready to enter the cave. Nice helmut!

Magnificent Formations
Stalagmite and stalagtite formations within the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave shimmer with a crystallized, fairy dust appearance.

Crystallized Pottery
Ceremonial jars, left on the ground where they were used are now covered with a geological sanded finish.

Mayan Pots Still Life
The cave is littered with hundreds of pots left where they were used and broken during ceremonies.

Clues to the Past
The cave is littered with hundreds of pots left where they were used and broken during ceremonies.

Sacrificial Skull
The Mayans considered the cave a highly sacred place, a doorway to the underworld. The cave contains evidence of human and animal sacrifices.

Crystallized Still Life
The Mayan set up many areas within the caves with pottery and vessels to purposely create formations that would become permanent monuments.

Cave Formations
Natures sculpture.

Ritual Pottery
There is a large assortment of ceramics exhibiting "kill holes" which indicates that they were used for ritualistic purposes.

Modified Formations
The Mayans also modified cave formations, in some instances to create altars, in other to create silhouettes of faces, animals or to project a shadow.

The Crystal Princess
High on a ledge are the remains of a young girl, believed to have been sacrificed at 16. Covered now with her geological sanded finish, she seems to shimmer in golden light.

Mayan Sacrifice
Skull of a young boy, sacrified to the gods.

Another Sacrifice
You have to tread carefully as bone and pottery remains litter the cave floor.

Broken Past
Pottery used in Mayan rituals.

Left Behind
Pottery used in Mayan rituals.

Decorative Emblem
Subtle designs, often of animals decorate some of the Mayan ceramics.

Kill Holes
Showing the jars were used in ceremonies and left where they fell.

ATMMayanPottery.jpg
ATMMayanPottery.jpg 2011-10-12

Crystal Princess
High on a ledge are the remains of a young girl, believed to have been sacrificed at 16. Covered now with her geological sanded finish, she seems to shimmer in golden light.

Gliss
Our charming guide who is of Maya descent.

The Refreshment Stand
After the grueling but enlightening 5 hour journey to and from Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave. Gliss and another guide commiserate  .

Dave after the Cave
A little exhausted after our ATM cave journey.

Tapir- The Belize Zoo
The Tapir is the National Animal of Belize. The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was founded in 1983 as a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of animals that were used in a documentary film about tropical forests. They could not be released back into the wild. Now the zoo takes in any animal too injured to survive in the wild.

Deer Portrait- Belize zoo
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was founded in 1983 as a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of animals that were used in a documentary film about tropical forests. They could not be released back into the wild. Now the zoo takes in any animal too injured to survive in the wild.

Howler Monkey
They are everywhere! In the zoo, in the wild, screeching outside our windows at night.

Visitor to our hotel
Curious Howler Monkey- they live up to their names!

Black Iguana- Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was founded in 1983 as a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of animals that were used in a documentary film about tropical forests. They could not be released back into the wild. Now the zoo takes in any animal too injured to survive in the wild.

BZDeerWTface2.jpg.JPG
BZDeerWTface2.jpg.JPG 2011-07-18

Lance
Lance works at the Black Orchid hotel and he was our knowledgeable guide and driver for many excursions, including the zoo.

Deer Resting in the July Heat
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was founded in 1983 as a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of animals that were used in a documentary film about tropical forests. They could not be released back into the wild. Now the zoo takes in any animal too injured to survive in the wild.

Children Enjoying the Zoo
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was founded in 1983 as a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of animals that were used in a documentary film about tropical forests. They could not be released back into the wild. Now the zoo takes in any animal too injured to survive in the wild.

Crocodile
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was founded in 1983 as a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of animals that were used in a documentary film about tropical forests. They could not be released back into the wild. Now the zoo takes in any animal too injured to survive in the wild.

Member of the Ginger Family
One of many beautiful native flowers at the Belize Zoo.

Kaltan
Young Belizean boy we met at the zoo.

Napping Jaquar
The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center was founded in 1983 as a last ditch effort to provide a home for a collection of animals that were used in a documentary film about tropical forests. They could not be released back into the wild. Now the zoo takes in any animal too injured to survive in the wild.

Belizean Woman at the Zoo
The tapirs were making her giggle.

This could get personal
Howler monkey that became as curious about us as we were about him.

Swinging
Howler monkey.

Psychotria poeppigiana- Hotlips
This species has been reported with the common names: bimichëxë, boca pintada, chacruna, devil's ear, hot lips, labios de puta, oreja del diablo & picho e mula. 

It is said to be a very potent admixture and is commercially available as an ornamental plant in some areas (such as south Florida).

Its flowers are used by Belizeans for treating the pain of earache and also as a cough suppresant by the Palikur. 

Snake Wrangler
This gentleman is the snake expert at the Belize Zoo and teaches children about reptiles.

The National Animal of Belize
The Tapir is a large browsing animal, similar in shape to a pig. It has a short, prehensile snout, hooved feet and is related to horses and the rhinoceros. They are often the casualty of traffic accidents as they try to cross highways.

Native House on the River
From our hotel, we could canoe along the Belize Old River along the small village of Burrell Boom.

Burrell Boom
From our hotel, we could canoe along the Belize Old River along the sleepy village of Burrell Boom.

Dave Canoing the Belize Old River
Burrell Boom, Belize.

View from the Canoe
From our hotel, we could canoe along the Belize Old River along the small village of Burrell Boom.

Canoing
From our hotel, we could canoe along the Belize Old River along the small village of Burrell Boom.

Collin
Driving the boat up the Belize New River to the Mayan site of Lamanai.

Lily Pads
The boat ride to Lamanai Mayan site along the Belize New River.

Boating the Belize New River
The journey to Lamanai Mayan site.

Balancing Act
Gallinule delicately balancing on the lily pads along the Belize New River.

Tri-Color HeronNest
Along the boat ride to the Mayan site of Lamanai on the Belize New River.

Mennonite Farm Along The Belize New River
The Mennonites moved from Canada first to Mexico and later into Central America in the 1950's. They provide almost 90 % of the produce and meat for the country now and have become an important part of the Belezian culture and landscape.

Mennonite Farm Cows
The Mennonites moved from Canada first to Mexico and later into Central America in the 1950's. They provide almost 90 % of the produce and meat for the country now and have become an important part of the Belezian culture and landscape.

Red Ixora plant
Native flowers at the Lamanai Mayan site along the Belize New River.

Bats on a Tree Trunk
Along the Belize New River.

Scruffy Bat
Belize New River.

Family Fishing
We passed a family on their daily fishing excursion.

Young Proud Fisherman
Along the Belize New River.

Tropical Flowers
Along the Belize New River on route to the Lamanai Mayan site.

Crisis of faith
This beautiful male Green Iguana seemed a bit stranded on some pilings along the Belize New River on the way to the Lamanai Mayan site. Fortunately, they are good swimmers but he did not seem too keen on the idea.

Lamanai Revealed
As you approach the ancient ruins of Lamanai, you see just a hint of a temple high on a hill. It is daunting to realize that this was flat land. That the lagoon we are boating through was dug by Mayan slaves and that hill is the result of many years of building the rock from the lagoon onto the land.

Cormorant Welcome
Cormorant at the dock at the Mayan Lamanai Site ruins.

Welcome to Lamanai
Named for the thriving crocodile population in the nearby lagoon, the Lamanai site is one of the oldest and best preserved of the Mayan sites. Of the 700 structures within the complex, less than 5 % have been excavated.

Approaching The Site
The first exciting hint of the treasures that lie within Lamanai.

Jaguar Temple
The perspective of the hikers gives you an idea of it's size.

The Signage Could Use Some Help


Sculptured Stone Work
Detail from the Jaguar Temple, structure N 10-9.

The Jaguar Temple
Lamanai, structure N 10-9. It is the frist grand temple you see when entering the site. The city began it's regional supremacy around 1500 B.C. Extending from the formative years of the Mayan world to the preaching friars of the Spanish colonists. Lamanai flourished and supported a vast community of farmers, merchants and traders. It's remote location surely aided in its longevity.

Entrance to the Living Quarters
Entrance to the elite living quarters from the Jaguar Temple.

Remains of the Royal Complex
This area would have contained the living quarters of Lamanai's elite.

Remains of living quarters
Lamanai Mayan Ruins, Belize.

Jungle Path through Lamanai
This road has probably been traveled for 3000 years. The stories it could tell.

Collin- our Lamanai Guide
Belize has a unique and very smart system for tourism and getting it's history accurately portrayed. All guides to historic sites must be certified and trained. They limit how many guides know about each site so they can control the number of people going to vulnerable areas. Like all of the guides we had, Collin was fantastic; smart, knowledgeable and very funny.

See The Past
It's hard to imagine now but the buildings would have been vibrantly painted in rich colors, not the naked stone you see today. Kicking into the dirt, we actually found painted shards of the plaster that once adorned the site.

Life through the stone
There are literally thousands of remains in Central America that have never been excavated. The sheer cost of excavting them all could bankrupt a nation. Just imagine what lies beneath the jungles and sands around the world.

Seeding Flower Pod
More exotic tropical plants along the jungle paths.

More Great Signage
Good information, bad maintenance. The jungle is rough on modern materials. Maybe they should carve them out of stone, they might be around 3000 years from now.

The Mask Temple
Structure N 9-56. This temple stands 56 feet high and is the dominant structure of the ceremonial precinct. It houses masks of the Olmec sun god. Built during the Classic period, the tombs artifacts  date back to 400- 700 A.D. Because tourists constantly wanted to touch the masks, the masks began to deteriorate at a rapid speed. The Belizean Archeological Society wisely made molds of the masks and covered them with plaster reproductions. They just need to bring in a restorative artist ( hint-hint) to match the color as the white is distracting and inconsistent.

Mask Temple Signage
Ceremonial precint of Lamanai.

Detail of the Mask Temple
Structure N 9-56. This temple stands 56 feet high and is the dominant structure of the ceremonial precinct. It houses masks of the Olmec sun god. Built during the Classic period, the tombs artifacts  date back to 400- 700 A.D. Because tourists constantly wanted to touch the masks, the masks began to deteriorate at a rapid speed. The Belizean Archeological Society wisely made molds of the masks and covered them with plaster reproductions. They just need to bring in a restorative artist ( hint-hint) to match the color as the white is distracting and inconsistent.

Collin Explaing The Mayan History
He was passionate and showed great pride in sharing his Belizean history but seriously, that baggy shorts style needs to die a firey death. Please make it end.

Temple N10_43
The Olmec people, mentioned frequently, were the precursors to the Mayans. They came first and the culture developed into the Mayan culture.

Stella 9
This monument was erected at the end of the Middle Classic Period. It depicts Lord "Smoking Shell." It was placed on the primary axis of structure 10- 27, which is unusual in the Maya lowlands.

Stella 9 Sculpture
At the base of Stella 9, the remains of 5 children were discovered in addition to chert, shell and obsidian items.

Temple N 10- 43
At 108 feet tall, this structure is the tallest at the Lamanai site. It is also the tallest Preclassic structure in the maya domain. The initial phase of construction began in 100 B.C. and was abandoned in the Postclassic Period.

View From The Top of N 10- 43
See those tiny people under the trees? That's Dave and our guide. I huffed and puffed my way to the top. It was so steep that the Belizeans have added a rope to help us short legged folks to climb it. Just imagine the effort to build it!

Climbing N 10- 43
At 108 feet tall, this structure is the tallest at the Lamanai site. It is also the tallest Preclassic structure in the maya domain. The initial phase of construction began in 100 B.C. and was abandoned in the Postclassic Period. Much steeper than it looks!

The Tallest Structure
Full view of N 10-43. At 108 feet tall, this structure is the tallest at the Lamanai site. It is also the tallest Preclassic structure in the maya domain. The initial phase of construction began in 100 B.C. and was abandoned in the Postclassic Period.

View From The Top of N 10- 43
This view from the top of Structure N 10-43 would have assured the community that no enemies could approach unnoticed. It is mind boggling to realize that the lagoon below was man made, and that the structures above were made from the materials that came from that lagoon.

Finding History
Along the path back to the harbor we saw brightly colored objects buried in the dirt along the path. Collin, myself and a fellow on our trip started digging and found brightly painted shards from the ruins. It was an amazing connection to the past, a hint into what was a thriving though often brutal culture.

Construction of Lamanai Continues
Construction at the the Lamanai Ruins is ongoing as leave cutter ants continue the work up an down the temples.

Belize City Harbor
Enough of ancient history, time to get back in the water! View of the Belize City harbor from the water taxi out to the Caulker Cay.

Caulker Cay
Caulker Cay in the off season is a very tiny village ( 1W X 5 L miles) on a very tiny island off the eastern coast of Belize. There are small motels, shops, bars and retaurants and many diving fascilities. It's a quiet, remote village surrounded by amazing snorkling opportunities. There are NO cars on the cays, only golf carts and bicycles.

Boats Docked at Caulker Cay
Harbor at Caulker Cay. Caulker Cay in the off season is a very tiny village on a very tiny island off the eastern coast of Belize. There are small motels, shops, bars and retaurants and many diving fascilities. It's a quite, remote village surrounded by amazing snorkling opportunities. There are NO cars on the cays, only golf carts and bicycles.

Rafting
Belizean boys taking advantage of cool water on a hot July day. Caulker Cay, Belize.

Ladies Who Lunch
This is the way it should be done. Relaxing on Caulker Cay.

Budding Artist
After snorkeling, we found a wonderful ice cream shop on Caulker Cay. The owners daughter was engrossed in her coloring.

Caulker Cay
Where the village meets to sea.

Universal Chores
I loved how they color coordinated their drying clothes. Who does that?

Alone in the Long Shadows
Street in the near empty village at Caulker Cay.

Peach on the Beach
The colorful tropical houses reminded me of the Bahamas.

A Place To Rest
More beautifully painted tropical homes.

Paradise
A good book, a hammock and the sound of the ocean, the perfect day.

Families Enjoying The Summer Day
Beach at Caulker Cay.

Carlos the Cool
Our snorkel guide off Caulker Cay.

Javier
Carlos's right hand man and all round boat man.

Carlos Exploring a Cave
Time to hit the reefs. Our guide Carlos who could free dive for an un-natural length of time.

Carlos Leading Snorkel
Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world. We snorkeled in the protected Hol Chan Reserve. Although it is designated as protected, we were a little dismayed at the sheer number of boats in the area. 

Li and Her Muse
Had to hand the camera off to Dave. Because Hol Chan Ocean Reserve is a protected area, the turtles are completely unafraid of encounters with people. I'm not sure that's a good thing but it was pretty thrilling.

Follow me
Had to hand the camera off to Dave. Because Hol Chan Ocean Reserve is a protected area, the turtles are completely unafraid of encounters with people. I'm not sure that's a good thing but it was pretty thrilling.

My Heart be Still
By far, one of the most thrilling experiences of our lives was swimming, in the open ocean, with the magnificent Manatees.

The Gentle Sea Cows
The majestic West Indian Manatees. We were extremely fortunate to be in Belize during the 3 month period when the Manatees come to breed. Later, they will retreat to rivers to birth and raise their calves. They would seem to appear out of nowhere, curiously swim around us, then vanish.

Passing Below Me
These gentle creatures were once mistaken for mermaids. As mammals, they must surface to take in air every three to four minutes.

Hello There
The manatees were very curious and extremely gentle around the swimmers. Dave and I were amazed at the obvious communication between the Manatees. They would put their heads together very close, three or four at at time, and then all move together in a certain direction. We saw this happen many times.

Nose To Nose
Dave will not let me forget that as a large group of swimmers were surrounding them, they moved towards him and gently brushed his arm as they passed by. He's SO special!

Manatees Passing By
A truly awe inspiring experience.

Manatee Under Me
For their immense size, they move with incredible grace.

Suspended In Blue


Manatee and Man
A good size comparison.

Lone Manatee
Reflecting in light.

Exiting the Building
You've had your thrill, we're leaving now.

Portrait in Blues
Sigh........

Fish A Plenty
Belize had most of the same species of fish that we have in the bahamas, they were just larger and more plentiful.

Elkhorn Coral
Hol Chan Ocean Reserve.

Yellow Tail Snapper
Hol Chan Ocean Reserve.

Green Turtle
The turtles here were massive, much larger than what we generally see in the Bahamas. Because it is a protected area, they have no fear of humans. This may not be a good thing but it was a thrill to be able to swim with them up close and personal.

Dive
The turtles here were massive, much larger than what we generally see in the Bahamas. Because it is a protected area, they have no fear of humans. This may not be a good thing but it was a thrill to be able to swim with them up close and personal.

Green Turtle Feeding
The turtles here were massive, much larger than what we generally see in the Bahamas. Because it is a protected area, they have no fear of humans. This may not be a good thing but it was a thrill to be able to swim with them up close and personal.

Green Turtle Face
The turtles here were massive, much larger than what we generally see in the Bahamas. Because it is a protected area, they have no fear of humans. This may not be a good thing but it was a thrill to be able to swim with them up close and personal.

Rise
The turtles here were massive, much larger than what we generally see in the Bahamas. Because it is a protected area, they have no fear of humans. This may not be a good thing but it was a thrill to be able to swim with them up close and personal.

Straight To me
The turtles here were massive, much larger than what we generally see in the Bahamas. Because it is a protected area, they have no fear of humans. This may not be a good thing but it was a thrill to be able to swim with them up close and personal.

Going For Air
A little fuzzy. The turtles here were massive, much larger than what we generally see in the Bahamas. Because it is a protected area, they have no fear of humans. This may not be a good thing but it was a thrill to be able to swim with them up close and personal.

Beautiful Swimmer
Green Turtle.

Li Stalking Another Turtle
Handed the camera off to Dave again.

Elkhorn Coral Bouquet
Healthy Elkhorn Coral colonies at Hol Chan ocean reserve. Belize.

Frenzy
The guides would throw chum in the water and the fish and nurse sharks would appear. Not recommended if one is alone in the water.

Nurse Sharks and fish
Craziness. A frenzy of nurse sharks around the boat and the swimmers. It's okay, they don't have real teeth!

Nurse Sharks Abound


Nurse Shark and Cleaner fish
I've seen this here in the Bahamas too. Small fish who follow sharks and act as their cleaners, removing plankton and other bits. Good gig if you can get it, it assures their safety.

Graceful Turns
Sharks and fish going after chum.

Southern Stingray
The same species we have in the Bahamas but much more assertive since they live in a protected area.

Sailing By
Southern Stingray. the same species we have in the Bahamas but much more assertive since they live in a protected area.

Wings Aloft
Southern Stingray. the same species we have in the Bahamas but much more assertive since they live in a protected area.

Southern Stingray Feeding
Southern Stingray. the same species we have in the Bahamas but much more assertive since they live in a protected area.

Dive Dock at Caulker Cay
Bidding farewell to the underwater world of Belize. We enjoyed the manatee swims so much that we did it twice while we were there. This is our last image before boarding the water taxi back to the mainland. Off to see more of the heartland.

Crowded Water Taxi
The water taxi's back to Belize City are packed with tourists and many locals, all happy but exhausted.

Driving Around Aimlessly
Try it sometime, it will lead to unmapped treasures. After days of tours, we rented a car with only a vague direction in mind. The best way to see how people live in a new country is to just get out there and explore on your own.

Purple Lily
Beautiful tropical flowers on our journey to nowhere in particular. It was a good day.

Relaxing
A day off from tours. We found a rare restaurant that had vegetarian food. Heaven!

Hattesville Police Station
We had to drive by the main Belizean Penitentiary a number of time on our journeys, it is a bleak and horrible place to end up. For petty crimes, this little jail seems a much better prospect for survival.

Pomegranite Tree
Driving around Belize, natural treasures abound.

Daily Life
Housing for the average Belizean is simple but adequate. Brightly painted wooden structures, usually with a hammock attached for respite from the heat, and a satellite dish attached for the more fortunate.

Daily Living
Many houses seem unfit to more prosperous tourists but almost every single person we met was proud of what they had and of being Belizean. It was so different from our culture of never having enough.

New Construction
Belize is very slowly changing to more modern methods, much like the Bahamas. Wood which attracts mildew and termites is being replaced by concrete block for those that can afford it.

Another Universal Event- Pick-up Basketball
Where there's a hard surface and a ball, anywhere in the world, there will be kids playing b-ball.

A Discovery
On our aimless drive, I see a sign that says 'Archeological reserve', turn here. Turn Dave!

Passing Miles
From the sign that said we would discover a Mayan archeological site, we drive many miles. We drive through the back heartland of Belize, passing many farms and villages along the way.

Hacienda Gate
From the sign that said we would discover a Mayan archeological site, we drive many miles. We drive through the back heartland of Belize, passing many farms and villages along the way. 

The Daily Ride
From the sign that said we would discover a Mayan archeological site, we drive many miles. We drive through the back heartland of Belize, passing many farms and villages along the way. 

Interior Belize
Vast jungles with open hillsides, the interior of Belize from our drive around the countryside. From here the road we are traveling turns to dirt and rock and starts to get rough. Two hours without seeing another car. Hmmmm. Meh, let's keep going!

Mennonite farm Cows
The mennonite Community in Belize is extremely important and vital as they provide almost 90% of the produce and meat in the country.

The Discovery- Barton Creek


The Treasure Of Driving Around Aimlessly
Two hours later, magic! Probably one of the least visited and most incredibly beautiful places we have seen. The Barton Creek Archeological Reserve, Belize. The site is deep in country and you pass through Mennonite farms to get there. The Mennonite are very private and do not like to have their photo's taken so I respected that and took none, though it was tempting.

Perspective
That tiny cave opening looks quite grand when you envision these canoers entering it. Like the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, it was a sacred and spiritual place to the Mayans and it contains many relics and artifacts. My biggest regret on this trip was that we found it too late in the day. That couple in the canoe were the last ones allowed to enter that day.

Jump!
Oh, to be 12 again. A gaggle of local boys were at the Barton Creek cave when we arrived. They would climb the steep outer cliff and then joyously leap off the ledge into the water below. Fourty years ago, I would have been right there in the middle of them, leaping for life.

Getting His Feet Wet
This young Mennonite boy was a bit hesitant about going into depper waters at the Barton Creek Cave site.

Okay, not so scary
Young mennonite boy swimming the waters at Barton Creek.

Barton Creek Archeological Reserve
Waiting for passengers. While driving around in our rented car, I see a sign off a dirt road that says, " Archeological Site." Turn there Dave! Two hours later, magic! Probably on of the most least visited and incredibly beautiful places we have seen. Barton Creek, Belize.

Peaceful Retreat
Barton Creek Archeological reserve.

Zip-Lining In The Jungle
Dave HATES heights, Dave loves me, ergo Dave will zip-line through the rainforest. The experience is done in a series that gradually gains height. After each zip, you climb stairs through the rainforest.

Not A Happy Camper
After the first very low zip-line, I believe I heard some audible growling coming from Daves direction.

This is what fear looks like
I was so proud of him! As you climb stairs after each zip, higher into the canopy, you start hearing the howler monkeys and birds. Along the way, the guides inform you of the local flora and their medicinal and practical uses.

Li Zipping
That's me and I'm happy! I love flying through the air, be it skydiving or zip-lining. Bring it on!

Cowabunga!
This is a happy camper.

Yehaa!
Dave too this one.

View Through The Canopy
At each platform you can look out into the vast, dense jungle, so full of life.

DaveZppingIsBad.jpg.JPG
DaveZppingIsBad.jpg.JPG 2011-10-21

Yes. More Please
Li coming in for a landing.

Check That One Off The Bucket List
Somewhere between the second and third zip, Dave started smiling. By the last high and fast zip, he was grinning ear to ear. I was so proud of him facing that fear for me.

Dave After Zip-Lining
Yes, that smile says it all.

Crystal Cave Tubing
Tubing the waters of the Crystal Cave. The camera did not like the steam so this is the sole image from our three hour trek. We had a private tour into the depths of the cave where ritual rites had been performed 3000 years ago by the Maya. It was quite physically challenging and treacherous. The surface in the cave was extremely slippery and we had to haul our tubes over steep terrain. This one wore us out.

San Ignacio Saturday Market
This was another "let's rent a car and see what we find" day and it turned out to be full of discoveries. I had read about a huge open market that happens every Saturday in the Cayo District, a 2 hour drive from Burrell Boom. It did not disappoint.

A Cacophony of Color
Larger gatherins of farmers is a rarity in Belize. Generally, people sell their goods at small, independent roadside stalls. The San Ignacio Saturday market is the exception.

Waiting For Buyers
The best part of the market is that it is not for tourists. We only saw one other American ( Caucasion) looking couple there. The Belizeans come out by the hundreds to buy and sell produce, meats, fish, spices and other goods.

Cooking at the Market
The market reflects the vast cultural diversity of Belize. Belizeans, Mennonites, and Taiwanese all gathered together, selling their goods.

The Meat Shop
Local kids were eager to see what their father was bringing home for dinner. The market is a family affair with children laughing and running freely around the stalls.

Market Vendor
The market was so rich in variety of fruits and vegetables. I was disappointed that our hotel restaurant used so little of the vast resources produced within the country.

A vegetarians Dream
Rich, colorful and delicious fruits and veggies.

The Future Of Belize
This young man was running the stall and going through the local news, page by page.

More Yummy Fruits
Like the Bahamas, Belize is rich in tropical fruits, offering at least 4 varieties of bananas like the ones we have at the station.

Pitaya
Pitaya, also called Dragon Fruit in other parts of the world.

Yum
A plethora of fruits; mango, papaya, pitaya, star fruit and bananas at the San Ignacio Saturday market.

The Treat Cart
This cart would make fresh juices and ices out of any fruit on their cart. This father and daughter were enjoying their treats, a cool respite on a hot day.

Running Games
Boys will be boys.

Joy
This woman made me smile, her laugh was infectious.

Vegetable Slicing 101
Just grab a machete and whack! She was impressive.

The Hawksworth Bridge
Leaving the market and crossing the bridge, I see another sign for a mayan site. Sorry Dave, this day is just getting interesting. San Ignacio and sister-town, Santa Elena make up Belize's second largest urban area. The two towns are separated by the Macal River and Belize's only suspension bridge, the one-lane Hawksworth Bridge (Built in 1949). 

Finding Cahal Pech

Known locally as "Cayo", San Ignacio is located along the Western Highway about 70 miles west and 90 minutes drive time from Belize City and 9 miles east of the Guatemalan border. Teeming with archaeologists, peace corps workers, North American retirees and thrill seekers, "Cayo" is a unique blend of America's Old West and tropical backwater with frontier-like wooden shops on narrow streets.

Roadside Market
Along the road through San Ignacio, this market is more typical of the produce vendors than the larger Saturday market place.

Market and a Bathroom!
Best of both worlds.

Peace and Loved
Grocery store in San Ignacio.

Meat Vendor Shop
Small stores and markets are plentiful in San Ignacio. A health department...not so much.

Cahal Pech
While at the market, we saw a sign that there was an ancient Mayan site actually in the city and shockingly, there wasn't a sole in site. Cahal Pech has a very undignified Maya name meaning "Place of Ticks." This ceremonial center includes pyramids, palaces and two ball courts. The artifacts and construction suggest it was the residence of Mayan and their cadre.


Cahal Pech Sleeping Chambers
Some major buildings were roofed with the Mayan vault. This is the only ruins where we have seen vaulted ceilings and intricate stairways.  Here you are actually able to walk through the rooms and sleeping chambers.

Steps into the Temple
Cahal Pech is located on a hilltop on the southern outskirts of San ignacio in the fertile Belize Valley overlooking the Macal River. It was on private land and was discovered by an amateur archelogist in the 1950's on his flight over the city. For years he tried to have it established and protected as an important site but to no avail. During those years it was continuously raided by vandals who stole many of it's treasues but they did not find them all and the site is now protected. It also has a small museum with artifacts on display.

Entrance to the Main Temple
There is evidence of gradual architectural growth on the site, likely running through the entire Classic Period. At one time, Cahal Pech encompassed a realm of ten square miles. The site contains evidence of the earliest Maya settlements beginning in 1200 B.C.

His Heritage, His Fort
While we did not see a single tourist at Cahal Pech, we did meet these local boys running up the temples after school. How cool would that be? We have all imagined forts and secret places when we were kids but these Belizean boys have the real thing in their backyard. It is their heritage and the place to grow their imaginations. Perhaps they will become the archeologists that unlock Belizes history.

Un-excavated Temple at Cahal Pech
Un-excavated temples are everywhere because the country does not have the resources to explore every site. The site core of Cahal Pech consists of 34 large structures, large range-type buildings, two ball courts, and possibly a sweat house.

Looking down from the Main Temple
Living quarters that surround a central ceremonial center. Between 1000 and 600 B.C., the community aquired many exotics, like jade and obsidian from Guatemala.

Ceremonial Center
Central ceremonial center surrounded by large temple and royal living quarters. Many artifacts suggest they may have descended from the earlier Gulf Cost Olmec culture. 

Cemermonial Center From Above


Ball Court
Ball court at Cahal Pech.

Dave Through The Maya Vault
The architecture here is very different than other sites, many buildings have vaulted ceilings, archways and steps that seem to run in multiple directions.

Li (me) at Cahal Pech
Note to self. Wear a better bra next time.

Cahal Pech Sleeping Chamber
You can see the stone carved bed on the left, shaped very much like a bed we would have today. There would have been some sort of filling on the bed, likely leaves or straw in cloth or leather. The Mayan royals wore very elaborate dress.

Steps into the Main Temple


View Through One of the Arched Doorways
Because we could walk through the living and sleeping chambers, and we were the only visitors besides the local kids, there was a very intimate feeling to this site. We could imagine how grand it must have once been.

And They Must Have Been Short
Wee like me. You know it's small when I have to bend over.

Steps Here and There
More than any other Mayan site, Cahal Pech reminded me of  western castle in it's architecture. Very unusual but it was one of my favorite finds.

Stone Steps Up The Side Of The Largest Temple
Cahal Pech.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Let's face it, a bird sanctuary in the middle of the day, in July, is not going to have many birds. Wasps on the other hand....

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

This mosaic of elongated lagoons, connected by creeks, savannas and logwood thickets is excellent for birds. As the dry season gets underway, they arrive in huge numbers from the Peten and Yucatan as swamps in these areas dry up. By April, the Crooked Tree landscape is alive with flocks of different water birds. Huge congregations of Double Crested Cormorants, Egrets, Herons, and different ducks all can be seen. By July, most of them are hiding in some nice cool refuge, out of site so I photographed flora instead.

Contrasts in Color
Lovely orange butterfly against the deep greens.

They Could Use A Hamburger, No?
Since the birds were scarce, we wandered around the lagoons and village farms which are intermingled. Domesticated cows roamed every road and seemed to pay us no attention.

White Calf
Since the birds were scarce, we wandered around the lagoons and village farms which are intermingled. Domesticated cows roamed every road and seemed to pay us no attention. The calves though are kept fenced.

Make The Flies Go Away!
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Back Off Gringo
Since the birds were scarce, we wandered around the lagoons and village farms which are intermingled. Domesticated cows roamed every road and seemed to pay us no attention.

Hmmm..She's On Our Side Of The Fence
Since the birds were scarce, we wandered around the lagoons and village farms which are intermingled. Domesticated cows roamed every road and seemed to pay us no attention.

A Bright Welcoming
Driving around crooked Tree Village and Wildlife Santuary.

Munching
Driving around Crooked Tree Village and Wildlife Santuary.

Grey Mare
Driving around crooked Tree Village and Wildlife Santuary.

Rustic House
Driving around crooked Tree Village and Wildlife Santuary.

Overtaken
Abandoned wooden house overtaken by the vines. Driving around crooked Tree Village and Wildlife Santuary. On the way back towards Burrell Boom there is a sign, Altun Ha Mayan Site, turn here. So we did!

Altun Ha
It's our last full day and once again, while driving around, we find Altun Ha. And again, we are the only visitors though it is late in the day. Altun Ha is the modern name in the Maya language, translating the nearby village of Rockstone Pond into Yucatec Maya.

Masonry Altar Temple or Temple of the Sun Gods
The site covers 5 square miles. The central square mile contains some 500 structures!

Partial Excavation
Occupation at Altun Ha began around 200 B.C., with the bulk of construction occuring between 200- 900 A.D. during the Classic Period.

Structure B6- Altun Ha

Even though Altun Ha is small as compared to other ruins in the region, the extent to which the site has been cleared and restored makes it easy to imagine its past glory and wealth as a major ceremonial center. Plaza A is a large grassy area, surrounded on all sides by pyramids and is adjoined by Plaza B which contains the largest structure on the site, the Temple of the Masonry Altars, which rises 54 ft. above the plaza.

Detail Carving at the Temple of the Sun Gods
Also called the Temple of Masonry Altars.

Sun God Temple from the North East
The most spectacular find here was a six-inch high (15cm), ten pound, jadeite carving of the head of Kinich Ahau, the Sun God, which was found in the tomb of an elderly male priest. Because three of the seven priestly tombs in the Temple of the Masonry Altars were plundered, having their contents destroyed and the crypts filled with soil, researchers believe that the final demise of Altun Ha was perhaps brought about by violent peasant revolt.

Temple A3 And Plaza The Temple of Masonry Altars


View From The Temple of the Green Tombs
At Classic Maya sites, the society appears to have been severely disrupted early in the tenth century A.D. Although no single factor explains the decline of Maya civilization, there is some evidence that regional conflicts may have contributed to the downfall of the Maya at Altun Ha. The center was not completely abandoned after the collapse, but appears to have been occupied for about 100 years after construction activity had ceased. It was once again reoccupied 200 years later during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Temple of the Masonry Altars or the Sun God temple
The most imposing building at Altun Ha is Structure A-4, the Temple of the Masonry Altars, rising some 54 feet about the plaza floor. The entire construction history has been probed, uncovering eight phases of construction. The first construction effort began about A.D. 550, although little is known about the form of the building. The present reconstruction represents the temple as it appeared around A.D. 600-650.

View of Partial Excavation
Looking down from the top of the Temple of the Green Tombs.

Temple A 3
 Structure A-3, the smallest temple in Group A is like A-1, a composite of various construction efforts which were sufficiently well-preserved to permit their incorporation into an assemblage which gives a reasonable idea of what the building look like about A.D. 600.

Looking Beyond The Temple of the Green Tombs
View of the Temple of Masonry Altars from a distance.

Dave at the Temple of Masonry Altars
Also called the Sun God Temple.

Dave with the Temple of the Green Tombs in the Background
The Temple of the Green Tomb was constructed in a manner characteristic of Altun Ha but not known from any other Maya site. The walls were formed of roughly shaped pieces of quarried limestone and occasional facing stones, and covered by a ceiling of huge slabs of flint and limestone.. Despite this crude construction, the tomb, like others at Altun Ha, was marked by a surprising richness of contents. The presence of nearly 300 jade objects has led this to be called the “Green Tomb”. Other artifacts included shell necklaces and ornaments, pottery vessels, stingray spines (used in ritual bloodletting), and groups of ceremonial chert (flint) eccentrics (elaborately shaped chert sculptures), as well as the remains of more perishable items - skins, cloth, and wooden objects. The remains of a codex, an ancient book made on bark paper, were also found. The fragments were too fragile to be reassembled, but they at least tell us that codices were sometimes buried with elites during the Classic period.

Temple A 4
Unexcavated temple at Altun Ha.

View of Plaza A and the Temple of the Green Tomb


Temple A 1
Now grown over, this temple was excavated in the 1970's.

Steps Up the Side of the Temple of the Green Tomb


Leaving Altun Ha
Passing humble homes leading out of Altun Ha.

Feral Pups
Belize has the same problem that we have in the Bahamas. Stray dogs, no spaying and vaccine or animal care education. I felt so bad for that sweet face. Passed her on the way back to Burrell Boom.

The Gas Station is Open
Local woman who owns the gas station in Burrell Boom. I love the hand written signs all over Belize. Our final hours in Burrell Boom have come too soon.

Farewell Belize
It was magical!