Leaving Paradise

Me on the Beach

As the jet took-off from Ft Lauderdale this morning shortly after 6AM, I was struck by the hard reality that my beach time had come to an end.

Sadly, a real end. 

The Ocean (Left) and Intercoastal (right)
Radio Flyer in the Skies
April 9, 2018

Yesterday I was on the fifth different beach of our vacation, flying Radio Flyer, my drone, in the bright warm sunlight. Today I was flying out of Florida under the over of darkness!

What a difference a day makes. At 9AM I was standing in the 30-degree weather at BWI waiting to be picked up and ushered home.

It is always great to be home, but this time I would be greater to stay warm.

Jupiter Lighthouse
April 9, 2018

We visited the Intercoastal Waterway Beaches yesterday. Radio Flyer made a great first flight, but then the day began to cloud and the winds began blowing at unsafe speeds.  

In the evening, we celebrated the end of another great Florida vacation by enjoying a couple cold ones at The Square Grouper and watching the weather form around the Jupiter Lighthouse.

It is over.

I didn't even have time to write the blog this morning, but I did edit the video on the plane.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Monday Musings - April 9, 2018

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 8, 2018

1. Sadly, today begins my last full day in Florida. Tomorrow it is back to the gray and cold of the northern states. 

2. Vacations are nice, especially when the most difficult question has been, which beach should we go to?

3. The Orioles have possibly righted the listing Birdland ship by taking a 4-game series from the Yankees 3-1. They are now 4-6 for the season, but sadly are close to my 7-10 prediction for the first 17 games. 

4. There has been something really great about walking outside and being greeted by warm, moist weather. 

5. The Masters provided a fantastic finish yesterday. Golf can be riveting with nail-biting finishes. 

Squadron of Pelicans
Jupiter Island
April 5, 2018

6. My big question for the day, should I play golf or go to the beach this morning?

7. Annoying habits of other drivers on the road: pulling in front without signaling. It would seem that in today's environment of increased distracted driving that people should win a Darwin Award for doing this. 

8. Watching the birds on the beach is a relaxing pastime. The pelicans have been flying in large flocks all week long. We usually only see them in small groups, but this week we have seen flocks (squadrons) numbering more than 40. 



HEADLINES

As Trump Seeks Way Out of Syria, New Attack Pulls Him Back In - The New York Times

North Korea Said to Offer Direct Assurance It Will Discuss Denuclearization - The New York Times

‘I know I don’t need it’ An AR-15 owner explains the allure. - The Washington Post

Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"My foremost responsibility is our national security, just as it is the prime duty of Congress to appropriate the necessary resources to keep our defenses strong. This is our duty, not only to America but to the cause of human freedom. It's also our job to make sure that every tax dollar we spend, we spend well."

Radio Address to the Nation on the Defense Budget, March 1, 1986

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Another Day, Another Beach

Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 7, 2018

It was another idyllic day in Florida during the month of April yesterday. That meant another trip to the beach to enjoy the sun and surf. The beach of the day was the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach on Jupiter Island. 

Fishing on Hobe Sound Beach
April 7, 2018

The trip to the beach was planned to take advantage of the morning before the other beachgoers arrived. Being Saturday, we actually experienced some crowds at the beach as we were departing about 1PM. 

As we arrived, the beach was principally the domain of those fishing for the bounty of the sea. In chatting with the various fishermen, I learned that they were only catching frustration that morning. No one had caught anything meaningful. It was a very interesting view along the water looking at the poles lined up. I should have taken and image of that same view later because the poles had been replaced with beach umbrellas.

Beach Essentials

I had some time, while sitting on the beach, to compose a beach image of essential items.

Beach trips require a number of things, among them flip flops, beverages, umbrellas and a good view. 

We were well supplied yesterday. 

Tubular Dog at West Palm Art Show

And, since drones are not allowed in the National Wildlife Refuge, there are not corresponding drone images to share. Radio Flyer had to stay in its travel case back at the house. I learned an interesting legal tip about drones in the refuge. It is illegal to even possess a drone in the refuge whether flying it or not. I was smart enough to talk to the ranger BEFORE I took my drone to the refuge. I had read that flying the drone in the refuge was illegal, but I didn't know that even possessing one was illegal as well.

So while I view my drone as an essential beach item, knowing where it is allowed is equally as important.

During the afternoon we headed off to West Palm Beach for an art show. I have to confess that I was impressed by the artists--however, one piece really made me smile. I was this tubular dog who was lifting his leg. 

Another day is on tap and my Spring Break vacation is rapidly coming to an end. I wonder what we will do today?

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Another Sunny Day

Chris on the Course
April 6, 2018

I have to admit that I am getting used to bright sunny days with temperatures in the 80's. This type of day provides multiple opportunities for enjoyable outdoors activity.

On Dog Beach
South of Carlin Park, Jupiter, Florida
April 6, 2018

Yesterday, for instance, Chris and I played another round of golf. We have found a par 3 course in the area and we can knock out a round in less than two-and-a-half hours. Par 3 courses can be very difficult, they generally have very small greens and require a lot of precision. I had a really good day yesterday, but then when you keep your driven in the bag it is hard to get into too much trouble.

After the golf, then there is the beach. We have been to four different beaches since we have been here. Our favorite, Hobe Sound, is a National Wildlife Refuge and drone flights are not allowed, so Radio Flyer has to stay home. The other beaches we visit are all fair game and Radio Flyer has been proving itself very capable this week. 

I have been enjoying some of the different views the drone provides, like looking at the stairs coming down to the beach from above and to the side. It also provides a good view of how crowded the beach is, or is not!

It is expected to be another sunny and warm day! I wonder what today will bring?

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Walking the Beach

Fran and Chris Shelling on Jupiter Island
April 6, 2018

Walking the beach looking for shells is an enjoyable and relaxing experience. The beach yesterday was packed with shells and provided literally hours of enjoyment as we worked out way along it. 

Unlucky Crab in the Shells
Jupiter Beach
April 5, 2018

Shells stretched along the beach for seemingly miles, it was actually 3/4 of a mile. It was a great walk in the bright sun and breezy conditions. 

Walking along the beach and examining the shells there provided an enjoyable morning activity. The winds were too strong to fly Radio Flyer, my drone, but even so the day was filled with shells and discoveries. Some of the discoveries were sobering, such as the crab which had clearly not had a good morning on the beach.

Blowhole at Blowing Rocks
Jupiter Island
April 5, 2018

We walked to an outcropping called Blowing Rocks to see the waves crash onto the shore. It was a beautiful day and the sun, water, rocks, and sea made for some great images. 

Waiting for the waves to crash onto the rocks through the blow hole was frustrating, the strength of the waves did not create a dramatic view, but it was still fun to experience and even more challenging to capture as an image.

Sea, sun, wind, and shells. A day along the beach.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

As the Warm Days Pass

Chris at Jupiter Dunes
April 4, 2018

I notice that my daily blogs are being posted later and later during the day.

It must mean that I am enjoying my time away and sleeping later into the morning, at least until after 7AM, while also enjoying daily activities.

Yesterday, for instance, began on a golf course after a leisurely breakfast. Chris and I suffered through a rainstorm for three holes, but emerged into bright sunshine and enjoyed a quick round on a par 3 course. Chris did great and carried the water in the image above!

Happy Hour on Carlin Park Beach
April 4, 2018

Then there was some wine shopping during the heat of the day, such as it was. The heat actually felt good and it had been a long time since we had actually graced a wine store, or wine stores. There is something great about Florida grocery stores selling wine. The are grocery stores, wine stores, and wine super markets and they all seem to survive. We went to four places and found very different wines and very little overlap. Maryland should take a note.

Happy Hour on Carlin Park Beach
April 4, 2018

I worked on videos from Radio Flyer's flights over Jupiter Island Beach on April 3rd. I put together a video of the second flight. I think I got some nice views. I have been really exploring the birds-eye view and the cool scenes it provides. That is the strength of the drone anyway, getting right above the subject and providing a different point of view. 

The end of the day was enjoying the sun setting behind us as we relaxed on Carlin Park Beach. It was really beautiful and a great way to end the second full day of our Spring Break vacation.

I wonder what is in store for the next couple of days?

-- Bob Doan, writing form Tequesta, Florida

Beach Life

Jupiter Beach
April 3, 2018

Sitting in a chair under an umbrella on Jupiter Island Beach looking out at the blue ocean crashing onto the shore is an enjoyable, relaxing experience that I look forward to every year. This beach is one of the reasons we keep coming to this area.

Birds Eye View of Jupiter Beach
April 3, 2018

The beach is never crowded and has over the years allowed to remain in a more natural state. As we made our small camp at 11 AM yesterday, no one else was on the beach. By the time we left, about 3PM, a few others had arrived, but there was ample room for all activities.

Radio Flyer, my drone, made its first flight over a beach next to the ocean. The winds were near the maximum sustained about 15 mph with gusts to 19 mph. I only received on wind gust warning. In the birds-eye view you can see the umbrellas in the middle of the beach, and it is also clear that almost no other beachgoers were near us, competing for space. 

Life is a beach!

Life on a beach is idyllic. 

Radio Flyer's video of the area and the beach really provide a fun perspective. I took it up to altitude for some scenic shots, but had great fun just flying along the beach. 

During my second flight of the day I sojourned a bit over the ocean, not far, just to see how Radio Flyer handled. I did not notice any difference in handling or flight characteristics. 

Beach days are the best. We are probably taking a break today due to over-exposure to the sun yesterday. We had some suntan lotion failures that we need to address with a day out of the sun.

-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

From Cold to the Beach

Hope Sound National Wildlife Refuge Beach
April 2, 2018

One awesome thing about the arrival of April this year is Spring Break! Well, I don't actually get a Spring Break vacation, but Chris does. We decided to keep it simple this year. 

Jupiter Lighthouse
April 2, 2018

Florida! The travel day was fabulous. We went from cold weather to beach in six hours!

Average high temperature for the Baltimore 10 day forecast is about 50 degrees for the next 10 days with lows in the mid 30's. The 10 day forecast for Jupiter has highs averaging in the low 80's with no lows expected below 68 degrees!

And that is why we are here! We need a taste of summer, right this very minute.

Pelicans on Patrol Over Home Sound Beach
April 2, 2018

The warm temperatures and the bright sun are a stark contrast to what we have been experiencing in the Baltimore area. We actually planned our travel so that we were able to fly south and be on a beach before 1PM. It was magnificent. 

Yesterday was a beautiful beach day filled with bright sun and few clouds. I could tell that it is still the high season in Florida, the beach was crowded. There may have been 20 other people on the beach. 

I am happy to report that our golf clubs arrived without incident. One of the great things doubt Southwest is that bags fly free and so do golf clubs. 


-- Bob Doan, writing from Tequesta, Florida

Monday Musings - April 2, 2018

The Family Easter Sunday
April 1, 2018

1. It is April! We are done with March and ready for the springtime flowers and warm rains of April. 

Birds Eye View
April 1, 2018

2. We enjoyed a fun filled and fantastic Easter.

3. I managed a round of golf on Saturday. It was not one of my better rounds but the sun was shining somewhat and it was much warmer than last week.

4. Amazingly, Congress averted another budget showdown and the country gan get on to peacemaking!

Fire Pit Evening
April 1, 2018

5. Anyone not see a trade war coming? I think the train has left the station.

6. Chris and I enjoyed an evening around the fire pit after everyone departed


Headlines

Trade war escalates as China says it will impose tariffs on 128 U.S. exports, including pork and fruit - The Washington Post


Even Republicans Have Used the ‘I’ Word, but Would Firing Mueller Get Trump Impeached? - The New York Times

Trump's ignorance about DACA is stunning - CNN
Ronald Reagan Quote for the Week

"My foremost responsibility is our national security, just as it is the prime duty of Congress to appropriate the necessary resources to keep our defenses strong. This is our duty, not only to America but to the cause of human freedom. It's also our job to make sure that every tax dollar we spend, we spend well." Radio Address to the Nation on the Defense Budget, March 1, 1986

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD

Easter 2018

Hyacinth in Jeremy's Garden
March 31, 2018

Happy Easter!

It is the most important Christian celebration and it is the the most observed Christian holiday. It was the first observance that early Christians observed and every Sunday is considered Easter Sunday. That is why most churches hold services on Sunday.

Take time today and give thanks for God's great love for us. 

I am reminded of something the late Billy Graham wrote about Easter:

God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I Love You”

-Billy Graham

Spring is finally underway. The trees have begun to bloom and the temperatures are moderating. It is a great way to celebrate Easter with the rebirth of the land after the hard winter.

Happy Easter.

He is risen indeed.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD