This guy knows what it's all about. Taking it easy while shrimping on Sullivan's Island as the sun sets into the water is a really, really good place to be.
I'm starting to miss summer already and it's still here.
Edit: the good people of Reddit tell me that it's more likely he's using a cast net to catch bait fish than shrimp given his location on the beach. Thanks r/Charleston!
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Carnival Cruise Lines' Ecstasy was a really interesting ship. First, it seems to be modeled after a Rat Pack-era Las Vegas. Lots and lots of shiny stuff and crazy patterned carpets. Most of the bars and restaurants are themed and every once in a while, one would take you away from that overt 1960s glitziness and transport you elsewhere. This little karaoke-themed nightclub was called Chinatown and it had a really cool tea house-style vibe to it.
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.
Flourish & Blotts is one of many detailed storefronts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. The dragon in the background is perched atop Gringott's Bank, keeping an eye over all of the treasures inside. From time-to-time, he breathes fire towards the muggles and wizards below. It's a bit of a shock the first time you experience it — especially if you are standing directly below it, like I was!
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.
I've written about the beauty and history of Alcañiz in the past so I'll keep this one short. I took this photograph from the terrace of our room in the Castle at Alcañiz just as the sun was starting to get low in the sky. There were several fires in the lands surrounding the Castle. You can see one of them here. The smoke from the fires conspired with the setting sun to turn everything orange. It was a very smoky version twist to putting on rose-colored glasses.
No roads lead to Goat Island. It sits on the other side of the Intra Coastal Waterway from the Isle of Palms Marina and can only be accessed by water. The children who live on Goat Island actually have to take a boat across the water to the bus stop. That just might qualify as the coolest ride to school ever! I'm guessing if you ask the good people of Goat Island, they'd tell you the lack of a car is a small price to pay for the solitude and beautiful sunsets they enjoy while living on the water.
This photograph was captured with a Sony a6300.
Epcot's World Showcase countries take on an entirely new perspective when seen through a telephoto lens from across the lagoon. None seem more at home at the water's edge than Italy, with the Campanile di San Marco rising high above the water and the trademark black gondolas lined up for service.
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.
This is one of the greatest weekends of the year — Chicago's Air & Water Show!
We religiously attended the air show every summer when I was a kid and I still love going back to watch it whenever I'm able to. If you've never been to Chicago before, don't go in February. Go on air show weekend and you will leave certain that Chicago is the greatest city in the world. Not only is the city literally buzzing with amazing aircraft all weekend long but the weather is almost always perfect and everybody in the city is out enjoying the weekend. It's payback for the long, grey, slushy winters.
If you don't have access to a roof deck or a high-rise condo along the water, check out North Avenue Beach or the viewing deck at the Hancock building for some of the best views.
This photograph was captured with a Nikon D90.
I've said it before and I'll say it again... the sunrises and sunsets on Beech Mountain are spectacular. Beech Mountain is the highest town east of the Rockies, which might have something to do with it. The long-range mountain views don't hurt, either! If you'd like to take a trip to the mountains and experience mornings on Beech Mountain for yourself, check out Slopeside.
Here's to wishing you a fantastic, adventurous weekend!
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.
It's been a while since I've posted a photograph from Figure Eight Island. This is the private Figure Eight Island marina. It's located on a really serene stretch of the Intra Coastal Waterway, nestled among salt marshes that run as close as 100 meters to the ocean. This was captured in February so the docks are a bit quiet but they're a perfect representation of the peacefulness of the Island in the low season.
This photograph was captured with a DJI Phantom 3 Professional drone.
The Hogwarts Express at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Orlando is perfect. It's the first thing you see as you enter Hogsmeade Village from Universal Citywalk and it really sets the scene. Using the Hogwarts Express to connect Hogsmeade Village to Diagon Alley in the original Universal Studios was a brilliant move by Universal Studios. Having a different experience aboard the Hogwarts Express depending on direction of travel was genius!
This photograph was captured with a Sony NEX-7.