posing

I was delighted when this dragonfly agreed to pose for a photo!

curled petals

Summer flowers have emerged, petals curled and forming patterns.

destination? Newfoundland!

We're almost to the point where I can count the days before we head out on our next adventure! Denise finally settled on a destination in early June. I think she closed her eyes and pointed at a map; I guess we're lucky she didn't land on a spot in the middle of the ocean!

Where? We're going to wander in eastern Newfoundland again. We're starting with two days in St. John's and the area around there. Next is Terra Nova National Park and the Eastport Peninsula, followed by Twillingate. Oh! I like that name!

We have B&Bs for half of the time - including a repeat visit to Inn by the Sea in Eastport. When Denise called for a reservation the innkeeper remembered her from our visit back in 2011. I think that's pretty cool, don't you? The B&Bs that looked interesting in St. John's were booked so we're staying at the Hampton Inn near the airport. That's pretty close to town, and I think it will be a good jumping off point for wandering on the Avalon Peninsula.

Since we're staying near the airport the first night and the last night of the trip we were able to get a better deal on a rental car too. We fly in at night and out in the morning. Denise discovered that if she picks the car up the morning after we arrive and returns it the night before we fly home that the cost of the car dropped by a lot of money. I think the difference in price is crazy, but hey - why not rent the car for 12 fewer hours and a lot fewer dollars?

I'm looking forward to wandering in Newfoundland again; I think Denise is too.

--- Rover

looking inland from the Eastport Peninsula, eastern Newfoundland

pink

I stood next to these pink petunias for a while, waiting for the wind to slow enough to capture a flower that was nicely posing.

reflecting blue

I love the play of light and color here, a pool of water reflecting the blue of the sky.

after the storm

Yesterday Arthur (in hurricane or tropical storm form) brought us gray skies and lots of rain. When I woke up this morning with plans to head to the coast I could still hear the rain falling. I quickly checked the forecast to find that clearing was predicted between 8 and 9 AM. Phew!

Today's coastal wander was at the Wells Reserve, a perfect spot to enjoy the change in weather. The wind howled, nicely keeping the bugs far away. The sky wore blue with interesting cloud patterns. The ocean was active, waves crashing. It was a good day for a walk by the sea.

More photos from today can be seen in the gallery Wells Reserve - 2014.

purple

I like the lines created by these swaths of tiny summer blooms.

from an after the rain garden visit

soaked!

When I arrived home late this afternoon the sky was blue and filled with billowing white clouds. By the time I was ready to walk a short 15 minutes later dark clouds obscured the blue. I could hear the rumble of thunder and see flashes of lightning. Hmm...

I decided to head out anyway, dressed for summer warmth. I briefly considered grabbing an umbrella or a rain jacket, deciding against both since the temperature was in the low 90s.

I walked, watching bolts of lightning, listening to loud claps of thunder.

Rain started falling. I kept walking, continuing to watch the lightning and listen to the thunder.

The rain got heavier. A stranger in a car stopped and asked if I'd like a ride. I thanked her for her kindness; I kept walking.

The intensity of the rain increased. I walked, and I laughed. I was totally soaked.

The rain lightened. The sun started to break through the clouds. I saw my first rainbow, almost hiding under a tree. I saw a second rainbow, a shallow curve across the sky. Just before I finished my (wet) loop I saw a third rainbow.

The thunderstorm very nicely dropped the temperature into the mid-70s, comfortable.

What a wonderful walk!

a quiet quarry

So quiet... can you see the sea bird paddling in the smooth waters?

Halibut Point State Park is a favorite spot of mine, a place of quiet, of peace. The enclosed waters of the old quarry provide a birds-only spot for paddling.

bright

This brightly colored flower pulled my eyes toward it as I drove home one day last week. I didn't stop the car since the only camera with me was the one in my phone; instead I headed back out on foot (with camera) as soon as I reached home. Luckily I remembered the general area where this beautiful color jumped out at me.