Pelican and Fisherman

I knew it was going to be one of those sunrises that would not bring a great variance of color - just the sun finally making it past the thick cloud layer, bringing the light with it. But I've learned that that has it's own kind of beauty, and that there is still always something to enjoy. 

Today, the waves on the beach side of the jetty were really pounding. 
Here, a lone pelican is one of the first of the morning,

surveying the rocks for a charitable fisherman, 

willing to share his throw-aways. 

And he found one. 

But there were more pleasant sights to come . . . 

Good Morning, Sun!

 

You know the saying - "Up with the birds?"

Well, today I was literally up with the birds, as I made my way to the beach to see the sunrise on the Jetties for the first time in months. 

As you may know, if you follow this blog, I came here to the Lower Rio Grande Valley because I have a lot of trouble with cold, so, while I'm still an early bird, I've been doing my mornings indoors ever since the first northerlies brought winter conditions to the LRGV. I have been waiting patiently for a time when the early morning temps would be at least 70 with no fog before going to see the sunrise. It made it to 70, but especially with that cool ocean breeze, it still feels cold to me. But I made it. 

The first seagull I saw was looking pensively at this little yellow rubber fishy (some people have rubber duckies, but here on the Jetties, you will occasionally find rubber fishies, unknowingly left behind by the fishermen), evidently trying to decide it if was just ornamental or actually a good breakfast food. He passed. 

A great blue heron was also out quite early, watching the fishing boats come in. 

Today, I was actually the first one on the beach, but before long, the first of the hearty fishermen and women were lining the Jetty. 

And then came the sunrise. There was no fancy show of colors, since the cloud cover was too much to allow for that, but rather, it was just a nice, golden glow. 

After the sunrise, I walked along the beach for a while, looking at shells, and then headed home. 

The Rolling Sea

 

Today I went down to the Jetties, but this time I had my new water shoes (which are basically elastic slippers with a rubber sole), so I felt relatively safe in walking further out on the big, rock barrier. Someday I may walk all the way to the end, where I have been told there are sometimes sea turtles and dolphins to be seen, but, for now  . . .  baby steps.

But I did see an amazing view of the business district/hotels, etc, all lined up along the beach. And I did see some really cool blue-and-white waves rolling in along the edge of the barrier. And, of course, an egret, some really cool pelican dives, and plenty of sunshine.

Jetty to the Sunrise

 

What a lovely start to any week! I love this shot of the jetty stretching out toward the sunrise. The colors blend so nicely, and the natural look of the rock structure looks so good against the water. Just part of many wonders this day would bring. 

Sunset at the Jetties

Well, I have been so pleased to finally have a county park pass and be able to drive right up to my favorite place, Isla Blanco Park and the Jetties.  

Tonight's display was lovely and peaceful, with a boat sailing through the glorious sunset. What  nice way to end a day. 

I have been feeling so downright depressed because of not being able to see any family for so long. Of course, I knew it would be this way, but it's different when the reality hits. I'm glad that my health is much better, but there are times when I wonder if it would be better to just deal with the sickness and have family around. Of course, now that my family is all spread out, I can't be around them all. But I sure do miss them. 

And, even a beautiful sunset can't take that away, although it does provide a distraction for a while. 

Beautiful Waves on the Jetty

 

Tonight at the Jetties, the sunset had a little competition from the magnificent waves. Absolutely glorious crashing against the boulders, with the setting sun in the background.  

I had a nice front row seat on one of the short rock pillars, just close enough to get a little splash now and then. 

A couple of fishermen got a little close for comfort, though. This wave caused them a little unsteadiness, but thankfully they weren't hurt.