SkyWatch Friday

But....Where's The Rain?

2009-08-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

These images were taken from the beach on Sanibel Island, Florida, during an afternoon thunderstorm. Even though the clouds looked quite threatening, we got less than a quarter inch of rain.

About 20 minutes later, this was the view from the Sanibel Island Causeway.

A Sanibel Island Sky

2009-05-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

These were a couple of my favorite Sanibel skies. They were each taken last month and a week apart. I was surprised to see how similar they looked. Now you know where the hole in Heaven's floor is.

Sunset From Sanibel Causeway

2009-05-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

It was a rainy day here, but this evening the sky was spectacular as the sun was setting.

When I turned to leave, the sky was also glowing behind me.

Sunset After Rain

2009-05-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

This was the beautiful sunset that we had this evening, after a nice rain.

Historic Lighthouse

2009-03-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

This is Sanibel Island's historical lighthouse, known as the Point Ybel Light, located on the Eastern tip of the island. Nearly every time I am on the beach near the light house, there is a beautiful sky as a back drop.

Island residents and also many who lived on the mainland, had tried for over 50 years, before Congress finally approved $50,000 for its construction. It was the first lighthouse on Florida's Gulf coast north of Key West. It was a carbon copy of the Cape San Blas Lighthouse in the Panhandle, which was made to withstand strong hurricane winds.

A metal factory in New Jersey, made the ironwork which was sent by a sailing ship to the island. However about two miles before reaching Sanibel, the ship hit a sandbar and sank. A crew of hard-hat divers from Key West recovered all but two of the pieces for the tower.

Work on the foundation began in March of 1884 and it was completed in late summer. It stands around 98 feet tall and has an internal winding stairway of over 120 steps lead to the lantern house. There were also two houses built for the keepers, which still stand today. Those two houses received indoor plumbing, bathrooms and enclosed porches in 1923. At that time, the head light was also switched from kerosene to acetylene gas. It was automated in 1949 and is still operational. The lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. The lighthouse and both houses where city employees now live, are closed to the public.

Sometimes Cloudy ~ Always Beautiful

2009-03-19T20:05:00.000-07:00

After spending hours going 3 years back in time and sorting through all of my photos, I came up with these favorites to put into a cloudy, slide show. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I did.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Not Always Sunny!

2009-03-05T16:17:00.001-08:00

Recently we had some days that were not our usual bright, sunny ones. But, I could still find beauty in the clouds.

Just Another Interesting Sunset

2009-02-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

Interesting clouds hovering over the Sanibel Causeway, during another sunset in Paradise.

Exploding Horizon

2009-01-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

With the heavy cloud cover, I think the setting sun looked like an explosion on the horizon.

Sanibel Skies

2009-01-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

A great way to begin the new year, was to look at the evening, Sanibel sky from the causeway.

Strange Sky

2008-12-26T19:56:00.001-08:00

I was driving south in Indiana to one of my daughter's for Christmas. The sky looked really strange in the west and in the south, there was a bright, dark yellow streak. I think some of the streaks across the sky were vapor trails that had spread out. Not sure, but it was fun looking at it as I drove.

Sanibel Island Sky After Sunset

2008-12-18T22:42:00.000-08:00

Sanibel Island sky after sunset.

Pink Explosion

2008-12-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

This sky looked like there was a pink explosion, just behind the Sanibel Causeway.

Sunset Sanibel

2008-11-20T17:37:00.001-08:00

Sanibel was cloudless today, but the sunset was still beautiful.

Evening Skies Over Sanibel

2008-11-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

Even if you are late viewing the sunset, there are usually beautiful skies over Sanibel in the evening.

Odd House under an Odd Cloud

2008-11-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

During a walk last week on Bonita Beach, I noticed the futuristic look of this house, with it's curved windows. A big fluffy cloud was in the background, also with a curve that made it look like it belonged right there with the house.

Lazy Old Sun

2008-10-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

Just another Sanibel Sunset....taken this evening. Enlarge to enjoy the sun and shells.

The 'Grim Reaper'

2008-10-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken at night in the month of July, during a bad thunderstorm. At first the dark clouds and lightning looked very threatening, but then the clouds took on a little different look, after taking a whole series of photos; it was surprising to see what appears to be the 'Grim Reaper' pointing the finger in the direction of the camera. I wonder what that meant?? Everyone here is still alive, thank goodness. I thought these photos would work well for the end of October. You must click on the photos and enlarge them to see the image.

After Sunset

2008-10-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

The end of sunset this evening taken at resident access 1 on West Gulf Drive, from the beach on Sanibel Island, Florida. It was a different looking sky, because usually we see fingers of light coming through the clouds. This time there were fingers of clouds covering the light. It was truly beautiful just after the sun went down.

Just click on the Sky Watch icon below to visit sky watchers from all over the world. You won't be sorry you did! Please take time to leave a comment to let them know you dropped by.

Sky Watch is brought to you each Thursday evening at 7:30 PM, GMT by The Sky Watch Team, Tom, Sandy, IMAC , Klaus, Ivar, Wren & Fishing Guy. Be sure to thank them for their kind efforts.

Sunny Afternoon Sky with Clouds

2008-10-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

This video is a sunny afternoon on Sanibel Island, FL with clouds floating around and rain moving in.

Just click on the Sky Watch icon below to visit sky watchers from all over the world. You won't be sorry you did! Please take time to leave a comment to let them know you dropped by.

Sky Watch is brought to you each Thursday evening at 7:30 PM, GMT by The Sky Watch Team, Tom, Sandy, IMAC , Klaus & Ivar. Be sure to thank them for their kind efforts.

Exceptionally beautiful

2008-10-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

I thought this sunset was exceptionally beautiful.

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Sanibel Down Under

2008-09-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Approaching Thunder Storm

2008-09-18T18:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening the clouds were so pretty and pink. It was hard to believe that they actually produced thunder and lightning, just after I took these photos.

Sunrise on West End of Sanibel Island

2008-09-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

After being out on the beach, at Blind Pass, Sanibel/Captiva; shelling from 3 AM with a flashlight, it was good to see the sun starting to come up. The sky was beautiful. This was during the high surf associated with Hurricane Ike.

Sunrise on Captiva Island

2008-09-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

Threatening Clouds

2008-08-28T21:00:00.002-07:00

This was taken on a west gulf beach, this evening, on Sanibel Island.

Fay leaves some clouds lingering behind!

2008-08-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

I took these photos from the deck on the evening Tropical Storm Fay was making her exit.

Sunrise on the Gulf

2008-08-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite sunrise pictures taken from Sanibel Island Lighthouse Beach. It was taken about 3 months ago.

Clouds Hanging Overhead

2008-08-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

After a little kind nudging from some of my friends, I decided to make a contribution to SkyWatch Friday. After looking at many other blogs, I know the quality of my pictures is way below the norm. But, that being said, I feel like the beautiful scene you capture is more important than pixel size. This photo was captured at the exact moment the dark clouds descended over the Sanibel Island, FL, fishing pier.

ominous clouds hanging overhead

2sweetnsaxy said...

I love this picture. I think it's great! :-)

August 8, 2008 1:56 AM

SandyCarlson said...

Thanks for sharing the magic!

August 8, 2008 7:01 AM

Kahshe Cottager said...

Glad your joined in Tootie! This is a fabulous picture. Very ominous!!! Hope to see you in Camera Critters too!

August 8, 2008 7:23 AM

Brenda said...

It's a wonderful photo and you did a most excellent job! Such ominous clouds!

August 8, 2008 9:20 AM

Snowbird said...

I haven't given in to SkyWatch Friday yet but man with a sky like we have on Sanibel, you have the opportunity for a LOT of pictures for it. I love your picture. I bet that brought on a heck of a storm!

August 8, 2008 9:27 AM

Kelly said...

Very good photo, but looks very scary!! Great shot! Have a good weekend!

August 8, 2008 10:47 AM

Marit - "Som Mine Dager Er" said...

Well, I have ever seen such a great shot of the beach and the sand and the waves and ...

I like it.

Marit

August 8, 2008 3:03 PM

dot said...

Love your picture! Altho I lived in Florida at one time I never had the opportunity to visit Sanibel. I can see I missed a lot!

August 8, 2008 3:40 PM

Petunia said...

Fabulous!! Well done!

Petunia's SWF

August 8, 2008 4:04 PM

JunieRose2005 said...

Hi!

And-WOW!! I love that picture of the clouds!

We visited Sanibel a couple of times but it was many years ago!

What a beautiful place it is!!...I wanna see it again!!

Junie (in Ocala,Fl)

August 8, 2008 4:11 PM

babooshka said...

That is a marvellous ominous look cloud, can't believe how low it is, scary.

August 8, 2008 4:37 PM

The Texican said...

Thanks for coming by Pappy's today. Come back and stay as long as you like. I hope to get to Sannibel Island one day before too long. Pappy

August 8, 2008 5:17 PM

Jim said...

Oh Tootie, your quality is fine! If any photos lack quality, it is mine. But there isn't any requirement for 'fine' pictures. Some really are 'fine,' like fine china.
I like your threatening clouds coming to where people are!
Thank you for peeking at my pre-storm sunrise. Happy Skywatching!
..

August 9, 2008 12:12 AM

Pietro said...

Very dramatic sky, amazing view.
Pietro Brosio Gallery

August 9, 2008 12:35 AM

Kathiesbirds said...

This is an awesome picture and more than worthy of being in Skywatch! Thanks for joining and thanks for stopping by my blogs. To answer your question, I have been to Sanibel Island once in February, 2003. My brother lived in Ft. Myers at the time and he took me out to the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. I was immediately enthralled and I have been wanting to return ever since. I also fell in love with the banyan tree in front of Tomas Edison's house in Ft. Myers. I want one!

August 9, 2008 1:07 AM

JM said...

Wow! That is an amazing threatening sky! Good shot!
Thank you for yor nice comment on my blog.
Greetings.

August 9, 2008 5:50 AM

Tammy said...

I love this photo! Thanks for sharing it. And thanks for dropping by my site. Nice to "meet" you!

August 9, 2008 3:00 PM

piedmontperspective said...

That's a terrific shot, Tootie! You captured the storm cloud perfectly. You can practically see a waterspout forming.

August 9, 2008 7:55 PM