Batmobile

Proudly prowling Naples' main drag.  If anyone knows what it is, I would be curious.

Naples National Art Show II

Glenn Woods from Palm Harbor, Florida, was a fine ceramicist who had the last booth as I exited.

Naples National Art Show I

One of the best outdoor art shows in Southwest Florida -- and, they claim, in the USA --
was held last weekend in Cambier Park.

Mick Whitcomb is a Missouri artist.  He exhibited salvaged books, typewriters, scales

and other instruments that he retrofits as lights.

Carolyn Currie is a Connecticut painter.  I showed her earlier this season at another show.

Pavlina Alea paints kind of realistically and kind of abstractly.  I asked her if she suffers from drowning nightmares.  She says, no, she just likes the abstract ripples of water.

Jan Byron is from Dallas.  Her booth with intricate doll-like sculptures was one of the busiest.

Decades ago William Doak came across a warehouse of 50 to 100 year old ivory, from billiard balls, piano keys, etc.  He imported it to the USA in the 1970s and certifies that it is in compliance with all import restrictions.  Today he makes it into jewelry.  His booth was crowded.

Timeless

Timeless, a MHK Eatery is a new restaurant next to La Colmar.  Chef David Nelson was busy preparing food for the evening, so I photographed him from above.

The restaurant is in an attention-getting building on a block that also holds the owner's
architectural firm and several design companies.

Rosalia

La Colmar is a stylish new bakery and bistro on Route 41 in Olde Naples.

Rosalia works behind the counter.  After some mild persuasion, she posed for me.

Birds of Rookery Bay

No birds here?  Yes, I know.  I just liked the photo.  From my iPhone.

Yes, I know I posted eagles a month ago, but this time there are two eagles in the photo.  

And the nest below them.

Yes, I know I posted an osprey just two weeks ago, but this time there is a nice close-up.
And two ospreys in a nest.

Yes, I know I posted a cormorant two weeks ago.  But, hey, it is my blog.

Rookery Island

As the day begins to end, birds start flying in from all over the bay to a single island.  The island is far enough away from other land that predators can't easily swim to it, and there is safety in numbers.

Cormorants occupy the highest perches (on the left), while pelicans take the middle 

and egrets, herons and other birds are sprinkled throughout.  

The kayakers are much too close.  Boats are expected to stay 100 meters away.

Rookery Bay

I was on a sunset cruise in Rookery Bay, a beautiful estuary between Naples and Marco Island.

As the sun began to go down, it was hidden behind a cloud.
There were shafts of light above and below the cloud.

Lift Off

Gulls and terns.

Naples Beach, near the Pier.

Sea Turtle

There is a handsome sea turtle mural on Punta Gorda's main street.  Beside the mural is a poignant plaque.  A young mother who loved sea turtles was diagnosed with breast cancer.  

She passed away a year later, but her spirit moved the community.

Visit Monday Mural to see more murals.

Brown, White and Green Cars

This Delahaye is one of the most beautiful cars I have seen.

This 1935 MG has a storied history in road racing in America.  

It was driven by the father of the museum's founder.

This 1962 Superamerica Coupe Aerodynamica by Pininfarina was Enzo Ferrari's own car, just one of fourteen Coupe Aerodynamicas built.  Each was completely customized, so no two are alike.

A 1928 Stutz Black Hawk Boattail Roadster.  This car won five races in its first two weeks
and went on to win the AAA National Stock Car Championship.  

Red Cars

A 1934 touring Alfa Romeo.

The 1930 Model J Phaetons were powerful performance automobiles offered by Duesenberg, and appealed to wealthy buyers who could have the body and interior custom crafted by coachmakers.
This one was customized by LeBaron Carrossiers of New York City.

The 1948 Tipo 166 Spyder Corsa was the first Ferrari to win a major race.
It was brought to America and won several more races before being retired.

This 1929 Sport Model SSK was an exceptionally powerful Mercedes-Benz designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche.  It excelled in hill races.  

Blue Cars

I don't know anything about cars except ignition, steering wheel, accelerator and brake.  

Oh yes, and radio.
But I do know beauty.  So I visited a Naples automobile museum again.

A 1914 Silver Ghost Colonial made by Rolls-Royce was noted for how well-built every part is.

This 1965 Porsche 356C coupe was given to the museum founder when 

he graduated from high school and left for college.

A 1933 Twelve Sport Phaeton Packard was a prestigious touring car favored by
college presidents and business leaders for whom an impressive car was essential.

A 1938 Maserati 8CTF had a disappointing racing career in Europe but won
Indianapolis twice and Pikes Peak twice.  It kept racing into the 1950s.

Bugatti.

Parable

I think there is a parable about the two lions who turned their backs on Christ.

A Fishing Party

 

There must have been a school of fish just off Naples Beach.  The pelicans led the fishing party.

And for those who think I should have something Valentine-themed today,

here are some sweets from Norman Love chocolatier.

Stop Sign Photographs

I can't be the only person who drives around with a camera on the passenger seat.

Red.

 A Punta Gorda bank.

Who tells each bird how far to perch from the next bird?

Yeah.  We get it.  You are important.  But, a little humility wouldn't hurt.

Red, yellow and green.

Tuscan architecture is pretty popular in Southwest Florida.

And, The Fishing Center.