Photo Challenge: Lens-Artists #57 – Taking a Break

As a retired senior, I’m lucky that I don’t have to go through the daily grind of a 40 hour work week any more. Even so, there are still times when even retired people need to take a break . Sometimes, reading a book, calling a friend, or watching an old movie is just what I need.

Other times, I need to get out in nature in order to soothe my soul. Whether it’s walking out into my back yard, taking a walk through the neighborhood, or getting in the car to do something new , there are plenty of things I can do outside to take a break.

When I’m busy at home, if I need a short break I can go outside to see what’s happening in my own back yard.

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Bee in the Butterfly Garden

In the evening, I love to stop whatever I’m doing to watch a beautiful sunset.

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Sunset over the Georgia Salt Marsh

The beach is my happy place, and any time I can get my toes in the sand makes me happy.

Ready for Beach Chair Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico
Ready for Beach Chair Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico

Getting out and exploring somewhere close to home is a great way to take a break.

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McQueens – Tybee Island Rails To Trails, Savannah, GA

When we’re traveling in the RV, there’s no better way to take a break from driving, sightseeing, or hiking than relaxing right in our own campsite.

Our campsite was a great place to watch the herons, egrets
Just Chillin’ in our campsite

For longer breaks, taking a trip and experiencing new places is the answer.

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Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

Thanks to Tina at Travels and Trifles for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Taking a Break this week

Photo Challenge: Lens-Artists – Seashores and/or Lakeshores

Thanks to Amy for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge Seascapes and/or Landscapes this week

The beach is my happy place and we have traveled to many different beaches over the years.

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Tybee Island North Beach at low tide
The beach at sunset
Sunset at Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
The beach at sunset at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
The beach at sunset at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Florida
View of the Na Pali Coast from the beach on Kauai
View of the Na Pali Coast from the beach on Kauai, Hawaii
Misty morning at Mustang Island
Misty morning at Mustang Island, Texas
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Nanny Goat Beach, Sapelo Island, Georgia
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Wandering Dawgs on Inch Beach, Ireland

Thanks to Amy for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge this week

You can see responses from other bloggers here: https://wordpress.com/tag/lens-artists

Oatland Island Wildlife Center

Located near downtown Savannah, The Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah is a wonderful place to view animals native to Georgia.  Sadly, the center is currently closed after a tornado tore through the center in July, 2018.  All of the animals were safe but many of the structures sustained damage.

When the center is open, there are many educational programs for students. For more information about the center please visit their website.

A few years ago we took our two oldest grandkids to Oatland Island to see the animals. It was such a great day we returned for a second visit a couple of months later.

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Red-tailed Hawk

 

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Red Fox
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Broad-Headed Skink
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Gray Wolf
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Alligator
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Cougar
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Gopher Tortoise

Inspired by Ingrid’s Wandering Wednesday – Zoo

Reflections

When I was a lot younger I was too busy to notice a lot of the little details that occur in nature. I discovered later in life that if I slow down and look around me I can enjoy the beauty of something as simple as trees or birds reflected in still water.

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Otter Springs, FL
Lake Bistineau
Lake Bistineau, LA
Foggy morning on West Point Lake
Foggy morning on West Point Lake, GA
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Little Ocmulgee State Park, GA
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An unusual looking palm tree in the Silver River
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Yellow Crowned Night Heron, FL

Inspired by Ingrid’s Wandering Wednesday photo prompt – Reflections