What to see in Panama City Beach, FL?

[goofry]

Well, there are some obvious subjects to see out on the beach. The hard part for me is trying to find something interesting in the short time I have before the family wakes up and wants to go to the beach.

In Panama City Beach, FL. that usually means going to one of the local state parks. The closest to where we stay is St. Andrews State park. So here are a few of the shots from my short morning out.

I tried my luck at catching some of the water fowl in flight. Most of these were taken with the 70-200 2.8is with a 2x added on. I don't usually like to use the 2x, but the reach was just not enough without it.
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005016_5Kbxj-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005029_NFMA4-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005033_auffU-M.jpg

After waiting around for something new to happen in this location, I decided to move on over to the alligator pond. When I got there, this little guy was just waiting on it's next meal.
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005050_7kYEP-M.jpg

Of course, right after I walk up, he decides to head off across the pond. So much for gator shots, so I decide to take a walk around the pond. This is an open area with some gators that I have seen up to about 8 feet. The trail is right on the edge of the water, so I kept my eyes open for anything that would want me for breakfast. All I really found was some damsel flies. I got a couple of these just for fun. Not my best shots, but the best I could do with a regular zoom lens and keeping an eye out for the guy above!
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005047_vXfxF-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005062_QZ97c-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005066_AW2Ai-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005074_rb8v3-M.jpg

Another bird shot
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005070_668ea-M.jpg

That was about it for the wildlife and time was beginning to run short, so I decided to head over to the beach area to see if there were any shots to be had there.
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005081_jrzX8-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005086_apBLZ-M.jpg http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005093_MUeTk-M.jpg


The dunes here are very cool. I just wish there was a way to get a shot of the dunes and be high enough to see over them and actually get the beach in the image.
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005096_cDCCC-M.jpg

A few more to come on the next post.

[goofry]

OK, so here's a few more shots from the same park later that afternoon. I was able to talk the family into a visit so the kid could see a gator and I could get some sunset picts.

This time, the gator was basking in the sun, so I got a little closer.
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005101_WHtAE-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005112_kgbti-M.jpg

I could have gotten even closer, but then I was reminded to keep my distance.
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005124_RUae4-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005129_ScUyr-M.jpg

And finally, some sunset shots.
http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005133_qdDhC-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005136_v2QEu-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308005143_yihMV-M.jpg


Now, last but not least, a few pictures of the family.

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308016196_5jjyj-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308016211_7mb6Y-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308016236_yfBg3-M.jpg

http://spotlightpicture.smugmug.com/photos/308016227_s9vCg-M.jpg

That's about it for my journey.

Thanks for taking a look and as always, c and c are welcome.

Jeff

[Skippy]

OK, so here's a few more shots from the same park later that afternoon. I was able to talk the family into a visit so the kid could see a gator and I could get some sunset picts.

This time, the gator was basking in the sun, so I got a little closer.

I could have gotten even closer, but then I was reminded to keep my distance.

And finally, some sunset shots.

Now, last but not least, a few pictures of the family.

That's about it for my journey.

Thanks for taking a look and as always, c and c are welcome.

Jeff

That Gator looks like he's smiling at you :nod
probably sizing you up hehehe!

That little boy has got a lovely smile, he's very photogenic.
Nice way to finish of the day to with a great Sunset.

Got yourself some real nice shots there Jeff :thumb ... Skippy :D
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