Description: NCL Norwegian Dawn NYC ©Debra Martz We weren't the only cruise ship arriving early in New York. We had just passed under the Verrazzano - Narrows Bridge seen in the background at 6 am, April 20th. I had not noticed another ship behind us until I took another look back about 10 minutes later and saw the NCL Dawn. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Turquoise and Pink Fallen Leaves by Debra Martz The trails at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge are mainly sandy as it is near the coast. However, due to the ongoing drought, many of the trees had dropped leaves due to the lack of water and the trail soon became covered in leaves. Of course, they weren't turquoise and pink!. I had decided to just enhance the colors a bit in Lightroom but soon pushed the limits beyond the colors in nature and I liked what I saw. Hope you do, too! ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited.
Description: Stabian Baths Decorative Ceiling - Pompeii by Debra Martz The Stabian Baths are the largest and oldest baths as they were built before the the Romans entered Pompeii. This incredibly beautiful ceiling is found at the entrance to the dressing rooms next to the Men's section of the baths. The first disaster to hit Pompeii was an earthquake in 62 AD, leaving it a heap of rubble. However, the Pompeians who survived rebuilt and soon restored the city's industrial and commercial activities as it arose from the ruins. While completing and extending temples the 2nd disaster struck when Vesuvius, thought to be extinct, erupted in 79AD. The inferno continued for 3 days and then all was silent. While some areas around rebuilt, Pompeii rem...
Description: Early Morning Blues by Debra Martz It was a calm morning with barely a breeze as the bird touring boat I was on left Rockport Bay in South Texas. The color of blues in the water and sky were nearly the same with only the light on the horizon separating the point where they met. There were several fishing and oyster boats that were underway that morning which created these wonderful patterns of early morning blues! ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. .............................. Thank you for visiting! Help me spread my work t...
Description: El Malpais Sandstone Bluffs by Debra Martz........................... El Malpais National Monument is located near Grants, New Mexico. Its name, El Malpais, translates to badlands in Spanish. It was not so much the bluffs that the Spanish explorers of 1540 named this part of New Mexico but more for the lava flows surrounding the area. There were informational signs warning of the rugged terrain below and while hiking was allowed you were made aware that every year there are search and rescue teams sent to look for lost hikers. With that, I decided to stick to the upper region of the bluffs and heeded the warning of watching for steep drop-offs! Along the top of the bluffs were a number of potholes, tinajas, varying in color from gray to...
Description: Pronghorn King of the Mountain by Debra Martz.............................. While driving the Wildlife Loop in Custer State Park we saw a dirt road that had a small sign stating public access! This would allow us to leave the main road and go out of the way to hopefully see something in a much more natural setting and off the beaten path. It was obvious that no one else noticed that very small signage that particular day as we had the road to ourselves....until the group of pronghorns came into sight. We slowed the vehicle in hopes to not disturb them. As we sat still on the road, I slowly moved out of our truck to capture the group of pronghorns....and then I saw the one standing above all the others! For that reason, I named this ...
Description: Ford Mustang Rally Deadwood SD by Debra Martz We just happened across this car rally in Deadwood, South Dakota on August 29, 2014. I felt very fortunate to get this photo as it was early evening and just after we arrived the owners started getting in their cars and leaving! I'm not certain but believe this was in connection with the Sturgis Mustang Rally going on Aug 27-31, 2014 (so a search on google informed me!) We did see a large number of Mustangs all around the NW area of South Dakota while we were there. IMPORTANT: The FAA watermark does NOT appear on printed images; it is for online security only. All images are copyright Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing the...
Description: Bejeweled Palette Springs by Debra Martz........................... Located in the Mammoth Springs area of Yellowstone National Park you will find many terraced formations which are much different than the other thermal areas in the park. There is a rather long boardwalk system of the area with Palette Springs being the easiest to access as it is near the parking area. This shot is shows the different levels of Palette Springs created from the hot water overflowing and creating terraces below............................ IMPORTANT: The FAA watermark does NOT appear on printed images; it is for online security only. This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributin...
Description: Brown Pelicans Take Flight by Debra Oh the joys of being able to drive on the beach in South Texas. This particular day there were more Brown Pelicans than normally. There were hundreds of them! I stopped and watched from a distance for quite some time and enjoyed seeing them take to flight in varying numbers, then circle out over the water and return to the shoreline. Captured this and many other images with a zoom lens. There were 2 more pelicans behind this group of 5 but I liked how this looked in a square cropped format............................ This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me i...
Description: Walk Among the big Trees by Debra Martz........................... The Big Tree Trail is one of several located within the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. As you enter the trail, the first rustic sign reminds you to "Dust off your senses and enter a world of sights and sounds, Of smell and touch; a world of mighty oaks and delicate flowers, of brightly-colored birds,and shy animals. Discover the World of the Big Trees!!" And oh, what a wonderful world it is...full of all the sign reminds you to do! ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is stric...
Description: Manhattan Early Morning View ©Debra Martz We had a morning arrival while on a cruise ship. The clouds were heavy so didn't get the bright morning light I would have liked but it was still a beautiful sight to see as we made our way toward the Red Hook Pier in Brooklyn. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Statue of Liberty Jersey City Skyline ©Debra Nearing our cruise terminal in Brooklyn at sunrise, 6:27 am. Our cruise ship passed by the Statue of Liberty with views of the skyline of Jersey City, NJ. Ellis Island is faintly seen just to the right of the center by the short water tower. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron by Debra Martz ........................... A visit to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas, Texas always delivers for the birdwatching fans! On this January day, I didn't notice this young night heron tucked in the reeds just a few feet away from the boardwalk at first. I actually walked right on by as I was watching some ducks on the opposite side. But as they say, turn-around and look all directions before moving on because you might have just missed something else. Sure enough, there sat the this heron, quietly blending in with the reeds. ........................... IMPORTANT: This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, di...
Description: Great Kiskadee Perched ©Debra Martz We had just arrived at the South Padre Island Nature and Birding Center and before heading out on the 4800 ft boardwalk we took a walk through the butterfly garden. I didn't see butterflies but did get several differnt birds! A great way to start the bird watching! ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6623.NEF
Description: Alligators by Debra Martz ........................... It was one of those days that I decided to go to Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas, Texas for some bird watching and photography. However, two alligators stole my attention as they swam across the marsh and approached the boardwalk. They seemed to be people watching at times as they would change positions and stare at us! Then they swam under the boardwalk right under our feet! Exciting day for this Texan! ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. .....................
Description: Tropical Green Jay ©Debra Martz The brilliantly colored Jay of green, yellow, and blue is a bird of the tropics whose range barely stretches to southern Texas. It is a noisy, colorful delight to see. And what better trail to see it on than the Green Jay Trail in Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park in southern Texas. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230303-DSC_7360
Description: One World Trade Center ©Debra Martz This view was from our cruise ship as we made our way to the Pier in Brooklyn. One World Trade Center (aka One WTC or Freedom Tower) is the main building of the new World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. The building is 1,776 feet tall and opened in late 2014. The height of the building was done on purpose to refer to the year when the Declaration of Independence was signed, 1776. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: This fountain was located in a lovely square in Malaga, Spain. We sat close by it as we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a sidewalk cafe......................................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. .............................. Thank you for looking, Debra Martz
Description: Dreamy Heron ©Debra Martz I had just been admiring another Tri-colored Heron from the boardwalk over the marsh area, then I turned onto the boardwalk that goes out to the bay when I spotted this one in the Mangroves. I thought this was a beautiful, dream-like pose by this Heron as it gently preened its gorgeous plumage. Captured along the 4800 ft boardwalk at South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center the last day of February. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved In My Gallery/Collection: Feathered Friends 3 20230228-DSC_6689.NEF
Description: Cozumel Excursion Boats by Debra Martz........................... A favorite place to relax in Cozumel is the Money Bar Beach Club which provides a great restaurant with beach side service. Snorkeling is also great here....so great that it has become a favorite area for the excursion boats to bring tourist to snorkel. ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. .............................. Thank you for looking, Debra Martz
Description: Sandy Jamaica Beach and Clear Water ©Debra Martz Walking in the edge of the beautiful, cool, clear water while spending a day at the beach of the Puerto Seco Resort near Ocho Rios Jamaica. Digital brushes and textures used for a painterly effect. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Hanging by a Thread by Debra Martz ........................... Every 4th of July a family reunion is tradition. Of course, I love seeing all the relatives but I always thoroughly enjoy a visit to my aunt that lives in the country. She has not only great flowers all around but lots of yard decorations, too. This plant was growing next to a shed and I really didn't notice the spider silk until I uploaded it to my computer....and it looked like it was hanging by a thread! ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. ............................
Description: This beautiful sunrise was presented to us as we arrived in the port of Malaga, Spain while on a TransAtlantic cruise. This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission from me is strictly prohibited. .............................. Thank you for looking, Debra Martz
Description: You Might Be In Sturgis Country If...you run across a repurposed wood motorcycle! .............................. What do I love about exploring the back roads or as some say "Off the Beaten Path"....Another great find while roaming South Dakota. I thought of naming this Repurposed Wooden Motorcycle but in the end....well, I was in Sturgis Country! According to the owner of the property where this was located, the previous property owners were a group of motorcycle guys that actually did hold one of many rallies/gatherings on this site that took place during the big Sturgis Annual Week. The property is now a small RV park but the owner has kept this motorcycle and several other buildings that were used in association with the rallies ...
Description: Beyond The Treetops To The Blue Sky by Debra Martz ........................... The Big Tree Trail is one of several located within the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in south Texas. As you enter the trail, the first rustic sign reminds you to "Dust off your senses and enter a world of sights and sounds, Of smell and touch; a world of mighty oaks and delicate flowers, of brightly-colored birds,and shy animals. Discover the World of the Big Trees!!" And oh, what a wonderful world it is...full of all the sign reminds you to do! ........................... This image is copyright of Debra Martz. All associated rights are reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistributing these images without the expressed written permission ...
Description: Willemstad Curacao Governor's Palace ©Debra Martz In Punda along the St Anna Bay, the Palace stands on the site where Fort Amsterdam, the first fort, was built in 1635. It serves as both a residence and a place of work which also contains other official government offices. In front stands the World War II remembrance memorial 'Lady of Abundance'. ©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
Description: Winding Through the Badlands by Debra Martz ........................... DescriptionBadlands Jungle on a Seabed It was a day a fascination for me! The Badlands are so varied in color, shape and size. You never know if you are going to be on a higher level looking down, at eye level staring right into the side or at a lower elevation and gazing upward! The colors in this area of the Badlands in South Dakota were described on the information sign with the following details.... "Jungle on a Seabed A jungle grew here. Before that, a shallow sea covered the land, Both are gone now, but both left evidence of their passing. The sea's signature is ammonites, baculites, and clams, pearly foxxils entombed in fossil mud calle...
Description: Devils Tower - Scenic Back Roads by Debra Martz ........................... Most people drive to Devil's Tower in Wyoming via highway 14 and yes, we did that, too! But there is always something fresh and different when you find the back roads. So, after the crowded, weekend visit, we decided to return to Devil's Tower on a week day while still visiting this part of Wyoming. Just west of Sundance, WY there's a paved back road 838 that goes north about 6-7 miles. When the pavement stops you find yourself at a Y in the road, both of which are forest service roads. Veer to the left and you will find yourself on forest rd 847. You enter and exit the borders of the Black Hills National Forest, passing by a few farms along the way and then....
