Loving the garish afternoon light

There is something repelling and embracing about the afternoon light here, and because it has such force, it is difficult to capture but I tried to show some of its frill and froth in these photos.  My heliconias and some hibiscus flowers look almost yellow in the sun's wash.

But inside where a new little orchid is budding, things look safer and more succulent.

The beach is glaring with a vibrant but receding sun, the waves dancing in the glistening reflection, but there is a reprieve in the coming shade of late afternoon.

And a breeze keeps the bugs at bay.

My favorite little estuary is so low that I can creep up to the edge without fear of lounging crocodiles, and this driftwood, so quietly still, is reflected impeccably in the water.