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HELLO MAINE, I’M HOME!
Okay, so I’ve never actually lived in Maine and I can’t explain why I feel this way, but every time I visit Maine I feel like I have gone home. And this visit only served to deepen that feeling.
I arrived in Portland and proceeded to do something that is out of character for me – I got on the interstate and boogied north. Interstates for me are the very last choice as a means to get where I am going. I will take the county roads and meander through the countryside soaking up the beauty that our country holds. But I am headed to Baxter State Park and need to get up there before it gets too late, so I take the interstate and fight the urge to take every exit I see.
Baxter State Park is one of those places you have to be going to, you don’t just happen upon it. Accordingly there are no chain hotels anywhere to be found. An internet search turned up Katahdin Lodge and it was a perfect choice. Loved the large rooms, hey guys - it even had a urinal in the bathroom! You can tell they cater to a LOT of men. Located outside of Patten, there is access to hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails, and don’t forget the hunting, hiking, fishing, snowshoeing, almost any outdoor sport that a person could want to do. Owned by a family, Chuck and Chris Loucka and their daughter and son-in-law, you feel like you are visiting relatives. And if you opt for the breakfast – OMG you had better be hungry!
I wanted to absorb as much of Baxter State Park as possible so I entered at the north entrance and took a full day (yep, 8 hours) working south through the park. Incredible doesn’t even describe the day. Did as much hiking as my still healing knee would allow and enjoyed the beauty and serenity Baxter has to offer. And if you are wondering what my favorite part was, had to be the Christmas tree smell ~ LOVE IT!!!!!
From there I headed over to the coast and spent the day working my way down to Bar Harbour. The Maine coastline is so different from our Gulf coast, well if you can see anything. And that was a bit of a challenge on this trip as the fog rolled in thick and heavy. Some of the photos you are going to see will demonstrate just that. So no, it’s not that my camera setting wasn’t correct, just that you can’t shoot through the fog.
Continuing to work down the coast I had to visit one of my favorite places again, Boothbay Harbour, for a lobster treat at the Lobster Co-op. It doesn’t get any fresher than this! Right off the boat and into the steamer and OH MY GOSH delicious. And from here I always go over to Ocean Point and stop at the General Store (great for gifts and ice cream) then down to the water where there is a terrific place to sit and watch the sun go down. I know, it’s the eastern coast but this little spit of land has a western shore with an incredible sunset – again, if the fog isn’t too dense. Today it was, but produced my “Ghost Ship” photo which I really like.
As always, my time was too short and I left a pleasant 76 degree morning in Maine to arrive in Tallahassee to 99 degrees. I want to go back!!!!!!
But until I can, I’ll still carry my camera with me wherever I go and who knows, maybe soon . . . . . .
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TAKE A LOOK AT THE FLORIDA COAST
And let's hope it isn't a goodbye. The horror of what is happening is becoming real before our eyes. I feel so helpless, I want to do something to protect the birds, the fish, the porpoise - all the way down to the crabs and snails. I have signed up with all the organizations I can find and currently am trying to find out how to get certified to help with the wildlife. We hoped it wouldn't happen, we prayed it wouldn't happen, but here it comes. Right now the very small thing I can do is take pictures. Take pictures of the coast as we have known it for all these years. Provide something to look back at to remember.
So I headed out. My goal is to take photographs of the coastline with GPS coordinates for use as a comparison point for Riverkeepers out of Apalachicola. I started at a small, almost unknown beach in Wakulla County. Access is through a long dirt road winding through woods. If you don't know this beach is there you would drive right by and never notice the little lane. Many years ago an impressive hotel stood on the shore, now only the foundation and a few other scattered stones represent the past. But there, in the cool waters was a family enjoying what Florida represents. I walked along taking shots of the clear water, the beige sand of this little cove. I photographed the snails clinging to the grasses, swaying as the water moved back and forth. I couldn't let myself think how soon, too soon, this delicate spot could be coated with black.
I moved along the coast stopping intermittently when I could get down to the shoreline, to the edge where so much life depends on the waters of the Gulf.
As I began to near Carrabelle even more wildlife tugs at my heart. An Osprey sitting in a tree watching the waves. I stop and watch as it soars off checking the Gulf below for dinner. When it dives my heart skips a beat at the beauty that I am witnessing. But then the thoughts creep in, what will happen when it dives into the Gulf only to be coated in the horrid black oil that is slowly creeping forward. The Osprey, the Eagles, the Pelicans, the Terns, the Gulls all so dependant on the fish that are now going to be dying in mass. I walked the beautiful white beach Florida is known for and wonder, is this going to be one of those things you tell your grandchildren "I remember when . . ."
My time was too short, I hope I have time to make it back down there again for more photos, more memories before the tragedy envelops us. As I sit and write this tears are streaming down my face and there's no hope of stopping the flow. My heart aches for what we are losing. My fear is that the recovery will not come in my lifetime, my children or my grandchildrens' lifetimes.
I will volunteer, I will work, I will cry ~ it won’t stop what's happening. But I will know in my heart I have done everything I can, and that's all any of us can do.
Patsy
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AND NOW WE HEAD NORTH
Talk about one extreme to the other, Fort Lauderdale to Albany, New York! And there's SNOW!!! I love it. Only problem is when there is this much snow the state park roads aren't cleared so there's no access for a South Georgia girl driving a non-4 wheel drive vehicle. But that doesn't stop me from exploring. The beauty of a snow covered forest is unique. The Adirondacks have always seemed mystical to me and now that I am here I am not disappointed.
For one of my exploring days I chose Vermont as my destination. Good choice! I headed over to Bennington and encountered the First Congregational Church. This church is beautiful and to know that it was built originally in 1805 is mind boggling. I met a couple there that gave me a tour and shared with me some of the history of this incredible church. This is also where Robert Frost is buried so of course I had to go visit his grave. From Bennington I headed north enjoying small communities along the way until I felt I needed to head back over into New York so that I could cross the mountains before it got too late. This path took me through Dorset when I came upon a fabulous market. Held every Sunday in the warehouse behind a kitchen supply store this was a jewel to be uncovered. Pottery, fresh organic fruits and vegetables, maple syrup, handcrafted items - I had to tear myself away.
That was December, and then I was back again in February with a few extra days so I head west to Lake Ontario. Ever watchful of the weather I enjoyed a steady snowfall on my drive over. I found several State Parks that were open and cruised through enjoying the wild animal prints crossing the silky snow. Arriving at Lake Ontario I found 3 inch thick sheets of ice from the partially frozen lake tossed up on the shore like playing cards. The reflection of the sunset playing through the shards made some look like they were glowing from inside with brilliant light.
Ever the adventurer I headed through the middle of the Adirondacks and was wrapped in the most beautiful snowfall I could imagine. At one area I saw a sign for a community that was only 1 mile off the road I was on so I decided to check it out. The road was plowed but not as "clean" as the highway I had been on. I stopped and opened the windows to listen, listen to the silence only a forest coated in snow can offer. Arriving at the small community I found several homes centered around a post office and general store (in the same building) with an old fashioned phone booth on the covered porch. There was no one stirring but me and a squirrel. On the ride back out to the highway I decided to crumble up my leftover muffin from breakfast and toss out for whatever had left the tracks I had seen. Now this I didn't expect, the snow looked deep down the embankment but imagine my surprise when I tossed the crumbs only to see them slip away into the snow! It was so light that even a crumb of bread couldn't be supported.
Coming out of the Adirondacks I wanted to head over into Vermont but Lake Champlain stands in the way. This time of the year there are only two ferries crossing the lake (it is too deep to build a bridge across so residents depend on the ferries) because of it freezing over. From Plattsburg, NY I was able to take one of the ferries that goes back and forth non-stop, 24 hours a day. This keeps a pathway open in the ice so that crossing is possible. I was excited to roll onto the ferry and be the very first in line so I had a great view and was watching Mergansers taking advantage of the open water as they dove and bobbled along. But being in the front also offered me another view ~ a view of total ice between me and the shore! But I thought it was kept open by the constant ferry crossing!!!!! And then I heard it, the crunching of the boat as it plowed through the chunks of ice. The lake on the New York side was open water but on the Vermont side the ice formed but was prevented from becoming a complete sheet by the passing of the ferries. There were huge chunks of ice but the ferry plowed through.
So this particular entry encompasses two trips into New York State. Enough of the words . . . let's look at some photos! And as you explore with me I hope it encourages you to not let some cold weather prevent you from searching out the beauty nature has to offer
Thank you, Patsy
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SOUTH FLORIDA
Working in the Fort Lauderdale area doesn't present a lot of photo opportunities. Well let's say not of the non-human kind. I could have gotten quite a few "weird birds" but didn't think that would be something for a nature oriented website. I explored some of the State Parks in the area but they too were overrun with two legged creatures and bicycles. Folks really enjoy and utilize the State Parks but it doesn't do much for my type of photography. So after spending Saturday desperately searching for a location I gave up and Sunday headed further south. When I reached the Keys things began to look up. I found a State Park that was much more lightly tread and took a wonderful stroll through the woods that ran right up to the water's edge. As I was returning I heard a rustle in the woods and stopped to watch. I was rewarded with three juvenile Ibis casually coming out on the trail and sauntering along. Every so often one would glance back in my direction but seemed rather undisturbed by my presence.
I still had some time left so I continued south and saw a sign for a bird rescue operation. Making a quick right turn into a dirt drive took me back to a most unique location. The Florida Keys Wild Bird Sanctuary boardwalk took me through a collection of pens built to house the injured birds and through a marsh area that had been discovered by multitudes of Pelicans, Egrets, Ibis, Herons and even a few Woodstorks. Everywhere I turned there were birds! The boardwalk ended at the waters edge with a small shaded beach area and a collection of Pelicans enjoying the coolness found in the shallow water.
Time had come to head back toward the concrete jungle but my soul was rejuvenated.
The following weekend I was anxious to get more outdoor time so I headed across the state through the Everglades. Could someone please explain to me how a Cormorant can stand on a power line when they have webbed feet? Really? I'm serious!!! But there they were, lined up along the power line. Now they were bobbling so it apparently wasn't an especially simple task for them but one that had been mastered. I found myself having to consciously push on as the highway was bound on each side by water ~ ponds, marsh, ditches holding water. And what made me have to make such a diligent effort? BIRDS BIRDS BIRDS I was absolutely amazed at the sheer numbers. I stopped a few times but forced myself on since I had a destination.
Corkscrew Nature Sanctuary was phenomenal. I spent most of my day there slowly strolling along the boardwalk winding through several different ecosystems, leaving only when darkness was pushing in. Spending the night in Naples gave me a great jump off point to head up to Ding Darling State Park on the Gulf Coast. Ding Darling offers several exploration opportunities and I chose to drive so that I could not only have all my camera equipment handy (not something that I can carry on a bicycle) but also to allow me to stop and spend as much time as I wanted. There were so many opportunities, Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, Cormorants, White Pelicans, Egrets, and even a mother raccoon with two babies. This weekend was my total rejuvenation ~ I was back in my element.
So head on over to New Adventures and enjoy a few photos from South Florida ~ both the East Coast and West Coast. It will be a nice little visit while our temperatures are dropping and we tend to stay indoors because of the cold. And there will be some photos of the cold coming up soon as my next stop was Albany, New York! Talk about a temperature change.
If it's too cold to spend much time outdoors right now, you may need to only go outside your own door. Winter sunsets can present some exquisite color and beauty. But don't take my word for it . . .walk outside and take a look for yourself!!!
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TWO FOR ONE
My travel schedule has really picked up so I apologize for not posting the Wisconsin photos sooner. But on the bright side, I'm delivering a Two for One. Not only will Newest Adventures allow you to see a little more of Wisconsin, but there is another slide show to take you a little further east into Maine.
The weather in Maine was a little bit of a challenge with rain and fog but I do love visiting. In one location I was at a cove on the coast and had seen the fog out further. I had a White-winged Scoter (that's right, only one 'o') in the viewfinder watching and snapping when I thought my vision was starting to blur. I pulled back to try to clear my eyes only to realize that the fog I had seen in the distance had rolled in.
Then there was the drive where I noticed a tiny pond and something white caught my eye as I drove by so of course, I had to turn around and go back. Low and behold it was a Bald Eagle sitting on a downed tree over the pond. I tried to capture a few shots but he was a bit far, even for my long lens.
Adding the White-winged Scoter and Great Black-backed Gulls to my life list was really a treat. To add one bird is special . . . but two! I may even have three, if I can ever find out what this one bird was. I have a pretty good photo and am working on locating someone who can help me identify it. I'll let you know if I ever find out!
Operation Migration
Are you watching the Operation Migration website? Time is getting close! Saturday, October 10th was the projected take off date but that has now been delayed. The three groups of birds have now been combined to one (there were three groups separating them by age to help reduce aggression by the older birds) but due to weather, have not had the opportunity to fly together as one group. The last plan, as I read in the Field Notes at www.operationmigration.org was to take a short flight to one of the other pen sites to help them with adapting to flying together and being a group in a new location. Once the trike lead migration begins, we will all be reading daily praying for a safe flight for the dedicated Operation Migration folks and "our" newest class.
PLEASE consider helping with this wonderful cause and showing your support by sponsoring a mile, a half mile or a quarter mile of the flight. You too can be a Craniac! Go to the Operation Migration website and click on Mile Maker on the left of the screen.
Okay, that's enough from me, how about some photos!
Patsy
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NECEDAH NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
I made it!!!! My trip to Wisconsin gave me the opportunity to make a trip to Necedah National Wildlife Refuge - Operation Migration's jump off point. The chicks (Whooping Cranes) were hatched in Maryland and took a silent Cessna ride to Necedah in Wisconsin. A silent ride? Yep, these little guys and gals are protected from human imprinting in any form whatsoever. What this means is that no-one is allowed to speak a word in the process of crating, transporting and then unloading them. Now they are in Necedah going through the process of learning to fly behind their surrogate parents, otherwise known as Ultralights - or trikes. It won't be long before they will be gliding gracefully off the wingtip headed south on their maiden migration.
My first day at Necedah was spent exploring this beautiful refuge. I was amazed at how quiet and peaceful it was. I spent about two hours on the Observation Tower trail and was rewarded with quite a variety of birds, dragonflys and even a frog about the size of my thumbnail. At the photo blind I was scanning the marsh with my binoculars when I saw a large white bird. ????? I took the binos down and looked, couldn't see anything. But through them I could make out the shapes of two white birds. At this distance, it had to be!!! I was looking at Whooping Cranes. They were too far for even an attempt at a photograph ~ well, let me rephrase that. I did take a photo that has a couple of white spots in it that I proudly say "that's Whoopers!" I know, you wouldn't know that if I didn't tell you but I was there and that's what they are! Even at that distance, with just that bit of a glance, I consider myself to be blessed to have even seen them. This set the stage for my return visit tomorrow, I'm going on a tour!
Sunday morning arrives and I am up at 3:30 a.m. ~ I have to be at the refuge at 5:45 a.m. Weather allowing, we are going to go to a bunker and watch the chicks train. 5:15 a.m. finds me sitting in the dark parking lot patiently - excitedly - waiting. A couple of cars pulled in and Caity (our tour guide) came out to greet us. Turns out this is her family - her Grandfather, Mom and Dad, Aunt and Uncle and her boyfriend. Then there's me. Caity advises us that weather is not allowing training this morning so we opt to head out for a sunrise tour of the refuge. As we ride Caity is telling us the history of the refuge, educating us on the wildlife and plantlife to be found there and . . . showing us a pair of Whooping Cranes. OH MY GOSH! Look, right there!!!! And let's take this up a notch (which I didn't think would be possible) but one of this pair is W106. You don't know who W106 is?? Well she is the only wild hatched Whooping Crane in the Eastern flock. This is just taking my breath away. I'm unable to get a photo, even though I am certainly close enough, because you just can't stop and you certainly can't get out of the van. Again, they are protected from human imprint as much as possible for preservation of the species. And that is much more important than me getting a photo, so I smile and enjoy.
Our trip continues with more history and education and can you believe it ~ we saw ANOTHER pair of Whoopers. I saw FOUR WHOOPING CRANES. And for those of you who don't understand how absolutely incredible this is, let me just throw one piece of their history at you. In the 1930's there were 15 Whooping Cranes left. Totally. That's all. In the world. 15 Now there are approximately 266 birds in the western wild flock that migrates between Canada and Texas and, as a result of the dedicated work of Operation Migration and the organizations in the Whooping Eastern Partnership, there are approximately 78 birds in the eastern migratory flock (there are just over 30 birds in Florida which are non-migratory).
If you don't know about Operation Migration I plead with you ~ go to their website www.operationmigration.org and learn about what they have done. If you can, please help this organization. There are so many ways to help. Currently they are running a "Give a Whoop" campaign. This year they will cover their 10,000th mile of Ultralight lead migration and they are asking you to Give a Whoop and contribute $10 to the campaign. You can join Operation Migration and enjoy the many benefits of membership. And/or you can support the migration by sponsoring a mile, half mile or quarter mile of their 1,285 mile journey. Their Change for Cranes is a wonderful fund raiser for schools and Journey North provides tremendous educational opportunities for children to learn more. If you are interested in this, please contact me. If you are in the South Georgia area I will be happy to either help with the fundraiser or speak to the kids about the Whooping Cranes. If you are outside of this area but interested, I will put you in touch with someone who can help you.
This has been a rather long post and I thank you for taking the time to read it. Now go over to the Newest Adventures page and take a look. You won't see any Whooping Cranes but I think you will understand why this is such a wonderful location for this project.
And stay tuned, more Wisconsin photos to come. I may not have gotten any photos of the Whoopers but I do have some Sandhill Cranes, sunsets and a few other shots that depict Wisconsin.
Keep that camera handy and never hesitate to snap a few shots. You just never know what you might capture.
Patsy
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BEST LAID PLANS
I have grabbed a camera on a Saturday afternoon and on a whim headed out just to see what I could find. On quite a few of those trips I have returned with photographs that I am thrilled to have captured and can't wait to share with the world. Then there are the times that I plan, such as the trip to Colorado. I had researched, and planned, and counted days, and updated equipment ~ I was extremely excited about this trip. I was, however, reminded that there are some things I just cannot control. To make a long story short, between illness and flight problems, I did not arrive in Denver as planned, nor was I able to get where I needed to be for the photography due to time constraints. Ultimately I returned to Georgia with no photos to share. So, for now, I have pulled a few shots out of the archive. I hope you enjoy them.
But don't let the disappointment I encountered stop you from giving it a try. Like I said, sometimes just picking up the camera and walking out the door can have rewarding results!
Patsy
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