Once again in the Arches National Park this time a few miles back the main road almost to the campground there are a few arches nearby, one hidden and some you must hike in to see but this one is quite near to the road. I just pulled over and shot this one en route to another one that I planned to shoot but could not pass up the nice late afternoon light.
It's all Greek to me.... (several photos) /
….sorry. These are shots from the town of Tarpon Springs in Florida - where they still dive for sponges and there is a thriving Greek community in the beautiful town.
Several neat murals in the town
Sponges in the open air market
Stiros (how it sounded but I am sure not spelled) is a hand on one of the dive boats.
The owner of a small store talking his lunch outside his shop.
This was a WOW bread place. And pastries too. But the bread was so good.
Splashing Fun /
These are two delightful novice nuns on the Atlantic Coast - along with about six others, who were having a wonderful time, giggling and enjoying their day at the beach. They were not allowed to talk but I chatted briefly, very briefly, with the “Nun in Charge” who confirmed they were on a day outing from their convent. I tried to be respectful of their privacy and only shot in a way where they could not be identified.
Two Posts Today /
In addition to the Sunday Scripture, I wanted to post this photo of Cindy on what would have been her 74th birthday. I expect her view today is much more spectacular than this one at Acadia National Park. God provides wonderful memories.
Sunday Scripture: Photo is from the Yukon north of Skagway, Alaska /
One Line, One Direction
New Project /
This is a significant challenge for me, as an introvert and often too shy to ask, my plan is to try and photograph - with a nice portrait, 100 people I do not know. So basically asking strangers if I can take their picture. Not sure how this will go but I have a mixed start. This lovely man, aged 93, is number one. I met him at the North Carolina Museum of Art’s grounds where he was sitting on a bench watching birds. He was very gracious to let me take his portrait. Later in the week I met two nice people, and their super friendly dog. We had a nice chat and I simply was too shy to ask. Missed opportunity for sure. And I also talked with three young women and just did not know how to ask without appearing, well, creepy. I think I could have asked them as a group, but once again did not act. So if you are keeping score, one shot, five missed. Not a strong beginning for a 2024 challenge. But a challenge for sure! I will not post them all here (or maybe I have, eek) but occasionally I will and let you know how I am faring on the project.
Rolf, an avid traveler, walker, bird watcher, photographer and just a fascinating man.
Beehive /
Looking at the Beehive, an excellent hike, viewed from Great Head in Acadia National Park. Among the plans I am formulating for late spring and early summer is a return to Acadia. I am asked often what park is my favorite. And while it is not the most spectacular nor does it have the most wildlife, it is missing high waterfalls and snow capped mountains, it is my favorite place of all the parks. I love the seascapes, the forests, the carriage roads, the lakes, the bird life, the scale of the island and the wonderful hiking on the 31 peaks and miles and miles of trails. Plus, restaurants of every type, small villages, seafood, superior ice cream and photo opportunities abound. Already looking forward to a week or two on Mount Desert Island.
Just One More... /
…stern look from our Great Blue Heron friend at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.
Evocative /
This photo just speaks volumes to me of so many places I have been where these magnificent birds add to the enjoyment of the place. They turn what you might drive past with barely a glance into a moment of joy at being a participant in the amazing creation.
Glide Path /
This Great White Heron was gliding through the trees intending to land on a branch but a second GWH flared at him and this one dipped and landed a couple of trees away. It is neat to watch them slip through the foliage and they don’t make a sound at that moment. Cool.
Welcome to Your New Year /
It may look like last year’s model, it might still have issues left over from the rudely dismissed 2023 and you might even feel just the same or possibly worse depending on how excited you were last night at midnight, however, be assured, your newly arrived 2024 is in pristine condition. All the creaks and sagging bits have been completely repaired. There is a fresh coat of paint over the whole scene and all the troubles have been evaporated in the stunning fireworks displays around the world. Why nary a trace of a difficulty or problem from the beastly 2023 survived the tick of the second hand that touched the magic 12:00.01. So take a deep breath of the pure air and take care of your new opportune moment to achieve bliss.
Good Luck by the way.
First Light over the Atlantic along Chincoteague NWR
Sunday Scripture: Photo is from Arches National Park, early morning hike /
Simple /
These three Buffleheads were super skittish and I tried for 15 minutes to get them to cooperate with me. Never really did but it was fun to try. These are cool birds, especially the males when they fully display the bright white cheek all fanned out. You can see a lot of different birds in the CNWR.
I Thought This Week Was BIRDS? /
Ah, it is, please note the hitchhiker on the Chincoteague pony. The ponies are the more famous residents of the island. New fencing keeps them further off the road which is slightly disappointing because occasionally one would stand on or beside the main road and that was a treat. I guess this is better and safer for them and that is important too. This was a herd of 24 and I never saw that many together before so that is nice as well.
On Purple Pond /
Not quite the title of the movie but maybe it ought to be someday. This swan seemed made be enrobed in the royal colors of the surrounding water.
Flyby /
Our favorite model of the week is this Great Blue Heron. We saw him yesterday on the dead tree and today as he flew off across the marsh. You see so many of these and they are often still and close enough to get a good photo that you sometimes forget that it is a majestic bird and a wonder that you can actually see and enjoy them. Don’t become blasé over the semi-ordinary the creation offers endless joy.
Royal Perch /
This Great Blue Heron is clearly the king of all he surveys. He is atop a dead tree near Tom’s Cove at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. The sun is setting casting a warm glow over the tree.
Christmas Morning: Photo is taken near Boulder Mountain in Utah /
To you who grace these pages with your time, I wish for each of you a Christmas morning blessing from Him to whom all glory and honor and power belong.
Open this link next, turn up the volume and enjoy four blissful minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weFJHtcxJt0
While the piece was first written with Easter in mind, it has completely captivated people around the world at Christmas time. I love to play it first thing in the morning, too loud I suspect, and just sit and let the music enrich the morning.
If you wish another piece that is a bit more mellow but no less joyous, try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw3C5EhW3Ho
A bit of an abstract view with the tiny evergreen representing hope.
Fourth Sunday of Advent: Photo is from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Virginia's Eastern Shore /
Christmas in a Small Town 6 /
This is a micro park in downtown Chincoteague. The town is famous for its annual pony swim and auction - see for example the book, Misty. The pony here is clearly into the holiday festivities.
