thoughts with pictures

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(older posts still below)

another entry from my previous journals - still too cold for the river....but soon I hope!

A sunrise was showing through the trees as I walked down Meadow Brook Lane to where the kayak is. My steps quickened, partly for the exercise, but mostly for that giddy joy of anticipation – what am I going to see today?!?

I see the same sunrise when I leave for work in the morning and think of these treasured days that I can walk to my kayak instead of facing my commute.

It was a high tide, flat calm, beautiful day for a paddle.

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Today it is bitter cold and also still duck hunting season - two reasons I have not been out on the river. I've decided to revisit some of my old journal entries from times spent in my kayak & to share them here with anyone who might wish to read them.

When I am taking photos from in my kayak there is a far larger experience going on. The

camera cannot capture the geese honking or the fish splashing out of the surface of the

water, the tern that dives right next to me to fetch a meal and even the bugs that are making

a feast out of me while I stay perfectly still on the riverbank to catch a photo.

This was a beautiful, foggy morning.

Afterthought:

(The photos I take are not the kind you’ll find in photography magazines, where the subject

is sharply focused & perfectly positioned with the catchlight in its eye but it does not

matter – the process is its own reward!)

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October, 2012

My friend Diane & I went to the “Owl Prowl” held by the North Fork Audubon Society on the evening of October 27th. Our group saw two great horned owls who stayed nearby calling out for some time before flying off. Quietly standing on the trail in the presence of these magnificent owls was very special. In the dark, I was grinning ear-to-ear, so happy to be there!

Before the walk in the woods, Tom Damiani gave an informative presentation & slideshow about the owls that can be seen here on Long Island. There was a large turnout of young children for the event. It was great to see their interest in the owls, as they will be the future caretakers of all in nature.

Tom Damiani and Paul Stoutenburg led the eager participants for the prowl. Thank you to the North Fork Audubon Society!

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