Not Quite Equivalent to Another Dent in the Bucket

One of my goals, before I kick my bucket, is to dent that bucket real good. On my list of bucket dents is to paddle a canoe in the Okefenokee Swamp, or somewhere similar, among flooded trees. To date that has not happened, but the thought is there.

Tonight I made a very poor substitute for the swamps when I paddled among the trees and yards flooded by the Wapsipinicon River near our cabin. There was plenty of water and fortunately I knew where to watch for yard items (aka underwater obstructions).

Sadly, some cabins did take on water. We were fortunate and stayed dry, allowing time for me to…

Photography and Emotions

Photography, painting, word works… each has the power to generate emotions within the viewer. An artist’s work can be viewed and with little or no explanations the people seeing the work may experience the gamut of feelings. From happy to sad, excited to scared, or maybe even sympathetic - the thoughts are there.

Today I am going to share two images, initially with no explanation. Please, just look at the pictures and think about the feelings the images generated. I have a feeling you will react emotionally to what you see.

Picture #1…

Right-side Blow Hole

Interesting information I learned today after finding and photographing a slug.

• Slugs breathe out of a hole on their right side. Inside that soft body is a lung filled with an extensive vascular network.

• Slug eyes are located on top of the “antenna-like” structures on the head of the slug.

• Slug eyes are very primitive - allowing them to “see” only light and dark and some movement.

• Slugs can regrow…

2-Hour Outdoor Photography Challenge

This morning I gave myself a 2-hour outdoor photography challenge. At best I was hopeful I might photograph a great blue heron or two. Instead, circumstances worked out that I had a great egret allow for many photos at close range.

Following are a few of those images. There may be more later, in a video, when I have time to edit the files.

Correcting My Reduced Pee Stream

Over time a guy’s outboard pee stream tends to change. The flow rate may be reduced to a spit and sputter or maybe it is just inadequate. A reduced pee stream is reason for concern. Is your plumbing in trouble or do you maybe need to replace your impeller/water pump? Unless you invest the time needed to determine what is going on, you risk catastrophic damage to your outboard. When your pee stream is reduced, you need to pay attention.

A couple of times during recent outings I have noticed a lack of force in my pee stream. There seemed to be ample flow to keep the engine cool, but not what I expected. Fortunately I have not experienced any complications yet.

After fishing with Kristy today I did some investigating as the stream changed again. First I had force, then sputtering, then almost nothing and suddenly force again. By pulling the outboard cover off and straightening the pee tube I was able run a thin (but stiff) wire in the tube. As expected I was able to remove a partial obstruction that appeared to be an insect or spider nest from inside my pee tube. After that extraction the flow was great and consistent.

I had a similar situation a few years ago so I was not entirely surprised. Maybe I need to cap the output line/opening when the boat is not being used? Maybe just a small piece of tape to cover the outlet when off the water? What I want is something simple to prevent this situation from happening again. At least I know how to fix the problem.

For those wondering, we did catch bluegills today - mostly small fish, but we caught fish!

A Weather Outburst

Every now and then Mother Nature demonstrates we are not in control as a storm travels through the area. This cloud formation, I believe to be a shelf cloud, brought strong winds, heavy rain, and cooler temperatures - all in a matter of minutes.

Doors Opened and Doors Closed

As I often do, this morning I listened to my daily Bible devotions/Bible study while out in nature. I find the combination very soothing and generally a great way to start a new day.

The topic today was how God opens and closes doors for us - sometimes when we ask, other times without us knowing. I pondered the devotion as I did poorly again at fishing. You might wonder how the two are tied together. Allow me to explain.

It is no secret that I take my photography interests very serious. As much as I would like to share my photography passion with my grandkids, the reality is they…

“Fishing vs Photography - Can I Do It?”

From the Lake’s Edge

Plans changed today after I arrived at Lake Meyer in Winneshiek County. I thought I was going to be observing turtle research, but that may have to happen another time.

Since I was there I thought I would shoot some photos. All of these were recorded from the edge of the lake. I did not go on the water today.

The kayaks were part of an educational session for naturalists.

Scenes From My Travels

Early this morning I saw a few critters I found interesting. Maybe you will enjoy them too.

The Wonder of Fog and More From the Day

Before going to bed last night I checked the weather forecast for today, especially this morning. “Areas of Fog” were the key words in the description for this morning. That meant as soon as I woke I was gathering my camera equipment to document the wonders of fog.

Other than when I am driving in fog, I really like the phenomenon of limited visibility… the challenging of the senses, the muting of the environment, the transition of ordinary to beautiful. Fog can make the mundane…

Naked Ladies and Other Scenes from my Travels

What kind of a nature photographer would I be if I did not stop to photograph naked lady lilies (aka Belladonna Lilies) growing along a road. These are such pretty flowers and they looked very nice against a dark, rainy sky.

Other observations for day are labeled in the captions.

Years in the Making

Three years ago we began our little prairie planning project. Our start date coincided with a multi- year’s long drought. Still, I tossed out prairie grass and wildflower seeds in hopes of some success.

This morning I noticed several clumps of…

Green Herons Galore

What began as a fishing trip morphed into a documentary style project that transitioned into a bird study outing. I saw not one, not two, but many green herons. Of the green herons, two were very tolerant of this guy in a canoe. One of them never did show being wary. Camera sounds, me moving, and even my voice did not seem to concern the two birds. The experience was amazing.

Birders and wildlife photographers will tell you seeing green herons from a distance is not all that difficult. Getting frame-filling pictures can be…

“My Knees Are Still Knocking…” (A Day With Gramps)

Early this morning I picked up one of my grandsons for a day of fishing. Our angling outing began not far from their home where we had many small fish moving around, but none were biting on our crawlers.

While there I received a call about a possible injured hawk in Waverly. With no fish-catching action happening we headed to the location to check out the hawk. The good news is that the hawk appears to…

A Very “Macro” Morning - Including Mayflies as Art

What began as a test of my GoPro to shoot still pictures quickly transitioned to a morning of macro photography with my Nikon. One opportunity after another was found, some requiring walking in the river or in long grass for the pictures. But, I think the results were worth the effort.

As I am writing this I am struggling to decide whether I prefer to lead with the oyster mushroom images or the “Mayflies as Art” photos. Both intrigued me as I varied my camera settings in search of the “best” picture to document the view. I think I will begin with the fungi photos.

Morning Views

While quietly enjoying the Wapsipinicon River this morning I shot a few photos. Stories for each are not needed, especially since the sightings were so random.

Montgomery Bell State Park (Burns, Tennessee)

Kristy and I spent the better part of a week enjoying a family reunion at Montgomery Bell State Park. This video shows some of the natural views I enjoyed.

Scenes From Montgomery Bell State Park Video

Sunflower Family - Native and Domestics

Early this morning I had a plan to go fishing - largemouth bass, crappies, and bluegills were the target species. As I approached the fishing hole all plans were delayed as a large field of sunflowers chasing the rising sun caught my attention. Even with a boat behind the truck I turned around to work the scene. It was then that I noticed compass plants in the foreground. The juxtaposition of native and domestic plants of the same family called for a photo or two or three.

I Haven’t Seen This Before

Before I delve into today’s thoughts, allow me to explain that no - I have not missed days shooting pictures. My wife and I traveled to Tennessee where we joined many other family members for a family reunion. Trust me… while in Tennessee I shot many pictures and will share some soon. First though, I want to review them.

Today I found something I do not remember seeing before - a…

Not Natural, But Interesting

While I saw and photographed a few naturally wild critters and flowers today, the most interesting observations occurred when a helicopter crop duster and their support vehicle used the edge of our property as their “home base.” For several reasons watching the spray work was fascinating. First - Flying a helicopter as is needed for spraying is not for the faint of heart. Second - As a drone pilot, watching the helicopter maneuver was most interesting. Third - Having investigated a couple of crop duster crashes - including a fatality - caused me to have plenty of uneasiness during the operation. Still, I watched and photographed and all went well today.