Kip’s Comments - August 13 and 14, 2024

Multipart Post

Due to an opportunity requiring fast action I was not able to post yesterday. I had the images ready, but no time to add to this page. I will share for yesterday and today now.

Tuesday Images

On a regular basis I am seeing a tiny tree frog near our home. I decided to feature the frog in two ways - threatening and compassionately. For the threatening view I used harsh light and no color to eliminate any caring emotions. The posture of the frog helped by appearing scared, trapped, and wanting to escape.

Seconds later I made this photograph. With pleasant light and the posture of the frog appearing to show the ability to move, the image appears much more positive and warm/welcoming.

The final image for Tuesday featured two trumpeter swans. A third swan, one I have been watching, was not present or was not found. I am no confident it is still alive. Or, perhaps it recovered and can now move off the pond.

Wednesday Images

A couple of months ago, when we had very high water/flooding on the Wapsipinicon River, I watched as a large log was repeatedly pounded against the dam and then tossed out. For weeks this log was not able to escape the force of the river or the abrasiveness of the dam. As a result, the log is worn and shaped and very interesting.

I also photographed moving water. Fortunately conditions were warm since I waded to the center of the river for these pictures.

To explain why I had to act quickly and was not able to update this page yesterday… As I was scrolling Facebook I came upon a post for an Old Town Pack canoe that was for sale at an exceptionally reasonable price. Old Town Pack canoes have been out of production for a decade and have quite a following among traditional paddlers. When good looking Pack canoes come up for sale, a person must act quickly if they want a chance at owning it.

This model weighs only 33 pounds and was advertised as coming with accessories. I called the fellow who posted the canoe and equipment. At first I thought I was being hoaxed, but still gave the “Yes, I will take it” to secure the canoe. I then drove nearly 500-miles round trip to bring this canoe home. It does have a few marks from use, but is very close to new condition. Those scratches mean I won’t have to cry when I bump something with it - the first marks are already there.

By the way, the 80-year old fellow selling this said he received call after call from across the Midwest from others wanting to buy it. I was lucky I saw it and acted promptly. This was a great deal!

Now I really need to get my bicep and rotator cuff recovered so I can paddle again (likely weeks to months yet). I guess I have something to look forward to!