In Pursuit

Somewhere there must be a whitetail doe in a receptive or near receptive mood that is enticing this buck to ignore safety. I avoided hitting him as he walked along the edge of a road and then made a sharp turn into a timber - very likely in pursuit of…

Checking on Woody

Regular readers know I enjoy time outdoors - either on a hike or paddling or photographing wildlife - as a means to clear my mind. This afternoon my quiet time involved me checking on my local Woody Woodpecker.

Our acceptance of each other is growing. Tonight Woody…

Disappointing and Pleasing

Very early this morning a couple of the fine fellows from the Bremer County Sheriff’s Office contacted me about an injured barred owl. I drove down to pull the owl off the road and take it to a rehabber. Sadly, the injuries were too severe and the owl did not survive. We tried.

(Note: If anyone in or near Tripoli has an old…

We Have Been Invaded by Spiders!

Sometime during the overnight hours a good section of our yard was invaded by tiny spiders. Maybe a quarter-acre or more of the yard has fine spider webbing across the grass. The tops of our small trees are draped or encircled by webs. Some of the webs host hundreds of the tiny spiders. Bits of web…

One More Memory

As I waited along the Wapsipinicon River for the eastern sky to brighten early this morning, my imagination kicked in as I explored the shoreline near our cabin. With our dock pulled for the winter, nearby structures caught my attention.

This dock belongs to friends who, due to “life” are no longer able to enjoy much time along the river. With the loss of their visits came the end of…

Each of Us is an Author - Let’s Change the Story

While reviewing random flame images recently made, a recurring theme came to mind. Take a look at this first image. Do you suppose this may be a symbolic view when our earth is seen from far away? From the world level to the local level there are deep dark chasms. Countries attack countries, political parties fight outsiders and insiders and nothing gets done, citizens attack others for beliefs or lack of understandings or “just because.” Are the flames of hades present and we are not seeing or feeling them?

What must happen for the flames to subside? Is it possible? My answer is “maybe” - if enough of us want it. But how do we get from the flames to the garden again?

One word…

Things Are Not Always What They Seem

Regular visitors to this page know I have a fondness for lone trees out in fields. When I see them, I make a mental note and later enjoy them when conditions are photo-worthy. Early today I documented this scene.

Sometimes what you think you see is not reality. In this case, my picture does not show…

Paranormal Activity in Bremer County and Great Activity at Sweet Marsh

I have lost track of how many times I have mentioned that there is something special about our cabin and the Wapsipinicon River. Just about every time I go to our quiet place and the river my mood improves and I become more relaxed. I would like to say I can explain the transformation, but I cannot. It just happens.

In the spirit of this Halloween holiday, I believe I have captured the visual essence of the place as it spews out of the windows. The beams may be showing the magic of the cabin, the spirit of how moods are transformed… the “special” about that place. Maybe I am on to something?

On This Day -

October 30, 2012 - A day that changed life for many people…from bank employees to law enforcement officers to ordinary citizens… the actions of two impacted many.

On this day in 2012 two young men robbed the Maynard Savings in Halloween masks. Following the bank robbery the two led officers on a chase that ended in Bremer County, near Frederika, along the Wapsipinicon River corridor. Many shots were fired, officers were hit and seriously wounded, and an intense manhunt was on.

My involvement was minimal compared to the hundreds of officers that responded to the scene. I towed an ATV to the scene and then worked in the Incident Command Post at the Frederika Community Center. To reflect back on how the community of Frederika was transformed for those hours still amazes me. To remember how we alerted citizens to lock their doors - all of them - as the search was on, is something we have not had to do since. To reflect back on how the speaker in the center of the table connected to the field mics crackled to life when movement was sighted, and then one suspect was caught, followed a short time later by the apprehension of his partner, is something I will never forget.

The next day, when the two were walked into the Bremer County Courthouse for their first court appearance, I held the door open. As I watched the two approaching in shackles and “jail orange,” with law enforcement officers surrounding them, and knowing what they had done the day before, I wished they were dead. But when the group of people were closer and entering the building, I noticed how the taller one seemed to be looking through me as his younger partner was visibly shaking. I still wonder if the tall one thought he was invincible and if the shorter guy was scared after recognizing he had messed up his life forever. My wishing them dead changed - a little - when I witnessed a human side of the shorter one.

Now, eleven years later, some of the detail…

Contemplation, Confidence, Commitment, Personal Record

Contemplation…

Seasonal Images with a Theme

While paddling on the Wapsipinicon River this morning a common theme wove its way through my photography. Yes, I was documenting some of the remaining color of the season. But, I was also memorializing what used to be and what will be no more. I watched as a couple of leaves floated past my canoe, then slowly drifted to the bottom of the river. Elsewhere I found small trees beginning their lives on logs in the water- once trees along the river - with neither the logs or the young vegetation destined to remain long.

Leaves, trees, logs, and seasons - all are fleeting. These pictures illustrate what was here this morning, but may not be around tomorrow.

“Where is My…?” and “I Wonder…”

Two quotes are frequently heard in our house coming out of my mouth. Quote 1 is “Where is my (fill in the blank)?” Usually I have lost my wallet or keys, but often other things too. Quote 2 is “I wonder (fill in the blank)…” and usually this has something to do with utilizing something to the maximum of its capabilities or making something do more than intended. Or, as was today’s case, I wondered if I could record a hiking/photography video while carrying a long lens/camera and a short/lens camera to record both aspects - doing all without caving in under the load.

I am happy to report that my first attempt appears to have worked - maybe not to Hollywood standards - but it worked. My first big lesson learned was I need to change the frame rate on the video camera. Movement wasn’t always smooth. Lighting and white balance need constant attention too, but are workable. Likely a big challenge is staying focused on shooting still images while recording video, rather than concentrating on video and maybe shooting still images. Prioritizing is important and challenging since video requires more operator input than stills.

Even with challenges, I believe I have found a workable solution to carry a minimal amount of gear while still accomplishing my goals - in other words - stable shooting without the weight of a tripod. For backpacking and, to a certain extent wilderness paddling, that is a big deal - as in two or more pounds of a big deal.

My first attempt at a hiking video can be viewed at this link (after 10:00PM tonight). The link:

A Camera and a Hike - Ingawanis Woodlands

Following is a sampling of still images recorded while hiking and talking and watching my video efforts.

The Peak of Colors has Passed, But Still Very Pretty

As the month of October comes to a close, the peak of autumn colors in Northeast Iowa has passed. Still, the landscape is exceptionally pretty if a person looks for the smaller scenes. I was able to document some nice looking views late this afternoon.

Just Checking

After another month or so of waiting, I checked on the status of work at Marten’s Lake at Sweet Marsh. I was hoping I would see that something had been done for the renovation project, but that was not the case - at least not based on the view from the boat ramp. If work has not begun, I hope it does soon so we can have water again sometime next year.

Photography Technique Examples

In the event you have studied photography much, you have learned there are certain details to consider in images. I am going to share examples now.

Alcock Park Views

Looking for pretty autumn scenes? Check out what I enjoyed at Alcock Park in Frederika late this afternoon.

“That Place”

I have a place where I can go to lose my senses as I recover my soul. I can tell you about it… I can walk you to the spot… but it won’t be the same for you.

Happenings in the past few weeks have put me in “that place” frequently. Issues around the globe are disturbing to consider. Learning the truth about those close to home has been even more challenging. “That place” gives me solace and helps me to center my thoughts again.

“That place” has been exceptionally effective recently, especially with the sensory conditions. Autumn colors, sounds, and smells… quiet space to reflect… and a peacefulness not easily found elsewhere. “That place” is mine, even when I try to share it.

I hope you too have “that place” where you can escape for comfort. If you do, hopefully you visit often. If you have yet to find your “That place,” I pray your path leads you there soon.

Thankful for Wind

Even though today’s winds were howling much faster than I appreciate, those winds proved to be a blessing. My brother and I hauled a canoe and kayak to the Mississippi River for a day of paddling. Relentless winds…

Overheard at the Great Body Shop to the North

Today as I sat with two family members in a waiting room at the Great Body Shop to the North we easily overheard the following conversation.

Him: Stop mumbling…

Her: I am not mumbling

Him: You are mumbling

Her (much louder for all to hear):…

Now Showing at an Alcock Park Near You (If you are near Frederika)

I am regularly seeing a couple of eastern bluebirds yet this year. I know, bluebirds are known to stick around for a long time, but seldom do I see one or more hanging around yet, so these are special. Since this one opted to perch on a branch near me, I photographed it against a background of vivid fall colors.

Not too far away, and only for a limited time, is a pretty scene most will enjoy. The…