Hiking and Photography 2010

09/16

No sooner is it September than, suddenly, the HHH days of summer are gone - they've disappeared, thank goodness. One day it's sweltering hot and we've the a/c cranking, and then we're into the 50's during the night. And although it isn't officially Fall yet I did detect the distinct smell and feel of it on the wind recently. I'm not complaining though, as I truly welcome more subdued temperatures. How, I wonder, do non-snowbirders survive the south. Cooler weather beckons me to the wilds of the island and the canyons of the city and although I allot considerable time for the transference of our visual 3 dimensions onto the 2 dimensions of photography I seem always to be late in transferring the results to the internet. I have been busy. This past Friday two cousins and a friend made the trip from Hopewell Junction (upstate) to join me kayaking on the Connequot River, and although the sky was overcast we all had a wonderful time on the water. Monday found me traveling to Manhasset Hills where I checked on the doings and welfare of my honeybees. I was happy to find the girls working industriously, having already stored enough honey and pollen for winter resources and a bit more for my personal needs as well. Having an adventuring spirit almost compels me to find out about things which oftentimes provides much to write about. This past Tuesday, Primary day, found me as a Poll Inspector at a Sayville polling place. I was so very curious of what it might entail. Well, I'm just now over the ordeal of being deprived of sleep the night before the 5 a.m. beginning of the day and of catching a bite to eat only when crowd lull permitted. Until now I gave little, if any, thought of the patience needed to provide instruction and help to voters of all ages and skills. To say little of the stamina needed to be alert the entire time. It reminded me somewhat of military service. I found everyone I worked with to be friendly, helpful, intelligent and fun to be with. The day for all of us continued well past the 9 p.m. poll closing as there was an almost frenetic need to get the voting results sent in and all equipment packed and ready for pickup. An experience I'd repeat without hesitation. Yesterday, Wednesday, I enjoyed a leisurely walk through the Bayard Cutting Arboretum, a regular haunt of mine. The weather was perfect and I had a real need to work with my camera. There was something going on that I wasn't aware of as the parking area held many cars but as I walked about there were scant few people to say hello to. I had taken a roundabout route by the rivers edge, on my way to view the Dahlias, and noticed three women sitting on a bench engaged in conversation who were nice enough to allow me to photograph them. Today, Katie, my two year old granddaughter and I spent time together at The grange. This island is such a nice place to be.

08/31

On August 28, this past Saturday, somewhere in the neighborhood of a half million Americans answered Glenn Beck's call to assemble in Washington D.C.. The event was to "Restore Honor" in the U.S.A. The mass media has reported "tens of thousands" assembled in front of the Lincoln Memorial, however, I was there. I was there with a contingent from Long Island who took time from their lives to provide a show of support and to express their belief. I personally spoke with people from North and South Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Texas, and so many more. I was there. And I spoke with people who told of driving, with their families, hundreds of miles in order to attend, witness and show support. People waited hours to get on D.C. subways and others traveled days by bus. These people readily told me of their belief and of their fears for what is happening to America and many made reference to their God. I saw families gathered together in prayer; parents and grandparents with their children. All ages, backgrounds and colors attended to have their voices heard. People who had obvious difficulties walking. Everyone an American. And there were no conflicts, no disagreements; on the contrary, there was communion of all. Contrary to what the media may report there was no politicizing from the organizers or from the speakers; this wasn't a political event. Truth be told those who attended this rally to "Restore Honor" numbered in the neighborhood of a half million. That's 500,000. Americans, and if you listen to the mass media these 500,000. are being rediculed. There were 240 Pastors, Priests, Rabbi's and yes even Imams who locked arms on the steps to publicize their support and their belief that honor must be restored in America. Do these religious leaders and all those who attended warrant ridicule? The powers that be just don't see it, they don't believe it and so they attack and ridicule. But don't take my word for it, look at a few photos I took while mingling amongst those in this enormous crowd of Americans concerned for the future of the U.S.A.

God Bless America!

07/23

Vitamin "D". It's a necessary ingredient for good health, warding off cancers and such, and it just happens to be one of the easiest vitamins to acquire. But you have to go outdoors to get it because our bodies soak it up naturally from the sun. Of course you could take a vitamin supplement but, well, it's more fun to get away from it all and commune with nature. Being a spur of the moment guy I took a quick jaunt over to Bayard Cutting Arboretun in Great River, on the south shore. And I made a point of getting there at about mid day as not only could I use the exercise of a good walk, and soak up some free vitamins as a bonus, I also wanted to improve my photographic skills as well; it's like getting three things for the price of one. What a bargain, vitamins, exercise and knowledge while having fun. Noon, or about, on a clear day, can wreck havoc on photography to the uninitiated. The sun, needless to say, is usually too bright (for photography), creating glare and shadows everywhere. But there are tricks you can employ to get around all that and escape with a trophy photo or two. Once in the arboretum I headed over to its northeast confines, where the Cornell Extension Insect & Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is located. Secluded in this somewhat dingy ill kept place is where they diagnose plant problems and, if you're lucky, you can get many answers to horticultural questions you may have. Ajacent to this facility is a Dahlia garden and this was my true destination. Where I planned to get a colorful photo or two. It didn't happen like that though as it's a little early in the season for the Dahlia garden to explode with vibrant colors. Oh, to be sure, there were some specimens but not the display I had envisioned. Of course excellent opportunities for the photographer within you abound at the Arboretum - you just have to walk around to find them. I spent a few hours in the park as I've other areas I enjoy seeing - the ponds, the Rhododendrons, the colorful floral displays lining the walkways, and the trees of course. After all trees are what it's all about. The arboretum is bordered on its east side by the Connequot River and there is often opportunity for seeing many water fowl too. Well, I always enjoy the park and usually come away with tons of photos. Here are a few of them.

07/08

Tuesday of this week, which will most likely turn out to be the hottest day of this summer, I found myself on the beach at Fire Island. And I wasn't alone either as there were bathers frolicking amidst the waves and sun worshipers laying across towels on the sand. Children were playing at waters edge and there was a breeze off the ocean that made it all bearable and sort of fun. However, for the uninitiated, such as I, that same breeze concealed a danger lurking between water and boardwalk. A danger I became all too aware of just moments after heading away from the beach. Almost immediately images of "fire walkers" came to mind as the excruciating heat of the sand introduced itself to the tender bottoms of my feet. It's a wonder permanent damage wasn't incurred. A result I'm certain of my quickened pace. Not being a beach person caused me to wonder why people enjoy such sport. But then I realized why there are water shoes, sandles - even sneakers, which I had with me. I couldn't bear the thought of sitting on the sand to put something on my feet though; hot feet are bad enough. The relief gained from immersing my feet in water afterward was a wonderful gift, and I admit I was pleased that I was none the worse for the trauma. It was years ago when I was escorting campers that I had last been at Fire Island beach, and it wasn't nearly as hot then, so when my friend Marie suggested the ferry trip from Sayville I thought it might be fun. Well, aside from the hot sand escapade it was fun. The ride to the island although not cool is pleasant with the breeze over the water, and we walked through the Sunken Forest which was thickly shaded and we were treated to seeing a deer lounging in the woodland, unperturbed by our presence. If topography interests you there are the primary and secondary dunes which are well defined and the bay side, although not gifted by a southerly breeze, is also somewhat shaded from Sol. The bay is a little cluttered, wilder and more to my liking. The heat of summer not withstanding, Fire Island with it's fine beaches and unique forest is made all the more special when shared with friends.

07/04

Recent home renovating has made roaming L.I. and surrounding areas a bit difficult. However, I'm close to finishing the project I started some weeks ago and am able again to escape the demands of owning a home. So I set my sights on the city, boarded a L.I.R.R. car at the Sayville station and was off for a jaunt. I've friends who won't even think of heading west to the boroughs let alone stepping foot on Manhattan Island but I've a craving for the asphalt jungle and a need to walk the concrete canyons. Okay, I'm overdoing it, however, I do so enjoy visiting the city where I worked most of my adult life. And truthfully I do revel in the sounds and views of the city, even some of the smells - they've a way of transporting me back to when things were different. This past week the plan was to head toward Union Square, meet up with a favorite cousin, perhaps to enjoy lunch at a local tavern with a brew or two, but, as is often the case it just didn't play out that way.

Emerging from the underground at 32nd. St. between 7th and 8th avenues, on the south side of Pennsylvania Station, I began walking east then south then east again. Those familiar with the city will understand the circuitous route. Traffic was a little heavy on Broadway, across from Madison Square Park, and I thought perhaps this time I might get a really good photo of one of my favorite buildings, the Flatiron. I haven't as yet been able to get the exact photo of the building that I'm happy with, what with traffic, lighting, weather (which was outstanding at the time), crowds, etc., so I keep trying. And while focusing my 70-200mm outrageously expensive Canon lens I noticed something odd. It was a life like form standing at the edge of and atop the Flatiron building roof. I was immediately reminded of something I had read of an outdoor art exhibit by the British artist Antony Gormley. Why Mr. Gormley needed to install 31 life-sized statues of his body around the park on rooftops, sidewarks and paths excapes my understanding but, art is what it is, and to be honest I enjoyed looking for them and, after due thought, admired the audacity of it all. Needless I never made it to Union Sq. and my cousin had to fetch me at Madison Sq. Park - I am easily distracted at times. From the park we headed toward the west side, specifically for lunch at "The Frying Pan", at pier 66 jutting out onto the Hudson River. It's a place to eat at an "historic lightship" which is said to have been resurrected from the bottom of the Chesapeake Bay. It truly needs to be seen to be enjoyed; it is eclectic. It's a boat, although you'd never guess it - I didn't, and it's docked to an old railroad car barge (it's all quite interesting). From the pier (boat actually) there's a great view of the Hudson. We did enjoy a brew, along with a tasty meal while gifted with a pleasantly cool breeze off the river. After lunch we two went separate ways and I walked over to Grand Central Terminal on 42nd. St., another favorite of mine, to make a purchase at the food mart. In the center of the terminal floor was a flat screen TV surrounded by an alternately cheering and gasping crowd enjoying the soccer broadcast. The day, as always, was magnificent.

05/10

I have been in Connequot River State Park Preserve so often it's almost home. In fact I worked in the park for a while, not for the state but for B.O.C.E.S. I was hired as an educator and was responsible for teaching science class children and their teachers about pond life, macroinvertebrates, the use of instruments to determine water quality, etc. I also led children on hiking tours through the park. Why do I mention these things? Because this past week I and a couple friends hiked through the park on a trail I had never used. The park is about four thousand acres and the Blue Trail is probably the longest in the park. I say probably because of all the maps I have of parks, preserves and trails on Long Island, this park and its trail system is not amongst them, and it took us more than three hours to complete. Not only haven't I a map of the park but I only had a macro lens on my camera and so was unable to adequately photograph something my friends and I witnessed that was totally novel to my experience. I've photos but they're a bit blurry. About half way through the walk we were at the northern part of the park hiking east to west when we spied a white tailed deer in a field about 25 yards north of the trail, not surprising as there are many deer in the park. However, it had also seen us. But we noticed its attention was drawn away from us toward something across the field moving directly toward it at a run. It was a red fox and not only did the deer stand its ground but actually momentarily charged the fox, who steered away and made a hasty retreat. Each animal kept a wary eye on the other as the distance between them lengthened and then both were out of sight. Although, during this hike, we didn't see many animals: a turtle hurrying into the brush, more deer, not much else. What we did see was very interesting indeed.

04/10

During a recent cool afternoon I found myself at Robert Moses and Captree State Parks where the sky had begun clearing and I could've been on a desert isle there were so few humans about. Times like this provide a person pause to reflect and allow the mind to wander some. However, the calls of the ubiquitous gulls causes the most sluggish to become alert. Here are some photos from the day.

04/10

Not my first hike or long walk of the year, but the first one I've had time to report on this website; my life is that busy. And I hope yours is as well. Actually this wasn't a hike at all, not even a walk. But the other day, getting toward twilight, upon looking out the window I noticed a fog rolling in. Well, it was actually stationary and I was hoping it would "roll in", and I thought it might present a photographic opportunity; photography being my present passion and career. So I rushed about getting my gear into the Blazer and made the rounds of the Mill Pond in Sayville, the Bayport Marina, and San Souci Lakes on the Sayville Bayport border. They've apparently advertised San Souci somewhere and the town has erected a parking area and somewhat formal entrance to the park on Broadway Ave. However, it was on the far south side of the lakes, on Montauk Highway, that I was interested in. Recently, in the same area, while driving up Old Broadway Ave. I caught sight of a huge owl flying overhead, toward the lakes, and I hadn't seen one since the tiny owl that was perched but feet from my back door some winters ago. I was really hopeful something fun would happen again, and it did. I was able to capture a couple photos of the area, the fog being evident, then parked and walked toward where I know the fencing to the lakes is broken and I startled a Red Fox, Vulpes vulpes. Truth be told the fox actually startled me as well. I had camera in hand though and the presence of mind to point and shoot, however, the battery had run low. Dejectedly, I walked back to the Blazer (you know, feeling like an idiot and hoping no one had noticed). I replaced the battery with a fresh one and returning toward the lake I thought I might at least get a shot of the fog laying low over the water, when to my surprise I spied the fox again. Apparently it was as curious as I but this time I would not fail and managed to get a photo of, not the fox, but instead, the brambles the fox was hiding behind. My only consolation being the knowledge that lesser men would have failed even to photograph the brambles, and I had me an adventure nonetheless.