Tag Archives: photography

Pete and Repeat

27 Saturday Feb 2021

Posted by in Assateague, chincoteague, Eastern Shore, Hiking, National Parks, nature

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An old joke but still cracks me up – If Pete and Repeat were sitting on a fence and Pete flew away, who was left? Repeat. Ok, If Pete and Repeat were… and on and on it goes until someone tells you to stop it! What does that have to do with a nature hike post? Nothing, other than the fact we have repeated this trip to Assateague Island in Virginia a hundred times. And we never get tired of it. And we always seem to find a new adventure awaiting us – whether we are biking or hiking.

This particular trip was just to get out of the house before the rains came, have lunch and to look at the ocean from the parking lot. But the lot was closed so we decided to see what was going on.

Me wondering where all the sea shells are?

The beach is under a constant state of erosion and the Rangers/contractors are under a constant state of trying to fix it. I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that the Atlantic Ocean and Tom’s Cove will soon be connected. That at the rate of erosion, maybe by 2025 this stretch of the beach will be gone. So much for doomsday projections…Kathy and I headed over to the cove. Kathy was wondering how are we going to get over to that strip of land. The tide was the lowest we have ever seen it. Off in the distance is where we usually hike – The Bi-valve Trail.

Mostly hard sand but there were some pockets of mud.

Quite a few varieties of shells. Mostly empty oysters and mollusks. Some clams here and there.

Kathy’s photo of some bivalves.

And a very lonely, cold, star fish.

Time to head back and we thought this path would take us towards the beach. It didn’t.

It took us somewhere alien! I have an app on my phone called Google Lens, which if you take a photo with it, it will tell you what it is you photographed. The app didn’t know what to make of this.

We finally make it back to the parking lot. Amazing how it changes every time we visit. Bulldoze the sand up in a pile and the ocean just washes over it.

After walking around for a couple hours we then headed to the Crusty Crab at Greenbackville for a couple oyster sandwiches and their delicious coleslaw. Sat at the beach and ate. The tide was also low here…

Another great, repeat adventure with some new twists! Thanks GOD!

Nassawango Creek at Low Tide

29 Sunday Nov 2020

Posted by in Eastern Shore, kayaking, nature

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Headed out a little late for a long kayak adventure so we decided to go to a spot nearby – Nassawango Creek to the Pocomoke River. We have done both of these this past summer, but this is our first time going all the way down the Nassawango to the Pocomoke. The water was unbelievably low today and as we stood on shore looking, the creek was still flowing out, rather rapidly.

I prefer a ramp/launch to get in and out of my kayak. I know I risk scraping the bottom quite a bit, but I’d rather do that than fall in! The water being so low, you need to step down two steps. (This is my favorite photo, taken by Kathy)

Kathy went in at the steps, I slid in next to this varmint box. A muddy mess here.

Low water for the whole trip, to and fro.

In the photo below there is a cobweb just floating along with us –

Alright, already we’ll all float on
Ok, don’t worry, we’ll all float on
Even if things get heavy, we’ll all float on… (modest mouse)

A splash of color to brighten the day.

Some very nice reflections.

The Pocomoke River up ahead.

A couple speeding boats zipping by. Kayakers get no respect on this river.

After about 3.5 miles, time to head back. Under the Nassawango Rd bridge.

Another nice reflection shot by Kathy.

Two steps down and waiting for the combine to cross over.

Our trip. Just over 7 miles with all the zig-zagging and crossing over the Pocomoke.

Another great kayak adventure. Next time we will need to check the tides. We hit a lot of submerged tree limbs and could not cut across the lily pads like we normally do. But it was still a great day to be out and grateful to be able to take these kind of trips.

Thanks God!

Blackwater Refuge to Hoopers Island

28 Tuesday Jan 2020

Posted by in Eastern Shore, HISTORY, kayaking, nature, Road Trips

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This was a really nice road trip. A little over-cast but nice. The first time we visited BWR a couple years ago, we followed the not too smart, smart phone that directed us to the middle of a swamp and then to Crappo. Another time we traveled to Cambridge and then south to the Refuge. This time we decided to take the scenic back roads. I saw on a map that there were a couple kayak put-in spots so we thought we’d check them out.

We took Rte 50 to Vienna and headed south on Rte 192. On the map was Bestpitch Ferry Rd., showing a launch. What wasn’t on the map was this sign:

When you see a “Bridge Closed” sign, you should heed it! Na! We thought this was the bridge they were talking about. It wasn’t.

Electric wire fishermen.

The road started to get a little hairy and we could see where it had been washed out in places. Then we came upon this.

On the other side of the barrier a wood, one lane bridge. Looks alright to me.

The kayak launch site is across the river, to the left. In the photo below it looks like a launch that has flooded out over the years.

Time to turn around. Bridge blocked, road falling apart and now a fire.

We make it thru the danger and head back to Decoursey Bridge Rd to Bucktown. On the way we came across this little, unafraid of the truck fellow.

Glad we had the detour. Some nice places to visit.

Harriet Tubman Underground Rail Road.

The Brodess Farm is where it was said HT was born. Other accounts say her mother and herself were brought (bought) here after she was born.

There is no trace of the original farm house, although this one is there. Private property, keep out.

Heading down Greenbriar Rd to Maple Dam Rd, we came across this house. It was unmarked but looking at a couple history pamphlets, we found that this was the Nause-Waiwash Longhouse. It was an abandoned church before the Indians took it over. It looks a lot nicer in the brochure.

Moving along towards the refuge, we spot our first of many eagles. (We lost count at 9-10).

This guy was hanging out on the way to the visitor center.

Kathy checking out the displays.

We leave the visitor center and head to the main entrance of the Wildlife Drive. Stopping to eat lunch at the observation deck. On the left of the road there is the Marsh Edge Trail and that was closed due to nesting eagles.

Here are some shots from the refuge.

One of Kathy’s pics. Nice!
I see you!
Me and my shadow
Another nice Kathy pic!

Leaving the refuge it was time to head to Hoopers Island. Rte 335. Heading down Hoopers Island road we came across this church. Originally the “Tubman Chapel”, it moved across the street. St. Mary Star of the Sea.

First bridge onto the islands is at Tyler Cove, Fishing Creek.

Taken from boat ramp.

Another historical marker.

And another General Store

Behind here is a cemetery, which brings me to WHY we wanted to visit Hoopers Island. We want to see all this before it is completely submerged. There is a great video on the sinking of this island. You should watch it – High Tide in Dorchester – https://www.bayjournal.com/films

Lots of fishing and sea life down here. Hard to believe it was mostly farms at one tome.

We headed south to the middle island. There are 3 islands, probably more at one time.

Roads flood in high tides and storms
Fishermen returning

Pulled off the side to see what we could see – some sea glass, shells and debris.

Looks like 3 adults and one juvenile. Even with a 300mm lens, they were too far off.

Adult brought food to him.

Our map. the lower island has no access.

Great day and so grateful that Kathy likes going on these eight hour adventures with me. For too long I did all this kind of stuff by myself.

Cape Lookout

18 Friday Oct 2019

Posted by in Hiking, National Parks, nature, Photography, Road Trips

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While at Indian Beach, North Carolina, we decided to visit the Cape Lookout National Park. To get there we needed to catch the ferry from Harkers Island. They have a nice visitors center there. A few blocks away is/was a museum, Core Sound Waterfowl Museum. It is still closed from the storm of a year ago.

Visitor Center, anchor from ship that sank in 1902
Beach artifacts

it was about a 4-1/2 mile ferry ride, making one stop at Shackleford Banks. People like to stop there and look at the 100+ wild horses on the island. Kathy and I visited the western end of this island back in June. Nice trip. Didn’t see any horses though.

Pelicans doing pelican stuff.
One of the shy horses

Arrived at our destination and stopped at the Keepers House first.

We missed being able to climb up to the top by about a month.

Black diamonds face north and south. White, east and west.. So, not only does the light shine 24/7, you can also get your bearings by the diamonds.
Random black and white

Instead of taking the boardwalk to the ocean, we took a service road.

The ocean. Too many people before us so the pickings were slim for seashells.

So, Kathy decides instead of us walking back up the beach, we should cut across to the bay side. “Are you sure?” “Yes” Ok!

Sand first…
…and then all marsh.

Not just a marsh but also a bunch of inlets of rushing water. I didn’t know we were doing this kind of hike or I would have worn my water shoes and not my Tevas!

Spooked this guy
The lighthouse looks far away
Looking back from where we came from. It was actually a nice hike.
Finally to the beach
Unknown structure
Getting closer
And so we rest
Back to the dock
Random camera colorization of image. It does this sometimes.
The ferry coming to drop off people and pick us up.
The map of our trip

Although I was only at the beach for about 4 days, it was so nice to get away! Ha! Get away from what??!! Kathy and I always go to the beach! A wonderful trip. Thanks Gail and John.

It an’t the end of the world…

19 Sunday May 2019

Posted by in Eastern Shore, nature, Road Trips

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The one thing I really love about the Eastern Shore is the abundance of new adventures that await Kathy and I. Today we headed to Deal Island. Lots to see here. Starting with a Wildlife Management Area.

We took a gravel road, passing marshes, seeing a gazillion dragon flies. They were feeding on all the mosquitoes. Looking out over the marsh.

We parked and headed across the marsh on foot. This may be duck hunters paradise.

So flat down here. There are water elevation levels throughout the island. Most read at 4″ above sea level.

A boat ramp in the middle of nowhere.

Molly lost track of where Kathy was so she headed into the water…

There she is!

A sandy path.

A place to rest and to meditate/contemplate.

Egg shells and a hole?

Molly needing a break.

And a little attention.

We leave the wildlife area and drive towards the end of Deal Island Road. A group of little communities along the way. Dames Quarters, Chance, Wenona. A couple historical markers.

Where Kathy’s family spent their summers.

Next was Deal Island Marina and beach. Molly has had enough of the water.

Best beach/trail sign ever.

A little windy but some kayakers were out.

Seafood processing – soft crab area?

Tons of oyster shells.

Heading down the road we came upon this church. Someone is trying to restore it. Google maps shows where restoration had once started but it seems to have stopped. The John Wesley Restoration Project.

Not too much further to the end. Another marina of sorts. Crab bushels waiting.

Many abandoned work houses. The water men and their businesses are dying off.

It looks like this bank has been converted into someone’s home.

A gargoyle to protect it.

And then, at the end of the road…

Heading back we decided to take the ferry.

Warning sign.

Ever vigilant.

On the other side of the Wicomico River.

Happy thoughts.

Another great adventure!

Birthday Down the Oshun Hon

04 Saturday May 2019

Posted by in Eastern Shore, nature, ocean city

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What a great day my birthday was yesterday! I just might have to start celebrating being 29 every year! Kathy was helping her friend Sandy at a conference/workshop for Kennedy Krieger down the ocean and I was to meet them for dinner, but they said I should come down at lunch time. So after sanding and touching up the floor and two doors on the house, off I went.

We ate at Dough Rollers and then headed to Springfest. It is a craft show held every year at the inlet parking lot.

Kathy and Sandy.

Kathy and I.

Lite crowd which is my favorite.

Nice crafts. One of my Baltimore favorite artist was not here – Charlene Clark. 

But someone I do know was there. Ron from Jaded Love. I’ve known him and his wife Lisa for 25 or more years.

After some roaming around the fest for a while, we headed to the beach. That water tower made the front page of the local paper. It was just painted and is now peeling. Probably another low-bid contract.

One of the functions of my photo edit tools is called ‘Memories’. My memory must be shot because I don’t remember the fishing pier ever looking like this.

Oh my God! Look at this cute couple with their pants rolled up, heading into the water!!

That is some cold water! There were a couple kids swimming! Kathy asked if I had ever stood in the surf on my birthday before? I came to OC on May 3, 1972 to work, but don’t remember being crazy enough to get my toes wet. I did however stand in the water on May 8, 2015 when I came here to find my friend Eric’s grave.

Sandy’s turn. Wave dancers.

Headed back to the boardwalk towards bay side. Not a bad crowd for early May.

Over to Sunset Park and saw these guys. They look to be Ruddy Turnstone birds? Kathy got me a 16-300mm lens for my camera. It hasn’t come yet. Can’t wait to be able to have a zoom lens and do close ups without carrying a bunch of equipment around.

Our selfie down the shore.

I missed this history sign and Kathy got on me about it. Usually I just stop dead in our tracks (and on the highway) to read these things. 

A great day and way to celebrate my birthday! Thanks God, Kathy and Sandy!

Shad Landing – Kayaking

01 Wednesday May 2019

Posted by in kayaking, State Parks

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What a great day to take a break from doing ‘stuff’! Loaded the kayaks onto the truck and then headed to Shad Landing at the Pocomoke River State Park. Weatherman was calling for 80+ degrees. We did want to do an Assateague Island trip but the wind gust were to be 10-15mph. For our first time out this season we thought a more peaceful, relaxing trip would be better. Here is our map. Not a long distance trip but a fun one of almost 3 miles and 2-1/2 hours. 

There was hardly anyone there. The landing kind of reminded us of Mariner’s Point up in Joppa. Instead of doing the loop west-north then back southeast, we headed off to Rte. 113. Here is Kathy getting everything ready while I park the truck.

From the launch you paddle east, go around the pier and then head southwest. Pass by the lonely canoes on a rack, waiting for adventurers.

We did not see much wildlife, just some signs. Here it looks like a beaver wasn’t paying attention to what had already been gnawed upon.

There were some colorful flowers on shore like these little bells. Kathy knows most of the names for these things. I don’t.

Heading towards the left turn we wanted to make is this marker. Unlike Mariner’s Point, we didn’t have to get out of the way of any crazy boaters that don’t care about wakes.

The whole park seems like a giant swamp. Kathy’s brother Phil had me watch a show about the Pocomoke on Delmarva Life, a TV show down here – Back in the 1930’s-40’s they dredged the river and put the spoils along the shore, unbeknownst to them that the dikes they created stopped mother nature from holding and filtering the water before sending it down stream to the Bay, causing damage to the ecosystem. Right now they are in the process of removing the dikes for nine miles up near Rte. 50, to reverse 80 years of bad planning. Here is what the area should look like.

Lots of cypress.

An odd shaped knee to say the least. Looks like a worn out statue.

So we make our left hand turn and Kathy see’s this sign. It is halfway covered up. She goes in for a closer look and under ‘Canoe Trail’ is an arrow pointing right.

45 minutes later, on our return trip, the water had risen.

The water was high enough to take away the protection of the metal cones that protect the birds from predators. Also, the lily pads had come up, only to be submerged.

We did see a few turtles and one water snake.

Up ahead, Route 113. Water looks a little high but we came this far – 

Kathy wanted me to go through first. She don’t like spiders and snakes.

Kathy took a photo of me contemplating which arch to go thru-

Kathy then made it through safe and sound.

Looking back from the other side of Rte. 113.

Time to paddle back. Marina up ahead.

Leaving the park we headed south on 113 to see the river from up above.

Nice, as were all the fields of flowers on the drive home.

So glad we put a bunch of house stuff to the side for a while, to enjoy this wonderful adventure together. It was a very much needed escape.

Nassawango Iron Furnace

22 Monday Apr 2019

Posted by in Hiking, HISTORY

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Sunday has become Kathy and my day of rest time, but since neither of us can sit still for too long – Road Trip! Called the people at Furnace Town and they are open with free admission for Easter.

Here is the History Marker on Rte. 12. 

Two other times we were here it was closed and I had previously posted photos of the visitor center, so I will spare the repetition. The area is about 300 acres, a Living History Village with an old iron furnace and remnants of the town that use to be there, along with some buildings moved there from other locations.

Before hiking over to the furnace itself we were treated to a nice talk and history lesson by Jessica, the director of the Village and Visitor Center. Then onto the various buildings. Being Easter Sunday our first stop was the church.

It was a very simple time back then but I am sure life was somewhat rough. The church was built in 1874 and then relocated to the Village in 1980. Here is an interior view.

Next stop was the wood shop. 

And the interior view.

On to the next building – The Blacksmith’s Shop.

For those who don’t know, a Living History Village has demonstrations and classes on the various trades back then. Here you can learn all about being a blacksmith. The work they do here is scattered throughout the area and some for sale in the visitor center.

Now to where I’ve been waiting to go – the Furnace.

View heading up the ramp. The white placards on the post are names of the donors who contributed to the rebuilding.

The mill race underneath.

A close-up of the water.

Historical plague.

The furnace with a mirror to see downwards from the top.

Underneath.

Side view. Kathy’s photo with a Dandelion.

Different view.

And another.

While down the bottom of the furnace, by the mill race, Kathy ran into this guy.

Moving on, here is the interior of the Weave House.

The Museum Building looks more like a church to me.

A replica of a building that is no longer there.

Then there is this guy.

And who he was…

The Broom House.

And what they made.

Almost finished.

Tools of the trade for hogs.

Sign.

Next was one of my favorites – Print shop.

Kathy checking it out.

Tools of the trade.

Me checking it out.

Some of the things they print up.

And.

And… it looks like some pieces are missing from this one.

Ye Olde Out House.

Gardener’s Shed.

One room school house. Built in 1869 near Whiton Md. Closed in 1931, moved to Snow Hill in 1959, then to the village in 2015.

Simple, basic education.

A shadow of a less complicated time.

But surely still having its fair share of misfits.

This sculpture would be a great idea to be done for the lime kilns at Cromwell Valley Park. If I was more artistic, I would build it.

From here we headed to Chincoteague for some lunch on the beach.

And then a nature loop ride through the preserve.

Another great adventure! Thanks God.

O.C. in the Spring

14 Sunday Apr 2019

Posted by in Eastern Shore, ocean city

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After Cypress Park we headed to Ocean City for some lunch. Bikes, dogs and walkers. Dogs and bikes thru May 1st I believe. Humans anytime.

New construction going on. Looks like bollards? 

Yes they are. Kathy said she once rode her car up on the boardwalk years ago.

Favorite art store. Bought Paul McGehee’s Old Baltimore at Twilight here a few years back.

Here is our postcard to you!

Time for lunch. Call me un-American, but I really do not like vinegar on my fries. At least there is not the usual summer wait in line.

Although, being retired and down the ocean, time is not important. This clock has been in this same position for a long time…

Kathy taking a risk holding up her fries like that – when seagulls attack!

The empty haunted house.

Walked up to the end. To the left is where we were the other day – at Assateague. 

Scene from Final Destination #3..

Kathy’s pic of the Ferris wheel. Nice.

Time to head onto the beach.

Then under the fishing pier.

What is your favorite one – Surf City by Crack the Sky or Surfer Girl by the Beach Boys? 

The North Easterly Easter Bunny.

Another great adventure. Happy Happy.

Cypress Park Nature Trail

11 Thursday Apr 2019

Posted by in Hiking, nature

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While watching the local news for Delmarva, a segment came on asking for volunteers to help with a small park near Pocomoke City, adjacent to the Pocomoke River. We decided to head down and check it out. It was a short 30+ minute drive to get there. Here is the map. The park is right off of Rte. 13.

There was no one there except for Kathy, Molly and myself. And as will be seen in later photographs, the park/trail is in need of some TLC from volunteers! The path is made up of woods and boardwalks.

Kathy and Molly checking out the boards. The overall length of the hike is about 1/2 mile. Nice day for a walk, but beware – Ticks are out in full force!

After a walk along the water, the trail heads into the woods. This is looking back towards the pond.

Then lo and behold what do we see?

A bridge. A foot bridge.

And there we go.

The feed to the pond is from the Pocomoke River. Up river a ways, at Snow Hill, Kathy and I kayaked. Deep dark waters.

This next section of the trail could really use some help.

The cypress off-spring (Cypress knee) are covered with all sorts of growth.

And take many shapes.

Freshly gnawed beaver tree, toppled over.

Kathy getting a close-up view…

…of beautiful tree markings. Do you think it is a dogwood? No. How can you tell? By its bark! woof-woof. Molly thought it was funny.

Across another little stream to the opposite side of the pond. This puts you right next to Rte. 13, headed towards a cemetery.

Stay to the left to remain on the trail.

Bird holes or a screaming tree? It is your imagination to do with as you please.

Kind of early for this to be blooming out here in the woods don’t you think? It’s an artificial flower, probably blown over here from the cemetery. Oh! duh!

Well, this one is real!

Heading back to the parking lot.

Looking over at the foot bridge, two of four geese on the pond. Not much wildlife around.The silence was actually nice.

i won’t even go there, about mustache rides!

Mushroom condo.

Not a long hike so from here we headed to Ocean City for some Thrasher Fries.