Tag Archives: photography

Kilgore Falls and Kayaking (Doggie Style)

12 Tuesday Sep 2017

Posted by in Hiking, kayaking, Photography

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It was a nice day to head up to Eden Mill for some kayaking, but first we stopped at Kilgore Falls, on Falling Branch, to do a little hiking. Early enough and cool enough out that there wasn’t a big summer crowd there.

Nice, well worn trails to the falls.

Two paths across the water. I took the easier one since I was carrying Molly in one hand and the camera in the other.

Molly, a poop bag and an alien t-shirt. Life is sweet!

An unobstructed view.

Speaking of aliens, did you ever see the Star Trek episode with Frank Gorshin – Let That Be Your Last Battlefield?

We finished our hike and then headed to the mill for Molly’s first kayak adventure. She was well behaved and only got jumpy once. (When I say jumpy, I mean, we thought she was going to jump ship)

Heading up stream, waiting for me. Another kayaker suggested I move my truck. Shouldn’t park in front of the mill. I thought the mill was closed.

Right after she peeked over the side and realized she was on the water, she panicked some. But calmed down.

The barn and shed upstream a ways. The water was higher than normal. We were hoping to go further up, but…

…just past the farm the water was only a couple inches deep. I got out and walked up some to see if it was deeper upstream. To the curve, it was not.

We brought the kayaks together to drift downstream at an easy pace. Molly decided to jump in my kayak.

Only turtles we saw.

And this guy. We did see a couple deer driving the back road to the dam, but that was it for wildlife.

Speaking of wild life, when I went to get the truck, this guy, in his mastiff taxi, was pulling up! Another weekend of wonderful adventures!!

Chalk Art

11 Monday Sep 2017

Posted by in art, Baltimore

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Little Italy in Baltimore. I did not see a lot of advertisement for this event, which was a shame since there was such good art work here. And food. We ate at Sabatino’s afterwards, followed by Vaccaro’s pastry shop.

High Street was blocked off for this event.

Betsy Ross.

Lots of work and patience to do these.

This will probably be a great 3-D effect when done.

I think this guy didn’t get the memo about it being Chalk. Smelled like spray paint to me!

We looked at her portfolio. She has done a lot of great pieces over the years.

I really couldn’t see the 3-D effect on a lot of theses…

…even while standing where I was told to.

Nice color on this one. Amazing some of these came out so good considering the texture of the asphalt.

Nice. I saw this one upside down at first and wasn’t sure what is was.

Left over from the City Lights Festival.

The party is over, until next time.

Tuckahoe

28 Monday Aug 2017

Posted by in kayaking, Photography

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I’d like to thank https://kayakingdelmarva.com/ and Bill Gross from Facebook for telling me about this place. It was really, really nice. Kathy says it is second only to Assateague Island kayaking. I believe she is right! The map below shows our route. I would say it was more like 5 miles total (we did zigzag around a bit on the way up but took a straight shot back) We were there for about four hours.

According to Google Maps, we were in 3 different counties. The ramp is in Caroline. Once we crossed to the other side of the creek we were in Talbot. Then heading north, zig-zagging back and forth in Queen Anne’s. Not sure exactly how far we went because Kathy’s phone lost the location signal. I do know that a plane doing somersaults over our heads was somewhere heading towards Ridgely Airfield. I know we weren’t that far up.

The boat ramp. Nice little secluded area. A man and his son were fishing there and two girls were swimming.

I found this painted rock in Baltimore and brought him for the ride. Left him on the bench to be found and enjoyed by another. When we came back 4 hours later he was gone – tossed in the water! I rescued him! And found 2 others that I just left on the ramp.

Heading under Main St. Don’t forget to duck.

I see you. A lot of times Kathy and I will drift off in different directions. I went into this little cove to check things out.

Next is the first railroad bridge.

Those are some old trees.

There were a lot of trees down in this creek. It was a giant obstacle course. Lots of underwater limbs you have to look out for. But it was fun!

Route 404. It sure is taking the state a long time to finish this road.

The next RR Bridge.

Baxter.

Tarzan swing.

Underneath the power lines is this diesel tank and pump?

The changing of the leaves. Fall is coming early to Tuckahoe Creek. It will be so nice to come back here in the fall!

Kathy getting a close up of a flower. Her phone takes better pics than my camera.

Inside the flower.

This thing jumped up on her kayak and she started beating it with her paddle! Actually, she retrieved it out of the water and wanted to keep it. I broke it when I dropped it in the grass – sorry…

This was a point where Kathy went to one side of the island and I stayed the course. Was able to duck under this.

It was unbelievable the number of turtles we saw.

Upstream a little farther, another tree in the way. Kathy doing the limbo.

Little hands on shore. We did get out to look around some. It is very muddy. Took a while to scrub the kayaks later on.

This became the end of our journey north. Probably could have went under it, but we were already at 2-1/2 hours.

Blockage on the other side of the creek.

A friend of Donald Sutherland?

Heading back with a different perspective.

Come on Fall!!

Wonder if Baxter wrote this and if Kaci said yes?

Not a lot of visible wildlife. A couple hawks showed up and this guy and the turtles and little fishies in the water.

Almost there. I really enjoyed this adventure. All the colors and reflections.

I am soooo glad I didn’t see this before going in the water. I wouldn’t have enjoyed myself thinking I was going to be towed or fined!

Days Cove Serenity

22 Tuesday Aug 2017

Posted by in Hiking, kayaking, nature, Photography

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With all this hate spewing forth here lately on FaceBook (and life), I am so glad that I have found two ways that I can bring a sense of calm and peace into my life. 1) The Serenity Prayer 2) Kayaking. You just can’t beat those two together! Next would be hiking. Did all three Sunday.

There are three areas where the Gunpowder Rivers converge before heading to the bay. The Little Gunpowder, the Big Gunpowder and the Gunpowder River. We have explored 2 of them so far. Both times we entered through Mariners Point. A couple weeks ago I mentioned about parking and the lack of it for kayakers. (The boaters get preferential treatment for their trailers). I even wrote a letter to the County Rec and Parks, cc to the County Executive about it. I was more or less told that if I didn’t like it, go elsewhere! Fortunately, we lucked out in getting a fairly close spot to park. But, something odd did happen as we were leaving – the Coast Guard was there checking kayaks! Lots of rules I was unaware of. Check out their website to get the low-down.

“This is my path; here I shall find peace. I will pursue this path, come what may.” (Anyone remember what book this comes from?)

And here is our path. 4.67 miles in about 3 hours. The landfill is to the left. It was surprising that the water was clearer in the cove. The little white dot on land near the shore is the Days Cove Nature Center, which I believe is now closed down. I remember taking my daughter to a Halloween Party there years ago. Nice center.

Us pointing at the point sign.

Watch out for the jets.

Purple flowers around.

The grasses seemed a lot thicker this trip.

Heading into the cove from the Big Gunpowder.

We saw as many herons on this trip as we did osprey on our last trip. This guy has something on his nose.

And what do we have here?

Time to park it and get out to investigate.

A chimney and a reluctant model!

A mixture of various stones.

This path will take you to the Nature Center.

Some formstone and building debris.

Blue-eyed lady.

Back into the water. Took a bit to figure out what this is – it’s a drain plug to drain the cove!

Saw this guy at the far end of the cove. Went over to explore because there was an eagle here also, fighting with another bird. We couldn’t find him though.

A bunch of these blinds around.

Heading back to port. These three must have long legs, or the water is very shallow.

This water will put a hurting (and a good workout) on your arms!

Abandoned water front property.

The only time during the trip that I thought about what is going on in the world. Why can’t we occupy the same place (planet) without all the hateful words and actions? This gull is getting along fine with these guys (Cormorants?)

But then again, there is always that one guy that wants to be different.

 

Mariners Point Kayaking Adventure

07 Monday Aug 2017

Posted by in kayaking, nature, Photography

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Although it was somewhat overcast, it was still a great day to be out kayaking.

This was our path. About 3.75 miles and took 2-1/2 hours. We love to stop and look at everything nature has to offer. It was a lot!

As I said, it was dreary out. This is leaving the boat launch, looking towards the train bridge. Last year we headed there after going left up into a cove. This year we explored to the right – Gunpowder Rivers.

A tree hanging on for dear life.

Along the shore and spreading out to the channel was a lot of sea grass. This young Red Winged Black Bird didn’t mind. Neither did we even though it took more energy to paddle through.

Avoiding the tree debris.

We counted up to about 12 Osprey on the back path of our trip. Hard to count because they kept zigzagging right over us.

Me looking up at an Osprey, or him looking down at me?

One of two families of ducks spotted.

Two of these hanging out at different spots.

Kathy told me twice what these guys are called, but I forget!

Old duck blind?

Looking close at the lone flower, off center right, you can see the humming bird.

Lots of butterflies.

They were still checking us out. We didn’t see anyone else on this part of the river.

The other heron. He flew off immediately as we approached his little area. Rough paddling here.

Heading back to the boat ramp. Lots of bigger boats zooming by.

We have no idea what this is!? It is bigger than a basketball.

We saw a few turtles along the way.

Because of how crowded the ramp was, we exited at this small landing. They have cleared it out since last time. 4 steps up and you are at the parking lot.

Until next time nature!

Saw this on Jones Road at Route 7.

It was a really nice day. The park needs more parking for the kayakers. Lots of parking for boat trailers. Kayakers drop off and have to go 1/4 mile to park. After kayaking we went to Big Gunpowder Falls for some pit beef. I haven’t been there in over 30 years. Lots of bikers and a live band outside. Thanks God for another great day!!

Freeport Bahamas May 2017

30 Sunday Jul 2017

Posted by in Photography, Travel, vacation

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From our trip in May. Forgot to post!

This side of the island was pretty beat up. They had a hurricane I believe back in October.

Not to be ones to follow the beaten path, we headed east to the end of the road. Hoping to get to climb this lighthouse.

The guard told us ‘no’ but said she would take our photograph. Damn Tourist!

We headed back to the tourist area. Nice shops.

Headed back west on Sea Horse Rd. and onto the beach. Place was deserted. A lot of people still hadn’t rebuilt from the hurricane. The main attraction, the casino, was still closed.

More closed buildings. And an empty beach.

Hope this didn’t come off of our ship!

A glimmer of life after the storm.

Back on board, Kathy’s island souvenirs attacked the towel elephant.

Repair work to the Disney Cruise ship.

The Carnival Elation pulled into port.

Kind of reminds me of Baltimore.

Busy unloading containers.

I think this is where tankers load/unload? From above, there are a bunch of fuel storage tanks on shore near here.

Whatever this is, it was moving at a fast clip.

Peaceful Sunday Kayak

09 Sunday Jul 2017

Posted by in kayaking, Photography

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Headed up to Deer Creek early this morning for an early kayak adventure. Not a lot of people there, which is the way we like it. Some people fishing off the bank. We saw lots of fish way up stream.

Heading up stream. Fisher-people to the right, casting in our direction.

Something swam across our path. I thought it was a beaver at first…

it was this raccoon. He swam to this side to get a drink!

There were so many red-winged blackbirds. What a variety of sounds they make! Mullein plant to the left. We did see a couple hawks, but they were too far up in the tree for me to get a good shot. I usually just take my underwater camera when kayaking. it doesn’t have a good telephoto lens on it.

Speaking of underwater – I just stuck it under, next to the kayak and saw a bunch of trout.

You do have to pay attention for the submerged logs.

Kathy collecting for our souvenirs. Only had to get out twice for shallow water. Water felt good.

This was as far as we were able to go – too shallow. Almost 2 miles up. You can practically drift all the way back to the mill.

Odd looking cocoon. Three leaves weaved together to make a pouch. Like a pea pod. There were a bunch in this tree.

Pretty little flowers.

Glad we went early. A crowd showed up. Nice day enjoying ourselves, nature and God.

Early Evening Hike

13 Tuesday Jun 2017

Posted by in Hiking, nature

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Saturday evening was a nice time to take a short hike at Marshy Point Park. Little did we know at the time, we would see these same spots on our kayak adventure the next day, from a different perspective.

Looking out from the dock at the osprey nest and footbridge.

Walking along you come to an overlook and you really have to look over to see.

The footbridge to other trails. Molly and Kathy waiting patiently for me to catch up…before it gets dark.

From the footbridge, looking towards Dundee Creek.

A trail we have never taken. 1/2 mile we should be able to complete before the sun goes down and they lock us in.

The paths are pretty well maintained.

A stool with a tree growing around its legs.

Where mud may be, they built these little walk ways.

A camping area.

A path back to the water.

A red-wing blackbird making noise.

View from the path. We will get up close and personal here tomorrow.

Not sure who this is.

Love new growth just popping up.

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Part of a swamp. Never did see the pond.

Here comes the darkness.

Mr Owl, are you in there?

Nope, I’m in here. Kathy said he was caged up because he is blind in one eye.

FYI a map of the trails. There are a lot of them here and we have only been to a couple.

New York City

05 Monday Jun 2017

Posted by in New York, Photography, vacation

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Did the Groupon Tour Bus to NYC the other day. Really nice trip and for $32 round trip, you couldn’t beat the price. Left the Carney Park and Ride at 7:26am and was parked in NY at 10:25am. Had to be back to the bus by 6:30pm. Nice long day of sight-seeing. It has been close to 30 years since I have been there. Back then it was smelly and dirty and I saw someone get robbed right outside of Penn Station…

First stop, Times Square.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Inside the church.

Past Rockefeller Center and thru some back streets to this guy made of Coach bags. I was waiting for the girl to start singing… “Mothra…”

The first Trump property we saw. Armed Tactical Police outside with dogs. Secret Service inside with scanners. Looking down from the top of the waterfall.

From walking around mid-town to Central Park. Not sure what was going on with the woman in the pink top, to the left. It looks like her transporter malfunctioned.

On the hour and half hour, these guys rotate around the base of the clock.

Nice zoo in the park.

 

Model yacht sailing on one of the lakes.

Was goiing to ask Alice something, but she seemed pre-occupied knocking this little kid off her toadstool…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the oblisk.

Then to Belvedere castle.

View of the turtle pond with many of them basking in the sun, along with the egret.

Across the pond to the Grand Lawn.

We were supposed to go to the Natural History Museum, instead, we were enjoying just seeing the sites, we kept on going…The Dakota.

Which then took us back to Central Park and Imagine.

Lots of people trying to pay their respects. This was the only rowdy scene all day. Some rickshaw driver started cussing out tourist as he was hogging up the photo-op for his passengers. Surrealistic.

Another Trump Property, for the man who would be king and have this in his hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relections.

This was pretty neat – a wall of plants, just barely hanging on by their roots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lincold Center.

And of course, a bunch of water towers.

 

Chincoteague Va.

29 Monday May 2017

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Nice Memorial Weekend in Salisbury and Chincoteague. Again the weather was not cooperating for kayaking, but always a nice day for a hike.

Hung out at the visitor center a bit. Watched a film on the two distinct herds of horses and ponies. One in Maryland and one here. Down here they manage the size of the herd with birth control and an auction to benefit the volunteer fire department.

Hiked over to the light house. Too many people in line to go to the top. We will come back on a week day.

Sailors memorial behind the light house.

I always liked a B&W of various light houses.

Kathy’s mom hiked with us today.

It struck me as odd that the light house was on the bayside and not on the ocean. Pooling on the beach after high tide.

Windy and chilly. But lots of people on the beach. A few swimming. Safety zone flag.

On the opposite side of the ocean shore is Toms Cove. Some kayakers and bird photogs.

Clams, mussels and birds in the marsh.

Digging for dinner.

The brownish orange guy was chasing everyone out of his way.

Pony tails – nice gift shop. But we didn’t see a single horse or pony the whole time!!

Back on the farm – always a favorite view. It amazes me that the pines grew in such a straight line, about 20 deep…until Kathy’s father told me they didn’t just grow that way. He planted them that way! Ha! Dummy me!