Awe is a serious word and I would not use it lightly. It most often is attributed to an aspect of God or His creation. But not exclusively. Standing near, touching and viewing this aircraft, if you are the least bit interested in US history, might spark the same response from you. It is a SBD Dauntless, version 2, built in 1941. This actual airplane was at Pearl Harbor on 12/7 but was not damaged. It took part to three other major battles including one of the many Dauntless's that sunk four aircraft carriers of the Japanese navy that changed the course of the war at the Battle of Midway. It returned from that battle with 259 bullet holes. Early in the war the plane was deemed not worthy of more combat so it was ferried to Lake Michigan where it was used to teach new Navy airmen how to land on a carrier. The Navy had converted two side wheel excursion boats to makeshift landing decks in the lake to keep them safe from enemy subs. One pilot missed the deck and the plane was lost. It was recovered a few years ago in great condition and restored for display here at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. It is the only Navy plane of its type to see combat in WWII still in existence. See more here: http://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/attractions/aircraft-exhibits/item/?item=sbd-2_dauntless
Welcome to a Bright Red Morning /
I am learning about new software and decided to make this morning photograph at the Gulf Islands National Seashore look like what I hoped getting up at 4:30 would be like instead of what reality provides. Although it was a bright, red and beautiful morning I choose to assist with the intensity of the colors - just for fun. Here's hoping reality is kind to you this week.
Caution: image in the mirror appears much more red than it actually is
B.A.W - Ringer /
So, this lemur is not really a big animal unless you compare him to a chipmunk. Yet with his long tail he appears rather large. I thought he was most interesting to watch move. Plus I loved this photo.
I since found out that there is a lemur research and rescue in Durham, the Duke Lemur Center (http://lemur.duke.edu). You can take tours here - "the world’s largest and most diverse collection of lemurs – Earth’s most threatened group of mammals – outside of Madagascar." I plan to do this sometime soon so look for more photos!
"God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good." Genesis 1:25 NLT
B.A.W. - Breakfast /
He is having breakfast not auditioning for someone else's breakfast. A neat thing about the first few cars out in the morning is that many of the animals are still eating and you can see them better. I have never seen this one so well any of the other trips we have made to Animal Kingdom. Now if I could just recall what it is.....? So, I found the name and added this on March 27: Scimitar-horned Oryx
B.A.W. - Taking it all in Stride /
The giraffe walks more gracefully than you would expect for such a large-legged long-necked animal. There are several in the reserve and of two kinds. I have yet to see the difference. This stately example crossed the road right in front of our car.
B.A.W. - Silver Back /
These enormous creatures are supposed to be gentle, no argument from me. I will believe whatever he wants.
B.A.W. - Working (two photos) /
Spotted this elephant far off and because we had such a long view he stayed in sight for more than you usually get on this safari ride. He is hauling a cut log and was working very hard to move it "somewhere." I have no idea where or why.
First view before I changed lenses.
B.A.W. - Hippo (three photos) /
The most dangerous animal in Africa is the hippo. This one seemed massive, an average male weighs in at over 3300 pounds. They are aggressive and highly unpredictable. An egret was hitching a ride on his back.
"Betty Davis Eyes"
Welcome to Big Animal Week /
All these images were captured at a zoo, but a special zoo that does not feel like a zoo, Animal Kingdom at Disney. Most of the photos were taken on the Safari ride first thing in the morning. I love that you get to ride through the reserve and see animals in a more natural manner, no bars or concrete moats. It is not easy to photograph because the vehicle is always moving and it is a very bumpy ride. But now they have done away with the "we have to catch poachers" story and just let you focus on the animals. So, the ride actually stopped four or five times, usually for 3 or 5 seconds but still it stopped. So, this trip I managed slightly better images, still handheld and still often moving but better. Photos this week all come from that first morning - I have more that I will save for a bit later.
Might as well start really big!
Seek /
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." Luke 12:31 NLT
White Sands National Monument in New Mexico
Emerald Waves /
Gulf Islands National Seashore celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
Innovative /
G. W. Carver, realizing that most of the people who needed education in agricultural methods to make their lives better were unable to travel to Tuskegee, he took the education to them in his Moveable School. What an energetic and clever man. And what a significant difference he made to help lift thousands from subsistence to cash crops.
Sacrifice /
This image is taken at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond. I focused on the names instead of the eternal flame or the memorials people leave like the rose because it is the people who matter. There are walls of glass and marble with hundreds of names from several conflicts of men and women who died serving this country. Great place to think.
Skyline /
The Richmond skyline along the James from the new pedestrian bridge over the James River. Richmond is such a neat place and the largest city in the US with class 4 and five rapids right in the midst of an urban setting.
Defense /
Forts are for protection, defense not offense, and Fort Pickens provided an excellent defense for Pensacola Bay until technology made it obsolete. There were many cannon like these bristling along both the sea side and the land side of the fort. On the grounds of the Gulf Island National Seashore, this is one of several forts you can still visit in both Florida and Mississippi. This may be the largest and best preserved of those forts and includes a WWII installation in the middle of the old parade ground.
Drench /
Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite is know for its mist and spray. Last spring it was so full that you were getting soaked at a few hundred feet from the bottom. It was glorious, roaring and very wet.
God's Three Ounce Creation /
There were Yellow-rumped Warblers everywhere on our walk at the Barataria Preserve, a part of the Jean Layette National Historic Site.
"My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart!" Psalm 108:1 NLT
Unusual /
In the rows of neat and same sized markers that make up much of the National Cemeteries, I found this oversized tombstone in Chalmette National Cemetery to the memory of John Hancock, Seaman. It was given by his officers and shipmates. I don't recall seeing this in any other cemetery. And there were four or five more as well. Not famous nor officers but a young enlisted seaman. He must have been a great friend and sailor. Moving.
Bike too, but you might not notice /
One of the many "colorful" denizens of New Orleans. I was on a scouting mission on Frenchman's Street to look at the potential music venues in the daylight. Not too impressed. This was but one of the people talking loudly to people I couldn't see. And you never know when you will need that third horn. Bike, however, missing the can caddy. Hope he had a good week.
Second Half (two photos) /
There are only two buildings associated with the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site, the first, yesterday, was the museum to Carver and this house, The Oaks, home to Booker T. Washington, the man who developed the college. Tours are given on a limited schedule.
