When the airboat stopped there were four bears closer to the shore. One turned back to the woods, two went wide to our right and this one came straight to us. Perhaps wondering if that strange floating thing had anything good to eat in it? This was before Covid 19 so bearhugs were not outlawed. Bear wuth us there are more tomorrow.
Really? /
The enforced hibernation has been a difficult time for many people. The vast staff of TLT have felt the effects as well. No new trips, not many new photographs and ennui all around. Well that is soon to change, we have a short trip on the books leaving for a week on the 21st of June! Jubilation. Another for July, for August and one for September and one for October. Also, we figured out what would lift everyone’s spirit? Welcome to the First (Only) Lake Clark National Park Bear Week. Yes, the bear puns will be awakening from a deep sleep and so now for those who have found this intro even more unbearable than the doing your own taxes, we present the all recently edited and new to the site, Lake Clark Bears!
Lower Falls /
The Bow Valley Parkway hike in Johnson Canyon. A unique walk deep in a steep canyon with suspended walkways along the canyon. This is the lower falls about 2/3 of the way to the end and the water was glacial green. This would be a place I would like to return to, a really unique experience.
“What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs.” Psalm 84:5,6 NLT
Post About a Post /
Almost hidden in the foliage is this old fence post along a trail in the Cape Cod National Seashore. When I see something like this I first imagine what it must have been like to create a farm or ranch or homestead in the area and to wonder if those who did so appreciated the inherent beauty of the place or just the struggle of eking out a living is an often harsh environment? They are good reminders that we are stewards of the land not owners and that the land will usually restore itself over time.
Flight of Passage /
Wilbur Wright in the year 1900 stayed in Elizabeth City on his way to the Outer Banks. Arrived at Point Comfort (Newport News) by train, transferred to a steamer to Norfolk, then by train to EC where he stayed in a hotel for a few days until he was able to arrange passage to the shore by way of a leaky flat-bottomed boat captained by Isreal Perry. A gale blew up and they had to seek a sheltered harbor so the trip took two days - with lots of bailing. Imagine what might have occurred had they or their cargo nat made it to Kitty Hawk. This hotel was built in the 1870’s and was the heart of EC for years featuring fine dinning and big bands that toured across America.
Now it is shuttered with off again on again plans to restore the structure.
Mushroom Hunters /
While on a trail in the Cape Cod National Seashore we came across these folks who were out gathering huge mushrooms. I chatted with them about their find but cannot recall exactly what they said about them except it was the season and they were not alone in gathering them, we saw several people with a selection of these big fungi.
And in Every Campfire Story... /
Seconds Before Sunrise /
In a foggy field in Eastern North Carolina.
“Surreal morning wafts of mist as if a cloud had kissed the earth.” Brenda Finch
Gratitude... /
…seems inadequate so, perhaps living up to the promise of the country would be a decent start to Memorial Day 2020.
Solitude, Silence and Stillness /
“The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord… Let them sit alone in silence beneath the Lord’s demands.”
Lamentations 3:25, 26, 28 NLT
White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
Texture and Color /
This is from a section of rock along a trail on the back side of Penobscot Mountain in Acadia National Park.
Pre-Social Distancing Social Distancing /
Along a street in Elizabeth City, NC.
Just playing in the garage, oops, I mean studio /
Flower from the balcony deck boxes Cindy plants with a fresh rain still on the plant.
I will absolutely miss... /
…. this market if it does not survive the shutdown. In central Lancaster this place has been open since the late 18th century and I expect it will continue. I just hope the experience does not change so much that it is not recognized any longer. One of my favorite things to do when passing by this area of the world. And the people who populate the stalls are wonderful, i sure wish them well.
Edit Update: Since I wrote this I found out that the market is indeed already open. They have limited the number of customers and you no longer pick your own produce. Also they have adjusted where you wait for your order. And, as a note, the market dates back to 1730, so coming up on 300 years. Wow.
Seriously Good /
I can actually taste the pies and the cobblers and the turnovers. I love cherries!
Quiet Corner for a Quiet People /
This is an Amish owned workshop out behind an old farm house in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I like the push bikes parked outside while inside the shop everything is powered by compressed air. Lovely place to spend time and we are missing being there. So, who knows it may end up being part of the summer travel.
African Church /
This church in Boston is a part of the African American tour. It was known as the African Church and was a keystone in the pre-Civil War anti-clavery movement and later the Civil Rights movement.
“After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31 NLT
Wild /
This wild pony is along the bay side of Cape Lookout National Seashore on the southern end of the Outer Banks. A lovely place with open spaces and lots of shells.
Bandits at 7:09 /
Actually the Bandit Flyover Team based in Raleigh flying vintage aircraft to honor “the flag.” In this case the flyover was to celebrate the work of the folks on the frontline of the virus battle. These planes are about 1000 feet over the Rex Hospital that is just a couple of miles from my house in Raleigh. It was a nice night and a neat tribute. And they hit the scheduled time on the dot at 7:09 Thursday evening.
Ladies & Crowns - #Two - (2 more photos) /
Just two more from the event.
