tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-313310172024-03-14T05:24:39.483-04:00Country CapturesNature photography with an emphasis on wildlife.Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.comBlogger1686125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-53421573556161717002021-01-05T18:19:00.002-05:002021-01-05T18:21:47.199-05:00Return of a old Friend: The Meadow Grounds Lake<p style="text-align: left;">Nearly 8 years ago the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission began the draw-down of the nearby Meadow Grounds Lake. After much behind the scenes work, construction finally began in early May of this year and is finally drawing to a close. I captured these images during a visit December 28 when the construction crew appeared to be nearing the end. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Refilling is slated to begin this winter continuing into the spring. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_dItmwjRKp_W9A6wRJUL4JIwOFyWTAKu8my-A0n4EV0tNMhoZirTq3ExTWvsReUJd3TDI780i6R80lPC9KMv_ly5Z1wQxgqaVC3NFchsn_wtIXlIidhhROdwQH-HChIo25mq/s2000/IMG_8272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="2000" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_dItmwjRKp_W9A6wRJUL4JIwOFyWTAKu8my-A0n4EV0tNMhoZirTq3ExTWvsReUJd3TDI780i6R80lPC9KMv_ly5Z1wQxgqaVC3NFchsn_wtIXlIidhhROdwQH-HChIo25mq/w640-h357/IMG_8272.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dam Face</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnG_LFWbeek6iXtAb6VA4kS6r2aghfcGIZmij9C7cBkhjFW9tG_3ZY4OV6BbAZVq5EYancIuCYETHAdXnTMu6ln3goAGMeUvlt4PI_6IW-DgS3wEAUIKdWCI3kK8Ao84Hp_bF/s2000/IMG_8283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="2000" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnG_LFWbeek6iXtAb6VA4kS6r2aghfcGIZmij9C7cBkhjFW9tG_3ZY4OV6BbAZVq5EYancIuCYETHAdXnTMu6ln3goAGMeUvlt4PI_6IW-DgS3wEAUIKdWCI3kK8Ao84Hp_bF/w640-h339/IMG_8283.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The new auxiliary spillway facing the lake</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTAA0pcmd_WmlFN3uW2ja0YcoSGVUnR67SJPxdQjI-fHYdUU_N3I7N9GkbZcPrVHLW9cuvzk0jfPIFm0Zyug3JStgovZzcykcLIGJC8QeBU7jwLWPqb1z0lVV7g53DIWNMOLK/s2000/IMG_8287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="2000" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTAA0pcmd_WmlFN3uW2ja0YcoSGVUnR67SJPxdQjI-fHYdUU_N3I7N9GkbZcPrVHLW9cuvzk0jfPIFm0Zyug3JStgovZzcykcLIGJC8QeBU7jwLWPqb1z0lVV7g53DIWNMOLK/w640-h305/IMG_8287.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Auxiliary spillway facing upstream</div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqpsrxyPByGy6O0-6cgDHpJLoLhfuRJG_0uALdNxuobNjpRVC2D1zvhUpwWJ0PasBlwGv2END3X1WtfbwuNwoRQJHgpVuDiCB6gxIjZTy_gz4dGkrwhBLCFXXl2qwMiRP8hQS/s2000/IMG_8288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="2000" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqpsrxyPByGy6O0-6cgDHpJLoLhfuRJG_0uALdNxuobNjpRVC2D1zvhUpwWJ0PasBlwGv2END3X1WtfbwuNwoRQJHgpVuDiCB6gxIjZTy_gz4dGkrwhBLCFXXl2qwMiRP8hQS/w640-h368/IMG_8288.jpg" width="640" /></a>View from western end of dam</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8tD937nqR1JDiQJ7jTHhPcX61UcZZjHEoj2jkITpIP1YN1FZ8d13tqKdnysN_cqqbxnhwnzEL4hYH7G58_tFw5gRhO9Vz2pMC14UmTjBVHu0u9sZQeT9eGzbOIysYl2wgJdC/s2000/IMG_8328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1081" data-original-width="2000" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8tD937nqR1JDiQJ7jTHhPcX61UcZZjHEoj2jkITpIP1YN1FZ8d13tqKdnysN_cqqbxnhwnzEL4hYH7G58_tFw5gRhO9Vz2pMC14UmTjBVHu0u9sZQeT9eGzbOIysYl2wgJdC/w640-h346/IMG_8328.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;">Downstream view of dam</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMkE-ckgjnmcPdS4M18SAKEv7XGQfxhJM9Sc4GFr8srKmpeEDPIwukevY3HYmftS2uyxRble8EgkvZXFIb_6H8d6bH9tQcmikhMyBGLeaZ3P_8x90hLQqhBHqDhkuvlpN-MbF/s2000/meadow+grounds+dam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="2000" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibMkE-ckgjnmcPdS4M18SAKEv7XGQfxhJM9Sc4GFr8srKmpeEDPIwukevY3HYmftS2uyxRble8EgkvZXFIb_6H8d6bH9tQcmikhMyBGLeaZ3P_8x90hLQqhBHqDhkuvlpN-MbF/w640-h256/meadow+grounds+dam.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wide downstream view of dam</div> <p></p>Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-82872168662768374222020-12-14T19:08:00.000-05:002020-12-14T19:08:50.875-05:0050th Anniversary Rifle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a young lad in the spring of 1970 I purchased my first rifle. Prior to that my centerfire hunting firearms consisted of a hand-me-down Winchester 38-40 or the occasional use of granddads 30-30 or dad's .308.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fast cars held little interest for me, however dreams of fast bullets and flat shooting rifles were what kept me up at night. Reading magazines like Outdoor Life, Field and Stream, Sports Afield, and The American Rifleman, fanned the flames of my passion. The sale of a bull calf netted enough to purchase a budget priced Remington Model 788 in the smoking fast 22-250 Remington caliber. While considered on the light side for deer, I shot everything from starlings to whitetails with it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUyGO08S25GlmJ2OrODwwnBk2sHjGluVB3vMeibzZFYiSoFicIN5vYlhx5EIn4S9Y-G6CM4D8mgmOtSCt_Jv1VlXPWUjqTK98E5gnTzUD1evZw87PoJCEoLRZ8t4jeLXcemHP/s2000/%2523280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUyGO08S25GlmJ2OrODwwnBk2sHjGluVB3vMeibzZFYiSoFicIN5vYlhx5EIn4S9Y-G6CM4D8mgmOtSCt_Jv1VlXPWUjqTK98E5gnTzUD1evZw87PoJCEoLRZ8t4jeLXcemHP/w426-h640/%2523280.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a few years of heavy shooting its accuracy began to wane. When it was new sub minute of angle groups were the norm but by the late 70's its accuracy had deteriorated to 3-4 minutes. Upon finding a custom barrel maker, J. W. VanPatten of Milford Pa., who offered reboring, I sent it to him with instructions to rebore to 250-3000 Savage. The job was a success with accuracy being restored. Some time later I had the barrel shortened from the original 24" to 20", restocked with a homemade stock, and just last winter replaced the original somewhat stiff trigger with an excellent 2lb Timney. </div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Of course this is the story of just one rifle for as the years passed I bought a number of different calibers and models and while finding others that I enjoyed using, the old .250 was always around to be taken for the odd hunt.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZZUtHo4w-6TeOONgIGtE4t9eXM7vPjuLfSl97A3y-O7cOEqajfWqU0gYJdn7C5tiU0ZE4_E5JQ7ovfPjmEO4UWC4lgUI9jnz6MgenKrfRO2aUzgo1ClqdG9UIMgH6ig4NGMb/s2048/20201103_154546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZZUtHo4w-6TeOONgIGtE4t9eXM7vPjuLfSl97A3y-O7cOEqajfWqU0gYJdn7C5tiU0ZE4_E5JQ7ovfPjmEO4UWC4lgUI9jnz6MgenKrfRO2aUzgo1ClqdG9UIMgH6ig4NGMb/w360-h640/20201103_154546.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I realized that this year marked its 50th anniversary I determined to make it my rifle of choice. And it did its job admirably! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB-EOZHgmYpXGMpHgLnWyqM-64_26FFnmwYhTLVOhp3-QV8lRwHcOlzDQWqcj3BgUegZqWah9VDQJKyuDxCfZnGsmy_s2ygzgXHkL5MEzE3liWm4vrQFuI-nq1mppYTfK3Eld/s2048/20201128_073623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB-EOZHgmYpXGMpHgLnWyqM-64_26FFnmwYhTLVOhp3-QV8lRwHcOlzDQWqcj3BgUegZqWah9VDQJKyuDxCfZnGsmy_s2ygzgXHkL5MEzE3liWm4vrQFuI-nq1mppYTfK3Eld/w640-h360/20201128_073623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-37421597921728556302020-10-12T09:28:00.002-04:002020-10-12T09:28:39.593-04:00For Everything There Is A Season; The Season Of Heinz<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When a cow delivered twins and abandoned the smaller the saga of Heinz, the Hill Farm pet, began. He took readily to bottle feeding and thrived on the attention. Brenda named him Heinz because his tag was #57. Incidentally he only wore the tag a few days before catching it and ripping from his ear, leaving him with a permanently split right ear. </div><p></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;">Today Heinz leaves the farm as the season of Heinz draws to a close </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTxD0KrwcR__TnMai6Rk2iRmMubj4Ko4NqluWAeAJNTvf7Kf8uz-AK_XbyIa8TP7YJDzxOLWiXTa6kWSxFcA3AJcD6kijuAHLn3yzOVyzykg0oUZ2WuHknLL8YdfiDxLtv61r/s2000/Heinz+c2+IMG_6087+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTxD0KrwcR__TnMai6Rk2iRmMubj4Ko4NqluWAeAJNTvf7Kf8uz-AK_XbyIa8TP7YJDzxOLWiXTa6kWSxFcA3AJcD6kijuAHLn3yzOVyzykg0oUZ2WuHknLL8YdfiDxLtv61r/w640-h426/Heinz+c2+IMG_6087+small.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TJ_AJeU0qwuE5Cqo9UT6i274DKcJO_r-A_9JfDg5jGneq5cAnoLZH65MxsTDrY6Q48V-fk8Znx1NnQvABOw_698VIUwfJseeuPmBtmmgsUmJXc8aNDkkh2cFjH6T8Es4fbdn/s2000/coy+muzz+heinz+_MG_2530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TJ_AJeU0qwuE5Cqo9UT6i274DKcJO_r-A_9JfDg5jGneq5cAnoLZH65MxsTDrY6Q48V-fk8Znx1NnQvABOw_698VIUwfJseeuPmBtmmgsUmJXc8aNDkkh2cFjH6T8Es4fbdn/w640-h426/coy+muzz+heinz+_MG_2530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiOn_aXyXZlKmhRcek9kSucJD1XEX7lDjwLLOWPDB22_vnaQpXgcQ7FZn-87XBwtbsKT_bjayoYC1AsQYygUS4_1ktTD1W9kUzTK-3hFgETYTn7NcUqMBxIgVtLwe1yFdwbTj/s2000/brenda+heinz+muzz+_MG_2538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYiOn_aXyXZlKmhRcek9kSucJD1XEX7lDjwLLOWPDB22_vnaQpXgcQ7FZn-87XBwtbsKT_bjayoYC1AsQYygUS4_1ktTD1W9kUzTK-3hFgETYTn7NcUqMBxIgVtLwe1yFdwbTj/w640-h426/brenda+heinz+muzz+_MG_2538.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEySw0RK1DsYqT2x9rjiCJbutvo9wpTNQp4Vcw0BH_rmJ77kg-fQlViRwlnlXj1ZmRIrJmg3ijJBU0_vrbWaW01jKjmeiZsURrMR7jdiZjSyOxilUz1iTd-iPcyfy5HuACDt6r/s2000/heinz+selfie+coy+_MG_2800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEySw0RK1DsYqT2x9rjiCJbutvo9wpTNQp4Vcw0BH_rmJ77kg-fQlViRwlnlXj1ZmRIrJmg3ijJBU0_vrbWaW01jKjmeiZsURrMR7jdiZjSyOxilUz1iTd-iPcyfy5HuACDt6r/w640-h426/heinz+selfie+coy+_MG_2800.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCEugS4IGz4AW7E91r174QegGFS1w62quLW9ur4AvJkqk8LxoGIeVt9NxNtRxCECmihRVVB5yL8hKX2sQD79EkB94Rz1lnlxG3DJMLjhiJUCGesyPt7FGZjsJfp7MSALKUg_O/s2000/heinz+run+_MG_2704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCEugS4IGz4AW7E91r174QegGFS1w62quLW9ur4AvJkqk8LxoGIeVt9NxNtRxCECmihRVVB5yL8hKX2sQD79EkB94Rz1lnlxG3DJMLjhiJUCGesyPt7FGZjsJfp7MSALKUg_O/w640-h426/heinz+run+_MG_2704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifvW0bTtf712yA9L47IFsVLI0K5cM9TAtX2gY1niiAeqNXeeUHXu9RSLtpqcpdj6Oan3Bz2gRZPKmMPuHcTbgiPqvrL7YlLoANIdevFgjGbgTy6fk5-vPpv9YinQTJPy1lgrd/s2000/amy+heinz+_MG_2920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhifvW0bTtf712yA9L47IFsVLI0K5cM9TAtX2gY1niiAeqNXeeUHXu9RSLtpqcpdj6Oan3Bz2gRZPKmMPuHcTbgiPqvrL7YlLoANIdevFgjGbgTy6fk5-vPpv9YinQTJPy1lgrd/w640-h426/amy+heinz+_MG_2920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaOdDmdVJ2DzRfnDhsnnwgF31xnhoWuL_NbPQA5PFaQMVAG22GN3nJnXVos8FphoDI4TnRolliMRMP8PKUhW37iXsp_RMGy3G82BG_6l1J1zg1XddR4znYGHcwJSXzYHDUGw6/s2000/heinz+IMG_2511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaOdDmdVJ2DzRfnDhsnnwgF31xnhoWuL_NbPQA5PFaQMVAG22GN3nJnXVos8FphoDI4TnRolliMRMP8PKUhW37iXsp_RMGy3G82BG_6l1J1zg1XddR4znYGHcwJSXzYHDUGw6/w640-h426/heinz+IMG_2511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC1P4eZ5Q-i1QR3gEzMKyNox4JJCSoTS48axkCw7a4u-4R-XLyJvcD_F3ABTaENtvt1aswg8DC5ejoxsj_Go2phE9qBcZxXEm0irGkj2OkEZJ8UUnvdlVGKFuMzt-haq3Opdj/s2000/heinz+IMG_6199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHC1P4eZ5Q-i1QR3gEzMKyNox4JJCSoTS48axkCw7a4u-4R-XLyJvcD_F3ABTaENtvt1aswg8DC5ejoxsj_Go2phE9qBcZxXEm0irGkj2OkEZJ8UUnvdlVGKFuMzt-haq3Opdj/w640-h426/heinz+IMG_6199.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /> <p></p><br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-23114864501943448592020-09-24T10:16:00.001-04:002020-09-24T10:17:05.059-04:00Pennsylvania Elk Rut 2020<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Once again its the time of year when one of the greatest wildlife shows Pennsylvania has to offer is occurring, the Pennsylvania Elk Rut. Fortunately some great viewing opportunities occur on public lands or lands open to the public and many are able to enjoy incredible wildlife viewing encounters. <br /><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I arrived in the tiny hamlet of Benezette after the morning elk activity had subsided Tuesday and had only limited photographic success that evening. </div><p></p></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSql_9w2ZjkouqRYvwCkZtvgesDQ7QaOYyDAJgRHpnQegVubTfrLCSDg2VdRupNpTy0QDvry8wXdNH_SfqufEbiUhLnnGkbYc-7aK-J_Ffek98IB2kS6AB9Q7TEMaFhfbtXh5/s2000/elk2020+IMG_5458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSql_9w2ZjkouqRYvwCkZtvgesDQ7QaOYyDAJgRHpnQegVubTfrLCSDg2VdRupNpTy0QDvry8wXdNH_SfqufEbiUhLnnGkbYc-7aK-J_Ffek98IB2kS6AB9Q7TEMaFhfbtXh5/w640-h426/elk2020+IMG_5458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpv8csUPLgBtEWDRqKmj9Gb22zHjxTwwZ9eAFh88C_28CEv_F43VULO9etYp8Hc7U4y905osp0t8RfWnDbYAoFlr2wc1F2bLwSkggvf6HbRKv3IYLDDqVM-wlGOtz3YJeJeiAv/s2000/elk2020+IMG_5520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpv8csUPLgBtEWDRqKmj9Gb22zHjxTwwZ9eAFh88C_28CEv_F43VULO9etYp8Hc7U4y905osp0t8RfWnDbYAoFlr2wc1F2bLwSkggvf6HbRKv3IYLDDqVM-wlGOtz3YJeJeiAv/w640-h426/elk2020+IMG_5520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFIZBo15XJBW5EUwvTFSNQVC94k5nfuo1jLtqCs-v8q0JCFTIlQj4V95eELEBQmQII6SQ5TPJVqGezgJgsv_n0ZpqIO-vn_eAjdF-MOHx8v-3e5wzG8iUSSAEnNh2YwsIwk3i/s2000/elk2020+IMG_5512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFIZBo15XJBW5EUwvTFSNQVC94k5nfuo1jLtqCs-v8q0JCFTIlQj4V95eELEBQmQII6SQ5TPJVqGezgJgsv_n0ZpqIO-vn_eAjdF-MOHx8v-3e5wzG8iUSSAEnNh2YwsIwk3i/w640-h426/elk2020+IMG_5512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1WqW93n-Ri-8_X1kpQK6XmAmHVjVkJyp288NaBgBxi8nx29PzDnZ8mtwgbQy9gy-TVjsDg3rqvCN1g4QAE8ycq1fY9rsK6yB1jyCDpp-Itfhf94FmFj2BpoWQX_CXEo-GUrN/s2000/elk2020+moon+IMG_5502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1WqW93n-Ri-8_X1kpQK6XmAmHVjVkJyp288NaBgBxi8nx29PzDnZ8mtwgbQy9gy-TVjsDg3rqvCN1g4QAE8ycq1fY9rsK6yB1jyCDpp-Itfhf94FmFj2BpoWQX_CXEo-GUrN/w640-h426/elk2020+moon+IMG_5502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Wednesday morning dawned bright and clear with two dominate bulls tending harems in adjoining fields. Satellite bulls frequently attempted to cut in whenever the herd bull was distracted as can be seen in a few of the images. The following photos are from the morning.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Eh1i8O6smPUafKHn29EEh6OzFZE3l_d8SuSZ630rEihdsP7tet_MItk4j_cJqDNW3s8qKL85FvS400pQcGODiUxz38si0byDHeE2-mYogZsQzJvuAKjdflnu33P1z9EYN7UW/s2000/elk2020+IMG_5577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Eh1i8O6smPUafKHn29EEh6OzFZE3l_d8SuSZ630rEihdsP7tet_MItk4j_cJqDNW3s8qKL85FvS400pQcGODiUxz38si0byDHeE2-mYogZsQzJvuAKjdflnu33P1z9EYN7UW/w640-h426/elk2020+IMG_5577.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QJae0gyNeQP3kpaj-VziQcrUVy2q7auWZHSkzM3ZGnYA1l420Yci7HCpdI8FqOXyge5O189T2DrcyCQDSJx7LzlpznPQz4gM0daCvGqg9RbGRS3Gt2KQdvHkPQcvfQHn1lkG/s2000/elk2020+IMG_5584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QJae0gyNeQP3kpaj-VziQcrUVy2q7auWZHSkzM3ZGnYA1l420Yci7HCpdI8FqOXyge5O189T2DrcyCQDSJx7LzlpznPQz4gM0daCvGqg9RbGRS3Gt2KQdvHkPQcvfQHn1lkG/w640-h426/elk2020+IMG_5584.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-nE91f1hAqRNr9oTnYlvnvw2oeSMJAORRtMtGKanfgnuU8C0M3GSOO8nBh0F3pCbhAZunxrBzMf6cPjeQMS7P8aqW-AouGpAl5ttU3Py3ApZBaQmLXcXyl0cxTXUHubDlhLj/s2000/elk2020+IMG_5533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-nE91f1hAqRNr9oTnYlvnvw2oeSMJAORRtMtGKanfgnuU8C0M3GSOO8nBh0F3pCbhAZunxrBzMf6cPjeQMS7P8aqW-AouGpAl5ttU3Py3ApZBaQmLXcXyl0cxTXUHubDlhLj/w640-h426/elk2020+IMG_5533.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGuhBmvaPnCt1PgtGYJ2cxQ82D9lZBmT7ts9d8CxLX2uoe2zuwN0OhX9H1FA0Zzv_-XstN2JyDvtUBm6x3ExnPRXh3Xe6ATupUlujElOi-YUxf0tDQyD8StZI2ize03GSP-Xt/s2000/elk+2020+IMG_5818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGuhBmvaPnCt1PgtGYJ2cxQ82D9lZBmT7ts9d8CxLX2uoe2zuwN0OhX9H1FA0Zzv_-XstN2JyDvtUBm6x3ExnPRXh3Xe6ATupUlujElOi-YUxf0tDQyD8StZI2ize03GSP-Xt/w640-h426/elk+2020+IMG_5818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p>Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-82379083415346002812020-01-28T16:16:00.001-05:002020-01-28T16:18:30.889-05:00Meadow Grounds Lake: Returning Soon!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Built in the mid 1960's, the Meadow Grounds Lake provided untold hours of recreation for those who frequented it. The lake, owned and controlled by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission sits on lands owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NzPyiNeFOJeZ_U9NwkGDytSWx-yn5O9E0vkuUY2CWs9kjzcOWpTbgKQLG9aKoXILbIBPve-J1p3Qv5NN1xpkD3Dl0ROFmGu7MW5kAuhUCo9LyWAUgwC4y3dSyfDcILM8xq9p/s1600/Meadow+Grounds+fog+IMG_2768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3NzPyiNeFOJeZ_U9NwkGDytSWx-yn5O9E0vkuUY2CWs9kjzcOWpTbgKQLG9aKoXILbIBPve-J1p3Qv5NN1xpkD3Dl0ROFmGu7MW5kAuhUCo9LyWAUgwC4y3dSyfDcILM8xq9p/s640/Meadow+Grounds+fog+IMG_2768.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Word spread in the winter of 2013 that the PFBC was drawing down the lake with no plan and no funding to repair and restore it. Some thoughtful person posted this sign at the boat ramp. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulTqQ-dR-AuXKLdGx9-vEoqM5TE9tezKAo3WrSmZBDo4-m50jOgh7s-I_zJP3j7p4Bf0Nv0-zDDk8AZpfXH_xsQESCpL2IpD__3s7pZecWTUQyGNIdEVwybrooDaeNw7j8oNB/s1600/_MG_5045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulTqQ-dR-AuXKLdGx9-vEoqM5TE9tezKAo3WrSmZBDo4-m50jOgh7s-I_zJP3j7p4Bf0Nv0-zDDk8AZpfXH_xsQESCpL2IpD__3s7pZecWTUQyGNIdEVwybrooDaeNw7j8oNB/s640/_MG_5045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The meeting was well attended, nearly filling the auditorium of the Central Fulton High School. At times emotions ran high as members of the public and local politicians voiced their concerns and frustrations with the loss of the lake as well as the lack of transparency of the process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrYCOTtSu78nHwfGQlosGtnrOOvib5yYNh6lIN5QYVHXpeZnxQhTRfXTsSzL6dsZrM-oNzgdmJeTVwLdTJe5xZmQarBQa7fEaMVAzqiVVvKpPtyqqCgjBFD0CyI-bajMDBSYO/s1600/IMG_0153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrYCOTtSu78nHwfGQlosGtnrOOvib5yYNh6lIN5QYVHXpeZnxQhTRfXTsSzL6dsZrM-oNzgdmJeTVwLdTJe5xZmQarBQa7fEaMVAzqiVVvKpPtyqqCgjBFD0CyI-bajMDBSYO/s640/IMG_0153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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After seven long years of local fundraising and lobbying efforts by dedicated members of the community and in particular the board of Friends of Meadow Grounds Lake, construction is finally about to begin. </div>
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The project calls for the top of the dam crest to be raised 3.6 feet while the full pool water level will remain the same.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDekmoxe4Q6FCEeNsNbs8gqRCbYxYA6747NSalwezqwjVLtOx8Y2lwMm-av4wbAIHHnjL1PdlEbgiu5VzosWw1ngBLXrZt2gEIF0zoUEl9wtppvT8HEO1l_A1RpQPPQdp13TsE/s1600/dam+IMG_0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDekmoxe4Q6FCEeNsNbs8gqRCbYxYA6747NSalwezqwjVLtOx8Y2lwMm-av4wbAIHHnjL1PdlEbgiu5VzosWw1ngBLXrZt2gEIF0zoUEl9wtppvT8HEO1l_A1RpQPPQdp13TsE/s640/dam+IMG_0254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The downstream slope of the dam will be flattened, extending the base of the dam farther down stream. A seepage collection and conveyance system will also be installed in the dam.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx9IB0SXuAtGmP-mU_e4b2yPuSwJiMaYZaX_YJO01Nj66QvkMn_UX00BUYASP2W64eRjBn37FaKSCW2CcBsEn-Fr4uEZ3y8syAWLw1q9tZWZk0I463Eu6PlOTcs0NsI784iUi/s1600/breastwall+IMG_0256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYx9IB0SXuAtGmP-mU_e4b2yPuSwJiMaYZaX_YJO01Nj66QvkMn_UX00BUYASP2W64eRjBn37FaKSCW2CcBsEn-Fr4uEZ3y8syAWLw1q9tZWZk0I463Eu6PlOTcs0NsI784iUi/s640/breastwall+IMG_0256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The conduit through the dam will be slip-lined with pipe and modification will be made to the control tower.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTKmQ-_C4Pl-2lSiSSnI_8dl4whS8PYntJqnYOwqdwuMfL6xb-yL6EitlAtyBgkJwIsI0Llc9Ebp7pqv51e77UVw4em8yCO8wf1C4o4M9Tm3A2SeYIxkREtQh3DBhb8Cd-sXX/s1600/conduit+IMG_0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTKmQ-_C4Pl-2lSiSSnI_8dl4whS8PYntJqnYOwqdwuMfL6xb-yL6EitlAtyBgkJwIsI0Llc9Ebp7pqv51e77UVw4em8yCO8wf1C4o4M9Tm3A2SeYIxkREtQh3DBhb8Cd-sXX/s640/conduit+IMG_0257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The existing spillway and stilling basin will be removed and replaced.</div>
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The PFBC will begin stocking the lake as it refills beginning with the minnow forage base. The breaking down of the abundant vegetative debris will serve to supercharge the resurgent aquatic life as the lake returns to normal.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidKNL76HZ2E0lFxO1BqgofkEh1kt6VuZ-QP0GPGsBGYpHXGMFfZc7o9g0_AcTlQqF2cOaTPnPGU49XwuKVETkr9VznvA4JvC8_jfXrmjO_JCgp2iFJoWFDxz8hDTQw97KX041/s1600/grass+IMG_0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjidKNL76HZ2E0lFxO1BqgofkEh1kt6VuZ-QP0GPGsBGYpHXGMFfZc7o9g0_AcTlQqF2cOaTPnPGU49XwuKVETkr9VznvA4JvC8_jfXrmjO_JCgp2iFJoWFDxz8hDTQw97KX041/s640/grass+IMG_0302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-72242752650656111732019-09-11T20:21:00.000-04:002019-09-11T20:21:56.965-04:009-11 Remembered, Flight 93 18th Memorial Service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brenda and I attended the Eighteenth Memorial Service at the Flight 93 National Memorial. It was a beautiful late summer morning much like that day in 2001 when our world changed. The service and the memorial itself is a fitting tribute to those who's valor saved many lives and struck the first blow in what was to become the war on terror that eighteen years later still goes on.<br />
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We arrived at the venue via shuttle bus at 8:30</div>
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A number of United Airline employees were present in the section where we were seated</div>
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Security was tight. Searches at the venue entrance were conducted by Secret Service agents and were similar to that of airport security. Overhead Pennsylvania State Police circled. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewEazMtdYY7BHwlSd2XuH9sTdmLM1Xm5H-1eOCbAVsMJ0b-yKupFAJbYTWB_hQpGENtPFa-hHvh1h1n3FMP7rdfkuXL2n4Rge2x6lLdxwny5Q8jKlAf8Pfk01aqWfxNptE9_y/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewEazMtdYY7BHwlSd2XuH9sTdmLM1Xm5H-1eOCbAVsMJ0b-yKupFAJbYTWB_hQpGENtPFa-hHvh1h1n3FMP7rdfkuXL2n4Rge2x6lLdxwny5Q8jKlAf8Pfk01aqWfxNptE9_y/s640/93+18th+IMG_5101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Snipers were visible in distance</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghohe0P1ap0gcTk5VnAYojb6u0Pc1fjuQaMDLXkVt91IpfyaQDxZmxX15OdhG6r5-D9DDoelO-yRK-hH4QGC8lDMQddYtKQK0etloNzsDydZhSR5_Te3uNPrm2scmpNbWqhqdk/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghohe0P1ap0gcTk5VnAYojb6u0Pc1fjuQaMDLXkVt91IpfyaQDxZmxX15OdhG6r5-D9DDoelO-yRK-hH4QGC8lDMQddYtKQK0etloNzsDydZhSR5_Te3uNPrm2scmpNbWqhqdk/s640/93+18th+IMG_5197.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A close up of the group visible in the left of the above photo</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcqmtpQZI22v92C0X8CDIVwLrhmb5KtnAY9yieYluOsM-uC4QnicoNZcTsT4GnKEilOgusbxS8cV9-7b1JAGHVyS4v74-mhd8zKLjVBXYGrXbimnGuzO7rholSK4aJJRcISJf/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcqmtpQZI22v92C0X8CDIVwLrhmb5KtnAY9yieYluOsM-uC4QnicoNZcTsT4GnKEilOgusbxS8cV9-7b1JAGHVyS4v74-mhd8zKLjVBXYGrXbimnGuzO7rholSK4aJJRcISJf/s640/93+18th+IMG_5114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Others watched the crowd intently</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQZjPGrNKrk2vO895F71q20Q2A03gyfFkzmcslWbj2cry79w0dqVU3P5n1zX_Ad2_oAaEtPXpoJPaJ6PeUq4m_rgqpE4A20f52hB-4B6kHKQU0azzm-K_BscfoQcsvmmAa-4k/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQZjPGrNKrk2vO895F71q20Q2A03gyfFkzmcslWbj2cry79w0dqVU3P5n1zX_Ad2_oAaEtPXpoJPaJ6PeUq4m_rgqpE4A20f52hB-4B6kHKQU0azzm-K_BscfoQcsvmmAa-4k/s640/93+18th+IMG_5169.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Before the service Vice President Pence and his wife visited with the families </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj2tBP7DkF51laSh9lZOxZCSEc2OYSIcttTuLs120-rsSps6c9p8jLdiL2vaZjl_8QyUHG0T2bs0YHuH6rK0Jeebd9oHoJSnNoDwfNYkxtCSBrY00SdxrtjEmGTZjjnhZBtv8/s1600/93+18th+VP+Pence+wife+IMG_5115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFj2tBP7DkF51laSh9lZOxZCSEc2OYSIcttTuLs120-rsSps6c9p8jLdiL2vaZjl_8QyUHG0T2bs0YHuH6rK0Jeebd9oHoJSnNoDwfNYkxtCSBrY00SdxrtjEmGTZjjnhZBtv8/s640/93+18th+VP+Pence+wife+IMG_5115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcspqDwOKcv4gM-r4kQOApPX9XwMakI7J9vz6ViuJulrtXqRhWqg5y_0s8C3hYfFyNcFQOf41U8JZefqyMzfThY1zUf9hcZqCMqzpTcQl7hGEnn_W9OOHIAaOiRxzJQGG6faW1/s1600/93+18th+VP+Pence+IMG_5121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcspqDwOKcv4gM-r4kQOApPX9XwMakI7J9vz6ViuJulrtXqRhWqg5y_0s8C3hYfFyNcFQOf41U8JZefqyMzfThY1zUf9hcZqCMqzpTcQl7hGEnn_W9OOHIAaOiRxzJQGG6faW1/s640/93+18th+VP+Pence+IMG_5121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As the ceremony began dignitaries arrived on stage. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxhyphenhyphenplB8KHDneEB_mDGVwop9MVOiHv2_ETlc_RRmPNt7Xm21Zz8mGoca2VlQzlWUdIVwxSc1SqpizIh4joMoqJeyFwZmq0Gukxc-4BlvQlNbcdKs5XNdI3ca7mc0BwkKNmsnl/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBxhyphenhyphenplB8KHDneEB_mDGVwop9MVOiHv2_ETlc_RRmPNt7Xm21Zz8mGoca2VlQzlWUdIVwxSc1SqpizIh4joMoqJeyFwZmq0Gukxc-4BlvQlNbcdKs5XNdI3ca7mc0BwkKNmsnl/s640/93+18th+IMG_5129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the reading of the names of passengers and crew this officer set the cadence for the ringing of the Bells of Remembrance. Upon the reading of a name he would open his right hand signaling the ringing of the first bell. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnMgqO3hJPhC0gzMopOuFiE3RHBVBynoHmEJiiNb3mcdzl2R65XyHZRHrdynelDK4rQudoTsqYo2XG4outjeYZUaTKMS9FOI87zOwrpJUUNQ1to3PYHP8AuWly_Kx8mYdGhaV/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnMgqO3hJPhC0gzMopOuFiE3RHBVBynoHmEJiiNb3mcdzl2R65XyHZRHrdynelDK4rQudoTsqYo2XG4outjeYZUaTKMS9FOI87zOwrpJUUNQ1to3PYHP8AuWly_Kx8mYdGhaV/s640/93+18th+IMG_5140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As its tone faded his hand closed into a fist signaling the ringing of the second bell</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t8dJpytv6d9DiY3RghIoB27YIB818diuTtEj146EVfi9hls_Z3Q4-bGjOy3r7g3vxAIMX7M6nCLuNot9MxH3do8guKIZcJwSUcnfaCRyPGBNK2EETmcUDMNkSHFX3BpmnB77/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6t8dJpytv6d9DiY3RghIoB27YIB818diuTtEj146EVfi9hls_Z3Q4-bGjOy3r7g3vxAIMX7M6nCLuNot9MxH3do8guKIZcJwSUcnfaCRyPGBNK2EETmcUDMNkSHFX3BpmnB77/s640/93+18th+IMG_5139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Bells of Remembrance</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnU-UlTMhRz9tsojjgPpp9i26rSGrso0YeLv1cmariSvXaZLjsTpVVnXzOvVrnMYWAmYY93k1MvVunRjHW2IHcta8KcrtQVTxoNwGelqOO373GFu6NdReEUcF7H4pfIrXRuGE/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKnU-UlTMhRz9tsojjgPpp9i26rSGrso0YeLv1cmariSvXaZLjsTpVVnXzOvVrnMYWAmYY93k1MvVunRjHW2IHcta8KcrtQVTxoNwGelqOO373GFu6NdReEUcF7H4pfIrXRuGE/s640/93+18th+IMG_5076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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David Bernhardt, Secretary, U.S. Department of the Interior </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIoEi_iSxGC5okah8_iIxy6alN_iSGhHr2M0LWu57gg4Raeud-Tr-7NkxuoHLXGRpcEX878VMYCADmoTsGFJaPQxr7z_KvCqXa2SCL-2scTR1ByV_n-5RnVjBiQ4ErTMDBm1D/s1600/93+18th+David+Bernhardt+Sec+Int+IMG_5148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnIoEi_iSxGC5okah8_iIxy6alN_iSGhHr2M0LWu57gg4Raeud-Tr-7NkxuoHLXGRpcEX878VMYCADmoTsGFJaPQxr7z_KvCqXa2SCL-2scTR1ByV_n-5RnVjBiQ4ErTMDBm1D/s640/93+18th+David+Bernhardt+Sec+Int+IMG_5148.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Vice President Mike Pence delivered the closing keynote speech</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBlLW3CeeXMgpKL6bgS2x2Qwn7TWGcxPKXGpiGm6gtMeQFQdLdKw728GF16ExdyOUqtkCgiZh6rqngoRKekLlpm4MonXGz9n6bY3bMpc4aeeXFZAxYgnB4goCa7EwRrMf9PdW/s1600/93+18th+VP+Pence+IMG_5155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiBlLW3CeeXMgpKL6bgS2x2Qwn7TWGcxPKXGpiGm6gtMeQFQdLdKw728GF16ExdyOUqtkCgiZh6rqngoRKekLlpm4MonXGz9n6bY3bMpc4aeeXFZAxYgnB4goCa7EwRrMf9PdW/s640/93+18th+VP+Pence+IMG_5155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alpha Conde, President of Guinea was in the audience</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT8KYymYMJM5FCzW_68IvYnvbtQ9icMou8dLmzfOgdswhgyaBlPj2lFCwkhY1BtNStVqa_6niqBbD_AY1rDkIPRaJgt71rj8ExiP_tMrJ_RY97j9WIJ4m1pcqHNyWlDcI5nZ6/s1600/93+18th+alpha+conde+president+guinea+IMG_5180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYT8KYymYMJM5FCzW_68IvYnvbtQ9icMou8dLmzfOgdswhgyaBlPj2lFCwkhY1BtNStVqa_6niqBbD_AY1rDkIPRaJgt71rj8ExiP_tMrJ_RY97j9WIJ4m1pcqHNyWlDcI5nZ6/s640/93+18th+alpha+conde+president+guinea+IMG_5180.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The media pool</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ3nylbJY7E9fedAFF1-t48hJ9hOfJvqZS6IE5Z1kKe5cOPCI0nEJealKaqP0ltr_SF_jvblm8wTSvNrRrMzgzZuatKHIBCTEDjsB6LS9sVgQoXRwnFbk7kWrmXQc4YF6KU3c/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJ3nylbJY7E9fedAFF1-t48hJ9hOfJvqZS6IE5Z1kKe5cOPCI0nEJealKaqP0ltr_SF_jvblm8wTSvNrRrMzgzZuatKHIBCTEDjsB6LS9sVgQoXRwnFbk7kWrmXQc4YF6KU3c/s640/93+18th+IMG_5126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Memorial Wall</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTDjuAfSJmJSgAVgquXdoAJYZtX2ZI82gGXIttZLvtVcjnIcbpzv4UMpNiU-jc6KXgFmjNT5m_vz9UINcenFckxtvKPD92qkGwgBVZuS5hi6c7vMovSEiSoBuvyoz7HibEK7R/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTDjuAfSJmJSgAVgquXdoAJYZtX2ZI82gGXIttZLvtVcjnIcbpzv4UMpNiU-jc6KXgFmjNT5m_vz9UINcenFckxtvKPD92qkGwgBVZuS5hi6c7vMovSEiSoBuvyoz7HibEK7R/s640/93+18th+IMG_5214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Unit assisting with security </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqLhWkQbXgvEjBCERd4v61R3eL9GmyrRdQZk7g8F0MDFlvv2aUtVeLODLm8ezKJASw0IsIWjR-Y2zkcf0LaB0PunIOgmWOZalCfKUlVbQ5_UULIPSNfywnu8ROpjocOqp8Wvk/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOqLhWkQbXgvEjBCERd4v61R3eL9GmyrRdQZk7g8F0MDFlvv2aUtVeLODLm8ezKJASw0IsIWjR-Y2zkcf0LaB0PunIOgmWOZalCfKUlVbQ5_UULIPSNfywnu8ROpjocOqp8Wvk/s640/93+18th+IMG_5185.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dignitaries and families gather at the crash site following the public ceremony</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbJRPukE44wGd8THASvAYrkJxa6fvhIk-QlrEJ2N2YBPRj8gIlkIZB9khsVgB9R-HRKA-nXMGxWvYRvySlqaMINzHOIyZBaVhWxsv0cHv8r0dYT7K2y5Hjar_VBObcelwe2Ga/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbJRPukE44wGd8THASvAYrkJxa6fvhIk-QlrEJ2N2YBPRj8gIlkIZB9khsVgB9R-HRKA-nXMGxWvYRvySlqaMINzHOIyZBaVhWxsv0cHv8r0dYT7K2y5Hjar_VBObcelwe2Ga/s640/93+18th+IMG_5234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A visitor pauses to contemplate the only photo of the crash of flight 93</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw9H17Y1R6YpBsLXbOykWv0tp3jM9IFXHxKNkMIDdeOdfsdrqSc_ZClqK7felrdcUChCJiYtIh71HtWMchyphenhyphen955ZvgEgd-wBpp1B3sgsHF4-F_M3l_K2x1vmMyBvzY9q6iV245/s1600/93+18th+IMG_5241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw9H17Y1R6YpBsLXbOykWv0tp3jM9IFXHxKNkMIDdeOdfsdrqSc_ZClqK7felrdcUChCJiYtIh71HtWMchyphenhyphen955ZvgEgd-wBpp1B3sgsHF4-F_M3l_K2x1vmMyBvzY9q6iV245/s640/93+18th+IMG_5241.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The shuttle queue to the parking lot</div>
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Standing in the shuttle queue I struck up a conversation with a young gentleman. I ask if he had any memories of 9-11 or if he was too young. He answered that he was two years old at the time and according to his parents, slept through the whole thing. He asked were I was and I related my story. I told him that the first tragic memorable event in my lifetime was the assassination of President John F, Kennedy and that I was in elementary school at the time. I listed the explosions of the space shuttles as other events where I remember where I was and what I was doing. He stated that Sandy Hook was the incident that stands out for him. I shook my head and said something to the effect that mass shootings are so out of control. His answer was sad and shocking at the same time, "And there's not a damn thing we can do about it"! </div>
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I hope he is proven wrong.<br />
<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-28048217615410814982019-08-25T11:51:00.001-04:002019-08-25T11:51:12.346-04:00Unusual Wild Turkeys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wild Turkeys have recently been feeding on waste grain left in the harvested fields. One flock that I have been encountering contains three unusual birds as can be seen in this series of photos. These gray birds are known as leucistic or smoke-phase wild turkeys. I at first wondered if they may be the result of cross breeding with domestic turkeys but from my internet research it seems that the common conclusion is that cross breeding highly unlikely. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXcZbW3K4eIuT5UhpFVSlFowTPQthNSj15HakhlqJaVYfG-4XpBgUmKojtn8lGhIduD8WtiHPE-5mzmyQNSMMaFiA3-jiWlloFjrHQGF96Epe4TBMaoglNZYFF-zWBu8kZusE/s1600/turkey+leucistic+IMG_4856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXcZbW3K4eIuT5UhpFVSlFowTPQthNSj15HakhlqJaVYfG-4XpBgUmKojtn8lGhIduD8WtiHPE-5mzmyQNSMMaFiA3-jiWlloFjrHQGF96Epe4TBMaoglNZYFF-zWBu8kZusE/s640/turkey+leucistic+IMG_4856.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6TFgXxlpRQGdwFI2k-PFy96t4oREVtQMg5Hxg3DbukBcbkoP096brTEDqXqQcKw62pd2YF6AQXXY0L3JUbxFF5I4TTDb-Y7KKxXHwhiDw2wDHaP-AAnK2C-LvSYc-6EN4Qy1/s1600/turkey+leucistic+smokephaseIMG_4868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6TFgXxlpRQGdwFI2k-PFy96t4oREVtQMg5Hxg3DbukBcbkoP096brTEDqXqQcKw62pd2YF6AQXXY0L3JUbxFF5I4TTDb-Y7KKxXHwhiDw2wDHaP-AAnK2C-LvSYc-6EN4Qy1/s640/turkey+leucistic+smokephaseIMG_4868.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnuSu4JUQhe72cfBqUf4NFHKb-o5GgMsRxHYW4enhWo_igW5RbJ_gvLaX-Cx_4AO_e81u9adG8z3rQ2mkdgnCEI6FRtpRdZ3I_IoBd-vt2FhdiCfT34CARIJunyomUcgmhDQc/s1600/turkey+leucistic+smokephase_MG_9362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZnuSu4JUQhe72cfBqUf4NFHKb-o5GgMsRxHYW4enhWo_igW5RbJ_gvLaX-Cx_4AO_e81u9adG8z3rQ2mkdgnCEI6FRtpRdZ3I_IoBd-vt2FhdiCfT34CARIJunyomUcgmhDQc/s640/turkey+leucistic+smokephase_MG_9362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-36353845179966987462019-08-11T11:16:00.000-04:002019-08-11T11:16:10.252-04:00Prayer in Public SchoolOften I see well meaning Facebook friends sharing meme's asking for prayer to be returned to our public schools. The first question that pops to mind is, what prayer? Are we speaking of Christian prayer? If so should it a prayer suitable to Protestants, or to Catholics? If it is to be appropriate to protestants which denomination should it most favor or should it be a prayer that all Christians would find acceptable?<br />
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As if the Christian question isn't difficult enough we must consider other religions for our country host a diverse mix of all the worlds religions. What prayers should be taught in our public schools? Should it be Christian only or should we also include others such as Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. etc. I have read that there are approximately 4000 different religions in the world today, so which should our government promote?<br />
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Thankfully our founding fathers answered all of these question in one simple phrase contained in the first amendment to the constitution of the United States<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof"</span><br />
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If someones tells you the founders of our nation established it as a Christian nation they telling you an absolute lie. The first amendment is very clear.<br />
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Faith training belongs in the home, in the church, and without government interference as our founding fathers intended. <br />
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Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-36109947265964886452019-06-10T15:23:00.001-04:002019-06-10T15:23:31.821-04:00Meadow Grounds Lake Remembered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday morning I visited the former Meadow Grounds Lake site.The dam remains much as it has been the past 50 plus years although the lake is empty now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2L71_Fb381vJKy38yfXw57gk5WLR8GKqLiVgqOirclUgjODgyPOYEAyfclIPzVK1vVelOrFDZ5XHqdf6dJC4UDQVvOkw54F3FFp-rnwjVKYhw04Bn2hoM-7y1DwJRTx6c0nO/s1600/meadow+grounds+toned+_MG_9027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2L71_Fb381vJKy38yfXw57gk5WLR8GKqLiVgqOirclUgjODgyPOYEAyfclIPzVK1vVelOrFDZ5XHqdf6dJC4UDQVvOkw54F3FFp-rnwjVKYhw04Bn2hoM-7y1DwJRTx6c0nO/s640/meadow+grounds+toned+_MG_9027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Six years ago the lake was drawn down to the current level due to deficiencies in the dam and spillway. Some of the fish were relocated while many were disposed of in a large pit dug in the side of the mountain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9GB_fOJWwzk6Abw1WvOLKtS2bV_NfrFzTxzYLsd2wASYai2GIdwmV-nOGSVyvvvKn5s6TKMJTjBRHXDD6JOUhSsAAO6K4e1QxIWOCbIfKvYwE2lxJQskSseN1kZMWoiRVF-K/s1600/meadow+grounds+toned+_MG_9028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9GB_fOJWwzk6Abw1WvOLKtS2bV_NfrFzTxzYLsd2wASYai2GIdwmV-nOGSVyvvvKn5s6TKMJTjBRHXDD6JOUhSsAAO6K4e1QxIWOCbIfKvYwE2lxJQskSseN1kZMWoiRVF-K/s640/meadow+grounds+toned+_MG_9028.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Visiting the Meadow Grounds is for me much like visiting our local cemeteries. As I wander among the tomb stones I see names of family and friends who have passed on. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLiQaBOFdO0pSEnYF1ALgAERMPePR64QRx-092b4ddo7rvaDYX2z0NNlTGLa-_nzgmn5oqU6hvfs_tSrXB0s4oGj4Za4z-H8H2PecX6-g1WMaO6w27zXSqaXLi3BqceTeE0D5/s1600/union+cemetary+IMG_1460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLiQaBOFdO0pSEnYF1ALgAERMPePR64QRx-092b4ddo7rvaDYX2z0NNlTGLa-_nzgmn5oqU6hvfs_tSrXB0s4oGj4Za4z-H8H2PecX6-g1WMaO6w27zXSqaXLi3BqceTeE0D5/s640/union+cemetary+IMG_1460.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I recall times spent with them and how knowing them enriched my life while the pain of their loss is indelibly etched in my mind. The preachers tell us that the day is coming when the dead will rise and live again, giving us hope that this life and death is not permanent, for better times and a better place is in store for our future.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMixwI_ChEgvJ-aOTwi-0hl6X64mOYum6P8Ae-sHZffrDbC7opVDEi2CsvvvkmIgeY31l6z-VdFiiff1oYHc4RAOVi2iRHhnG3AmvVUUCJTZvPGRH00vZZUyhcdpJXms387EDz/s1600/07-06+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMixwI_ChEgvJ-aOTwi-0hl6X64mOYum6P8Ae-sHZffrDbC7opVDEi2CsvvvkmIgeY31l6z-VdFiiff1oYHc4RAOVi2iRHhnG3AmvVUUCJTZvPGRH00vZZUyhcdpJXms387EDz/s640/07-06+017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the same can be said of the Meadow Grounds Lake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXA81I49EsBwotCqq3Jlf1LWSEj_H2STMrDm6TFPOhXNxzTBIUZftZr1kL0gB-EyxlcKCinz-JQY-Zq-vvRCdU3ZFUQs62dl0SRE5M6m-BoWoxIQCwK4ZmL0Lkg-Fn6VMeYT1V/s1600/meadowgrounds+110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1562" data-original-width="1600" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXA81I49EsBwotCqq3Jlf1LWSEj_H2STMrDm6TFPOhXNxzTBIUZftZr1kL0gB-EyxlcKCinz-JQY-Zq-vvRCdU3ZFUQs62dl0SRE5M6m-BoWoxIQCwK4ZmL0Lkg-Fn6VMeYT1V/s640/meadowgrounds+110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The earliest photo I have in my collection was taken in the summer of 1964 when the lake was very new.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JAd6s78zOqwqTiCch95nvLkspKA988vYN2uusnFOcgU2lU78eI5jVk2cLIyOgJQnZ8dijAJqgnL5Qu8FetN0-rTcuH3W8oqcguPJm1TA-nPWYiY5ft1Wih_KoKUE-RU7oqWT/s1600/_MG_2112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1179" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JAd6s78zOqwqTiCch95nvLkspKA988vYN2uusnFOcgU2lU78eI5jVk2cLIyOgJQnZ8dijAJqgnL5Qu8FetN0-rTcuH3W8oqcguPJm1TA-nPWYiY5ft1Wih_KoKUE-RU7oqWT/s640/_MG_2112.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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I enjoyed many a day fishing the lake</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHrU6aRo3xfk_okAup5lNnI0_LteHbr_QemisqMX45IinL_3cLYuOt_CPdTF_aEfFAtg48qdMvk2vzrVhXNglPR3ZoufdVZ7z7klKCAkQFQ-Xxbtn2yK89bXlZ0qFt-E-JQLM/s1600/05-06+159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHrU6aRo3xfk_okAup5lNnI0_LteHbr_QemisqMX45IinL_3cLYuOt_CPdTF_aEfFAtg48qdMvk2vzrVhXNglPR3ZoufdVZ7z7klKCAkQFQ-Xxbtn2yK89bXlZ0qFt-E-JQLM/s640/05-06+159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And my wife enjoyed riding along. Many evenings we would pick up hoagies at Harr's Store in Big Cove Tannery and have a Fulton County Dinner Cruise.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJ0UVeEQHMX4mF174pU2DVGdG9ycVKwNGZhJcZhoiynrR6jG1rMxITsz_VxSLaN5vTZ9dye1W_DFzUpNDhI_V-8hXrBvB-8GI9SobNfWmLP3tTHTNsJE2Jz2DKZo1AHFPr5Q7/s1600/IMG_0669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJ0UVeEQHMX4mF174pU2DVGdG9ycVKwNGZhJcZhoiynrR6jG1rMxITsz_VxSLaN5vTZ9dye1W_DFzUpNDhI_V-8hXrBvB-8GI9SobNfWmLP3tTHTNsJE2Jz2DKZo1AHFPr5Q7/s640/IMG_0669.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wildlife abounded along the lake's shoreline</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkG-7uIacqrBwgRMK0Eqwjy19aV_Mh5xlOTANnIkoLDzvmatE1DlfqEtzVBrYgW__Fc7W1U-EADzXkVS-JvesH-rsIUKWt2mv7ZYkgi_HliN_ABDTBupA_Ce_-qLSXxzd63Jf/s1600/IMG_3059+osprey+meadow+grounds+4-18-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkG-7uIacqrBwgRMK0Eqwjy19aV_Mh5xlOTANnIkoLDzvmatE1DlfqEtzVBrYgW__Fc7W1U-EADzXkVS-JvesH-rsIUKWt2mv7ZYkgi_HliN_ABDTBupA_Ce_-qLSXxzd63Jf/s640/IMG_3059+osprey+meadow+grounds+4-18-09.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
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Ospreys frequented the skies overhead</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS5KFZvVFNJSw208v0TieV4anEQ7hlkGfcZFA0wdAyUeC3UJQL71OGfujBgjV9muGwDCrGzo-GpbmufSoGjOMf1zWvmztcJA52yD2pgQ7zwdf7-tNj3t8jxYLZRowrKaW4Wjf/s1600/pied-billed+grebe+bluegill+fish+IMG_7957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="1600" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS5KFZvVFNJSw208v0TieV4anEQ7hlkGfcZFA0wdAyUeC3UJQL71OGfujBgjV9muGwDCrGzo-GpbmufSoGjOMf1zWvmztcJA52yD2pgQ7zwdf7-tNj3t8jxYLZRowrKaW4Wjf/s640/pied-billed+grebe+bluegill+fish+IMG_7957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Waterfowl such as this pied-billed grebe hunted its food rich waters</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V8hcKJ-m9geCG2leK-WYzrD1-1Viz5oMAERas31646g-O0ZK27KehXNyT3JQxH6Ev048LESFyiUQamp9cknd0HQMsOeHSCNBaBZN9KLtybywWRUZhBu7JlunoKfnb1ZlqGdJ/s1600/pIMG_2106+loon+meadow+grounds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4V8hcKJ-m9geCG2leK-WYzrD1-1Viz5oMAERas31646g-O0ZK27KehXNyT3JQxH6Ev048LESFyiUQamp9cknd0HQMsOeHSCNBaBZN9KLtybywWRUZhBu7JlunoKfnb1ZlqGdJ/s640/pIMG_2106+loon+meadow+grounds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each spring seen a number of common loons stopping in during their long northward migration</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAyRBNTndKPDcPNhQKxVO1kbxHaFYeg-X6XW8E1O6vZ8cAXwTzSfG-K4daOA8XlqE84aFUhtlXRXvtjStGE6mT_NChHj365ZvWELpCXhGRe0ajp948BzhpAsnfyIiDgz-SLAR/s1600/spatterdock+IMG_3336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAyRBNTndKPDcPNhQKxVO1kbxHaFYeg-X6XW8E1O6vZ8cAXwTzSfG-K4daOA8XlqE84aFUhtlXRXvtjStGE6mT_NChHj365ZvWELpCXhGRe0ajp948BzhpAsnfyIiDgz-SLAR/s640/spatterdock+IMG_3336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Spatterdock in the shallows provided cover for small fish and larger ones alike</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBbNWQIA-CmZNh49WaSRAiac37o6Y1WN1AFaggSFm1p3WpKiZ4kPDZJsb8QCgE11K3oix-qPFJOspCU3cH8Npfhfr3VDMRfWHfk1fPYbUdbAq-kcIBdbWTFJBvuBXYL0pt7KP/s1600/6-05+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBbNWQIA-CmZNh49WaSRAiac37o6Y1WN1AFaggSFm1p3WpKiZ4kPDZJsb8QCgE11K3oix-qPFJOspCU3cH8Npfhfr3VDMRfWHfk1fPYbUdbAq-kcIBdbWTFJBvuBXYL0pt7KP/s640/6-05+084.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our niece Brittany from Florida joined us one evening for some outstanding sunfish spawning action</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PxcH3GGKG6Rrrw-jckZVy4B4hVNM1BRE03XAv65P81JmQwGAPXNdPwABxFu8OFnacG02PL-zLTpTCoXoxzF-Lg4lIuIUe0ZpNMwF1kND46U2PIQEKPmJTA3M7dxq1Qc7HbSU/s1600/05-06+054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PxcH3GGKG6Rrrw-jckZVy4B4hVNM1BRE03XAv65P81JmQwGAPXNdPwABxFu8OFnacG02PL-zLTpTCoXoxzF-Lg4lIuIUe0ZpNMwF1kND46U2PIQEKPmJTA3M7dxq1Qc7HbSU/s640/05-06+054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Nice size largemouth bass frequented the shallows</div>
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And would put up a great fight on ultra-lite gear</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyravDfIbPR2Gn3r7vJWZ0EyjrGpkn5lB5V6aHtGiSd5LUkc_zVVjuiINdNnS4sxL0I5KjVLnVd4JFP8rDtUW0XykvvqTzq4ieW9cLxhn77ClAkd7V5R48FkVFqjGJDpJdsbI/s1600/05-06+245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyravDfIbPR2Gn3r7vJWZ0EyjrGpkn5lB5V6aHtGiSd5LUkc_zVVjuiINdNnS4sxL0I5KjVLnVd4JFP8rDtUW0XykvvqTzq4ieW9cLxhn77ClAkd7V5R48FkVFqjGJDpJdsbI/s640/05-06+245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whether one had a fancy bass boat with all the latest gadgets or a simple jon boat the Meadow Grounds was a place that all could enjoy a quiet time with nature.</div>
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When I loaded the boat for the last time in 2012 I had no idea that the next year would bring such change. When the weather warmed in 2013 the draw down was well underway and by early April the lake level was too low for me to launch. Early June seen the completion of the draw down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzwxqIf3L2yBG0iOFU5MTLDewK4OxDofw_NjGRRxofY3b0ic6MFCNBs1KrWzizw28iAFxBrYh09iFD2iZXKBX43mEGQ0HbIongiS_OmdTlSHIcGiCmBiksErI2ZfRPiX1V2Es/s1600/meadow+grounds+toned_MG_9047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1600" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzwxqIf3L2yBG0iOFU5MTLDewK4OxDofw_NjGRRxofY3b0ic6MFCNBs1KrWzizw28iAFxBrYh09iFD2iZXKBX43mEGQ0HbIongiS_OmdTlSHIcGiCmBiksErI2ZfRPiX1V2Es/s640/meadow+grounds+toned_MG_9047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are told that the lake will rise again. The local community raised over the $100,000 that the politicians requested. We are told that the project is well underway with the design having been completed and the funding approved long ago. Currently the project is being held up by DEP, Dam Safety permitting. </div>
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As we await the resurrection we have only our faith and our memories to give us strength. That seems to be the case both with our own life, death and hope of an afterlife as well as our hope that the Meadow Grounds Lake will again rise. We must remain hopeful for without hope; life is futile, however as the years drag on the dream of seeing our lake return remains out of reach. As spring fades into summer the chances of construction starting this year has faded as well. </div>
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While we know it doesn't require an act of God to rebuild the lake, at this time it certainly seems so! </div>
<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-23977570884644934242019-05-30T14:49:00.000-04:002019-05-30T14:49:54.576-04:00Florida Fotos; Early May Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My wife Brenda and I took a road trip to visit our Florida family in early May. While the primary focus of our adventure was spending time with family, no trip to this bird paradise is complete without at least a little time spent behind the camera. This collection of images were captured during two mornings along Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville FL.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqUjbZOp1hV5o_khpgYQ1Z1xMy7JNRdlSP2I7VTljhNIjGhgkQsX_2wRcFAZAAwrMqwE1jvdVrrXQ8cFynItMIl2YTOFQhtJNKlRPb2VBBUwSc4_Amex0R9rq4KmaVcZuoLHV/s1600/blue+heron+little+IMG_3264+crp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqUjbZOp1hV5o_khpgYQ1Z1xMy7JNRdlSP2I7VTljhNIjGhgkQsX_2wRcFAZAAwrMqwE1jvdVrrXQ8cFynItMIl2YTOFQhtJNKlRPb2VBBUwSc4_Amex0R9rq4KmaVcZuoLHV/s640/blue+heron+little+IMG_3264+crp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A Little Blue Heron displays incredible concentration while hunting</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUEUmsBejVXVCnReKL_XYpM7UjFjbPrGT0eqSDlJHjDPcaPLm_hfhF-PpCB7rh4dS1Zk_0iv6rTuqpBf5hGX7Lpv7KOVTTDJdjDRaiDflX-K7AHhSwmx_KUM3BBUTky9Tdolh/s1600/purple+gallinule+IMG_3307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUEUmsBejVXVCnReKL_XYpM7UjFjbPrGT0eqSDlJHjDPcaPLm_hfhF-PpCB7rh4dS1Zk_0iv6rTuqpBf5hGX7Lpv7KOVTTDJdjDRaiDflX-K7AHhSwmx_KUM3BBUTky9Tdolh/s640/purple+gallinule+IMG_3307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The phrase, light as a feather, popped to mind as I photographed this Purple Gallinule walking across the lily pads. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5EDzIBQcQRyIM2d8erRaXw4FSyvic4tZGih6MVYWhuf38FexFOcVhig94RY7A7XcCJDLLb1XGNzvkzqL7cj0MuhAqSAm3lozDTOsM5A1ejl6A2GCGcubbCtsCaUpry-88N6q/s1600/snail+kite+IMG_3317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5EDzIBQcQRyIM2d8erRaXw4FSyvic4tZGih6MVYWhuf38FexFOcVhig94RY7A7XcCJDLLb1XGNzvkzqL7cj0MuhAqSAm3lozDTOsM5A1ejl6A2GCGcubbCtsCaUpry-88N6q/s640/snail+kite+IMG_3317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Joe Overstreet Landing is a popular place to photograph the endangered Florida Snail Kite.</div>
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The Snail Kite eats only Apple Snails as seen here clutched in its talons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHd-YstY07HPMNf82ubGxSWEpRBys6Z3uF71eTEG0yHfWMkbIQpGrWln1GavxaAEFJABkVstxwOPg32cFYYzGcHhJH_t5sAfu3UO3V6lSDRak_ajM7SXrjL_9y2shDV_enjoU/s1600/snail+kite+IMG_3341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHd-YstY07HPMNf82ubGxSWEpRBys6Z3uF71eTEG0yHfWMkbIQpGrWln1GavxaAEFJABkVstxwOPg32cFYYzGcHhJH_t5sAfu3UO3V6lSDRak_ajM7SXrjL_9y2shDV_enjoU/s640/snail+kite+IMG_3341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hovering above the aquatic vegetation, the leg bands are clearly visible on this bird.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUstgnMazMWkiemqR6HIJKZBf5Z8DHfGixGK9GL9RJPaA1MJ-vnm2dqyL46HysiFPyBbpmcOSFLhSIFAXLGfF-kTqbluI4jrQ5ybayHczpjjJxjnpLAtwSb7J5lLDCDrWf25I2/s1600/air+boat+IMG_3327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUstgnMazMWkiemqR6HIJKZBf5Z8DHfGixGK9GL9RJPaA1MJ-vnm2dqyL46HysiFPyBbpmcOSFLhSIFAXLGfF-kTqbluI4jrQ5ybayHczpjjJxjnpLAtwSb7J5lLDCDrWf25I2/s640/air+boat+IMG_3327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Airboat rides are a poplar attraction offered at Joe Overstreet Landing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLcFzWGlQcv20s_S1Zjz3b2nNwWmxGwVH7SDOb-CmdS5d2FG7bV6FoonzObktf_yDJ8xRoZpXCiEPX2OrKCaUhbcCfTQNamc_oIjiRcGasoC-Wz2MPuX3KlFsQoHLFp6UzUuR/s1600/meadow+lark+joe+overstreet+IMG_3464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLcFzWGlQcv20s_S1Zjz3b2nNwWmxGwVH7SDOb-CmdS5d2FG7bV6FoonzObktf_yDJ8xRoZpXCiEPX2OrKCaUhbcCfTQNamc_oIjiRcGasoC-Wz2MPuX3KlFsQoHLFp6UzUuR/s640/meadow+lark+joe+overstreet+IMG_3464.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A Meadow Lark sings from atop a fence post along the roadside.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhUx8mGPMlNoEZ99uLR_yzl1vu1fvNftIx6K76BuwaITl022aW3fvV9n8MP4pakgZpV-l2oiQ14hFhoAe0CHr21zfhl6_z3BvRKRbMNSHlW5UFGOl5LI7mTGxKomspK-1C9ea/s1600/cattle+florida+IMG_3468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUhUx8mGPMlNoEZ99uLR_yzl1vu1fvNftIx6K76BuwaITl022aW3fvV9n8MP4pakgZpV-l2oiQ14hFhoAe0CHr21zfhl6_z3BvRKRbMNSHlW5UFGOl5LI7mTGxKomspK-1C9ea/s640/cattle+florida+IMG_3468.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A cow and calf watch intently as I pass by. Most of the cattle here are of heat resistant breeds </div>
<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-24077821483295866572019-05-26T17:05:00.002-04:002019-05-26T17:05:35.631-04:00Green Heron Exposed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Green Herons spend most of their time hidden in the heavy foliage along the water's edge. I was fortunate to encounter this heron walking a floating log in a shallow cove on Raystown Lake. The bird allowed my boat to approach to within a few feet as I photographed it using a Canon EOS 6D and 100-400 f4.5-5.6L IS USM. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIP12OaVKxVTAZwFn2e9gcUM0qK9uCW-026h_FUKQ9cKzlkWcFz5ZEMwcAx6DqLllDcRGCxvtAee_-nlvwtjKI8zIP7CoFFCmYQNd1dCHFUzAZvdAaETDrC2lva0Gw-tfW8zL/s1600/heron+green+IMG_3713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIP12OaVKxVTAZwFn2e9gcUM0qK9uCW-026h_FUKQ9cKzlkWcFz5ZEMwcAx6DqLllDcRGCxvtAee_-nlvwtjKI8zIP7CoFFCmYQNd1dCHFUzAZvdAaETDrC2lva0Gw-tfW8zL/s640/heron+green+IMG_3713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXHgi5v5spCMzKhKGsU7JGoHYFOPzgQDU45KiVDtaA3o1h7XG2hwQwf9syHkBASuWL_LVw6HuRe12jgz7aZpDL-t6F7dsG2g3HaPe3Ex4Pq_V9ND5ihGmspRgnUvSYEmnFN2B/s1600/heron+green+IMG_3702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXHgi5v5spCMzKhKGsU7JGoHYFOPzgQDU45KiVDtaA3o1h7XG2hwQwf9syHkBASuWL_LVw6HuRe12jgz7aZpDL-t6F7dsG2g3HaPe3Ex4Pq_V9ND5ihGmspRgnUvSYEmnFN2B/s640/heron+green+IMG_3702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-57761882855393306032019-05-13T09:01:00.000-04:002019-05-13T09:01:57.772-04:00Traveling South, Savannah National Wildlife RefugeMy wife and I recently made a road trip south to visit with family in central Florida. On the way down we overnighted in Hardeeville South Carolina. After getting a room and a meal under our belts we took advantage of the remaining daylight to make a quick pass through the Savannah National Wildlife refuge. Alligators were the most conspicuous wildlife. With cameras at the ready, I returned before dawn for another quick pass through the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive before continuing our journey southward.<br />
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A Grackle greets the dawn</div>
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Port cranes of the nearby Ocean Terminal </div>
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Dawn</div>
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A watchful Alligator rest among the reeds</div>
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Bobolink feeding on grass seeds</div>
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A picturesque spot on the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive </div>
Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-70858807851454359142019-03-25T11:33:00.001-04:002019-03-25T11:33:28.345-04:00Swimming with the Ducks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With a nice day forecast and the boat trailing behind, I headed for a lake early yesterday. Although a high of 61 was called for, the trucks thermometer indicated 27 degrees Fahrenheit as I arrived at launch ramp with the sun beginning to peak over the eastern horizon. After an hour or so of nice morning light clouds moved in covering the sky for the duration of my outing. </div>
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Waterfowl was plentiful with a nice variety of species present. The highlight of the trip was an encounter with a accommodating flock of Bufflehead ducks who allowed me to approach quite closely. Comparing to my outing last Friday, the Tundra Swans and Greater Scaup had moved on, however Green-winged teal, Lesser Scaup, and Red-breasted Merganser made their appearance. The numbers of Hooded Merganser and Ring-neck Ducks were lower while the numbers of Gadwall and Horned Grebe, had increased.</div>
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When the day turned breezy under dreary cloudy skies I stashed the cameras and broke out a fishing rod to try my luck for the first time this spring. Four yellow perch and three crappies later it was time to load up and head home.</div>
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Male Bufflehead</div>
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Bufflehead, two males with a lone female</div>
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Bufflehead pair</div>
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Ring-necked Ducks</div>
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Ring-necked male showing his chestnut neck ring</div>
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Horned Grebe</div>
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Horned Grebes take flight</div>
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There is nothing common about the beauty of the Common Loon</div>
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Common Loon</div>
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Red-breasted Merganser males, a first for the year</div>
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Scaup taking off,</div>
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Not sure of the identity but am leaning towards them being of the Lesser variety </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild29XZY4iAyjMPxRI0ZQZ24YgPB3LS1PBcgLz_7lyHJnMowS2wT-87e-SztMHOorsIB1eb1x2CVIRALXw0va5R8DVS9D5CMqkkX6kQklIEd838ixBBE4CHgXzRBLqdo97clo2/s1600/teal+green-winged+IMG_2496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild29XZY4iAyjMPxRI0ZQZ24YgPB3LS1PBcgLz_7lyHJnMowS2wT-87e-SztMHOorsIB1eb1x2CVIRALXw0va5R8DVS9D5CMqkkX6kQklIEd838ixBBE4CHgXzRBLqdo97clo2/s640/teal+green-winged+IMG_2496.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Green-winged Teal exploding from a marshy area</div>
<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-2973202121561647932019-03-16T10:01:00.000-04:002019-03-16T10:05:28.461-04:00On The Water with Migrating Waterfowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With winter loosening its grip and a warm day in store for Thursday, I invited my wife for a daytrip to check out some likely spots to find migrating waterfowl. My goal was to find migratory waterfowl in a setting where I could photograph them from my boat, something I haven't been able to do seriously since the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission drained our nearby Meadow Grounds Lake. When we stopped at a state park containing a nice sized lake I knew we had hit paydirt. Various flocks of waterfowl were scattered about in the open water while half or more of the lake remained ice covered. Also of interest were at least four bald eagles soaring about causing eruptions of ducks and geese whenever they approached a flock too closely.</div>
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The sight of hundreds of waterfowl certainly had my interest so upon returning home I hauled the boat from winter storage, checked it over, and prepped it for a trip to the lake on Friday morning.</div>
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Friday morning was exceptionally warm, windy, and spitting rain. Not to be deterred I arrived at the lake at dawn. I was surprised to find that nearly all of the ice that had covered the lake the day before had now melted and while the waterfowl wasn't out in the open windy areas vast flocks were taking advantage of the sheltered coves. The following are some of the better photos I was able to capture during my morning outing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqJGKdO0whzx-EtAsDm7tbHqv8N7w7NKExPN2aJdpOLn0_qjf8gCRud2Q40VKe26nMi-N2ojR1QUvQBY42Rc3o6oXziV4lGLPggb9szbP9FFHv8xYuyJU4oi8zkJjha0vGT8k/s1600/merganser+common+IMG_2006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqJGKdO0whzx-EtAsDm7tbHqv8N7w7NKExPN2aJdpOLn0_qjf8gCRud2Q40VKe26nMi-N2ojR1QUvQBY42Rc3o6oXziV4lGLPggb9szbP9FFHv8xYuyJU4oi8zkJjha0vGT8k/s640/merganser+common+IMG_2006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Common Merganser</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQt8Xio5OMg0XpXcP6MGz-nlztyXDMSx_zvK2Wky1mPnwYDks8pnAsBly_Wol3kli_EOtmE6Clszbud_siZY8eWnSXE0sGMMa5nnVDypXCHOGnP3gGvNn2ZM65Nk_YewQdVRT/s1600/bufflehead+IMG_1950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQt8Xio5OMg0XpXcP6MGz-nlztyXDMSx_zvK2Wky1mPnwYDks8pnAsBly_Wol3kli_EOtmE6Clszbud_siZY8eWnSXE0sGMMa5nnVDypXCHOGnP3gGvNn2ZM65Nk_YewQdVRT/s640/bufflehead+IMG_1950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bufflehead</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xyoWMDWGtL-9DdZe25EJQyJQSu4Dw5wNlpMKv0cNrDSYFdjvsOgKAkdGB9TsD5V17BHvPQP0J8vWAKFBBJlP8ASKE0b19z7Dby9vAaO6bHLwQOcgupb1IfClncU96IJtR1nK/s1600/Coot+IMG_2150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3xyoWMDWGtL-9DdZe25EJQyJQSu4Dw5wNlpMKv0cNrDSYFdjvsOgKAkdGB9TsD5V17BHvPQP0J8vWAKFBBJlP8ASKE0b19z7Dby9vAaO6bHLwQOcgupb1IfClncU96IJtR1nK/s640/Coot+IMG_2150.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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American Coot</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRycrul6cE06P8M1f9NfAB7jVTjUAOREDfDZRwHQ833Hi9ufh_lFRMt-r0C4cTFmpxwo8AmOT4-2u5f6s_t6Ifp9C8i3DpTR5CcnF8J81-m57iAH8vF_V4Ju22BR4v4DPWitx9/s1600/duck+ring-neckedIMG_1914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRycrul6cE06P8M1f9NfAB7jVTjUAOREDfDZRwHQ833Hi9ufh_lFRMt-r0C4cTFmpxwo8AmOT4-2u5f6s_t6Ifp9C8i3DpTR5CcnF8J81-m57iAH8vF_V4Ju22BR4v4DPWitx9/s640/duck+ring-neckedIMG_1914.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ring-necked Ducks</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVe0v17BGb5Stf9wPWTms6gSEBwI-Kn0IE90pHECeiMIChyrO52cyFna2T2G_I-NWScgIhFQLNkgj5VHxFc2CWanLGa5s4KdHhC1e8Jv7UpP-vJmNwbvrByaEltWsML40QDBX/s1600/duck+wood+IMG_2209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVe0v17BGb5Stf9wPWTms6gSEBwI-Kn0IE90pHECeiMIChyrO52cyFna2T2G_I-NWScgIhFQLNkgj5VHxFc2CWanLGa5s4KdHhC1e8Jv7UpP-vJmNwbvrByaEltWsML40QDBX/s640/duck+wood+IMG_2209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Wood Ducks </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm5HeFkU3E7ukqbMSOUWmiS9mdEBFyJuTe9T6Q_zuBy3GhCRJZjKKdKff2Y7xvrLAADVcTq77Dn88_woA909uLliJOqu-oZCY-s5VOfrh2AWFh5ER-Z3YW-i7Q7LKQNF4hEnp/s1600/eagle+bald+IMG_1860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm5HeFkU3E7ukqbMSOUWmiS9mdEBFyJuTe9T6Q_zuBy3GhCRJZjKKdKff2Y7xvrLAADVcTq77Dn88_woA909uLliJOqu-oZCY-s5VOfrh2AWFh5ER-Z3YW-i7Q7LKQNF4hEnp/s640/eagle+bald+IMG_1860.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bald Eagle with Ring-necked Ducks along the reeds</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fmSsDsApc1ddG9XSo3LXy9fLT88aXsup_ZFv1GXpAgiNXKWHH4bZhx6uz46SVK0ublKjm4hoTeb8Hr224UFcL85BK0c7mDlIWLo70ucdKdxWlexe1LOaxZWr2-_aeSxMSmUF/s1600/gadwall+IMG_2171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fmSsDsApc1ddG9XSo3LXy9fLT88aXsup_ZFv1GXpAgiNXKWHH4bZhx6uz46SVK0ublKjm4hoTeb8Hr224UFcL85BK0c7mDlIWLo70ucdKdxWlexe1LOaxZWr2-_aeSxMSmUF/s640/gadwall+IMG_2171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gadwall</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtTIHirrYJq5IkzrVDKiym7qQxO5r29p_tSDQ6tBO7a6b4MChpNnFHrzoUb3vYluAhfJscXBocIteoWwDnuzpY4lCKS6HIRKtHUVNk03q6KygQ2Q0ND1V-Z1_uQZNmDZPoaNJ/s1600/goose+canada+IMG_1796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVtTIHirrYJq5IkzrVDKiym7qQxO5r29p_tSDQ6tBO7a6b4MChpNnFHrzoUb3vYluAhfJscXBocIteoWwDnuzpY4lCKS6HIRKtHUVNk03q6KygQ2Q0ND1V-Z1_uQZNmDZPoaNJ/s640/goose+canada+IMG_1796.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Canada Goose</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4aF7tZdPKfzR3fb0sp90YCWUoaYMLdSPVv5Ma9XduuwtFDY-ke_SU92Ek4S44fFHUnwYlZWmdpj7ZDiJ_Yhg9w4WFyGUJTr8mVEXQC4PZ-7pz8zeWLvAZiKfosfuQRzjPdnN/s1600/merganser+hooded+IMG_2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4aF7tZdPKfzR3fb0sp90YCWUoaYMLdSPVv5Ma9XduuwtFDY-ke_SU92Ek4S44fFHUnwYlZWmdpj7ZDiJ_Yhg9w4WFyGUJTr8mVEXQC4PZ-7pz8zeWLvAZiKfosfuQRzjPdnN/s640/merganser+hooded+IMG_2068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hooded Merganser</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg461CuufTlkqjnO_uAoAOCdwwrgHZJEooXZ6YBZgkshqsZfwUOaQRlAPp7TldZV2Zaqs1kUQjGa8MP4N-Rotcitx2zc6RZ5rgMZ3Ak2qzUr8DSLYXEYQVqglte7htsLZ_tM8YO/s1600/scaup+greater+_MG_8683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg461CuufTlkqjnO_uAoAOCdwwrgHZJEooXZ6YBZgkshqsZfwUOaQRlAPp7TldZV2Zaqs1kUQjGa8MP4N-Rotcitx2zc6RZ5rgMZ3Ak2qzUr8DSLYXEYQVqglte7htsLZ_tM8YO/s640/scaup+greater+_MG_8683.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Greater Scaup</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8AKjW0cXQiyYXCmZd6kfiQdT3eYht6JblUca1zwkSBQEZpUCqs3fbMwgiVBRM8g8q9tIeGsrwe3zml1868gBaeYsLgjn5jWONj40RQhq9ohbXDElqYebuIo8CWin2Per7g3M/s1600/swan+tundra+IMG_2237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8AKjW0cXQiyYXCmZd6kfiQdT3eYht6JblUca1zwkSBQEZpUCqs3fbMwgiVBRM8g8q9tIeGsrwe3zml1868gBaeYsLgjn5jWONj40RQhq9ohbXDElqYebuIo8CWin2Per7g3M/s640/swan+tundra+IMG_2237.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tundra Swans</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneymMo_tmE5RlIhbZsG-lus8k8BY_yqGUfzBGW55QJXSmfxXJ7SwEoZo5pyJ_5WOCJu50wk2jREapgDIVBm7M6ey9meARpuwsmD-cBJD7UtmPY63ugrK7lx1mxlhgg8I8rgLT/s1600/wigeon+IMG_2195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneymMo_tmE5RlIhbZsG-lus8k8BY_yqGUfzBGW55QJXSmfxXJ7SwEoZo5pyJ_5WOCJu50wk2jREapgDIVBm7M6ey9meARpuwsmD-cBJD7UtmPY63ugrK7lx1mxlhgg8I8rgLT/s640/wigeon+IMG_2195.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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American Wigeon</div>
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In addition to the species pictured here I also had sightings of the following; Mallard, Horned Grebe, and a lone Common Loon. All in all it was a fabulous morning on the water, something that I want to repeat soon!</div>
Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-48669275596748990482019-03-12T17:04:00.000-04:002019-03-12T17:04:09.005-04:00Middle Creek Morning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As winter wanes massive flocks of waterfowl head north on their annual journey to the northern nesting grounds. For birds like Tundra Swans and Snow Geese Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is an excellent place to view the migration as it passes by in late winter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhYhyphenhyphennm6bhvoUDxxzJMIq8i_s3aBS0jb26eIsiF1haIybeWw4aNqfMcWOWL8u31HDZWZtVZMpNwHujAn6fA81HK79YCOJ1ooOE2d0EHdAQNBHupBUXo44iRHYkmYmGa5gnyP6/s1600/Middle+Creek+_MG_8401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhYhyphenhyphennm6bhvoUDxxzJMIq8i_s3aBS0jb26eIsiF1haIybeWw4aNqfMcWOWL8u31HDZWZtVZMpNwHujAn6fA81HK79YCOJ1ooOE2d0EHdAQNBHupBUXo44iRHYkmYmGa5gnyP6/s640/Middle+Creek+_MG_8401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A large flock of Snow Geese were rafted near Willow Point this morning where a good sized crowd of onlookers gathered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZC1aPDL7ucYv-egZ75deLD-C-0W8XxJ04RBFR_IbdyZbx0QkH3hAFJ1FL4j_p0lC8cxJEOXuw5qHzy9r2YezEOsE7rXmcJ4OFxcSMZmYV_2lqcxWx_GZ3bGhezie89xmxuTL/s1600/middle+creek+_MG_8415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvZC1aPDL7ucYv-egZ75deLD-C-0W8XxJ04RBFR_IbdyZbx0QkH3hAFJ1FL4j_p0lC8cxJEOXuw5qHzy9r2YezEOsE7rXmcJ4OFxcSMZmYV_2lqcxWx_GZ3bGhezie89xmxuTL/s640/middle+creek+_MG_8415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were a number of lift-offs this morning with some of the Snows passing directly overhead. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyYEt_zMPfDwsEzhNFyk-ledKPFLwHrX7SlN4c6fYaAgJJ9b83mCB-cKTrTzrG-BFPsGRizyYAcLH7GLoOp1_JwNMi54aDDp7km0S543j4PLav76FhpGUpUryfaG7bcqj2aRE/s1600/middle+creek+_MG_8451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyYEt_zMPfDwsEzhNFyk-ledKPFLwHrX7SlN4c6fYaAgJJ9b83mCB-cKTrTzrG-BFPsGRizyYAcLH7GLoOp1_JwNMi54aDDp7km0S543j4PLav76FhpGUpUryfaG7bcqj2aRE/s640/middle+creek+_MG_8451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Later in the morning Tundra Swans provided nice pass shooting from along the tour road.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FKjLK48RL14aadNrlndD0_YTgbZqTyh9XbSXkp42VRb6qOOIWqEl0Gh5AbMfrp6dmHO1_8NB9h6Dl0eaZwVjW8I_qCruWOCbWTS8Jbgv3_Vs-TbWQTQXKJ5LfyG3BQgpPXAI/s1600/hawk+red-tailed+juv_MG_8499.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FKjLK48RL14aadNrlndD0_YTgbZqTyh9XbSXkp42VRb6qOOIWqEl0Gh5AbMfrp6dmHO1_8NB9h6Dl0eaZwVjW8I_qCruWOCbWTS8Jbgv3_Vs-TbWQTQXKJ5LfyG3BQgpPXAI/s640/hawk+red-tailed+juv_MG_8499.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Not to be outdone by the hordes of waterfowl, this hawk posed along the tour road for close-up photos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNG2bp6eMzu5LBk47cHgAT8UbssDTXe9i5HGmxEs86tBXR-ldbHkvZZWDxf7n5O7NLfvjdXjwt7_pLWhOs-ueWXmsl-n1OMrtagWMIDMjIEXgvCCz88x8luSMhcu3FPF3JZDB/s1600/hawk+red-tailed+juv+_MG_8501+cp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNG2bp6eMzu5LBk47cHgAT8UbssDTXe9i5HGmxEs86tBXR-ldbHkvZZWDxf7n5O7NLfvjdXjwt7_pLWhOs-ueWXmsl-n1OMrtagWMIDMjIEXgvCCz88x8luSMhcu3FPF3JZDB/s640/hawk+red-tailed+juv+_MG_8501+cp.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
What you have seen is some of the better images taken this morning with my Canon 60D with the 100-400 lens. I was also shooting a 6D with a 600mm lens however when I attempted to download that card the files were corrupted and unrecoverable.Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-26305151096218354192019-02-21T09:59:00.002-05:002019-02-21T09:59:46.776-05:00Snow & Ice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday's storm left a covering of snow and ice in its wake. The views at sunrise this morning were nothing short of stunning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqayCeLz5SKVrukk-MI1CgFc051cXCe58LzKALpRzBDve-UXgVDdJ5z20MinT7AM3cD_gTg-5bSH3GOJsrcIVwxcLEEBJuHLVbqnv-O_APM5nifD9susuhD8TPOUFqdfotDMsH/s1600/snow+ice+pleasant+ridge+church+_MG_8357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqayCeLz5SKVrukk-MI1CgFc051cXCe58LzKALpRzBDve-UXgVDdJ5z20MinT7AM3cD_gTg-5bSH3GOJsrcIVwxcLEEBJuHLVbqnv-O_APM5nifD9susuhD8TPOUFqdfotDMsH/s640/snow+ice+pleasant+ridge+church+_MG_8357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-75434409876836253222019-02-13T19:29:00.002-05:002019-02-13T19:29:48.147-05:00Snow Highlights History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The wind was causing the clouds to scurry across the sky this morning creating an interesting pattern of light and shadow playing across the landscape. Looking for an image, I noticed how at this moment the sunlight highlighted the distant pipeline right of way as it crossed Sidling Hill Mountain.<br />
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For the most part pipelines are fairly uninteresting to most of us unless you happen to live in the path of where one is to be built or perhaps you are concerned about the environmental impact, however this pipeline has a very special place in our nations history that deserves retelling.<br />
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During World War II our nation had a serious problem with German submarines attacking our shipping fleet along our Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. The problem was so bad that moving oil from the western oil fields to the east coast was seriously hampered.<br />
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The answer was to build pipelines and on August third of 1942 the project commenced. Two pipelines were to be built. The Big Inch, a 24" pipeline running from Long View Texas to Phoenixville, Pennsylvania where it then branched with one branch running to Linden, New Jersey and the other to Philadelphia delivered crude oil. This pipeline was finished an amazing 350 days later! The second line, nicknamed the Little Big Inch, a 20" pipeline, began in Beaumont Texas, joined the Big Inch at Little Rock Arkansas, and from there shared the same right-of-way and pumping stations until it reached its terminus in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Unlike the Big Inch, the Little Big Inch carried refined products; gasoline, heating oil, kerosene, and diesel with each product separated by a solid rubber ball slightly smaller than the pipe diameter. This pipeline is credited with making a very important contribution to the war effort. Much of the fuel and oil products that supplied our troops fighting in Europe flowed through these two pipe. <br />
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I remember my grandfather Hill telling stories about the pipeline during the war. He recounted how people were hired to walk the line checking for leaks. He told of one particular individual who walked a section in our area who would add to his income during the winter by trapping fur. Granddad recounted how the man would bore a hole about in inch in diameter and two or three inches deep into trees along the right-of-way. Then driving three or four nails at an angle into the opening and placing a bit of sardine into the hole he fashioned a trap that would grip a paw. It would have been a gruesome trap to be sure, but with money tight in those days, no doubt it was an inexpensive method to acquire some much needed income.<br />
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The pipeline became surplus property after the war and was sole to the Texas Eastern Corp who converted it to carry natural gas. While the pipeline has changed ownership a few times since and has been upgraded it still serves as a vital energy link for our country.<br />
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For a short but interesting read concerning this historic pipeline follow the link <a href="https://aoghs.org/petroleum-in-war/oil-pipelines/" target="_blank">Here </a>Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-67293669650196130962019-02-01T14:18:00.001-05:002019-02-07T14:11:53.276-05:00Quietly They Rest Beneath The Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the thermometer registering 12 deg. F and a fine snow softly falling, I walked through Union Cemetery today looking for an image that would resonate with my feelings of melancholy.<br />
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Passing by tomb stones I noted some of people who had lived long lives and others who died before their life outside the womb had even begun.<br />
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Thinking of these folks who have now gone on I could not help but think of their hopes and dreams, their emotions of love and hate, their financial success or lack there of and how it makes no difference now as their remains rests with the remains of their loved ones, family members, and also with those who they may have spent many years feuding with.<br />
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As I walked the cemetery I could not hear the children playing, nor the sounds of their crying. I could not hear the happy chatter of the adults greeting their neighbors nor the angry words shouted during times of disagreement; only silence.<br />
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And all too soon we to shall join them as time marches on............. Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-74583202719114867532019-01-13T12:20:00.001-05:002019-01-13T12:37:13.218-05:00Sunday Morning Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBizDtVAnJXNRf8CLC4fB-B5-MzX4mUZKgouOgoWiYz0lIF3487a1wDE32fk7vXqH7Ua7k0NYaJ2-1giMGbxozDbnutE29cDzeo-qsNLwXoSm3vOG2wrHEpmNPzFAuzkIPSGb9/s1600/church+snow+IMG_1342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBizDtVAnJXNRf8CLC4fB-B5-MzX4mUZKgouOgoWiYz0lIF3487a1wDE32fk7vXqH7Ua7k0NYaJ2-1giMGbxozDbnutE29cDzeo-qsNLwXoSm3vOG2wrHEpmNPzFAuzkIPSGb9/s640/church+snow+IMG_1342.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few inches of snow fell during the night with snow showers still dusting the countryside this morning. As I made my morning rounds I paused for a moment to capture this peaceful rural scene.<br />
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On the way to the farm I helped extricate our neighbor lady's car from the road ditch. While on her way to church she had spun out and slid off the road. A good push on the front fender while she gently backed up was all it took to get her turned around and headed safely home. Continuing to the farm and tending the cattle I had plenty of time to think about some of the things I have to be thankful for.<br />
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I am thankful for my family, those that are with us and those who have passed on. Each one in their own way has influenced my life and made my time here richer.<br />
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I am thankful for the lifestyle that I am able to lead; thankful for not having to get up and drive a long commute each morning, thankful for the farm that my grandparents bought in the 1920's and retained while struggling through the depression.<br />
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I am thankful that I live in a peaceful country, a place where I don't have to worry about war or paramilitaries invading my home, taking our belongings, and destroying our lives. I'm thankful for a warm home with plenty of comforts and food.<br />
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I am thankful for our good neighbors who are always a pleasure to chat with and who we can always depend on to give us aid and moral support during times of hardship. And that goes both ways.<br />
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I am thankful for the career that I had and the various jobs that I held. Each job and the coworkers influenced me and enriched my life.<br />
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I am thankful for the hardships that I have faced. While hardship is never pleasant to go through, the hardships test us and teaches us to make better life choices in the future.<br />
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When I think of all the things that I have to be thankful for I realize that so much of what I am thankful for are things that I had no choice in. These are things to be truly thankful for rather than proud of.<br />
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None of us chose what family we were born into, we didn't choose what race we are, we didn't chose what religious tradition our family taught us, or what socioeconomic group we are born into. Not one of us had a choice in whether we were born black in an underdeveloped country, a mixed race person born in a so called shit hole country, or being so fortunate as to be a white American.<br />
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None us us had any choice about our birth but we do have a choice in how we live our lives. We can either choose to be thankful for what we have and treat others as Jesus commanded "you shall love your neighbor as yourself" or we can stand up, beat our chest proudly and vilify those who are less fortunate than we. Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-84517219537768779252019-01-10T18:32:00.001-05:002019-01-10T18:47:28.222-05:00So We Need A Wall To Protect Us<br />
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I think back over the past couple years, thinking of the heinous
crimes committed here in my area.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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A man on his way to work early in the morning spotted a
duffel bag lying in the road and stopped to check it out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unknown to him three people had placed it
there and were lying in wait. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon
getting out of his car, the victim was hit with a hail of gunfire, the perpetrators
fled with his car and the few dollars he had in his pocket. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were apprehended a few days later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The motive was that the leader wanted to kill
someone. They were all local people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was nearing shift change at a rural Pennsylvania Turnpike
exit when an armed man accosted two tollbooth personnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he had a plan to have them tie up each
other they outsmarted him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The male
employee was able to disarm the assailant and run outside, alerting the guard
of the armored car that had just arrived to pick up the tolls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The gunman, unknown to them, had a second
gun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In short order the turnpike
employee and the armed guard were both dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the Pennsylvania State Police arrived they killed the gunman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
gunman’s motive was to rob the armored car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He knew the schedule, he knew the routine, and he was a retired State
Police officer who had been assigned to the Pa turnpike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was also was employed as range master at shooting range in nearby Harrisburg.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A family living just a couple of miles away was going through
some serious domestic issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One night
it reached the boiling point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it
subsided three lives were wasted, the wife and one step daughter lay dead, two
step daughters were traumatized, and the husband was headed for a life behind
bars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew him, he was a hardworking
man born and raised right here in Fulton County.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With this in mind, I think of all the post I see of people
wanting our government to build a wall on our southern border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I would be the first to agree that we do
need border security and in places a barricade of some sort certainly is
necessary however no wall will protect us from the crimes real and imagined that
our POTUS trots out daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Walt Kelly
said over two hundred years ago “we have met the enemy and he is us”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-8769661465212845762019-01-06T17:28:00.000-05:002019-01-06T17:35:14.122-05:00Winning the Battle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two weeks ago I posted the story of the birth and problems with this couple. At the time of the post the cow would not allow her calf to nurse nor allow milking. Using kicker clamps I was able to milk her some that evening but soon she learned how to circumvent the kickers and fire away unhindered. Resorting to a belly band and a leg rope I was able to restrain her to allow the calf to nurse a little. However unrestrained she would kick her baby, knocking him back several feet at times. Concerned for the calf's health and strength I continued supplemental feeding.<br />
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By day three I noticed the calf was having problems walking and maintaining its balance while standing. While I cannot be sure, I suspect that she had injured him with some of her blows. At this point I took him away from her and would only allow him contact with her while she was restrained. Keep in mind that she was showing every normal mothering instinct by this time except allowing nursing.<br />
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Day six I decided to once again allow him to nurse without restraining the cow and after only a couple slurps she struck at him with a powerful blow. Fortunately I was supporting the calf and able to move him out of harms way. At that point I finally lost my cool! Moving the calf to its pen, I opened the stable door and chased her out informing her as she went that she had had her last chance, (yes I do talk to the cows). A few minutes later I texted my livestock hauler about taking her to market. He soon responded that he would pick her up the following Wednesday, some six days away.<br />
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For the next two days I fed the calf while she spent much of her time standing outside the barn bawling and running frantically from door to door anytime I was near the barn. Finally I relented and invited her in for one more "last chance", and this time she allowed the calf to nurse without so much as raising a foot! Keeping the calf in a separate pen and only allowing them together for nursing over then next two days I was able to observe that the transformation was complete. She is not only the doting mother but also the consummate wet-nurse.<br />
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Perhaps even with cattle the old adage, "distance makes the heart grow fonder", is true. Whatever the case the calf now has a good mother and her trip to hamburger land is postponed indefinitely.Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-77316565351289676182018-12-27T11:57:00.003-05:002018-12-27T12:42:44.779-05:00Wildlife Management Fail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the mid 1980's I became interested in arranging a trip to hunt caribou in the Ungava Peninsula region of Quebec. The George River caribou herd was growing rapidly, trips were affordable, and the success rate for hunters was nearly 100%. I was fortunate to have been able to make three trips, one each in 1987, 1989, and 1991. The above photo was of our party in 1991.<br />
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The herd which was estimated to number some 50,000 animals in the 1960's had grown to 800,000 animals by the early 1990's. Sport hunters were allowed two animals of either sex and the killing of wolves was strictly forbidden. The major management concern voiced by the managing ministry was of the herd eating itself out of house and home.<br />
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The early 1990's was the high water mark for the George River herd. By 2001 the herd was down to 385,000 animals and dropping farther to 75,000 by 2010 when all sport hunting was banned. The herd population has continued to fall with the 2018 estimate being only 5,500 animals.<br />
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According to government researchers wolf populations are considered low, habitat disturbance is low, calf birthrates are normal, and the animals tested are healthy with decreasing prevalence of parasites. However the herd continues to decrease. Consideration was given to place this herd on the Canadian endangered species list.<br />
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Caribou populations in many areas around the arctic are decreasing and may very well be tied to global climate change. Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-44573710126901969722018-12-22T19:18:00.001-05:002018-12-22T19:18:22.494-05:00New Baby, Stubborn Mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kHXAcs2r7O5WnlFSywWcwxDbmfz33zxGqUxXP1y3J0oD4zB-MsaH1lwfasLl_QzRkjXBsTy7IUH8l9-TMZu-o_EEZywm7x4Q2gICND9vEAcCdMM5t7OCjNkvuG4QG9GvoiAu/s1600/Drop+calf+77+IMG_8270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kHXAcs2r7O5WnlFSywWcwxDbmfz33zxGqUxXP1y3J0oD4zB-MsaH1lwfasLl_QzRkjXBsTy7IUH8l9-TMZu-o_EEZywm7x4Q2gICND9vEAcCdMM5t7OCjNkvuG4QG9GvoiAu/s640/Drop+calf+77+IMG_8270.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A cow who's first two pregnancies resulted in stillbirths, went into labor yesterday morning. A couple hours later her delivery was complete without assistance. However she didn't seem to understand what she should do, walking off from her newborn bull calf.<br />
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As I dried the calf with old towels she became interested and soon was licking him enthusiastically however when he tried to nurse she nudged him away. After giving him time to gain some strength I maneuvered his to her bag and she kicked him each time he nuzzled her teats.<br />
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Its imperative that a newborn have colostrum within a few hours of birth so the next step was to attempt to milk her but I soon found that what was gentle kicks when her calf nuzzled became roundhouse kicks that if landed soundly could break bones. Borrowing a set of kickers from a neighbor I was finally able to milk her a little and feed the baby a mix of her colostrum and a bag of colostrum supplement.<br />
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Today the calf, while much stronger, showed no interest in attempting to nurse. Again I struggled to milk the cow some and supplemented her milk with milk replacer. I still have a couple tricks up my sleeve and remain optimistic that mother and son will soon bond in a nourishing relationship but only time will tell.<br />
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Such is life on the farm!Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-70625344373122296492018-12-21T09:15:00.003-05:002018-12-21T09:15:22.782-05:00Whitetail Rut Wrap Up 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While my photographic success during this years rut didn't measure up to some ruts of the past it was more the fault of other obligations on my part rather than the lack of whitetails.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-uAyLS6qO-LQHSwriBEtwt9q7fHgS4H1WCe8Q-UaYGXc9wHovN8_F4yLWwfmwHiagf-DRSawXtVUspyV7oLEk5ieky086Qz8ekQztvzAbhMfGfnpwz_bDwJl03kH2D3QvW2v/s1600/buck+big+IMG_1022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-uAyLS6qO-LQHSwriBEtwt9q7fHgS4H1WCe8Q-UaYGXc9wHovN8_F4yLWwfmwHiagf-DRSawXtVUspyV7oLEk5ieky086Qz8ekQztvzAbhMfGfnpwz_bDwJl03kH2D3QvW2v/s640/buck+big+IMG_1022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This buck was the nicest one that I encountered. The photo opportunity was fleeting as he spotted me at the same time I spotted him. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAQh8x9OvBND1qx6i7DV0CxyXCx2y6fYkKp3hC9mJuQdSPrQQRpvhqk7fpRS28XPlhwh4hsF5LYEgmlk63lzMaSzh62Kcn8x-rh3ioBZRZGqM5tInO9XgMiSu1xRABvS6N7UK/s1600/buck+IMG_0265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAQh8x9OvBND1qx6i7DV0CxyXCx2y6fYkKp3hC9mJuQdSPrQQRpvhqk7fpRS28XPlhwh4hsF5LYEgmlk63lzMaSzh62Kcn8x-rh3ioBZRZGqM5tInO9XgMiSu1xRABvS6N7UK/s640/buck+IMG_0265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Other bucks were more accommodating</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoV25wY_lN7GVERPv5BDfvGna31-LWlARIjj93ZCFt6JE7rjwitbVOEIuWDQiimGR3fg_4Reb8or0qOGlr76eo5BfVCk3KxOjt1UUisQ5R3N_pzOUlLiur4BJcILaEImzKdwF/s1600/buck+pose+pp+IMG_9995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoV25wY_lN7GVERPv5BDfvGna31-LWlARIjj93ZCFt6JE7rjwitbVOEIuWDQiimGR3fg_4Reb8or0qOGlr76eo5BfVCk3KxOjt1UUisQ5R3N_pzOUlLiur4BJcILaEImzKdwF/s640/buck+pose+pp+IMG_9995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some posed nicely</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv-sf1jxEQSxB0XfljDK3VJgAL4UaXluW1sNgUI6O3tQexx3_DUtL7fjTYC-beRZe-M_yCZgwlMSIRxBXWzLqc9piwigVtooRGtOJf2hZWTVwdpQQAHmY8XLJXL-MiMLwR0Ap/s1600/buck+trailing+IMG_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv-sf1jxEQSxB0XfljDK3VJgAL4UaXluW1sNgUI6O3tQexx3_DUtL7fjTYC-beRZe-M_yCZgwlMSIRxBXWzLqc9piwigVtooRGtOJf2hZWTVwdpQQAHmY8XLJXL-MiMLwR0Ap/s640/buck+trailing+IMG_0134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While others intent upon pursuing does seemed oblivious to the clicking of the shutter</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuubVnr2T2NyAReB96QXV7gRqcYRmhpHATE8SFSYHFt4WJ50RYpf00qsycOv0rvM-b6eR54hj3XGhDG_dLFj7W-wszw94O5M7iUfqfvN_9gMRUAZma7gg6dZOIASAchN2ajbi/s1600/buck+trailing+IMG_0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuubVnr2T2NyAReB96QXV7gRqcYRmhpHATE8SFSYHFt4WJ50RYpf00qsycOv0rvM-b6eR54hj3XGhDG_dLFj7W-wszw94O5M7iUfqfvN_9gMRUAZma7gg6dZOIASAchN2ajbi/s640/buck+trailing+IMG_0212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And some were at a distance where my presence was not as noticeable</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzMm1bNdQqC_jvhfWCcwVb48164hVkJBPvS73WDgsTC52K5p3aQ8ws45oi0fBz7rOFFt0H-K1r4QNzl1hxbCQtkZaJvApYt_OV5_NYFWwbcKUHzcmk0C4Dwk7r4aK8Vwl9aGB/s1600/lip+curl+buck+IMG_0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzMm1bNdQqC_jvhfWCcwVb48164hVkJBPvS73WDgsTC52K5p3aQ8ws45oi0fBz7rOFFt0H-K1r4QNzl1hxbCQtkZaJvApYt_OV5_NYFWwbcKUHzcmk0C4Dwk7r4aK8Vwl9aGB/s640/lip+curl+buck+IMG_0076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lip-Curl's are one of my favorite poses with this rut providing me a number of opportunities. </div>
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I am most thankful to have once again had the opportunity to photograph another whitetail rut. Whitetails have always held a special place in my heart. Whether it is a tiny spotted fawn, a soft coated brown doe, or a heavy antlered buck, they all are incredibly beautiful and graceful, deserving of out attention and support more so as other living beings who's presence enriches our lives rather than as mere targets to shoot at and antlers on the wall. </div>
Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31331017.post-34788956083588395252018-11-24T18:50:00.000-05:002018-11-24T18:50:11.946-05:00The Get-a-Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With rifle deer season only a day away, this buck appears well practiced in his survival skills. Judging from his size he has lived through a number of deer seasons. Beginning Monday morning his skill set will once again be tested.</div>
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<br />Coy Hillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17961295214970687017noreply@blogger.com2