A Place of Legend

I first heard of this institution when I was a school boy. Some of the boys from the southern end of our county seemed to know a lot about it but yet were always vague in detail. In fact the more questions one would ask the more unclear the answers would become. It was the mysterious place where it was said that the people did not wear clothing. In time it seemed that perhaps this place didn’t really exist at all but rather it was only a legend.

Many locals referred to it as the Nudist Colony while others called it a camp. A search of the net reveals that it is indeed a place where clothing is optional. It is a fifty eight acre camp, not a colony. Camping, volley ball, and swimming are among the recreational activities provided for folks who like to on occasion be free of clothing. It is noted on the web site that going nude breaks down social barriers erected in society by the type of clothing we choose to wear.

I would find it hard to enjoy a stay here as,
for very good reasons,
cameras are forbidden!

Colt's Foot....An Early Bloomer

Colt’s Foot is one of the earliest blooming flowers in my area. Its perky yellow blossoms are frequently confused with dandelion but closer examination reveals that it is a completely different plant. Colt’s Foot grows on road banks and other areas of poor soil.

Where I find beauty others only find problems. I did a Google search for it and the first hit was, Colt’s Foot, Recognition and Eradication.

It makes me wonder if we humans are frequently too hasty to eradicate life that may not fit our concept of how our world (or our garden) should be.

Prescribed Burning Pt. 2

This photograph illustrates the intensity of the fire as it races through the tall dry grass. The rising heat waves impart a watercolor effect to this photograph.

The fire burns out quickly leaving behind a seemingly charred waste land

Upon closer examination the new grass sprouts only have their tips scorched.
Moments after the fire passed I placed my hand on the ground and found it cool to the touch. Within days the entire field will be covered with lush new growth, providing food to a variety of wildlife.

Prescribed Burning, Another Habitat Improvment Tool

I recently encountered employees of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources conducting prescribed burns on a local Game Lands.

Fire is a valuable tool in the tool box of wildlife habitat professionals. Its use quickly reduces the available fuel load, greatly reducing the threat of wild fires. When burning dry grasses such as this the fire becomes very hot extremely quickly and only burns for a few minutes. In its aftermath a fine ash covers the ground, a layer of fertilizer which will soon encourage lush new growth.

It was very evident from watching this crew work that they are professionals who understand the nature of fire as they controlled it so well that at no time was there even a remote chance of it spreading beyond the intended area.

Spring, New Life in Abundance

As spring comes to our area the annual life cycle begins anew. For the last few evenings I have heard the mating songs of the frogs and toads. This evening I visited a local wetland to check on the progress and found many egg masses deposited in the shallow water. Inside the gelatinous mass of each egg is a small black tadpole.

I take time to muse on what the future holds for the new life contained in these eggs. Life is delicate and uncertain at best and only a very few of the eggs will ever survive to become an adult. The spawn creates a feeding bonanza for water fowl. Ducks and Geese spend much of their day now searching the wetlands feeding on not only the spawn but also new vegetation. Soon the egg masses will hatch into tadpoles which will likewise be food for water fowl. Many of these wetlands may dry out before the tadpoles have grown legs and lungs, giving them the ability to escape the puddle where life began. Even then their life will be fraught with danger having little chance to survive until mating season next spring.

Small creatures such as these which are such an important part of the food chain reproduce in large volume. Although the chance of any one individual surviving to reproduce is slim it only takes a very small percentage to guarantee the future of the species.

Meet Paula

Our circle of friends recently added a new member

After years of trying, one miscarriage and biological clocks ticking our good friends Paul and Sindy were concerned that they may never have a child of their own. Last summer they received the good news, a baby was on the way. The doctors viewed it as a high risk pregnancy and predicted that she would never carry to term. The doctors insisted on weekly appointments and bed rest for much of the time.

Pretty little Paula arrived just two weeks ahead of schedule whole and healthy.
She is one lucky little girl. Many children enter this world unwanted but in Paula’s case she could not have been more wanted!

Honk Honk

There was no beautiful sunrise to behold this morning. Instead I was greeted with a cool foggy drizzle. What should I do with a Saturday morning such as this? The first thought to come to my mind was, “This is a perfect day for ducks!” A short drive to nearby Big Pool Maryland didn’t provide me with ducks to photograph, but there were a number of Canada Geese.

As I approached, this honker’s mate flew away, leaving it to fend for itself

In a nearby marsh honkers were paired up. Some were standing on the bank while others were swimming nearby. It appears that the nesting season is beginning. In a few weeks I hope to be able to photograph the goslings.

This has to be the strangest honker I have ever encountered.
I could not believe my eyes when this image materialized on
my computer screen :)

Sinker Casting…A Hot Deal

Various projects help pass the time throughout the dreary days of winter. One such project involved casting a supply of sinkers for the upcoming fishing season. Considering the price of sinkers the cost of a mold can be quickly recouped in just one casting session.

In this photo the metal is being melted in preparation for casting

During the entire casting process one must exercise due care to avoid the hazards involved. Make certain to provide good ventilation for lead vapors are toxic. The metal must be completely dry before being placed in the melting pot for any moisture will instantly vaporize creating an explosion of molten metal. Eye protection and heavy gloves must be worn to protect from spatter and heat. By implementing these few precautions casting can be accomplished safely and enjoyably.

The metal solidifies almost instantly upon being poured into the mold. As this photo depicts, I drop the sinkers on a piece of heavy cardboard to cushion their fall for they are still soft as they come from the mold.

Spring...8:07 PM

A Turkey Vulture glides gracefully in the strong March winds.

I always await the return of the vultures. Their graceful flight is one of the first signs the long winter is coming to an end.

New Grass

A spring seep provides warmth to give this grass an early start

An Evening Stroll

I found these lichens growing on the end of an old pine log. A macro shot reveals the beauty that is easily missed if we do not slow down and “SEE” our surroundings.

This tuft of grass caught my attention. I liked the contrast between its soft brown colors and the cold white snow.

As I topped the ridge I encountered this flock of Wild Turkeys

The turkeys didn’t hang around long

Wild Turkeys are not very trusting creatures and would rather flee than take a chance on becoming dinner!