Trails and Tales

Saw Blade Magic

2010-11-24T19:48:00.002-05:00

My interest in Knives got me to thinking (Dreaming) that someday I could make my own. I had picked up an old circular saw blade pictured below at a local barn sale and set it aside for future use on this project. A visit from my Brother Paul and his generous gift of some wood for handles and more than a little advice and direction got the thing kick started a couple of months ago.

I started small with the upper knife pictured below which is a full size handle on a 21/2" blade then made a 4" blade which has a Osage Orange handle and brass pins. I removed the rust but left the original Patina on the steel which acts as a natural rust preventive and contrast well with the shiny grind lines.
The first batch of small knives. They may be small but they are as tough as Pig Iron.
Before the saw blade knife project I modified and re profiled a bunch of old kitchen knives which was a good start for me. Most of this work was done with a Dremel and sandpaper.
The circle saw steel worked out so well that when I had another chance at some saw steel of a different kind I jumped all over it. I have made two knives out of this so far and the results are very gratifying.
I have made ten knives to date just about enough to get one to each of my brothers ( 7 ) and a Father In-law. It has been a very fun rewarding Hobby as each knife is different and presents it's own unique challenges.

Egg Layers

2010-06-02T10:29:00.005-04:00

What a beautiful time of the year, the birds, the bees, the flowers, oh my!

It's not just the birds that are nesting and laying their eggs.

How about this Stegosaurus wannabe!
Yeah the birds are nesting too this time of year, I almost passed this nest by without a look inside.
Not sure if this Woodcock is nesting but I was happy to share the trail on this sunny morning.
Now back to the stars of the show.

I am often late on the timing of this amazing event every year but this time I was all over it, being on vacation allowed me to go and observe and photograph them every morning this week.

2010-05-27T10:58:00.005-04:00

This is a good opening shot for this sequence of photos, my trip this year certainly included many happy hours in the woods and waters of this unspoiled region.

This year I met and stayed with some wonderful new friends, they live here on top of one of the areas most beautiful and scenic mountains.
Not as many Moose were in evidence this year one of the reasons may have been the record breaking Heat we were experiencing that week.
This is an early morning shot from one of my favorite places to be on earth. I take an old tote road in to the trail head then hike the trail in to this little spillway surrounded by beautiful trees and mountains.
It was drier this year which means that more of the logging roads were accessible by my little wagon . I went boldly in where I had never gone before and found this remote Bog which besides being gorgeous is a haven for Brook Trout.
The most observant of you will notice that the Moose horns are displayed as singles instead of a complete rack. They were found by my friends who are Shed Hunters and comb the wild mountains looking for one of these that a Moose dropped off.
I had the unique experience of joining up with a local movement to blaze a new area hiking trail along the river to a Falls on the river. It was a rugged walk and a tiring day but I will always remember and be proud to be a part of this worthwhile effort. Those that are interested can check out the trail here. http://www.cohostrail.org/index.html
My home away from home, this unique shelter was built by a Lady that honed Her skills working on log cabin construction in Northern Maine. She integrated many natural elements into the design including using the New Hampshire granite ledge as a wall that reflects the heat from the stove.
A view from the penthouse, looking out from the top of the Mountain.
This is a Painted Trillium one of my favorite wood flowers that I look forward to seeing every year.
As always it was great to get away and enjoy the peace and beauty of my favorite place.

Warm Up

2010-05-22T09:09:00.002-04:00

Packing things up for my spring walkabout, I'm heading north tomorrow for some time in the Great Northwoods Region of Northern New Hampshire.

The lilacs are in bloom here in the valley but I will leave them and other flowers behind as I head for the higher latitudes.
An early morning walk in the marsh just to stretch my legs and my lens out a bit.
As usual the reflections were awesome in the early morning light on the water.
Stealth has its rewards, chances like this one make all the mosquito bites worth it.
Looking forward to bringing back some shots from my upcoming trip in a few days.

Winter Twilight

2009-12-28T08:14:00.001-05:00

We headed down to the lake shore and took advantage of the unique conditions created by the mix of sunlight and ice.

Make your own fun!

2009-12-28T07:16:00.004-05:00

Sandwiched in between Christmas and Boxing day is the feast of Kuksa a day set aside to show our appreciation for the lowly but useful cup.
The best way to gain a full knowledge of this common but extremely important utensil is to fashion one the way the native people did.

Not sure in what period of native development Sharpies were invented but you can look it up.
Birch is the traditional wood used and who are we to argue?

Thanks for journeying along with us through the Kuksa season, Cheers!

Home for Christmas

2009-12-26T18:48:00.005-05:00

Rachel and Phil are here and we are enjoying our time with them, the weather was nice enough to go afield and get some fresh air
I have a lot of paracord on hand and Rachel and Percy showed us a thing or three about new and interesting uses for it.
My firesteel and striker with paracord lanyard.
Check out the fancy stitch on this bracelet it contains about 8' of cord ready for use should the need ever arise
It has a simple loop and knot clasp on the underside.
I am enjoying my new bracelet, Thank You Rachel, and good luck with your new business, we accept all major credit cards cash or good check.

Chicken Update

2009-12-20T08:54:00.004-05:00

Time for an update on operation hen house, as you can see we are in full operation.
This Buff Orpington pullet will be laying in a couple of months. This breed is very cold weather tolerant they have a thick layer of feathers.

Here is another of the Buffs the one on the right is a ROO !

Despite the recent cold temps and short days without much sunlight the hens are finally starting to lay eggs faster than I can eat them.

Brief Interlude

Inside set up for the winter the waterer has a thermostat to keep it from freezing, I am running a heat lamp at night which keeps it comfortable for them in their insulated building.

This Barred Rock was bred for New England winters, she has a thick coat of the finest down to keep her safe and warm through the winter months.

Another example of New England stock the Rhode Island Red. They are hardy and prolific layers of large brown eggs.

The Buff Rooster is saying hello to the laying hens from a safe distance in an adjacent pen.

Its great to have plenty of these all set for the holiday baking.

Frosty Pumpkins

2009-10-17T13:55:00.005-04:00

My walkabout with the camera was a little frosty but very rewarding.

I had the sun on my shoulder which should become noticeable on some of these shots.
The creek water was black and cold but made a wonderful background for reflecting images.
Another pilgrim that had left this monument in the fall woods.
You can see a touch of frost on the top of these round bales.
Another delicate frosting that was soon to dissolve in the morning sunlight.

If a leaf falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? A. NO!
Its a wonderful blend of colors now browns and reds and the occasional green vegetation.
I like the contrast in this one.
One of my favorite bends in the channel this is a good place to hang out early in the morning.
Had to show this one in Black and White the dark water sets the mood for this shot.
How inviting is this leaf strewn path bordered with late season ferns?
Milkweed pod in its late season stage
When I got home I noticed that we had a few leaves in my backyard that needed raking!

Payday

2009-10-08T19:04:00.003-04:00

All the investment, planning and hard work has finally paid off.

Recent modifications to our Buff pen
The roost after dark, looks like plenty of room for three more if they get along.
My new PVC feeder the pipe holds about a weeks worth of feed .
Ok it's a start! Wonder if Eggland started this way?

Change of Season

2009-09-05T10:05:00.003-04:00

Fall is in the air as the nights begin to cool down and the air becomes sharp and clear. It's time to put aside the homesteading projects for a little while and pick up the camera that has been gathering dust and head into natures world to reconnect with the land.
I included this obviously out of focus frame because I like the effect of the blur on this running fawn.
Some beautiful Wood Ducks shared the morning sun with me.
This was the frame right before he made the big jump!
These nice wild turkeys were kind enough to pose in front of the Bee Hives.
It's only early September but a touch of fall color is already in evidence in the upper marsh.
This Morning Glory contrasted nicely with the Goldenrod, what a beautiful sight!
I was already having a great morning when this gang showed up, it's what is referred to as the icing on the cake! The still water of the river makes for some great reflections on these shots.
Looks like Mama had a good summer and is raising two young ones.
I am off for a few days and hope to add more wildlife shots in the near future.

Chick Magnet

2009-08-23T19:07:00.003-04:00

New Chicks are here! The Breed is Buff Orpingtons they are gentle giants suposed to be cold weather hardy and lay lots of big brown eggs.
One reason they are good in the cold is that they have very dense feathering which is already in evidence.
Once they grow up a little they will join the laying flock next door.

Intergrated Systems

2009-08-22T11:23:00.005-04:00

Time for an update on the garden
The trellis of cherry tomatoes is a welcome addition you can munch anytime you go by.
We have lots of nice big fruit waiting to ripen they are heading for the canning jars .
We have picked these 3 Saturdays in a row from a small Trellis, made Dilly Beans from the first pickings.
Posting a few looks at my Composters at work.
Yeah I know they look like laying hens but look under their feet.
The Hoop Coop is ready for the new arrivals my Buff Orpington pullets.
The whole garden except what we eat goes into the chicken pen to be recycled into compost for next year. The chickens work for free everyday shredding and turning the compost pile!

No Closed Season

2009-07-05T07:12:00.003-04:00

Home this week for the 4th of July Holiday so was able to get out and scout early in the mornings.
One of a few Whitetail Fawns I was lucky enough to see this week.

This ones a cutie, we are both wondering where Her Mama is.

This early morning sighting has a surprise hiding in the long grass.

It was raining when I took this shot, you can see the wet look on this one.

Mama finally appeared out of the ditch and took ownership of her little one.

This one was definitely camera shy.

One of my favorites you can now see the little one standing up in the high grass and reflected in the water.

How did you Guys get in here ? These were some yard birds we saw on our travels.

Its been very rainy and cloudy all week here it was nice to get the sun shining on one this morning. I was out walking in my moccasins and had the advantage of seeing Her first.

June

2009-06-18T20:55:00.002-04:00

Time for an update on the chickens they are chicks no more as evidenced by this shot of one of the Barred Rock Pullets.

This was an early morning shot I thought was in keeping with the livestock theme.

A recent Saturday project building the Nesting Boxes.

This is how big the Rhode Island Red pullets are now!

Four nest Condo under constuction, who says there is a downturn in home building.

Ah my long awaited chance at a newborn fawn, I was thrilled to have this opourtunity with my camera.

This Peek A Boo shot was the result of an early morning scout.

I was feeling kind of old on this one, I had to hurry up to catch him and he almost beat me.

Another look as I catch my breath.

One more of the Baby too.

Thanks for checking in

Garden Update

2009-05-30T19:22:00.004-04:00

Here's a new look at the old ground. you can see some hills in the foreground those are pumpkins and in the background are tomato cages and trellis panels for beans and cukes.
Still picking rocks but most of the large ones have been dealt with.

The new home for those stones is this wall that Susan is building, Its a beautiful addition to our garden.

The chicks have been moved into their permanent home.

Cool temps have them hanging out under the heat lamp.

Adopt a Chicken

2009-05-24T20:41:00.003-04:00

Due to the unexpected response to the Adopt a Chicken program, as promised here are some individual looks at the perspective candidates with a brief description for each. Number One is a Barred Rock chick that has a large white spot on the top of his head much like a chickadee!
Number Two is a Rhode Island Red this one is very neat and dainty, definitely a Girly Girl.

Number Three, this Red has a dark reddish color with orange stripes like a creamsicle.

Number four has wings much more developed than the others, she likes to spread her wings and try to fly.

Number Five has a smaller white spot, she is a guardian and watches out for and protects her little sister Dinky.

Last but not least Number six is the littlest chick She is a character and is always getting into trouble. When I took her picture she was the only one who escaped and I had to chase her around the yard to catch her.

Have fun picking out and naming your favorite chick!

Green Acres

2009-05-21T13:26:00.005-04:00

Mr Haney, Proprietor. The picture below is a pile of roots, along with a stone wall full of rocks they are the first thing harvested out of the new garden! There is something satisfying about extracting a tough old root I would recommend it for everyone its good for the soul.

Some of the stones with which we decided to build the great wall of Alburgh. I am reminded of an old but true saying, " When you buy the meat you buy the bones. and when you buy the land you by the stones. "

One of our non - traditional gardens we have tomato's in this container garden on the south wall of our little barn.

Our Square Foot gardens are up and running they are very easy to plant and maintain.

This is the land we cleared for our new garden I have named it the Garden Of Eatin. Getting ready to plant potatoes, squash, pumpkins , green beans and cucumbers down here.

Its OK to be Square!

This is Sue's oasis in all of this She has hummers coming to her feeder and some of the birds are using the other thing so at least someone is taking a bath around here.

These new Chicks arrived today and are a welcome addition to the Homestead.

Wow I just noticed its double coupon day! I think one of them is sitting on the chicken specials.

Some wild baby's have made an appearance this week. If you look close you can spot two in this picture.

Got these shots in a neighbors field, I think someone needs a time out.

Things are looking up!

2009-04-19T08:51:00.002-04:00

Another good reason why its perfectly sensible to occasionally scan the tree tops .

It's not warm enough to plant just yet but the Square Foot garden stands ready for another growing season.

A diamond in the rough the new ground is raked and ready for stage two.

Our Contractor is coming tonight to size up the job of stump pulling and rock removal

Seems everyone in the neighborhood is interested in what we are up to and are keeping a sharp eye on us.

Retirement Plan

2009-04-11T12:55:00.004-04:00

Seems nice to have a door open without a bunch of kids hollering Pig's Out every few minutes.

We started our Tomatoes from seed and the plants are coming along, should be ready to plant outside around Memorial day.

This is the Henhouse fresh off the lake from down at Holiday Harbor.

After getting the building in place it was time to rough out the pen.

This run has southern exposure and should get some nice sun in the afternoon.

Sue had to move her swing to a new location to make room for the new arrivals.

We have been clearing off the lower lot where we cut the trees this winter.

I chipped the brush that was left and made a couple of nice piles of wood chips for use on this project.

All the leaves and old growth
are going into the compost bins to break down naturally for use in our garden

Thanks for looking in I will Post more on our Homesteading project soon.

Taking down the tree

2009-01-04T06:51:00.003-05:00

Ah, the holiday season, a time of shopping, presents, eggnog and after its all over you take down the tree and put it all away for another year.

Taking down our tree was a lot harder this year than it normally is. We must be getting older.

Winter Beauty

2009-01-01T19:27:00.005-05:00

Out on the trails on this first day of the New Year

Happy New year to everyone. Thanks for looking in, we are glad to be sharing the beauty of this season with all of you.

There’s a certain Slant of light,Winter Afternoons That oppresses, like the Heft Of Cathedral Tunes

When it comes, the Landscape listens Shadows hold their breath

Buck Snort Gang

2008-12-24T14:06:00.002-05:00

Recent visitors from the Midwest arrived for the holidays ready to enjoy the great outdoors.

Some small adjustments were in order to accommodate the snow conditions

Frequent Buck Snorts were heard echoing in the hardwoods as the cold conditions had noses running like a sap tree.

Hot cocoa was requested and has fast become a favorite with our gang.

The leader of the Buck Snort gang cooking in the snow.

We have enjoyed our time in the woods checking out the tracks in the fresh snow.

No Mosquito's

2008-12-14T07:04:00.003-05:00

Not a single stinging insect was encountered on today's scout! I paid a visit to the beaver Condo and saw that they have kept a hole open near the lodge.
A very refreshing change of scenery this week as the fresh snow turned the grey and brown of late fall into a beautiful white tapestry

I took this same shot recently in a previous Post below, you can compare the two and really see what an amazing change has occurred in such a short time.

This is an Alder Tree with some pretty cold Catkins.

When we get the nice clear days together with the fresh snowfalls it gives such an interesting accent and a fresh look to so many things.

Thanks for looking in.

New Fangled Stove

2008-12-13T15:52:00.003-05:00

This is the new way to burn wood which is catching on big time recently in our neck of the woods.
The stoves have a hopper that holds about 70 lbs of pellets so you only have to fill them once a day, just dump in one of the 40 lb bags and walk away.

The pellets are fed by an auger into a super heated fire pot which heats tubes through which nice hot air blows into your living space.

The pellets are made from premium natural hardwoods and have a very low moisture content so your not expending precious energy burning off water. These pellets have the official seal of approval from the Vt Teddy Bear in residence.

You can buy them a bag at a time or by the ton which is what we do. This is what your wood pile looks like all stacked in the garage high and dry and ready when you are.

We are on our second year of heating with wood pellets and after moving the stove up out of the cellar and closer to our living space we are very snug and warm so far this winter. We like the quiet simplicity of our stove and enjoy watching the flames on a cold winter night.

Frosty Morning

2008-11-29T13:10:00.004-05:00

Out early today for a scout with the camera, it was cold and the wind was brisk but the trail looked inviting.
There is some interesting color combinations to capture this time of year.

Brother John was remarking in an earlier Post that the water look very calm and clear.

I hope you can see in this picture some of that "clear" stuff is coating these fresh Beaver cuts.

How cold was it? Well you can't just go by the thermometer, you have to factor in wind chill and other varibles on any given day. I guess its cold enough for most folks when the wild birds are frozen to the branches and you have to pull them free so they can fly away.

Thanks for looking in.

Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas

2008-11-28T11:58:00.005-05:00

Out with the camera for a scout the day after Thanksgiving.

Just hitting on all the color that is availible, its mostly brown and grey now.

I was happily surprised to see these two Otters out hunting for breakfast.

This is where they were busting up through the river ice you can see the pieces of ice on top indicating they came up from underneath.

These Beaver's know how to handle a Vermont winter, they build a snug lodge and stock it with plenty of good food and wait for spring to come again.
I had a hard time timing these shots, they were under water and would just pop up long enough for one quick shot.
On my way out I spotted this Muskrat enjoying the little bit of open water under this culvert.

Everything is beautiful in its own time.

Thank's for checking in.

Happy Trails

2008-11-26T15:35:00.000-05:00

We got out for a nice hike in the marsh and were surprised to see lot's of Beaver activity.

Besides the softer woods like alder and swamp maple they were trying their teeth out on some oak's.

Notice the protective wire mesh that was suposed to keep them from girdling a tree like this.

They have their lodges built up and supplies laid in for winter.

Craft Shop

2008-11-26T06:21:00.006-05:00

This is my new stove made out of a fancy feast cat food can! It is an amazing rig it puts out a nice flame just like a gas stove burner and boils water in a jiffy.

The weather lately has not been the best for photography or biking so I have been getting into some indoor projects. The knife's pictured below have been modified from their original shape, shortened and re profiled to my liking. The results were gratifying the end result is a very functional knife that is at home in the kitchen or in the field. Handles are another endeavor, I enjoy watching them take shape, each one comes out slightly different.
This project features a commercial blade fitted to a custom handle that I fitted, sanded and stained.
Another project that is waiting is to seal and mount this great old nest that we harvested at the end of the season.

Bawana does October

2008-10-12T14:39:00.015-04:00

The Artist's Palate

2008-10-11T09:00:00.005-04:00

Scenes from September

2008-09-28T20:00:00.002-04:00

The patterns of colors emerge slowly at first.
As fields ripen and the cool days return, the colors intensify and transform the landscape.
Nature is busy gathering stores for the winter months ahead.
This is a good example of the season and how it looks
Many wood piles like this are on display as people pepare to offset the high cost of home heating in the coming months.
It takes thousands of leaves like this to put on the foliage production we enjoy every year.

Another September classic, even the wind rows of freshly cut hay have fall color in them!
The baby turtles are hatching this month and emerging from their underground nest.
When the air gets cool and crisp in the fall it also gets exceptionally clear.
Fall is harvest time and there is an abundance of produce to enjoy.

Time away

2008-09-04T23:57:00.003-04:00

The question comes up every so often, where do people who live here go on vacation?

With so much natural beauty right here at home you don't have to seek it elsewhere but a change is always nice!

I loaded up some gear in the pack and headed into the Adirondacks to hang out with the Loons on a beautiful remote lake.

Some primitive camping is good for the soul and a good way to maintain our vital connection with the land.

Snake in the Grass

2008-08-31T13:47:00.005-04:00

Its a time of transition as new colors blend into the summer landscape.
The cooler nights and sunny days have the snakes out seeking the warmth of an unshaded spot.

I captured this as this young wooduck dries out his wings.
At last a decent look at the elusive Belted Kingfisher. No he is not having a bad hair day his plumage sticks up like a cow lick.
Its peaceful along this stretch early in the morning.
He has his sharp eye on something and he will power dive into the water to get his meal.

Some color frames to add to the composition is always nice!

Blue winged teal in the early morning light.
The fox grapes are ripe and look so inviting but they are sour and tart. How do I know, I checked!
Everything is beautiful in its time. (Even a Bull Thistle)
This one was on a stump and he blended in perfectly.

Lake Champlain Birders Trail

2008-08-23T12:46:00.004-04:00

Birds and flowers are some of the favorite targets on any walk. They come together beautifully in this shot as the magic of digital slows and captures this moment in time.

I was surprised by a visit from this Snowy Egret

They can drop by anytime! I love how the white stands out against the green background.
Keeping life in balance.

A good look at a Spotted Sandpiper.

Just the right moment.
It was dark in there, had to use flash to get this one.

Stop by again soon, Fall is almost upon us!

Back Country Trail

2008-08-17T16:09:00.002-04:00

Out early on Saturday headed south on the Northway, destination the Adirondack Park. As late summer begins its transition into early fall the mountians and lakes begin to call and its time once again to strap on the hiking boots and spend some special time in this beautiful place. This year you are invited to share its beauty with me as I will try to capture and record some of the trips.

It came out of the sky

2008-08-17T01:40:00.002-04:00

While hiking a remote area in the Adirondack Forest I came upon this strange sight which quickly became the subject for my first Video.

I will let the readers draw their own conclusions as to what it is and where it came from.

August File

2008-08-11T20:26:00.004-04:00

These images are from recent field trips in our area and were chosen to try and convey the beauty that surrounds us in this late summer season.

I like the contrasting colors as ripening fruit and blossoms blend with the natural backgrounds.

Rainy Season

2008-08-03T06:49:00.005-04:00

Lots of rain in our area and two species are thriving in the dark dampness of the woods. The mosquito population is thriving and has grown to epic proportions. The abnormally large pest's have taken to the tree's to better ambush any unsuspecting hikers foolish enough to enter their domain.
A country lane looks inviting in the early morning mist.
Fungi is everywhere, the moist humid conditions have produced a bumper crop with many varietys in various stages of development.

This is Indian Pipe I usually them in small bunches, it was a sight to encounter so many in one place!

I won't quote the " Tangled Web" line on this one it was a perfect job very neat and symetrical.

This rain cloud did have a silver lining after all. Thank's for stopping by and sharing the pictures with us.

Early Bird

2008-07-12T09:35:00.006-04:00

Back after a brief intermission to catch up on home and garden projects I was up at sunrise and out with my trusty Nikon to capture what is interesting in our area this time of year.

It always pays to carry your camera anytime but even more so in some of the areas I have been known to visit and hang out.

One last look before melting into the marsh, being patient and quiet can have its rewards, a little luck never hurts either!
These early berrys provided a nice contrast of colors.

This is a Canada Lily the only one I know of growing wild in my area.
The Square Foot garden is doing well we are enjoying lettuce and watching the rest grow.
Sue likes the peppers, this is one of the first and there are more coming.
Its nice to be posting some pictures again, thanks for stopping by.

Square Foot Garden

2008-06-15T08:02:00.004-04:00

This method of gardening caught my eye, its evidently been around a while, brother Paul even has a book on it stored somewhere along with his personal collection of "Fermenting Journal".

The pictures show a progression as this project develops, like myself its still a work in progress.

Incorporating a vertical trellis to grow climbing things like cukes, pole beans, even some tomatoes.
After trying out the system we liked it and decided to put in some larger 8' beds for our canning produce.
This is the size of our layout for now, so far it has exceeded all expectations and has really lived up to its claim to grow things, a new bed or two seems to spring up every couple of days!

Some people have written in to see where you can get a compost barrel like this, Bruce says it looks a lot like one that he used to have which was somehow lost in the move to Elmore.

Ducks in a row

2008-06-01T14:40:00.004-04:00

On a Quest to find and photograph a fawn, I was led to an area where some Cute Chicks were hanging out.
On one of my mornings while sitting perfectly still, I was rewarded by having this Blue Winged Teal drop by and pose for the camera.
This usually shy Common Snipe was another surprise he got up close and personal.
This Canada Goose is gettiing ready to hurdle that log!
Pink Lady Slipper's were noted on a hike in the Adirondacks.

I think I found my Fawns, the trouble is these two are still carrying them around .

Hi I'm Obawana and I approved this message, thank's for visiting the Blog and sharing our pictures.

Car pooling and Canning Food

2008-05-27T15:20:00.002-04:00

With the high cost of energy and food it seemed wise to invest in a few things that might be in our future.
We are gearing up for some home canning, it all seems familiar somehow.
Except now they have cool stuff like this!John we could have boiled chicken plucking water in no time with one of these babys.
I have a Pressure Canner on order, if anything should happen to me please don't let Paul turn it into a still.

Pro 30:25
The ants [are] a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

Walkabout

2008-05-22T14:42:00.007-04:00

Just back from our spring Walkabout. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkabout We had a great trip and we always enjoy having the camera along with us in this beautiful place.

Critter Corner starts here, we did not see as many Moose this year and most that we did see were camera shy. Thankfully they were not the only game in town.

With scenery like this all around I came to realize that any animals that we saw were just a bonus anyway. I think that helped me focus on the beauty of Gods creation all the more.

The end of some perfect days are represented by these last photos, thanks for sharing them with us.

Birds Eye View

2008-05-18T20:51:00.002-04:00

These recent photo's highlight the amazing beauty of the birds around us.

Each species has its own unique beauty and Style.

Trail Mix

2008-05-18T13:24:00.004-04:00

Recent outings on the trails provided the opourtunity to check out for a while and find out what is happening in the natural world.
High water this season has kept some of our favorite spots flooded, but has given us some new looks in familiar places.
Displaced by the high waters many animals were moving outside of their normal range, the tracks that you see here are an indication. I will leave the identification to those leaving comments!

Last year the Apple Blossoms kind of snuck up on me while I was concentrating on other things, this year I made a promise to myself to stay up on them as they developed.

We have seen and enjoyed lots of birds some are local and some just passing through our area. This Northern Flicker is right at home here.

Ducks like this Mallard are paired up and nesting in our valley this time of year.
This shall forever be known as " A SHOT OF WILD TURKEY ON THE ROCKS"

Glimpses of Vermont

2008-05-10T08:35:00.002-04:00

Decided to Export some of Vermonts rural charm through these pictures
Early morning stand of Fiddlehead Ferns backlit by the sunrise.

Remains of Whitetail Buck
Early Morning Meadow
Twilight on the water
Cow's crossing stop commuters on their way to work

Marsh

2008-05-08T21:15:00.005-04:00

This week I've been hanging around the Marsh quite a bit. Its great to be around these Wetlands in the Spring when they are bursting with new life.

The sunsets on the water can be incredible, words do a poor job describing them, I think these pictures do much better.

This is a good way to finish off a day.
Nesting Canada Geese seem to be having a conversation about something, maybe its about that Guy with the Camera!

Some Anger Management would seem to be in order for this Woodpecker. I hope he found something after all of that.
I hope you enjoy the sights of this beautiful place as much as I do, thanks for checking in.

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May Day

2008-05-04T17:46:00.002-04:00

It was a rainy weekend here not the greatest for pictures. I encountered this flock of tame geese on a back road .
Their leader was this rather unsavory looking character.
The skys did partialy clear and we were able to get out for our walk. It was nice to be back with the wild geese in this beautiful natural setting.
We hung out here for awhile just sitting and watching all that was happening in the marsh.
On the way back we found thse incredible blossoms on a wild crab apple tree.

It was nice walking after the rain the woods were soft and quiet and they sure had a nice smell.

Lewis Preserve

2008-04-27T17:33:00.002-04:00

Sue and I hit the trails in one of our favorite spring places. We try to get in a spring trip and then return again every fall.
A new bridge was a pleasant surprise I love the smell of the newly cut logs.
We were soaking up the sun in the upper meadows when this Guy was discovered napping in an old apple tree.
He hung in there for a couple pictures and then we left him undisturbed to continue his sun bath.
There are three wonderful streams that twist and turn through this area which are beautiful to listen to as we enjoy our walk.
The early spring wildflowers were in bloom we couldn't help but notice the showy Purple Trillium's.

We found these Coltsfoot growing in a dried up brook bed, one of the first spring flowers.
This is a dogtooth violet but I like its other name Trout lily, its called that because the mottled leaves resemble a trouts belly

Thanks for checking in, its great to be able to share our trip with you.

Signs of Spring

2008-04-26T11:46:00.004-04:00

It was a beautiful sunrise again this morning and I felt duty bound to record it for all you Late night TV watching, shade pulling, pillow punching, cover kickers out there. This is the sunrise over Missiquoi Bay on Lake Champlain in Alburg Springs VT.
This time of year the ducks like these mallards are nesting so I was a bit surprised and Puzzled to see these two Drakes paired up together. It could be a father and son reunion or they might be the ducks from Broke Back Mountain.
These beauty's were heading back to their bedding ground and were nice enough to pause for a picture. The two yearlings look like bookends behind their Mother.
Last week we were looking at buds and now things are bursting out all over. I'm sure the pollen count must be high and I sympathise with anyone who suffers with allergy's like this.
This Canada Goose had just hit the water hard as you can see by the turbulence he left in his wake.
After my morning hike I headed down to Holiday Harbor to help with getting the docks in the lake for another season.

The docks were rigged with chains and then lifted and placed by this truck mounted Crane. The Boom extends and swings from a mounted platform and is responsible for Bruce and I finishing the job with our backs intact.
One of the smaller docks being hoisted up and over the ramp and into the lake where they can be floated into place.
The Harbor Master in full regalia looking every inch like Gulliver hooking up the Lilliputian fleet.
This can be hazardous work and care must be taken to make sure to not pinch or jam any significant digits.
Thanks for checking in stay tuned for coming attractions at a Blog near you.

Wild Weekend

2008-04-20T12:58:00.004-04:00

My wild weekends are a little different, instead of staying up late I get up real early.
I visited this Osprey nest it's new and doesn't have much cover around it.I wasn't able to get any shots without disturbing the birds so I left it.
I found this one in an old Hemlock back in the woods, it has plenty of ground cover to conceal both me and my camera and keeps me a respectful distance from the nest.
The two birds make trips out to gather food and nesting material one usually stands guard while the other is gone.
These graceful birds don't appear to be very large until they spread those magnificent wings.
Further along I spotted this Muskrat having his breakfast he might want to watch out or he might become breakfast for the two Osprey's.

These two wild turkeys coming over that hill in the morning mist were a sight, I was only able to hold my position and not move or they would have been spooked.
Just started seeing these Whitetail Deer this week as they move from their winter yards back to greener pastures.
I have been enjoying the Wood Ducks and I'm getting closer to getting the shot I want of one of the brilliantly colored males. Note the reflections of the males in the water. Not sure where it got started but these formerly close neighbors are now not on speaking terms .
Just had to take this shot on the way home, when it comes to tree identification there are some I'm not sure of but anyone can tell this is a New England Rock Maple.
Thanks for sharing my wild weekend with me.

Timberdoodle

2008-04-17T19:19:00.003-04:00

Most of you viewing this will recognize this migratory bird and know its connection to my family.

Some of you may have questions, you can find the answers here!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Woodcock

High Water

2008-04-15T21:15:00.002-04:00

Yes even the ducks are having trouble keeping their feet dry as the snow melt brings up lake and river levels to near flood stage.
The marsh offers some quiet and beautiful sights like these reflections.
A muskrat is working the edge of a flooded out field we are both enjoying the sunshine.
Patience has its rewards, This Wild Canada Goose was submerged and I got the shot just as he emerged from the water.
If you ever need to settle an argument about Geese having tounges or not this picture should do the trick.

Tour De Champlain

2008-04-06T15:28:00.003-04:00

It struggled up to 50 degrees so I got out the road bike and took a spin around the county to see how the other half was living. The ice is holding on some spots and breaking up in others.Pictured below is a view across City Bay in North Hero looking East at the Green Mountains which today were looking mostly blue and white.

Nobody is expecting to catch many fish but it makes a good reason to get out and soak up a little sun. The handicap fishing ramp will be under water for a few weeks and is closed until further notice. You can fish off the rocks to your hearts content but if you feel a tug on your line it's more likely to be an Ice Cake than a trophy fish.
A view of the sheets of ice from the Bridge is reminiscent of the views on Television of the Arctic icecap melting and breaking away.Much more of this and even the die hard Ice Fishermen will begin to think that the season is coming to an end. If you look closely you can see the holes they have drilled in these ice sheets and maybe a few Holiday Harbor minnows lying around.
This is my first attempt at impressionistic art I call it "Cyclist with Camera"
Whoever had this bench out on the lake must have enjoyed the view and not minded the cold. They will need to remember to come and retrieve it soon or it will end up as new Bass structure on the bottom of the lake.
Warmer weather is forcasted for the coming week so better enjoy the snow and ice pictures while you can, with any luck in a month or two it will be almost gone.

Early Bird Special

2008-04-06T07:41:00.003-04:00

I was out early to try and work with the available morning light. The sun is getting stronger and warmer with each passing week and should provide some beautiful sunrises in the near future. These Common Reeds provided a nice contrast against a clear blue sky.

This Red Fox was out prowling looking for a morning meal, my wife thinks he has a taste for Cats and doesn't like him coming around her pet! The railroad tracks and natural frame of the woods make this an interesting picture.
I have a few looks at this old Sugar House among my pictures its always a good subject. I liked the way it looked this morning in the early light and decided to include a few trees in the foreground for composition and scale.
Canada Geese flying north against the morning sky, this is a sight you never can get enough of, the sounds that go with it only serve to enhance the experience. Many Birds remain in our area feeding and resting before resuming their journey to their nesting grounds .
This bunch was almost out of sight over this little rise, like me they seem to be enjoying the morning sun.
As the weather warms up and the ice melts the natural world is ready to come alive. Stay tuned for coming attractions, I am looking forward to recording some of the action for future Post.

More Geese

2008-03-30T18:16:00.002-04:00

Than you can shake a stick at! We tried to get through town without any trouble but were soon surrounded.

It would be down right dangerous to have any corn in your pockets.

Silver Wings

2008-03-30T15:06:00.002-04:00

I went for a bike ride in search of more geese and found the Mother of all flocks.

They sure are something to behold when they all take to the air and what a racket!

Passing Through

2008-03-30T12:11:00.003-04:00

Lot's of geese in our area this weekend making their way back north.
I did manage to get close enough to this bunch to capture them as they were feeding.

Had to stay real low and use the grass in the foreground as cover.
Different groups were coming and going and I managed these shots on the fly.

It's a nice clear day as you can see by the blue sky background!

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T13:56:00.008-04:00

After church we had lunch then took a ride, it was sunny but still a cold 25 degrees.

These weary travelers on their journey back north, stopped for a rest on this shelf of ice.

Many had their heads tucked into their feathers to avoid the sharp wind and maybe catch up on some beauty sleep.

We are seeing some robins and the geese are moving through, everything is ready for spring except the weather!

Ice Storm

2008-03-10T18:48:00.004-04:00

We dodged the bullet on this one, the ice covered the trees and power lines but we did not lose power here.

When the sun hits the ice just right it lights up like diamond"s. We saw more people out taking pictures in the last two days then we have all year.

Northern Exposures

2008-02-23T11:29:00.003-05:00

This represents the best and worst that winter can bring us. These beautiful doves come to the feeder and take refuge in the big Spruce.
Snowbanks can pile up making it hard to get around, they sometimes change into colors other than the white you see on Currier and Ives prints.
We have plenty of ice for outdoor recreation, if you get cabin fever you can get out of the house and spend the day in one of these !
Slushy roads make for dirty windshields that need frequent cleaning, luckily our gas stations always have sponge-cicle"s availible for the traveling public.
Window boxes accented with fresh snow show that beauty is everywhere too, during this season.
Energy cost are up everywhere as people explore alternative ways to heat their homes and and for transportation.

One more shot of the Doves chilling out in their snowy retreat.

The Lie-In in Winter

2008-02-09T18:03:00.000-05:00

We broke out the snowshoes and did a turn around the trails for some much needed fresh air and exercise. I thought a new post was in order as some of you said you had seen quite enough of that Ham.

Looks like we just replaced that Ham with a new one.

Cabin Fever

2008-01-02T18:37:00.000-05:00

Lots of snow so far this year has made shooting a little more challenging.

Challenging but not Impossible!

An Inconvenient Storm

2007-12-17T11:22:00.000-05:00

Developing Nor‘easter Heads Up East Coast! Where is Al Gore when you need him? Luckily I had plenty of help to clean up from this latest storm.
Dispite all the bad news we hear about the state of our world, neighbors here still help one another.
Rachel is home for a visit,she was just ahead of the storm all the way but it finally caught up to her.
Sue as always is making sure to look out for the needs of the birds and animals.

Dispite my predictions that it was too cold out for the Ohio girl, She outlasted us all in the windy, cold temperature's. I guess you can take the girl out of Vermont but you can't take Vermont out of the girl.

Learning to Drive

2007-12-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

Applying the proper camera settings for the situation was in a large part responsible for the images shown here.

Pine Grosbeak

Pine Grosbeak

Having beautiful subjects to photograph doesn't hurt either.

Feeding Frenzy

2007-11-29T18:34:00.001-05:00

Colder weather signals its time again to hang and fill the feeder.

Just some of the visitors that have come so far, we look forward to the daily visits and will post more pictures of new arrivals.

First Snow

2007-11-23T17:40:00.000-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving brought a dusting of snow.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”Ralph Waldo Emerson

Special Effects

2007-11-18T17:19:00.000-05:00

One or more pictures have been combined to create this effect.

Sometime's the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts.

RFD # 2

2007-11-17T06:54:00.000-05:00

Different country scenes unfold in keeping with the changing seasons.

Vermont is a beautiful place at any time of the year.

Old Classics

2007-11-17T06:36:00.000-05:00

Some classic structures from our local area

Just wanted to say hello to all the other old classics out there, you know who you are!

Sunrise Celebration

2007-11-11T08:26:00.001-05:00

Fall Back

2007-11-04T18:49:00.000-05:00

We turned the clocks back this weekend, its an indication of where we are in this late fall season.

Its a fine line between late fall and early winter!

Fully Exposed

2007-10-24T20:02:00.000-04:00

Our favorites from last weekend, we hit our peak color and tried to capture some of the interesting scene's.

Rain and wind this week have raised havoc with the leaves but the fall light is a joy to shoot in.

Fall Collection

2007-10-20T16:50:00.000-04:00

Starting to show good color here in the Champlain Valley.

A nice time of year to be outside and enjoying Nature's beauty, the bugs are gone and the woods smell like wet leaves.

Deciduous Delight

2007-10-15T20:55:00.000-04:00

A rainy fall day provided a chance to capture some fall colors.

Back roads and camera's were just made for each other.

Vermont Life

2007-10-07T15:45:00.000-04:00

This beautiful sunrise was the start of a perfect fall day. I took the time to record some of the beauty of this season to share with all of you.

This time of year you can point your camera in almost any direction and find a good picture.

Ice Cream Castles In The Air

2007-10-01T19:53:00.000-04:00

Some of the great cloud formations seen lately in our area.

Fall Back

2007-09-30T14:21:00.000-04:00

The leaves are turning and so is the calendar

September was a beautiful month to be out on the trails.

Road Trip

2007-09-23T21:08:00.000-04:00

We traveled out of area to meet up with Faith and Charles who are on vacation in western New York. We had a great time catching up with them and of course took a few pictures along the way!

Decisions- Decisions

We reluctantly surrendered our cameras!

Wind Turbines stand in sharp contrast to an otherwise rural setting.

Many people stand in oposition to this alternative energy source because of the visual impact on the landscape.What do you think???

Field Trip

2007-09-22T09:48:00.000-04:00

Why don't you join me on my walk and share with me some of what experienced today.

Kind of gives meaning to the term "Good Morning"

Seeing Red

2007-09-21T20:49:00.000-04:00

Starting to show some color in a few places already, this scene had at least three different shades of red in the same frame!

The red and yellow combination really works for me.
Everyone is trying to get in on the act.

It's not all red and orange yet, these beauties can still compete in the pagent.

Roaming in the Gloaming

2007-09-17T15:50:00.000-04:00

Gloaming
the time of day immediately following sunset; "he loved the twilight"; "they finished before the fall of night" [syn: twilight]

Somewhere between daylight and darkness exist that brief but magic time we call the Gloamin.

Change of Season

2007-09-16T20:38:00.000-04:00

According to the calendar The first official day of autumn is at least a week away. Where I live, labor day weekend is a time of transition from late summer into early fall.
Color's begin to change along with the season.
Nuts and berries begin to ripen and fall.
Birds and animals sense the change and become more active.

Its a great time to enjoy the outdoors, I"m glad to be able to share some of this seasons moments with you.

A feast for the eyes

2007-09-10T19:31:00.000-04:00

One of the nicest things about September is seeing the wild grapes in our region turn this deep purple as they ripen.

I still remember how that grape jelly tasted, and I know some of you do too.

Fall Frolic

2007-09-06T21:32:00.000-04:00

Every year we get to enjoy this local display of the fall season.

Thanks to everyone who's hard work and imagination made this possible.

Memory Lane

2007-09-06T09:24:00.001-04:00

For those of you that remember the Island Pond experience.

Who says you can't go back! Very little has changed here in forty years.

Golden Opportunity's

2007-08-29T18:55:00.000-04:00

Taking advantage of the natural availible light created a golden glow to most of these recent pictures

The camera is teaching me how to understand and appreciate different kinds of light.

Marsh Mellow

2007-08-12T12:51:00.001-04:00

The Marsh is always an interesting place to be, even in the dog days of August it presents opportunitys to those who are patient.

I find there is nothing quite like a pterodactyl to get your attention.

Thats a wind turbine in the background.

Daybreak

2007-08-05T21:41:00.000-04:00

This last one is a sunset.

Wing N Things

2007-08-04T21:41:00.000-04:00

Green Acres

2007-08-04T21:07:00.000-04:00

If you build it, they will come.

potpourri

2007-07-22T18:45:00.000-04:00

Some recent favorite's to share with you.

This from a display at Fort Ti " The Piper is down"
One from the black and White file.
A suggestion of summer
While messing around with this frog picture I missed a chance at a whitetail Buck. Oh well, at least the frog is in focus.

The remains of the day.

Magic Moments

2007-07-20T17:49:00.000-04:00

We have seen some unusual sights lately.
A whitetail deer and Raccoon face off in a pond

This Bull Moose was sighted near our home.
There are not any Moose in the Champlain Islands are there?
He is reported to be heading your way next.