Dusk was coming and the area around me was filled with the sounds of Nature. The birds were chirping and flying from trees and bushes all around. Chasing the flies, mosquitoes, and other insects that were buzzing and hopping from place to place. A chipmunk scoured the ground before me and gave pause on occasion to look up and make sure I was still where he last saw me.
A few deer in the distance went about their grazing and their young fawns played nearby with no worries in the World.
I sat and just enjoyed it all. Nature being natural. So peaceful and so very calming. Mind, body, and soul were all one and my breaths were slow and steady. My mind as clear as it ever could be as I sat simply at peace.
A noise off in the distance beside me awakened my senses and heightened my awareness. Adrenaline began to flow and the noise was steadily getting closer. The fawns stopped playing and the adults went on alert as their ears pointed in the direction of the sound. Their tales now up....ready to run.
The birds had stopped their flying from here to there and back again. Nestling into hiding spots and quieting down. Nature had become still except for the growing noise that continued to get louder and closer.
My heart was beginning to race as I focused my eyes and ears towards the brush and woods directly beside me. I was unsure of what to do next. Fear and calmness fought with the unknown that was coming towards me.
Calmness and a belief in Nature took over as I turned to look one last time at the deer. They stood still and the birds remained quiet. It seemed we all wondered what was approaching.
I took a few steps backwards and then focused the camera on the brush. Whatever it was would be coming out right in front of me. Less then five feet away from me.
Louder and louder, closer and closer, my mind raced through a million scenarios at once with none matching what I was hearing. Was it a bear? Was it something larger or smaller? The unknown and the fear that comes with it was in every fiber of my being. I was not tense and was not afraid but yet I felt fear. Is that even possible? Somehow it was possible.
The shrubs and bushes began to move now and yet I could not make out anything as I looked keenly at them. Studying the movement and trying to figure out the size of the animal within. The beast continued to move forward. I remained steady and silent.
Closer still......just feet from the edge of the brush. My heart beat faster and faster. Suddenly calmness and clarity rushed into my body and mind. Yet I could not see what was coming.
The brush at the edge begins to move and out pops the head of a porcupine. It was moving slowly and steadily towards me. My mind raced with the question of could they throw their quills? Either direction there would be quills to the right of me and quills to the left of me. My mind became clear that they could not throw them at me and my only danger was if I touched him.
I dared fate and lay down before the slow moving porcupine. I snapped picture after picture until it was within two feet of me when it finally noticed me. Quills went straight up and so did the hair in my arms. I came up from laying slowly to a kneel as it passed by me and then climbed a tree not far away. I snapped a few more pictures before sitting back where I had been before.
Slowly Nature returned to the calm state of before and the deer began to graze again, the birds began their chirping and flying, the sun was setting and the sky was beautiful. Peace was here again...........
Friday, October 15, 2010
Running with the Moose
There he was in a field off of Rte 113 in Baldwin standing tall and proud. A young bull moose with a decent sized rack. I pull to the side of the road and this seemed to be his cue to cross the road and head into the thicker woods on the other side. I hopped out of the car with the camera in my hands and fired off a couple of quick shots before it was in the woods.
I ran across the road and straight into the woods where the moose had gone. As soon as I entered I could hear him ahead and ran after the sounds. He heard me and picked up his pace as well. The noise from each of us spurring on the other to go faster.
My heart beat and adrenaline were both on the rise dramatically. I am sure his were too. I was hoping we would end up in a clearing where I would be able to get some shots of this great animal out in the opening. The pictures running through my mind were amazing, peaceful, and graceful all at the same time.
It was at about this time that a loud grunt came from my immediate left. I spun towards the sounds and there was the moose. Just feet from me. At first fear did not strike me but rather the beauty of the beast was all I could see. The color of his brown eyes where striking as they looked directly into my own blue eyes.
Another grunt and shuffling of his hooved feet set my mind mind back to reality. DANGER!!! DANGER !!! My mind and heart screamed.
The moose began to move and then run but luckily for me it choose a different direction then mine. I had been warned and nothing more. Luck had been on my side.
I watched intently as he disappeared again before my eyes.
Then my body finally reacted as I realized I was not breathing and was standing still in what felt like a deep freeze. I sucked in a huge gulp of air and then began looking for my heart which had apparently jumped from my body.
Slowly I made my way back to the road. I was still excited and yet scared as well. It had been a remarkable experience where luck was on my side or maybe the moose somehow knew I meant it no harm but it had better things to do during rutting season then pose for pictures.
I was back near the car and picking off various thorns and snags on my pants when a feeling of relief came over me and then a smile reached my face. I laughed gently as I realized I had just run with a moose.
I ran across the road and straight into the woods where the moose had gone. As soon as I entered I could hear him ahead and ran after the sounds. He heard me and picked up his pace as well. The noise from each of us spurring on the other to go faster.
My heart beat and adrenaline were both on the rise dramatically. I am sure his were too. I was hoping we would end up in a clearing where I would be able to get some shots of this great animal out in the opening. The pictures running through my mind were amazing, peaceful, and graceful all at the same time.
It was at about this time that a loud grunt came from my immediate left. I spun towards the sounds and there was the moose. Just feet from me. At first fear did not strike me but rather the beauty of the beast was all I could see. The color of his brown eyes where striking as they looked directly into my own blue eyes.
Another grunt and shuffling of his hooved feet set my mind mind back to reality. DANGER!!! DANGER !!! My mind and heart screamed.
The moose began to move and then run but luckily for me it choose a different direction then mine. I had been warned and nothing more. Luck had been on my side.
I watched intently as he disappeared again before my eyes.
Then my body finally reacted as I realized I was not breathing and was standing still in what felt like a deep freeze. I sucked in a huge gulp of air and then began looking for my heart which had apparently jumped from my body.
Slowly I made my way back to the road. I was still excited and yet scared as well. It had been a remarkable experience where luck was on my side or maybe the moose somehow knew I meant it no harm but it had better things to do during rutting season then pose for pictures.
I was back near the car and picking off various thorns and snags on my pants when a feeling of relief came over me and then a smile reached my face. I laughed gently as I realized I had just run with a moose.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Breathtaking Walk in Fall
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. The weather is cooler and yet the skies still shine so blue that one would expect warmth to follow. As I parked my car and gathered my camera gear to go for my walk I did notice that despite the date there was certainly a bit of humidity in the air and still the sounds of bugs hummed around me.
I began to walk and quickly noticed the beautiful colors around me. It certainly was not peak foliage but the beauty of the evergreens and green leaves mixed with reds, yellows, and oranges of the changing leaves made for a painting before me.
Mushrooms grew large and seemingly out of control along the start of the trail. Different colors and shapes that offered their own beauty for one to enjoy.
The first opening I came upon a Kingfisher that let me know of its displeasure as it flew off to a new and distant perch. A pair of Goldfinches landed on a dead snag and tweeted their beautiful little song. The water was calm with reflections crystal clear and perfect replicas of their real life counterparts.
As I continued on a dragonfly buzzed around me ,as big as a helicopter and every bit as agile, and certainly got my attention with its large size. It landed on a leaf before me. It was a magical moment of Nature's beauties coming together. The dragonfly with colors of blues and black combined with glistening wings set upon a leaf with red and green bursting colors. I watched in amazement as it clung to the leaf and the arrangement just seemed as if out of a fairy tale or a dream. I was able to watch for as long as I wanted and snap images to my content. I decided to move on and the perfect arrangement stayed together as I moved past.
Puddles with reflections of colorful leaves soon appeared. Frogs that lined the edge of the pools hopped back in to hide in the mud colored water as I moved past.
The further I went the more peaceful I felt and the smell of the forest was becoming stronger. Filling my senses more and more, each step the smell of pine and the freshness after a rain crept further and further into me. Up ahead movement caught my eye and I slowed my pace.
A few Juncos danced among the branches calling to one another. I made my own calls and soon Chickadees appeared too. A Crow joined the fray with its loud CAW CAW CAW and even a little bright yellow Warbler flew in for a view. As I continued to call even a nuthatch or two came forth followed by one Blue Jay too. So many sounds, so much to enjoy!!!
As I stop my calls the birds slowly disappear. Soon the forest is almost quiet. My ears now pick up new sounds with my heightened senses as I can now even hear the leaves landing as they fall from the trees. My senses fully alive and my body bursting with energy.
I surge at a snail's pace down the trail. A creek meanders under a bridge as I pass over it. In no hurry to go anywhere the creek flows gently until it fades into the distance. I continue until suddenly...
NOISE erupts before me. Wing beats.....FLAP FLAP DRUM DRUM FLAP DRUM until a Ruffed Grouse explodes from the bushes in front of me and straight up towards the trees across the trail narrowly missing a large pine before it disappears as if it were a ghost. As my head turns quickly back to the new noise coming through the brush my eyes meet those of a Gray Fox now on the trail before me. A brief pause before it darts back into the thicket and off towards safer grounds. The noise begins to fade but it is not quiet at all.
My outer being was calm and steady but my insides jumped from me like I had SEEN a ghost. Now my heart beating replaced all other sounds and my breath was taken.
I slowly made my way back towards the car. Each step suddenly had to be controlled and slowed to have my body return to normal from the outer body experience it just had! Soon enough nurturing Nature and her sounds returned to me. A leaf caught in a spider web caught my eye. The rest of the walk was magical.
I began to walk and quickly noticed the beautiful colors around me. It certainly was not peak foliage but the beauty of the evergreens and green leaves mixed with reds, yellows, and oranges of the changing leaves made for a painting before me.
Mushrooms grew large and seemingly out of control along the start of the trail. Different colors and shapes that offered their own beauty for one to enjoy.
The first opening I came upon a Kingfisher that let me know of its displeasure as it flew off to a new and distant perch. A pair of Goldfinches landed on a dead snag and tweeted their beautiful little song. The water was calm with reflections crystal clear and perfect replicas of their real life counterparts.
As I continued on a dragonfly buzzed around me ,as big as a helicopter and every bit as agile, and certainly got my attention with its large size. It landed on a leaf before me. It was a magical moment of Nature's beauties coming together. The dragonfly with colors of blues and black combined with glistening wings set upon a leaf with red and green bursting colors. I watched in amazement as it clung to the leaf and the arrangement just seemed as if out of a fairy tale or a dream. I was able to watch for as long as I wanted and snap images to my content. I decided to move on and the perfect arrangement stayed together as I moved past.
Puddles with reflections of colorful leaves soon appeared. Frogs that lined the edge of the pools hopped back in to hide in the mud colored water as I moved past.
The further I went the more peaceful I felt and the smell of the forest was becoming stronger. Filling my senses more and more, each step the smell of pine and the freshness after a rain crept further and further into me. Up ahead movement caught my eye and I slowed my pace.
A few Juncos danced among the branches calling to one another. I made my own calls and soon Chickadees appeared too. A Crow joined the fray with its loud CAW CAW CAW and even a little bright yellow Warbler flew in for a view. As I continued to call even a nuthatch or two came forth followed by one Blue Jay too. So many sounds, so much to enjoy!!!
As I stop my calls the birds slowly disappear. Soon the forest is almost quiet. My ears now pick up new sounds with my heightened senses as I can now even hear the leaves landing as they fall from the trees. My senses fully alive and my body bursting with energy.
I surge at a snail's pace down the trail. A creek meanders under a bridge as I pass over it. In no hurry to go anywhere the creek flows gently until it fades into the distance. I continue until suddenly...
NOISE erupts before me. Wing beats.....FLAP FLAP DRUM DRUM FLAP DRUM until a Ruffed Grouse explodes from the bushes in front of me and straight up towards the trees across the trail narrowly missing a large pine before it disappears as if it were a ghost. As my head turns quickly back to the new noise coming through the brush my eyes meet those of a Gray Fox now on the trail before me. A brief pause before it darts back into the thicket and off towards safer grounds. The noise begins to fade but it is not quiet at all.
My outer being was calm and steady but my insides jumped from me like I had SEEN a ghost. Now my heart beating replaced all other sounds and my breath was taken.
I slowly made my way back towards the car. Each step suddenly had to be controlled and slowed to have my body return to normal from the outer body experience it just had! Soon enough nurturing Nature and her sounds returned to me. A leaf caught in a spider web caught my eye. The rest of the walk was magical.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A Snowy Moment
A Snowy Moment.
It was a cold winters day as my friend Naomi and I headed into Salisbury Beach State Park in Massachusetts. We had set out on a mission or maybe it was more of a hope and a dream to see Snowy Owls and White Winged Crossbills that had been reported at the park.
Neither of had ever traveled here and we did not have a clue as to wear to look for and both birds would certainly be new ones for both of us too. As we entered the park we were greeted with a Mockingbird surprisingly still singing despite the cold weather and frozen white covered ground. We drove further and were greeted with our first crossbills hanging in trees and eating pine cones. Red and Green birds with hooked split bills enjoy the cones. What a fascinating site to see them take a piece of cone and use that special bill to split open the pine and grab its nourishment. It was stunning to see them so soon and so close. A treat for sure.
Back in the warm car we headed deeper into the park and a few little birds scattered off from the side of the road. Snow Buntings!! Another bird I had only seen once. They are a cute little bird that you only see in the winters around here.
Still deeper into the park we went. On the left suddenly appeared a large group of photographers and gawkers in a circle around a mound of dune grass and snow. Seeing so many people we chose to keep going in our hunt for the Snowy Owl and anything else we may run into. So we drove but an urging to go back to the swarm of people and see why everyone was in a circle seemingly worshiping something at the center.
I turned around and we found a place to park in a snowing and icy parking lot amongst the gaggle of cars. As we got out with our camera gear and walked towards the circle the feeling within me grew strong and slowly a shape began to emerge on the top of the mound partially covered by dunes. Could it be!!! I looked at Naomi and mouthed “Snowy”! Both of us smiled as we made our way into the circle.
One lone Snowy Owl was the center of attention for some 30 plus photographers and birders in a full circle around the dune. Nobody was within 50 yards as everyone seemed to know that sharing the moment with the Snowy was a truly magical moment. Such a beautiful bird that seemed content to rest in the center of a special little World of people seeming to worship the haloed great white bird.
Time seemed to stand still and the cold was held at bay somehow as well. Was it a warmth from the beauty that was before us? Barely any words were said as people just watched and starred in awe. Each twitch or movement of the head seemed to move the crowd with either fear of the bird leaving or maybe just because of the majesty.
Slowly the crowd thinned and thinned till there were just a few of us left. I have a great patience but I also had a great sense that something truly special was about to happen. The crowd now down to Naomi, myself, and one other photographer. A truck salting the road pulled into the parking lot and it startled the Snowy who took flight and headed off. I keenly watched the bird as it flew with the idea of relocating to watch it a little more. I was enjoy the time without so many others. I could feel a stronger connection.
The bird landed a hundred yards or so away, closer to the edge of the dune grass and beach. I did not move towards it but rather watched the other photographer. I do not know if he did not see it land or just did not want to chase it, but he headed for the car. I could feel then that my moment was coming. I pointed to Naomi where I thought it landed and she, of course, was watching as well. I began to make my way and in my excitement I outpaced Naomi. We normally split and she takes in what she wants as I do myself.
Walking through snow that often was knee deep I headed to a boardwalk that led to the beach. It was snowy and crunchy. I knew I needed to walk slow and exude calmness from my mind and body posture. As I neared where I thought the owl had landed I began to give off a lower profile and lowered the rim of my hat to hide me eyes.
OH my GOD!!! There it was just off the edge of the boardwalk. I raised the camera and took a few shots and then slowly slithered towards the owl and a better view. It looked at me and our eyes meet briefly before I lowered my head in difference to the beautiful owl. I slithered forward still and came to a stop some 30 feet from it. Naomi was on the boardwalk but being cautious as she saw how close I was and is always thoughtful when I am trying to get “the shot”.
My heart was pounding with excitement and I hoped I could hold the lens steady enough for some great shots. I slowly lifted my head and my eyes became exposed only to be met by those of the Snowy Owl. Eye to eye….nothing seen on either side except the other. A connection pulsed through my mind and into my bloodstream. My heartbeat slowed and my mind came at ease. Slow the owl turned from side to side checking out the surroundings. It was showing me a true trust by not flying away and by turning its head away from me. This seemed to last forever and I truly do not know the length of time. I do know it was truly magical.
Our eyes met again and this time the engagement lingered. It was just the two of us truly sharing a moment. What was it thinking? Feeling? I was feeling warmth and a safety, an acceptance.
As the owl turned its head away and then back one more time I knew it was time for this to end. Then two Snow Buntings flew past the owl and off he took in flight after the possible meal that presented itself. I was able to get images of it flying off simply because the connection between us allowed me to read the owl and the upcoming flight.
A truly magical moment that I will never forget and will always keep it close to my heart. An owl and I sharing a few moments where there was nothing else in the World except one another. A gift to cherish.
It was a cold winters day as my friend Naomi and I headed into Salisbury Beach State Park in Massachusetts. We had set out on a mission or maybe it was more of a hope and a dream to see Snowy Owls and White Winged Crossbills that had been reported at the park.
Neither of had ever traveled here and we did not have a clue as to wear to look for and both birds would certainly be new ones for both of us too. As we entered the park we were greeted with a Mockingbird surprisingly still singing despite the cold weather and frozen white covered ground. We drove further and were greeted with our first crossbills hanging in trees and eating pine cones. Red and Green birds with hooked split bills enjoy the cones. What a fascinating site to see them take a piece of cone and use that special bill to split open the pine and grab its nourishment. It was stunning to see them so soon and so close. A treat for sure.
Back in the warm car we headed deeper into the park and a few little birds scattered off from the side of the road. Snow Buntings!! Another bird I had only seen once. They are a cute little bird that you only see in the winters around here.
Still deeper into the park we went. On the left suddenly appeared a large group of photographers and gawkers in a circle around a mound of dune grass and snow. Seeing so many people we chose to keep going in our hunt for the Snowy Owl and anything else we may run into. So we drove but an urging to go back to the swarm of people and see why everyone was in a circle seemingly worshiping something at the center.
I turned around and we found a place to park in a snowing and icy parking lot amongst the gaggle of cars. As we got out with our camera gear and walked towards the circle the feeling within me grew strong and slowly a shape began to emerge on the top of the mound partially covered by dunes. Could it be!!! I looked at Naomi and mouthed “Snowy”! Both of us smiled as we made our way into the circle.
One lone Snowy Owl was the center of attention for some 30 plus photographers and birders in a full circle around the dune. Nobody was within 50 yards as everyone seemed to know that sharing the moment with the Snowy was a truly magical moment. Such a beautiful bird that seemed content to rest in the center of a special little World of people seeming to worship the haloed great white bird.
Time seemed to stand still and the cold was held at bay somehow as well. Was it a warmth from the beauty that was before us? Barely any words were said as people just watched and starred in awe. Each twitch or movement of the head seemed to move the crowd with either fear of the bird leaving or maybe just because of the majesty.
Slowly the crowd thinned and thinned till there were just a few of us left. I have a great patience but I also had a great sense that something truly special was about to happen. The crowd now down to Naomi, myself, and one other photographer. A truck salting the road pulled into the parking lot and it startled the Snowy who took flight and headed off. I keenly watched the bird as it flew with the idea of relocating to watch it a little more. I was enjoy the time without so many others. I could feel a stronger connection.
The bird landed a hundred yards or so away, closer to the edge of the dune grass and beach. I did not move towards it but rather watched the other photographer. I do not know if he did not see it land or just did not want to chase it, but he headed for the car. I could feel then that my moment was coming. I pointed to Naomi where I thought it landed and she, of course, was watching as well. I began to make my way and in my excitement I outpaced Naomi. We normally split and she takes in what she wants as I do myself.
Walking through snow that often was knee deep I headed to a boardwalk that led to the beach. It was snowy and crunchy. I knew I needed to walk slow and exude calmness from my mind and body posture. As I neared where I thought the owl had landed I began to give off a lower profile and lowered the rim of my hat to hide me eyes.
OH my GOD!!! There it was just off the edge of the boardwalk. I raised the camera and took a few shots and then slowly slithered towards the owl and a better view. It looked at me and our eyes meet briefly before I lowered my head in difference to the beautiful owl. I slithered forward still and came to a stop some 30 feet from it. Naomi was on the boardwalk but being cautious as she saw how close I was and is always thoughtful when I am trying to get “the shot”.
My heart was pounding with excitement and I hoped I could hold the lens steady enough for some great shots. I slowly lifted my head and my eyes became exposed only to be met by those of the Snowy Owl. Eye to eye….nothing seen on either side except the other. A connection pulsed through my mind and into my bloodstream. My heartbeat slowed and my mind came at ease. Slow the owl turned from side to side checking out the surroundings. It was showing me a true trust by not flying away and by turning its head away from me. This seemed to last forever and I truly do not know the length of time. I do know it was truly magical.
Our eyes met again and this time the engagement lingered. It was just the two of us truly sharing a moment. What was it thinking? Feeling? I was feeling warmth and a safety, an acceptance.
As the owl turned its head away and then back one more time I knew it was time for this to end. Then two Snow Buntings flew past the owl and off he took in flight after the possible meal that presented itself. I was able to get images of it flying off simply because the connection between us allowed me to read the owl and the upcoming flight.
A truly magical moment that I will never forget and will always keep it close to my heart. An owl and I sharing a few moments where there was nothing else in the World except one another. A gift to cherish.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Silent Thunder
It had been awhile since I had walked in the woods and listened to the sounds surrounding me. Life has been busy with shows and getting product to stores amongst other things. The canoe had become a mode of travel more often as I searched for loons with young chicks for most of August and then the shores for shorebirds beginning to migrate south for the upcoming winter. Things were changing but my desire to be in the woods was not lessening and in fact was growing each day.
Today was the day I returned to the woods. I walked a trail not far from my home in Steep Falls. A trail I had walked many times was one I was happy to return too. As I began to walk I could feel my heart race and my mind searching for something.
I needed to slow down and just take it all in as my mind and heart was trying to process all the sites and sounds at once. They are best processed individually and slowly. Then you can become part of the World you are in and I had slipped from the World I love back to a World with concrete and steal, hustle and bustle. A World so far from the one I love and the one I missed.
Each step I could feel my mind and heart slowly and the World around me coming back into focus. I could hear the birds before I could see them and the feel of the ground became known again. My steps would become more silent with each passing moment. My heart and mind slowed to the beat of the woods around.
As I headed down the trail I could sense life around me again and I knew I was not alone. A Red Tailed Hawk flew just feet from me across the path to another perch and we did this for awhile. It stayed just ahead of me leading the way. When I decided to stop he flew onward. I stood and listened to the chipmunks calling and the leaves rustling from a snake I soon found. A frog let out a peep and dove for the water after seeming to notice my presence kneeling just feet away. I was connected again. I was alive. Mother Nature's heart beat was one with mine again.
I walked to the top of a knoll that overlooks a pond and below were three Wood Ducks. A flash from a nearby tree turned into my friend the hawk, making a dive towards the now shrieking and scattering ducks. The hawk swooped back up to a new perch 50 yards away and I laughed as I knew he was truly blaming me for the failed attempt but yet my presence was not threatening to it.
The sun was beginning to go down and the clouds were thickening. I turned and enjoy the slow stroll back from where I had came and determined not to slip back into the World of mans creation. As I started back up the hill I knew I was not alone and I could feel eyes upon. Not in a way that was creepy but simply that I was being watched. Watched as I would watch another part of Nature. I kept moving till I found a nice place to stop where I could see more.
I stood still and silent. I slowed my breathing and could feel my body going into a deep calm. I watched the woods before me and the sounds were like pieces of a puzzle falling into place as I understood what was watching me and where. Deer were just inside the woods and parallel to where I had been walking. Slowly the sounds continued to come closer to the edge and I could make out the deer. One, two, three, four, and more....
One appeared out of the woods and into the clearing not far from me. Our eyes met and I felt welcomed. A second started to emerge and then a loud crack behind me. A tree snapped. Things fall in the woods and the moment was broken. Fear shot through me as it did the deer who now thundered off through the woods. Hooves pounding, branches cracking and snapping.....thundering through the forest unseen.
As my heart slowed and calm return the deer sounds faded. Silence was broken by a crow cawing as it flew overhead. Blue Jays soon sang too and I decided it was time to continue heading out.
The sun was directly in my eyes and I lowered the bill of my hat to block the sun. Slowly walking enjoying the last moments of a beautiful setting sun. Then I feel the urge to stop and so I listen to that urge as I always do. Before back lit by the sun is a doe. She walks silently from one side of the clearing to the other. Stopping once and looking in my direction, bending to take a bite of the grass and then continuing before disappearing back into the woods on the other side of the trail.
A silent moment we shared and one for me to savor. A sign I think that meant it was understood it was not I who produced the fear but I like the deer shared the fear of a moment in the woods. Mother Nature and I connected today. Gone were the steal and concrete, the hustle and bustle to be replaced by the heart beat of life, the heart beat of Nature, and my heart beat again. Peace...Nature nurtures.
Today was the day I returned to the woods. I walked a trail not far from my home in Steep Falls. A trail I had walked many times was one I was happy to return too. As I began to walk I could feel my heart race and my mind searching for something.
I needed to slow down and just take it all in as my mind and heart was trying to process all the sites and sounds at once. They are best processed individually and slowly. Then you can become part of the World you are in and I had slipped from the World I love back to a World with concrete and steal, hustle and bustle. A World so far from the one I love and the one I missed.
Each step I could feel my mind and heart slowly and the World around me coming back into focus. I could hear the birds before I could see them and the feel of the ground became known again. My steps would become more silent with each passing moment. My heart and mind slowed to the beat of the woods around.
As I headed down the trail I could sense life around me again and I knew I was not alone. A Red Tailed Hawk flew just feet from me across the path to another perch and we did this for awhile. It stayed just ahead of me leading the way. When I decided to stop he flew onward. I stood and listened to the chipmunks calling and the leaves rustling from a snake I soon found. A frog let out a peep and dove for the water after seeming to notice my presence kneeling just feet away. I was connected again. I was alive. Mother Nature's heart beat was one with mine again.
I walked to the top of a knoll that overlooks a pond and below were three Wood Ducks. A flash from a nearby tree turned into my friend the hawk, making a dive towards the now shrieking and scattering ducks. The hawk swooped back up to a new perch 50 yards away and I laughed as I knew he was truly blaming me for the failed attempt but yet my presence was not threatening to it.
The sun was beginning to go down and the clouds were thickening. I turned and enjoy the slow stroll back from where I had came and determined not to slip back into the World of mans creation. As I started back up the hill I knew I was not alone and I could feel eyes upon. Not in a way that was creepy but simply that I was being watched. Watched as I would watch another part of Nature. I kept moving till I found a nice place to stop where I could see more.
I stood still and silent. I slowed my breathing and could feel my body going into a deep calm. I watched the woods before me and the sounds were like pieces of a puzzle falling into place as I understood what was watching me and where. Deer were just inside the woods and parallel to where I had been walking. Slowly the sounds continued to come closer to the edge and I could make out the deer. One, two, three, four, and more....
One appeared out of the woods and into the clearing not far from me. Our eyes met and I felt welcomed. A second started to emerge and then a loud crack behind me. A tree snapped. Things fall in the woods and the moment was broken. Fear shot through me as it did the deer who now thundered off through the woods. Hooves pounding, branches cracking and snapping.....thundering through the forest unseen.
As my heart slowed and calm return the deer sounds faded. Silence was broken by a crow cawing as it flew overhead. Blue Jays soon sang too and I decided it was time to continue heading out.
The sun was directly in my eyes and I lowered the bill of my hat to block the sun. Slowly walking enjoying the last moments of a beautiful setting sun. Then I feel the urge to stop and so I listen to that urge as I always do. Before back lit by the sun is a doe. She walks silently from one side of the clearing to the other. Stopping once and looking in my direction, bending to take a bite of the grass and then continuing before disappearing back into the woods on the other side of the trail.
A silent moment we shared and one for me to savor. A sign I think that meant it was understood it was not I who produced the fear but I like the deer shared the fear of a moment in the woods. Mother Nature and I connected today. Gone were the steal and concrete, the hustle and bustle to be replaced by the heart beat of life, the heart beat of Nature, and my heart beat again. Peace...Nature nurtures.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Apples for a Deer
8-21-10 Pinkham Notch, NH
As I drove towards NH on a trip to help a friend run a booth at a Pow Wow my nerves stirred and my stomach tossed and turned. Anxiety was beginning to dig into my every being. I tried breathing and peaceful thoughts. The road traveled on and on.
Soon enough I was in Pinkham Notch and making my way to the half way point and sweat was starting to appear on my forehead. I needed something to ease my mind. Something to break the tightening grip anxiety was gaining on me.
Past the Highland Center, past the Auto Road, past the campground, and past the Ranger Station. Whoa there.....
No not past the Ranger Station. Something caught my eye and I pulled to the side of the road. I wasn't sure what or if I really saw something but I was drawn. So I step out of the car and grab the camera. I slowly walk towards the area that caught my eyes. I seeing nothing and I hear nothing but yet I move forward. My anxiety slipping to the rear of my mind as I begin to focus on little movements through the trees.
I take the wide turn and suddenly I see a young Buck tucked around some trees. I get to a decent angle and he has yet to bolt. A good sign and a good feeling. Suddenly his head raises and he knows I am there. Our eyes meet but there is no fear. Just a simple understanding of we are both here and that it is ok.
Suddenly he stands on his hinds legs and lurches into the tree awkwardly. I am sure he is about to go but I am wrong as he lands back on the ground with a green apple securely in his mouth. He drops it to the ground and then proceeds to eat it. An amazing site to see.
Anxiety is now gone and replaced with total excitement. I just saw a deer stand and pick and apple! How cool was that I think.
I move forward as the deer begins to scout the tree again. Amazingly we are both narrowing the distance between us as he is walking to my side of the trees. Now just a mere 15 yards apart out eyes meet again. I bow my head in deference to the young buck. This afteral his terrain and I am just an observer as long as he allows.
He looks up and then looks at me. I kneel to show I am no threat and he looks back into the tree and spots just the right apple. Up again and into the tree. Down again he eats the apple.
I sit in amazement as this show happens before and is almost too close for me to get all of him in the camera frame. I do not feel fear and the buck shows no signs of fear either. There is an acceptance and an understanding.
Again he take a few steps in my direction. Other cars pass us on busy Rte 16 but no t a soul interrupts our moment. Again he looks directly at me and then to the tree. Again up and down with the apple. So close now I can hear the crunching as he chews it.
He looks up and picks up an apple that was laying on the ground and swallows this one whole. His ears go up and so does his tail. No he is alert and so am I but I do not feel fear.
I know without looking exactly what is happening and he bolts for the woods next to us. A car has pulled to a stop.
My anxiety now gone I can carry on my journey. A smile on my face and a warmth in my heart.
All it took were apples for a deer.
You may see the images of this encounter here........
As I drove towards NH on a trip to help a friend run a booth at a Pow Wow my nerves stirred and my stomach tossed and turned. Anxiety was beginning to dig into my every being. I tried breathing and peaceful thoughts. The road traveled on and on.
Soon enough I was in Pinkham Notch and making my way to the half way point and sweat was starting to appear on my forehead. I needed something to ease my mind. Something to break the tightening grip anxiety was gaining on me.
Past the Highland Center, past the Auto Road, past the campground, and past the Ranger Station. Whoa there.....
No not past the Ranger Station. Something caught my eye and I pulled to the side of the road. I wasn't sure what or if I really saw something but I was drawn. So I step out of the car and grab the camera. I slowly walk towards the area that caught my eyes. I seeing nothing and I hear nothing but yet I move forward. My anxiety slipping to the rear of my mind as I begin to focus on little movements through the trees.
I take the wide turn and suddenly I see a young Buck tucked around some trees. I get to a decent angle and he has yet to bolt. A good sign and a good feeling. Suddenly his head raises and he knows I am there. Our eyes meet but there is no fear. Just a simple understanding of we are both here and that it is ok.
Suddenly he stands on his hinds legs and lurches into the tree awkwardly. I am sure he is about to go but I am wrong as he lands back on the ground with a green apple securely in his mouth. He drops it to the ground and then proceeds to eat it. An amazing site to see.
Anxiety is now gone and replaced with total excitement. I just saw a deer stand and pick and apple! How cool was that I think.
I move forward as the deer begins to scout the tree again. Amazingly we are both narrowing the distance between us as he is walking to my side of the trees. Now just a mere 15 yards apart out eyes meet again. I bow my head in deference to the young buck. This afteral his terrain and I am just an observer as long as he allows.
He looks up and then looks at me. I kneel to show I am no threat and he looks back into the tree and spots just the right apple. Up again and into the tree. Down again he eats the apple.
I sit in amazement as this show happens before and is almost too close for me to get all of him in the camera frame. I do not feel fear and the buck shows no signs of fear either. There is an acceptance and an understanding.
Again he take a few steps in my direction. Other cars pass us on busy Rte 16 but no t a soul interrupts our moment. Again he looks directly at me and then to the tree. Again up and down with the apple. So close now I can hear the crunching as he chews it.
He looks up and picks up an apple that was laying on the ground and swallows this one whole. His ears go up and so does his tail. No he is alert and so am I but I do not feel fear.
I know without looking exactly what is happening and he bolts for the woods next to us. A car has pulled to a stop.
My anxiety now gone I can carry on my journey. A smile on my face and a warmth in my heart.
All it took were apples for a deer.
You may see the images of this encounter here........
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