Time for a new thread to discuss and/or comment on   (You need to Login or Register. Seems someone left their canoe idling and it's just begging for a joyride.

Past POD threads:
  (You need to Login or Register 6/19/09 - 7/8/09
  (You need to Login or Register 3/20/09 - 6/18/09
  (You need to Login or Register 1/1/09 - 3/18/09
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Who could resist with those sexy black walnut decks? :-*

I absolutely love today's POD. I currently have 34 days until departure... can't come soon enough.

PFD=seat cushion?

Was that a safety coming off...or a drop away rest...no no it was just a sutter ;D

I like your wild rose picture today Lynda!  This is what they look like on my trip.


starwatcher

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Yes, I am sure they will be gone on our trip this September, too.   :'(

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Please do not feed the troll.

Beautiful pic today, Lynda!

Thanks.  We leave Thursday to pick up our granddaughter and head for Minnesota.  Looking forward to seeing the canoe country again.   :)

Nice picture today, I see Anna is starting young as a talented wildlife photographer.  She must have a good coach.  :)

starwatcher

Anna-you did a GREAT job with the picture! ;)

Great Luna Moth picture!  I've never seen one of those and am soooo jealous that one visited when you were at the cabin!

I totally agree with Hoho. Seen them but, but never as fresh as that one...your soooo lucky!

15 Days in a ROW and no fishing pics!   :'(

wrote on Aug 27^th, 2009 at 3:10pm:

15 Days in a ROW and no fishing pics!   :'(

Well,   (You need to Login or Register started this morning on the Fishing forum should cure your ills. :)

dd

Well, I have been canoe tripping for 38 years (mainly BW but some in Quetico and Algonquin and even once in Temagami) and we have never fished.  So I guess the closest I could come was two years ago when I posted a POD of four-year-old Anna with her little bluegill on Clearwater Lake off the Gunflint.  Until today when I took a photo of "Sherman from Bloomington MN" with his northern pike on East Twin Lake near Ely.  He said it was over four pounds and he appeared quite proud of it.  Unfortunately, QJ won't let me attach my photo to this message for some reason.   :-/

Don't have any photos  of "man holding big fish".  Sorry.   :'(

Lynda
And NO, that was NOT an apology.  I am not the least bit sorry.   ;)

wrote on Aug 27^th, 2009 at 3:10pm:

15 Days in a ROW and no fishing pics!   :'(

I'm eagerly looking forward too your POD submissions ::)

wrote on Aug 27^th, 2009 at 3:10pm:

15 Days in a ROW and no fishing pics!   :'(

Maybe El Tigre changed his handle.

BJ,

Check out the post at the bottom of this linked page     (You need to Login or Register

Then read the comments posted by fellow QJrs on the following pages. We do not want a repeat

WR

Oh I understand the fascination with fishing pictures.

Every photo of a nice fish elicits in me a range of emotions – admiration for the angler and the angled (forget bears -- nothing screams ferocity and wildness like the toothy grin of a northern pike) … curiosity about the story behind the catch (What lure? How was the strike? How long the fight?) … some uncontrollable salivary response (no better way to start a campfire debate than to mischievously suggest that smallmouth tastes better than walleye) … and, truth be told, a vague twinge of envy.

That being said, to reduce one’s Quetico experience to the poundage of a stringer is to be inexplicably blind to the spiritual fervor of the place as well as the sensory blitzkrieg around you, or (to update the military lexicon), the sensory “shock and awe.”

Part of the challenge of being in Quetico is being able to keep moving – who wants to leave behind the vista surrounding you at any given moment, both on a macro and micro level? Look wide-eyed at the wide expanse … narrow the focus on whatever’s at your feet. I’m sure that’s what draws people like Spartan2 (whom I don’t know) to be perfectly and completely satisfied with bringing a camera and leaving behind the rod.

My skill with the lens is limited, but I can see in my own mind, this very moment, a range of images that for me make up the fabric of the Quetico experience … the rhythmic drips of water sliding off the paddle on each return stroke across a mirrored lake … the endless covering and emergence of a tip of a rock washed over by a wave, every two or three seconds, for all of eternity … the tenacity of a tiny pine gripping a spot of dirt in a cleft of rock … the scree piled up underneath an Agnes cliff … the haunting echo of each pictograph … the silhouette of individual pines and spruces on a far shoreline at dusk … a ground squirrel bold enough to grab a crumb … the falls of the Poet Chain … the many hues of lichen … the ….

Oh.

Wow.

I’m sorry. I got lost for a second.

The thing is, when I first began visiting Quetico, I marked each day by “events”: the 19-inch smallmouth I caught that morning … the Northern Lights I saw that night … the moose … the wolf I heard. And my litmus test for a successful day was the number of such occurrences. A day without a nice stringer was oddly diminished.

But as I got older, I realized that I was drawn more by the whole expanse – the simple “being” of the place that writers like Wallace Stegner and Rick Bass have captured so well in describing the remote corners of the American wilderness. Whether we’re conscious of it or not, that spiritual shadow calls to our ancestry.

And that “being” is captured in my opinion best not by a stringer shot or even a horizon shot captured by a wide-angle lens or those funky disposable cameras you can buy that capture the whole width of a landscape (sorry, my mind is blanking, what’s the name of them?), but on a micro level, with pictures of a split-apart rock, an insect, a pile of bones, scales and claws left by the gulls, an assortment of rusty hinges and nails, a unique-shaped pine cone, or a single, white-capped wave.

While I like to fish and I love to eat fish and I too smile extra broadly when holding an especially fine fish (Look at me! Look at me!), the fish are but a part of it. And to weigh Quetico by the weight of the fish, to judge by the numbers and to tally them like one would tally profit from a day’s work, is almost sacrilegious. (And no, I am not directing that at anybody at this forum or in my life).

In “The Unforeseen Wilderness,” Wendell Berry said it best: “To be blind to everything outside an account book is, as we have been told over and over, to be spiritually dead; it is also, as we are slowly learning, to be an accomplice in the death of the world.”

So, in closing (and sorry about the length), give me fish pictures. I love ‘em. But give me a healthy dose of trees and luna moths and portage bogs and flowers  as well. Through the eyes of these cameras and these camera holders, I relive each trip and anticipate each one ahead, too.

Thanks for reading ...

-- Kypaddler

Beautiful Pic today by the young Spartan!
(I'm sure there are fish in it too, they're just hiding.)
;)

Well said, kypaddler.  Welcome to Quiet Journey.   :)

I like this POD thread so far....

Is this not a Boundary Waters/Quetico Park forum?
Is the POD not supposed to be of the Boundary Waters/Quetico Park?
I guess we can have pics to include things along the North Shore, OR maybe the Upper Penninsula, OR why stop there? maybe the Badlands or Yellowstone. Maybe the Quiet Journey POD should include ALL vacation photos regardless of where they were taken.....

Plz stick to Quetico/BWCA, thanx

El_Tigre wrote on Aug 28^th, 2009 at 3:54pm:

Is the POD not supposed to be of the Boundary Waters/Quetico Park?

If my recollection is correct, there have been a number of PODs over the last 5 years or so which fall in the category of "on the journey to the BW/Q".  It's a relatively small portion, but captures what for some of us is an important part of the overall experience. As such, I like that db allows that flexibility.
-Tom

Kypaddler, I agree with Spartan, very nicely said.  Thanks for the post!

Hi Kypaddler, that hit the spot so I'll extend another rather rare welcome. Your post in this thread was a timely reminder for me how the BW/Q always seems able to ferret out the worst in some and the best in others. (BTW - I believe your thinking panoramma.)


Quote:

I like this POD thread so far....

Beyond what's already been mentioned, I don't so much. There's a mean, rather rude chunk of it lingering in the cat hole and an offshoot in the mod forum that continues to waste many people's time beyond my own. Unfortunately, the same human has spewed the same crap before. Why the second chance? Perhaps because I mistakenly saw some honest good lurking plus the damage was already done so allowing people to voice, vent and even find some creative humor of their own making seemed necessary.

I know almost everyone would by now would enjoy a repost of either of the two shots we've already seen of Balls_Johnson holding his stringer of eye's in the Q ...yet I think I'll save that path for another time. Hopefully there won't be one. Hmmm, I should probably follow up with a PM and fill in the mods "aina-hey". Nah, where's fun in that?

This has become a good thread to remind folks that I appreciate all the various 'heads up' type PMs I receive on any subject, even though I don't answer all of them and it may look like I've not even read some. (I consider theym FYIs) I do read and appreciate them all and often have a lot more to go on as well so normally my answer is simple action. We all tire of particular tangents and want some to be water under the bridge. Frankly, this one is such a no brainer I was willing to play a bit longer than most would like so I don't need any more PMs on it. I can take it from here - thanks.

Personally, I'm a real softy for differing opinions. It's the not so anonymous, intentional rudeness with all it's repercussions I can live w/o.

Don't mind this addition too much, I'm just trying to find some small enjoyment in adversity while touching some bases - carry on. Just remember we all leave tracks that are easy to follow if need be. That's why a few get hidden after a time and some find their way to the cathole A.S.A.P.  - they are just not good footsteps to follow.

----------

Speaking of tracks :D, I recently returned from a solo. I pack heavy and that requires three portage trips in one direction. Well, on the drier, yet muddy portage into Pickerel from Maria, I must have started my first trip with my left foot and the second with my right or vice versa because on my third trip, I noticed my right and left prints matched up for three paces in a row so well that I hadda laugh. It looked like I had been hopping. I would have taken a picture that wouldn't do it justice but the cameras went over on the second trip.

Spartan2 wrote on Aug 28^th, 2009 at 1:35pm:

Well said, kypaddler.  Welcome to Quiet Journey.   :)

Yup! That there shor is some good writin'. :D

Kill the Tiger!

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As I was strolling through the ruins of ancient Corinth a couple of weeks ago, my wife commented that paddling must have been a popular past time for quite a while now.  As she pointed to a spot behind me, I turned to find what appears in the attached photo (which was just about knee height).  I call it "Paddling with JC and the Boys."

dd

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Wally Wally Wally, LOL ;D
But as a cat lover, I think the "miscreant" is poorly represented by a cute little striped tabby cat.
The Luchador  El Tigre better suits his personality.
A masked clown with a limited grasp of what the Wilderness experience is all about  :(

dd, Thanks for the ancient paddler pic! JC had one hell of a portage crew ;)

Why thank you, db and others ...

I didn't mean to preach or pontificate ... but Quetico -- much like Kentucky's Palisades, caves, Red River Gorge and wild and scenic streams -- is a sacred place. Our ability to protect and preserve such places for our children's children and beyond hinges on our recognizing and assigning value to their spiritual attraction. God (or Mother Nature, depending upon your belief system), created some places simply to exist, and they should be allowed to do so, forever, with minimal handprints.  

That's just what I think.

-- kypaddler

Now, let's see how many fish I catch come Saturday, heh heh.

I know four people who have been to curtain falls once. Years ago after trips we'd always get together for baked trout and a slideshow and play name that spot. For some reason Curtain for me, and I expect them, remains amazingly memorable. It's no longer possible but I'd be willing to bet all four could still name that spot if they saw yesterday's and today's POD. I've learned to recognize a few other spots I've never even been to via pictures on the web but Curtain remains as THE most recognizable BW/Q place I've been to once or twice. I don't know what it is but there is just something unmistakable about it in any water level although it looks nastier in low.

We've been there twice.  And I would agree that it is memorable.  Not necessarily my favorite waterfall of all of them, but definitely memorable and powerful.  I like today's photo.  And now I'll go to the BW and catch up on the next seven or so photos when we get back.   :)

Those Curtain shots are great....Agree db, there is something unidentifiable there...and it brings one back instantly to that special place.

It reminded me of my last time to Curtain with my girls...6 yrs ago.  Come to think of it, there was just something plain weird about that day, something fishy.  Sometimes those falls can take on a nasty disposition...

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Rebeccah is another place that can always bring back memories....instantly!

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Truly spooky Wally!
Are you sure something smelled "FISHY", OR was it the musky scent of a STRANGE cat ;D

Loved the dramatic picture of Curtain Falls Randy!  db is correct, it's truely easy place to recognize.  See attached picture from "The Voyaguer Highway, Grace Lee Nute, MN Hist Society, 1944 describes:

"David Thompson's journal, July 18th 1797; He "very near upset" in a strong Current' just before reaching the portage at Curtain Falls, which he descrbes as about two hundred yards in length on the right-hand side of his route.  The unloading was "very bad" and the bank was steep.  He gives the height of the falls as twenty feet.  At nine thirty he and his people encamped for the night."

starwatcher

---

Prouty,

Were you able to free the snag? ;D

How did your/are foam lure "holder" work?
I believe I see a lure "snagged" up on it ;D

O_S and S_T -- your guys are a tough audience!  

The foam worked great.  No snags, no blood, no snarled knot of lures.  I'd say it was an improvement.  As for the snag...no way!  See the attached photo..this is what I/we were bringing in....two straight nights of walleye from the same hole.  Kinda made up for all the damn people we saw.  

But, I came home and sold the Bell Northwind.  A beautiful canoe, but too heavy.  Just bought a Souris River Quetico 17 from Redrock Outfitters.  

prouboy

---

Prouty -

If you get back to WCPP and happen to make it to Mexican Hat Lake, I'll give you the location of a walleye hole to end all walleye holes!  Four of us fished a relatively small area for maybe an hour ... I guessing we caught/released well over 100 before moving on.  They were almost all at the large end of eater size or bigger.  I wouldn't say they were active, but I made the mistake of leaving my lure dangling, partially submerged, over the side of the canoe while releasing one of my catches.  WHAM ... another 24+ incher on the line ... a quick grab saved my fishing rig!

dd

Prouty,

A PM with the exact location of this so-called waldo hole may convince me that the photo is genuine...

DentonDoc wrote on Sep 3^rd, 2009 at 2:31am:

Prouty - If you get back to WCPP and happen to make it to Mexican Hat Lake, I'll give you the location of a walleye hole to end all walleye holes!  Four of us fished a relatively small area for maybe an hour ... I guessing we caught/released well over 100 before moving on.  They were almost all at the large end of eater size or bigger.  I wouldn't say they were active, but I made the mistake of leaving my lure dangling, partially submerged, over the side of the canoe while releasing one of my catches.  WHAM ... another 24+ incher on the line ... a quick grab saved my fishing rig! dd

DD -- I'm going back next year...no route planned yet, but I'll keep in touch!

prouboy

Hey Mike, Nice photo today!!! Nothing fishy about it.  Reminds me of my usual trip and looking forward to heading out 28 days and counting.

Starwatcheg

Thanks Starwatcher -- I was inspired by your photos to try something like that!

prouboy  

Good looking fish!...and PJ. 8-)

Hopefully El Tigre gives due credit for this one!

Geesh ;) can you imagine the shoulders on the guy that has to portage that canoe????? ;D

Now THAT'S what I call a Happy Camper Pic ;D

Best day ever.  And the jug was still 1/2 full!  I think I was wondering why I was even wearing my rain gear.

anyone reading this post...go to the Pic of the day for 9/8...tell me thats not James Gandolfini of "The Sopranos".  Looks like a cover for a northwoods hit.  Where'd you dump the body PJ?

We dont dump the bodies.  We cut them up for chum.   :-*

HE lures them in with a nip from the Jug, then Badda Bing, Badda Boom, he gives them a short blast from the Pipes right behind the ear ;)
Same effect as a .22, but NO trace.
All that's left is a body wearing a big smile and a bewildered expression ;D

POD 9/10/09: Didn't know Burt Reynolds paddled the BW/Q.  :D

WiF

Good thing we practice leave no trace camping ;)

If any of you gals (or guys) want a copy of that one for your PC wallpaper just let me know.   ;)

Oh, please keep posting fish pictures!  :o

Hurry!  Get it back into the water!!!

So, is that a wonderful north county scene, or is that a "filler" picture?

I think I'll pass on the wallpaper offer.   ::)  But thanks, anyway.   ;)

I saw one of those washed way up on the beach once at Cape Hatteras after a big Nor'Easter!  It's simply amazing what the power of the sea will kick out sometimes.  Took a half-dozen of us the better part of 2 hours to haul the thing 60 yards back into the water... where it belongs!

Jimbo   8-)

Oh that's just great...an invasive specie in the BW/Q!!   ;D

I think you're all missing the artistic value of this photo.

As you can see, my work is often set in the nonspaces of third-tier wilderness, where the modern and anachronistic are both present and in tension with each other, fostering an aura of undefined out-of-place-ness.  The space defined by the rock and water already exists, and instead of observing the formation of the specific subject (albeit "fleshy"), you can see them gradually disappearing and revealing beneath a layer of skin, skivvies, and whisky.

My $0.02 anyway.

Huh :question  :-?

Well, whatever you say, PJ.  It is your $.02, after all.   ;)

PhantomJug wrote on Sep 10^th, 2009 at 4:06pm:

I think you're all missing the artistic value of this photo. As you can see, my work is often set in the nonspaces of third-tier wilderness, where the modern and anachronistic are both present and in tension with each other, fostering an aura of undefined out-of-place-ness.  The space defined by the rock and water already exists, and instead of observing the formation of the specific subject (albeit "fleshy"), you can see them gradually disappearing and revealing beneath a layer of skin, skivvies, and whisky. My $0.02 anyway.

Man your missing your calling ;)  With a line of BS like that, you should run for public office! Your state already has one COMIC in the Senate, might as well have another. You have the bottomless jug, that's about all the QUALIFICATION most of those guys seem too have in common. Your campaign motto could be: " Two Fingers from my jug, and I'll give YOUR "baby" a HUG  :o

PhantomJug wrote on Sep 10^th, 2009 at 4:06pm:

I think you're all missing the artistic value of this photo.

WHOA!

I was going to say nice physique in alabaster.  However, the last time I saw a body THAT white, it was a marble sculpture by Bernini.  

Maybe we've stumbled on a ready made remedy for global warming.  We all go outside and expose body parts that don't usually see sunshine.  That reflective quality should work as well as polar caps and glaciers.

dd

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What, no kilt? Thanks for being conservative with that exposure! ;)

Kudos to PJ for sticken some of it out there for amusement purposes only. If you don't want something stepped on....


FWIW - QJ will be running low on PODs starting about October based on degree of difficulty. An' how 'bout you, Fauna? Do you wanna?

Posting my own would be soooo much easier for me and really boring for you. Variety is always nice.

Yes, PJ has a good sense of humor.
For any Seinfeld fans out there, doesn't his "pose" on the rocks, remind you of that show, where Kramer took "risqué" pictures of George for his "secret" admirer at the Photo shop ;D
I hope PJ's exposure turns out "better" than that ::)

Uncanny...

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OK!!!! trueth be known....... who was afraid to opens todays POD  :D after yesterdays pic :-/

If you cant laugh at yourself . . .right?  I have no one to impress anymore anyway and any semblance of self respect drowned in the bottom of that nalgene a long time ago.   ::)

Nice picture down the lake today!  Can't wait to be there in two weeks and counting.

starwatcher

Nice series of shots -- where was today's taken?

Off the island campsite on the West end of Jesse.

I just KNEW that scene was familiar!  Put a moose in the distance swimming across the lake, north to south, & that's how I remember the view from that campsite.

Good pic, thx!

Jimbo   8-)

I have yet to see a moose while in the park, or a bear for that matter, except on the road to Beaverhouse. I'm usually up before sunrise and scanning the shorelines all morning but no sightings yet. My luck, they will retreat into the bush before I can get a shot if I ever do see one. See lots of wildlife on the highway, though, in early summer.

We've seen more moose on trips coming in from the north than coming up from the south.

But once in late October, coming in through Prairie Portage, we saw them seemingly everywhere: on Burke portage, North Bay shoreline, Agnes shoreline and some unnamed lake near Jeff, off top of my head. I guess once the people went home, they came out of "hiding."

Makes me wonder what the winter is like.

-- kypaddler

oh, and intriguing use of lighting and shadows in today's picture. the effect is multi-dimensional.

-- kypaddler

That's a very cool photo, Ken!

Ken,  Wonderful pictures over the past several days...especially like the father-son toast...that's what it's all about...thx!!

Thanks Sparty & Pineknot...
I have been intending to get a trip report with pics,but getting around to doing it has been difficult. For now, I just emailed some pics to DB and he's been kind enough to post 'em as PODs. Credit for the photos actually goes to my daughter-in-law; she took over 1100 photos (!) in 8 days and was able to get some really good ones.
Past POD's have set a pretty high standard. (Sparty!)

WiF

Awesome Loon Pic!!  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

El_Tigre wrote on Sep 29^th, 2009 at 1:41pm:

Awesome Loon Pic!!  [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Yes indeed! -- this has been a really great set of shots -- Thanks Ken.

Agreed.  Absolutely stunning!  I have been trying to get that shot for decades!

Nice Eagle shot today!
Seeing one so close, I'm reminded about the debate over what bird should be our National symbol.
While Franklin had valid points in wanting the WILD turkey as the symbol of our country, somehow I can't see it compared too the fierce and regal Bald Eagle.
I think Ben got that part wrong, but he was right about the EATING part, they're delicious, and NOTHING like a domestic turkey!
 

solotripper wrote on Oct 5^th, 2009 at 11:09pm:

I think Ben got that part wrong, but he was right about the EATING part, they're delicious, and NOTHING like a domestic turkey!

Yeah, but have you ever had eagle? My bet is they're kinda tasty.

I have probably 50 eagle shots, about 10 of which are really good. My daughter-in-law had a zoom lens but no tripod. She sat in the bow while I carefully and slowly maneuvered, trying to keep as still as possible. The nest is on North Bay, near the entrance to S-Chain. There was a chick in the nest; looked about ready to fledge. We were careful not to agitate Mom. Such a majestic bird, and so unforgettable when you see them in the wild.
WiF

jimmar wrote on Oct 6^th, 2009 at 1:26am:

solotripper wrote on Oct 5th, 2009 at 11:09pm:  I think Ben got that part wrong, but he was right about the EATING part, they're delicious, and NOTHING like a domestic turkey!   Yeah, but have you ever had eagle? My bet is they're kinda tasty.

The problem is getting past those talons and that sharp beak ;)

re: The problem is getting past those talons and that sharp beak

Um, you're supposed to eat the talons and beak? I thought those were just for decoration on the serving platter.

-- kypaddler

That is an awesome eagle photo today!  

Ken, That is one big snapper !

I wonder how old....any herp. comments?

Looks like that big old snapper that hangs out at the island campsite on Bentpine lk, the one with the big logging chain near fire pit!
Makes you think twice about soaking the old "tootsies" after a long hot day and some hard portaging.
I BET that old guy has had his fair share of fish dinners from people who leave fish on a stringer overnight hanging off the back of their canoes!
The big old snapper on Bentpine hangs out near the landing, every time I went for water/out in canoe/fished from shore, he would surface and give me the "EVIL" eye, no doubt waiting for his fish meal courtesy of that strange 2-legged critter on shore ;D

Well, this old timer was dozing in the sun on an island in North Bay near the entrance to the S-Chain. Wish I'd been able to put something in the pic to give perspective. Take my word for it, he was all of 3 1/2 feet from his ugly puss to the end of his nasty tail. No doubt he's helped himself to plenty of stringer-dinners from unsuspecting campers. And yes, it does make one think twice when going for a relaxing dip.
Would love to hear some ideas on the ol' boy's age...   :)

- Ken

Awesome string of POD's lately!

Any idea what lens/equipment was used to capture the shots?

Looks like a lot of nice equipment ;)

BrownTrout,
The camera was a Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi; 12 megapixels.  Can't help with the settings; I'm not the photographer. That credit goes to my daughter-in-law whom, along with my son, I was guiding on their first Quetico trip. She desperately wanted to see a moose, but I couldn't deliver. Beavers, otters, a big turtle, loons, ducks, and a variety of birds kept her happily snapping away. But the eagles had her just about leaping out of the canoe with excitement. Next summer she wants to bring a tripod and bigger zoom lens.
- Ken
 

Hold on-
I didn't think it quite possible, but your daughter-in-law took all of those great shots on one trip?? Very nice.  [smiley=thumbup.gif] [smiley=thumbup.gif]

I agree.  The photos have been amazing.  I am looking to upgrade my Canon and these are just more inspiration.  But, in the end, it is more important what is behind the camera than what equipment you have.  She has a very good eye, and she shoots a lot.  That is the key.  Masterful work.  

Spartan,
Your comments, as the resident photographer extraordinaire, are especially appreciated. My daughter-in-law truly has a gift, IMO. She is a recent grad from vet school, so she has that unique perspective when taking a photograph. She is also an extremely patient photographer, not afraid to spend an hour or more waiting. And, as you mention, she's not afraid to take A LOT of shots. We took almost 11 hours to paddle the S-Chain from Agnes to North Bay, patiently indulging her as she clicked away. And she sat for hours to get what she wanted for those eagle pics. For me, it was enlightening to see how much I was missing when I travel my normal mode.
Ken

I made a reference to this in my trip report, posted recently.  If you are going to photograph on a canoe trip, you either have to be going solo or you have to have a tandem partner who is patient and willing to aid and assist with the photography.  It takes time and sometimes extreme patience to set up for a good shot.  Especially with wildlife, or with small things.  Good composition and good exposure don't come with just snapping and shooting (except when, on occasion, you happen to get very lucky--and on occasion we all do.)

I have been blessed to have such a patient partner to work with.  Our trips didn't start out to be focused around photography.  On our first trip in 1971 I had a small Kodak Instamatic and two rolls of film (12 exposures each).  Now, when I look at that album and see what I MISSED, I am aghast!  

So I began to "need" better camera and better film and more time, better light, SLR 35mm, digital SLR, tripod, telephoto lens, etc., etc.  But if you don't fish. . . .

Photos, for me, are where it's at.  And yours (I guess I should say "hers") have been very enjoyable for all of us here.  Thanks again.

Quote:

For me, it was enlightening to see how much I was missing when I travel my normal mode.

 That's a very insightful observation. Slowing down is ideal but even if you can't, it pays too keep your head on a swivel and the noise to a minimum. Obviously you need to pay attention to your paddling path, but I've seen so many wild critters by initially catching the flash of movement out of the corner of my eye. You can't do this is you have the paddling version of " White Line Fever"

I agree, we usually see more by taking our time and being patient, but not always at that close of range (or zoom level).  And seeing with your eyes vs. getting a good picture can be definitely two different things. Good Job Hunting!

Back in early September, we had a gnarly old snapper come up out of the deep like some monster out of a horror movie and almost take a fillet out of the hand of guy washing it off in the water.

Talk about someone who jumped back from the water's edge.

(We told 'him he shrieked like a 2nd-grade girl.)

The turtle hung around for hours, poking out his head to stare at us and sniff around. He (?) was not afraid of ANYTHING.

We tossed it a few fish scraps (I know we shouldn't) but he ate 'em up and then looked at us for more.

Another turtle came in at one point, and they sort of stared at each other in a sort of stand-off for a while, and then they lunged at each other like bulls. The first turtle promptly flipped the other one on its back, and that was it: the second turtle took off.

It was fascinating.

-- kypaddler

Amphibian sumo?  ;D
WiF

We were canoeing some crown land a few years ago and our campsite had a nice 20' +/- cliff off the south side.  With our plates full of dinner we set up our chairs to eat on the top of the cliff.  A few minutes into our meal we hear something creeping up on us from behind.  We turn around to see this painted turtle on a mission coming up between us.  She walked between us and without so much as a pause did a flippin' Harry Carey right off the cliff into the water.  Just like Harrison Ford in The Fugitive.  Weirdest thing I have ever seen.

wrote on Oct 14^th, 2009 at 2:25am:

Amphibian sumo?  ;D WiF

Reptile sumo.  ;)

Are we telling tales now? I had some turtle fun. The last was after a long rainy day after which my bow paddler had an unexpected break down. I found her in tears with everything that went in the tent piled around her in the middle to avoid the half cup of water she brought in. But as I wiped up the puddle, the rain kept pouring down and in her defense, it sounded nasty in the tent.

Meanwhile a snapper was eyeing our hard won dinner and it took a couple of good whacks with the spare paddle to convince him to let go. Once  he did, he resurfaced five feet out and continued to hiss for a very long time, loud enough to be heard in the tent once the rain stopped.

The rain did eventually subside and I'm happy to report neither held a grudge although I did keep an eye out for that bad ass turtle the rest of the evening.

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