The Odyssey of Grog -- Chapter 2.

The Grog surfaces ever so briefly at a construction site in Rockville, MD! (it is believed he travels through the sewers.) Workers scrambled for safety, terror in their eyes. However, after a loud snarling growl he cleaned out the "roach coach" and was gone.

I remain ever vigilant.

Peace.

The Place Down the Lane.

Kodachrome 64... No More...

It was inevitable, really. The Godfather of transparency films is being snuffed out! Kodachrome will no longer be available after this Fall. (Story)

Kind of a shame. But oh well... a photographer continues moving on. Bigger, badder sensors, and custom curves and all that.

But just for old times sake here's a shot of my big brother with a "trophy" bass from the Greenbrier River in WV. (ca 1973.) Good times. Great film.

"Kodachrome... they gives us those nice bright colors, gives us the greens of summer, makes you think all the world's a sunny day... Oh yeah."

Cheers.

Complimentary

Have you ever noticed how many red shirts or jackets appear in photographs of people out enjoying nature? No accident. Red, being a pretty dominant and powerful color, also happens to be the complimentary (opposite) color of green. Aesthetically, there are few things more pleasing then seeing a vivid splash of red in a verdant forest.

In fact, in the '50s and '60s National Geographic photographers often carried with them red scarves or shirts for use when the color didn't happen to be around "naturally." (That practice, today, is frowned upon but likely not strictly enforced... if you know what I mean!)

Every now and then you do get lucky, though. I was making my rounds down at the canal yesterday when in the distance I saw this fellow on a bike headed my way. I quickly got myself into position, composed the shot, then waited for him to enter the scene.

Looking at it now, I think I should have laid flat on the ground. This would have eliminated the light brown path he's riding on. It's a bit of a distraction I think. Ah well, next time!

Cheers.

The Odyssey of Grog -- Chapter 1.

This is Grog. (Or so I've named him.) As you can see, he appears to be in a sour mood. Best to give him a wide berth if you happen upon him. He can pop up anywhere.

Today he was seen at Great Falls. After having just finished devouring a baby deer, he jumped up on this ledge gave a threatening growl and bounded off into the wilds; gone as quickly as he came.

Keep your eyes peeled!

An Old Friend.

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

This is one of my favorite birds from a recent outing down at one of my favorite hangouts. You can find them in the marshes and swamps, and along the shorelines and tideflats from California to Maine and from the Mississippi to the Rio Grande. It's a fascinating creature.

Cheers.

Stormy Weather.

"Severe thunderstorm warning in effect for your area."

The summer fun begins!