Yesterday I took a short day trip to The Great Falls National Park. It’s about fifteen minutes on a late morning drive.
It’s summertime and I’m off work. I went alone. My companions were both working.
The park had lots of visitors, though not overbearingly so. Everyone was friendly. Locals and tourists all looked the same.
I casually took my camera, leaving my tripod and special lenses behind. I wanted to take in the experience as widely as I could. Focused on photography often leaves me with a very narrow memory.
Walking into the woods requires a patience of mind, a willingness to just sit and wait for all the little inhabitants to reveal themselves.
All the fallen logs and branches, weeds, leaves, and wildflowers provide ample places to hide.
I followed a path along a side stream. The water was mostly peaceful with congregations of rocks and boulders creating little dams and mini falls.
Sitting quietly, I saw many little skipper butterflies. Some looked as if they were having foreplay. Damselflies were everywhere. The blue tailed and green tailed were easiest to spot. One with dark black wings kept popping up. One large yellow Swallowtail landed in the mud and probed around.
Out of the corner of my eye I spotted movement many times. When I turned to look I saw the royal blue end of a five-lined skink. Three times they got away, too quick for any picture. I was far too clumsy to capture one.
The only reptile picture I took was of a tiny frog – well camouflaged. Rather than run, he froze.
I had to watch my watch for my time was limited. Later in the day I had other duties to attend.
I found peace with my short get-away, though my pictures were only mediocre.
movingforwardslowly 