I walk for exercise three mornings a week, carrying my iPhone because photo ops happen all the time at the park. I keep track of my walks on Map My Walk and was relieved to discover the “Pause workout” button, enabling me to stop for photos without having my pace impacted. But every so often, I take a photo walk, carrying my Nikon with telephoto lens as well as my iPhone. I don’t map those walks, as a distance that takes about 30 min. on an exercise day may take as long as an hour and a half on a photography day!
Last week, my photo walk day turned out to be cloudy with the threat of rain. I packed a plastic bag in my fanny pack to cover my camera if necessary. I wasn’t sure if I should expect much in the way of animal life, but perhaps because it still seemed like night or because there were hardly any other people, it was an excellent day, as you’ll see from the following photos. This is true soul food.
This, that and the other thing 
It’s lovely that these shots, besides being splendid anyway, all have that sense of happenstance, and unexpected discovery.
Tish, one of the things I love about walking is that I never know what I’ll spot, especially here, where wildlife is plentiful. When you realize that this park is in the middle of a large suburban city in an enormous metropolitan area, it’s quite amazing and wonderful.
janet
It’s no wonder that we have metaphors such the “walk of life” they are renewing and times of discovery. I love walking my natural areas but have found walking my neighborhood has brought about engaging relations with my neighbors as well.
Both places bring new discoveries, don’t they?
janet
Just beautiful! I’d love to find such things to photograph on my walks.
We’re blessed that this area has such an extensive and excellent park system, Debbie. I’m thankful for it every time I walk.
janet
Janet,
What a great photographer you have become. Thanks for the showing.
Randy.
Thanks so much, Randy. I really appreciate reading that. Hope your week’s off to a great start and all’s well with you and yours.
janet
Thanks. School started yesterday so it’s a frantic week, but taking a moment out helps – especially with your pics. Randy
That means a lot to me, Randy. Thanks again.
Cloudy often gives good photo opportunities. As railway photographers, whilst we loved bright light for moving trains, a cloudy day without the harsh shadows allowed the details of the running gear to show more clearly. The same is true of architectural photos. Anyway, you got some very nice nature shots – and don’t the colors just sing on a dull day!!!
They really do. I think that’s the also the difference between color photography and B&W, don’t you?
janet
You know Janet… B&W gives an alternate view and works so wonderfully when we’re looking to express ourselves. But for nature – Color is so important when displaying species. But then again… B&W is excellent for those detail shots of seed heads, etc 🙂
Good Hunting, Martin
I agree to all that, Martin.
Lucky you, what a great day for a walk. 🙂
It was, Lisa, but every day is a good day for a walk. I just don’t always see all these things. 🙂
janet
Great shots. I agree, the beauty in nature is indeed good for the soul.
Hi, Joyce. Thanks for stopping by. I know you love being in nature, too, and you have some of the most spectacular around you.
janet
I love the herons. When Barb and I were younger we rode a tandem bicycle a great deal. We traveled quietly and often started a heron. They croak like a frog when they sense danger.
On the other hand, they have no sense of weather. In one of Barry Lopez’s books he mentions a heron standing in the rain, as though hadn’t yet noticed the change in weather. 🙂
Ah, well, Scott, they are water birds, so maybe they don’t care where it’s coming from. 🙂 As for tandem bikes, one bike guy my husband talked to called them “a ticket to a divorce.” Glad you didn’t succumb!
janet
Amazing captures, Janet! What an enjoyable walk. 🙂
It was a good one, Amy. I love my exercise walks, but the photo walks are great as well.
Pretty gorgeous shots for a cloudy day. I’m like you…I even take my phone for my bike rides, in which I use map my ride. Thank goodness for the pause button. Never know when we bloggers need photos for something 🙂
The “Pause” button is invaluable. My husband uses his phone to map his rides, too. He’s over 2000 miles for this year!!
janet
Gorgeous. Soul food, indeed!
And non-fattening!
janet
You have some amazing photos. I do know what you mean, I have been known to disappear for hours when it should have been about 30 minutes. I got to the stage of setting an alarm on my iPhone so as to have some sense of time.
I tend to be task- and time-driven, so I have to not think about a certain time I have to get back (unless there’s a reason.) For photo walks, I don’t have a time limit and that’s part of the therapy. 🙂
janet
Indeed, your wonderful photos are food for the soul…There is so much to see that is amazing in this world.
Charlie, thanks for the wonderful start to my day. To do something to feed the souls of others is a goal for me, one you just let me know I’m meeting. Have a wonderful Wednesday. Off shortly for another walk.
janet
Banner day you had there. 🙂
So true, Judy. I had another one right after that, but as you’ll read when I talk about it, I only had my iPhone and no long distance capacity, so I had to enjoy mostly in person.
janet
I love your walks, Janet. You are right, that is true soul food! I will remain hungry, please bring more!
Lucile
Don’t worry, Lucile, there will always be more. 🙂
janet
I count on you always! 😀
Have a gorgeous day, Janet!
You, too, Lucile.
Thank you!
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