Lake Woodlane Attracts All Kinds

   Last Tuesday we left our Island and drove back to Chattanooga. The forecast for the trip was for 100% chance of rain, and we got it from Macon north to our destination.

   Now the Chattanooga area had already received some rain, so by the time we arrived at Woodlane (the name given to Carolyn's home place, when it was constructed back in 1971), the back of the property was already showing the beginning signs of a new lake.

   It rained on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and poured again on Saturday. Rising every day, the area covered by Saturday noon was the largest my wife could remember.

   As we watched from the dry warmth of the house on Saturday, in the midst of another downpour, I noticed some movement down by the back fence. I calculated the depth of the pond in this area was  around two feet or so. In a large gum tree, perhaps 20 feet up in the crook of a branch, a raccoon seemed to be surveying the area.

   I began to hope that he did not foresee a depth of this magnitude.

   When the cloudy day turned to night, and whenwe lost sight of our friend, he was still ensconced in his spot, but by morning light, he was gone.

   Sunday morning brought Sunshine, and a welcome relief from the previous week of water. Our duck population had increased from the two we had spotted out our window on Tuesday, to a count of 21 by the time we returned from church today. They had increased each day and were foraging all over the pond where the water levels were bringing their food to the surface.

   It seemed as though one of the mallards had taken over the organization of the flock and was giving guidance (or orders) from atop the fence. Either that or he was surveying his harem for the proper mate. There did seem to be a lot of frolicking in the pond as the number of females increased over the days.

   Not to be outdone, a large heron came to check out the meal possibilities before flying off to less crowded waters.

   It will be awhile before the waters of Lake Woodlane recede to the grass cover that is supposed to be the "normal" state, and we will see animals and birds feeding for some more days yet.

   Probably by summer we will wish for the water supplied by the rain, but for now the forecasted sunshine of the next few days will be welcomed by all.

   Well, I might have to exclude the ducks from that wish.

   They seem to be enjoying themselves out there.

 

Resignation to Delight to Chagrin..

   As many of you know, when you go out to photograph something, or you want to test a new method, you may not get what you expected.

   The other evening around 5:30, we decided to go over to Epworth (a favorite spot for sunset pictures) to see if there might be a pretty sky, and to test out a new procedure for getting more color in the shot.

   The sky was overcast, the prospects not real promising, but we went anyway with an attitude of Resignation that it might be a wasted effort.

   But at least there was the possibility of a good walk around the grounds after a lot of time in the condo the past few days.

   The weather website predicted the sunset at 6:14, and, we know that the 30 minutes before and again after a sunset, constitute the "golden time" where good photographs may appear.

   Our Resignation appeared correct as the time for the sunset approached, then arrived, and then moved off. No color, no nothing, just a gray sky with a hint of light.

   Then a small glimpse of pink in some clouds up high and to the left.

   Then, in the area of the sky immediately above the bridge on the causeway to the Island, a band of red, orange and yellow, filled the sky. It seemed that one moment it was all gray sky, the next bright color in that spot.

   Delight took over our mood.

   Grabbing my camera from the rear seat, I jumped out to get the shot. Steadying the camera frame on the side of a palm tree, I cranked out a few.

   Then the vivid color was gone. Just a slight hint remained as the sky darkened.

   Sitting in the front seat, I previewed the shots with Carolyn and discovered the bridge framed by an Orange sunset. In the camera, on the small rear screen, the shots looked good.

   In the car going home, glad that we had gone, I had a thought. My tripod was in the trunk, but I was in such a hurry to get the color, I did not take the time to get it and set it up. I hoped that the camera was steady enough against the tree that the shot would be sharp.

   As I put the shots into the computer at home later, my fears were partially recognized. The smaller the picture, the sharper the image of the bridge appeared. With magnification, I could see the lines were blurred.

   Chagrin...

   If I had only taken the time to set up the tripod....

   "Be Prepared". My mind remembered the Boy Scout motto.

   The sky was gorgeous, the colors in the shot were also.

   But a sharper image would have shown them off much better..

   Next time.....

Spring....No Way

   72 today here in Chattanooga, 69 tomorrow as a high, Thursday 76, and then.....45 as the high on Thursday. Enjoy the warm sunshine while we can.

 That ground cover that has looked kinda sad for awhile changed overnight, and the holly tree lends its Christmas cheer to a blue sky and the new little flowers.

   Sure we may have snow in March, and the weather will give us some nasty days I'm sure, but..somewhere the groundhog saw his shadow, and winter days are supposed to be limited.

   Well, shall we worry about cold weather?

   Nah, we are headed for St. Simons on this weekend.

   Sometimes there are things that need to be taken care of regardless......