On Trail With Nibi Mocs

The 5:00 alarm was just too early — I’d been up way too late blogging the night before. I nestled down in the covers, John Shaw’s mantra running through my head… “Don’t be late for work!”. Well, John, this nature photographer was going to be late this morning. Finally managing to roll out of bed, I had a quick breakfast and got my gear down to the beach. No mist, no clouds, still quite a breeze and a chop on the lake. It was shortly after 6 when I pushed my canoe from shore. Later than I’d planned but I was still the only person in sight.

Several loons dotted the surface of the lake, most staying top-side, only occasionally diving. A couple let me get within photographic range, one even sitting up on tail, flapping wings.

While another bobbed in the water close by.

After taking several photos, I left the loons in peace and cruised the shoreline of the narrow lake. I saw several deer, including this spike buck.

Irises growing on shore were beautifully reflected in the lake, among the lily pads.

An old, photogenic boat was pulled up in the weeds.

I also spotted more herons including this one who was more interested in fishing than in what I was doing.

I missed the lunge for the fish. But caught the ruffled feathers after he shook the water off.

So-so pose, great background.

Nicer, more active pose, not so good background.

Another loon popped up very close to my canoe — with the sun behind him though! I moved the canoe around to get better lighting but he was further away

A couple of views of the resort from the lake.

It’s mid-day now so the lighting’s not very good (and the wind is stronger). I’m going to nap for awhile. I’ll be doing more shooting towards evening, when the light is better. Sure hope the wind dies then too.

Tags: boating, canoeing, Common Loon, Great Blue Heron, lake, lake views, minnesota, natuer, outdoors, Park Rapids, Photography, scenery, Sleeping Fawn Resort and Campground, Stocking Lake, water, White Tail Deer, wildlife

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 1st, 2009 at 1:43 pm and is filed under My Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.