Saturday, August 25, 2012

The Kolden Report: Camp and Canoe- The Long Road Home, August 25, 2012

Hi, kids!
Soon, it would be time to head for the barn. 

Regal toad.

Toads blend in so well, it's hard to see them if they don't move or blink.

Stone deposits.

Stopping by the old swimming hole to cook breakfast, we noticed all of the growth in the water.

And there was LOTS of it!

Is this the dreaded Eurasian Watermilfoil?

If it is, Fort Peck Lake is in deep, deep trouble.  The stuff is thick in the shallow bays on Macguire Creek.  I did see some tiny minnows swimming about near the choking infestation of whatever it is though.  Perhaps it's not the bad plant but the good plant? 

Goose greens.

Posy pose.

One last "dragon fly parking place".

Anyone know what these small berries are?  I am totally unfamiliar with this plant.

Identified (thanks Ruth!):  Rocky Mountain Bee Balm and yes, it's edible.  I'm going to stir fry some of the pods next time....talk about free lunch!

I see why mattresses and pillows were filled with feathers when I look at the soft down of this one.

SUPER speedy snake!

Hay...herd...hills.

OVER the fence.

Wheat field in the hills.

Golden beards.

Like money in the bank.

Back drop for a Charlie Russell painting.
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We think too small. Like the frog at the bottom of the well. He thinks the sky is only as big as the top of the well. If he surfaced, he would have an entirely different view.
Mao Tse-Tung
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The Kolden Report: Camp and Canoe - Evening Paradise, August, 25, 2012

Hi, kids!
After watching the snake and toad episode, we were ready for a boat trip. 

Distant storm clouds made me wonder if we'd get rain at home?  (We did...)
 Awash in soft light.

Silver sparkles.
Layers of light.

And yet another...dragon fly parking place.

Gentle waves.

Golden hour.

Where ya' headed, skyriders?

Hoodoos. 

Pelican parking place.

Nervous take-off.

Neat feet.

Feather perfection.

When landing, the flaps are lowered (webbed feet).

Home away from home. 

Evening glory.

Moon shadow...and a few faint stars.
Up next:  The road home.
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Surely there is something in the unruffled calm of nature that overawes our little anxieties and doubts; the sight of the deep-blue sky and the clustering stars above seems to impart a quiet to the mind.-Jonathan Edwards
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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The Kolden Report: Camp and Canoe and What's for dinner? 8-21-12

Hi, kids!
 
Once again on the lake....
 
 
 
Sometimes, it's more about what you don't see....than what you do.....
 
Branch bliss. 
 
 
Toad pose.
 

 
Respite.  The toad dug down deep in just moments, using only hind legs.  In a flash, it was all but invisible.  I kept thinking that we must be stepping on them - they blend in so well!
 
If you are squeamish.............READ NO FURTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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If you hate snakes.....READ NO FURTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Bullsnake supper.
 
 
I couldn't determine if the toad was alive yet.  At times, I thought so.  Nature is WICKED.  On the other hand, "something must die so that something might live".
 
 
Mission impossible.
 
 
Hog nose.
 
 
The "look".
 

 
Jaws unhinging?
 
 
WHOA! 
 
 
If I had to bet, based on this image...I would say the snake will NEVER be able to swallow that toad.
 
 
Eye contact.  (Reminded me of a dog, fearful that I might steal the bone it was chewing).
 
 
 
 
 

And then the hind quarters all but disappeared!   (Is that snake smiling???)
 
 
Artful feet.
 
 
I would have thought with a toad that large, the snake would appear much fatter!
 
 
Instead, the snake just had a thick middle!  Of course it couldn't turn sharply, with that big load on board....it  tried to climb up the face of this sandstone and couldn't!
 

 
It turned, following the path of least resistance....and was gone, into the tall grass. 
 
Out on the lake, gold and blue bliss.
 
 
Lone pink ray.
 
 
Seagull scout.
 
 
And then,  evening turned into night.
 
More to come!
 
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Good sayings are like pearls strung togther.  - Chinese Proverb
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