Chuck and I hit the trail in the Rocky River Reservation around 7:30 am. It was 55 degrees, the sky was perfectly blue. The morning light was golden. I headed for a marsh where I had seen wood ducks and a green heron just a day or two ago. We started off at a quick clip so Chuck could stretch her legs, but we slowed our pace when we reached the marsh. We saw mama wood ducks with their fluffy fledgelings, but the light was behind them, so I couldn’t get a good shot. They would have been just silhouettes against the bright morning light.
We walked to the far end of the water where the trail turns and the sun was behind me. We watched the Canada geese honk and beat their wings. We saw tree swallows popping in and out of a birdhouse feeding their young. I was trying to just enjoy the morning, but I was impatient for a good photo. Suddenly a muskrat ventured out of his nest and sat near us at the water’s edge. I had been hoping to get a shot of a muskrat out of the water and I excitedly snapped a few shots before he heard us and slipped into the water. The pics were no good. They were out of focus. Grrrr!
Chuck and I wandered back around the edge of the water. I decided to put the camera aside for a minute and just appreciate the light dancing on the water, the symphony of bird calls, the “good mornings” of fellow early walkers passing by. I found a spot where where the light on the water was beautiful and I had a clear view. I stood still and just waited. Before long, the wood duck and her brood swam near enough for me to see the fuzz on the ducklings backs. I grabbed a few good snaps.
They drifted away and I saw a ripple on the water. As I watched, a muskrat emerged and began tugging at a blade of grass. Chuck and I watched him intently as he puttered around in the water and then emerged getting closer and closer. I crouched next to Chuck and got a couple decent photos. The little guy kept moving ever nearer. Finally, I gave up taking pictures and just held on to Chuck’s harness. We both watched in wonder as the muskrat came out of the water and walked within two feet of us. He grabbed a bunch of green leaves and moved, unhurriedly, back into the water. It was kind of magical.
I realized that, as much as I love to get a great photo, I love my hikes and my time with my dog even more. I don’t want to be frustrated or disappointed if I don’t get a great shot. It’s not a contest. I win just by getting up each morning and getting out there. I guess life is much the same. If you push too hard and pit yourself against some imagined idea of perfection, you will tie yourself in knots and your results won’t be the best they can be. On the other hand, if you just focus on enjoying what you are doing, you will get more joy out of life and your performance will probably be the better for it.
Click on any image below to launch the gallery and view all images full size.
1 comment
This is a beautiful website, but your dog looks terrifying!