Johnny Panther Quests. Ecotours

You will see this scene often if you read these much. It is one of my favorite places, my church, if you will. To reflect, dream, and ponder life's pleasures and hardships. When the wind is blowing overhead, it is like a huge generator, recharging that which is run down in me. Being able to share it is one of my life's rewards.

If you look closely, you can see the fawn at the waters edge. This was a dramatic day, with the wind blowing 20 m.p.h., gusting to 30 m.p.h. White caps in the "wide part", and the relative calm of this tributary were a sharp contrast.

Fifth of July morning. I spent the night at the marina, because I had a trip leaving bright and early.

I slept on the boat Saturday night, the air was heavy, the cayotes were howling, and the muskrats were chattering and splashing. It was quite an evening. This is what I awoke to Sunday morning.

The dawn of a new day of adventure. Beginning my third day in a row on the water.

A lone snowy egret fishing a shallow pool.

I pretty much ran the whole spectrum of emotions this holiday weekend. It has taken me a while to find a way to temper it, and put some of it into words. From joy to sorrow, companionship to loneliness. I shared a BigMac with my Dad Friday night, and ate stale donuts on Sunday morning. We are offered many paths in life, and although I pride myself and my sense of direction(geographically speaking), I've definitely taken some difficult routes.

I have a few seats left on my afternoon tour, with a possible added trip down to watch the fireworks. We will be in the "big boat", and with the wind and water it should make for a pretty incredible day. If you want to go, call after 9am on the 4th. I am smiling as I think back at some of my Independence Days past. All of which include smiles, stitches, skiing, and really good food.

I went out for a recon at Bulldog's Motorcycle Club a couple of weeks ago. I was hoping to do a little riding, but unfortunately they got more rain than we did. Not wanting to trash my equipment, or the recently smoothed out track(bummer for me, I like it rough), I left my bike in the truck.

I took a walk around the grounds and was fortunate to see an indigo bunting. Not long after I had a hawk swoop down in front of me from the woods without a sound. I wonder if it was the same one I saw last year trying to make a woodpecker his dinner.

My old boss always told me, "He who hesitates is lost." On this day, it proved true, had I gone riding the day before, the track was perfect. Yesterday, I followed his advice, and put in a couple of motos. The dirt was perfect, but I rode alone. I arrived too late, and everyone was done riding. The plan was to go out and ride today. It is raining now, will the track be good? I will head out again with hopes of rubbing elbows with some friends, and working out some stress and frustration on my "mistress of the dirt".

There are many paths to choose from within our travels, this is one of my favorites.

Like an enchanted forest, a place where dreams are lived.

Drawing us deeper into the heart and soul of the Shiawassee Flats.

A place of solitude and reflection.

Sometimes teasing of paths taken, which are only memories now.

New horizons, and adventures yet to come.

The way can sometimes be vast and deceptive.

Like snakes in the rocks.

This Eastern Fox Snake is indiginous to Mt Clements and the Shiawassee Flats, and more specifically, the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.

It is considered an endangered species, and is relatively harmless, even with it's dramatic markings.

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An eagle perhaps looking for a dinner of an endangered species.

Eventually the horizon's glow ripens with the rich memories and adventures from another new day.

It beckons my return with it's last grasp, to the place I love so much