Trees in the forest are in constant competition with each other, growing higher, spreading farther, to catch more sunlight than their neighbors. Different species have adapted to different conditions, and the resulting variety of shapes and types is easily overlooked. They've all found a way to live together. This is posted in response to the…Read more Variety Underfoot
Landscape
Pluto’s Ghost
Two- hundred feet under the surface, this 45' calcite column serves as a center point for the expansive galleries and chambers that make up Luray Caverns. Named for its color, and the Roman God of the underworld, it is called "Pluto's Ghost".
Silent Winter
The muffling effect of snow, the hibernation of animals, the calm of a cold morning. The world is holding its breath waiting for the warmth to return. A snowy forest would have conveyed this nicely - but the sight of all these paddleboards waiting idly in the snow, next to a frozen river, is also…Read more Silent Winter
Advection Fog
Beautiful pic from our run this morning. 60deg warm, moist on top of the snow made for some nice advection fog views. This is on the Assabet River Rail Trail. Photo Credit - Tom Hesbach
Ice Giving Way To Fog
We've actually seen temps crack above freezing this week, and the warmer air can hold the moisture of the melting ice and snow. Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Patterns in the Ice
The frozen surface of a tidal river - the ridges and patterns that form with the push and heave of changing tides are really interesting. Almost like a terraced garden. The Arctic in minature? Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott
Ice Boats?
The sailing fleet is stranded, and there are no ice boats around to take their place. It's so rare to see this (brackish) river frozen over, I guess nobody thought they'd be needed! Photo credit - Lynn Abbott
First Snow
It's been a busy week, and I blame my kids. Every night, I've got something going on that revolves around THEIR social life, up to and including tonight, where I have to go see "The Last Jedi" - and I would totally not be doing that if it weren't for them (OK, complete sarcasm here,…Read more First Snow
Serenity
Something about this time of year makes me want to be outside. Not just for a picnic - I get a longing to throw a pack on my back and disappear into the wild for a few days. This, despite the fact I know the wind will bite, and the nights will be cold. On…Read more Serenity
Transforming
This week's photo challenge was a tricky one - how to portray change and transformation in a single shot. Where water meets land, there is an uneasy truce. Tides, storms, and the wind-driven waves are constantly altering the shoreline. It's not often visible in a given moment, but this tree bears witness. After years of…Read more Transforming
Tiny Humans
We all need a place of humility - somewhere to remind us how vast the world is, and how we are merely a part of that grandeur. Photo Credit - Lynn Abbott This was posted in response to the Daily Post Photo Challenge - "Scale". See other responses HERE. Get Out There flying-squirrel.org
Not Just A Pedestrian
I've posted this shot before, but prompted by the word "Pedestrian", I had to share it again. Taken from back in the days when I used an enormous external frame pack, this is a single-frame ode to walking, and encapsulates some of my fondest memories. Backpacking is a sublime combination of personal challenge, solitude and…Read more Not Just A Pedestrian
Windows
Most windows bring the outside in, but these are meant to project the sanctuary of the civilized world out into a storm-wracked sea. Built in 1796, the beacon in the 110-foot-tall tower of Montauk Point Light can be seen 17 nautical miles out to sea, helping ships find their way. Here, the view is northwest,…Read more Windows
Tidal Ecosystems, Layered
In Acadia National Park, Maine, the tides change as much as 12 vertical feet. Life here adapts to the timing and the twice-daily overhaul of the local environment. Mussels and sea stars stay deep, close to the permanent tide pools. Barnacles and seaweed cling to rocks, sealing in moisture when the water recedes. Snails graze…Read more Tidal Ecosystems, Layered
Flying Squirrel Outdoors 