tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88301772272254388022024-02-19T10:19:56.376-05:00Recycled PhotonsMevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.comBlogger2511125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-58112596476038367422022-01-29T21:52:00.002-05:002022-01-31T08:18:42.451-05:00First Day Hike - Mid January VersionWay back in 2021, a group of us headed out in the the New Jersey Pinelands, scouting out a potential route for a <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/12/first-day-hike-thanksgiving-edition.html" target="_blank">First Day Hike</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Well the first day came, Patty and I were in <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2022/01/go-blue.html" target="_blank">Florida</a>, and back in New Jersey the weather was craptastical, so the hike was postponed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Until January 23rd. A cold but otherwise gorgeous day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which meant Patty and I could join in on the fun! Woo Hoo!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-fMtRKPN/0/a643c5fa/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2046-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-fMtRKPN/0/a643c5fa/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2046-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our fearless, mostly, leader Terry, and her brother from another mother (and father) Tom.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-88SJ8d3/0/ef87fb4d/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2050-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-88SJ8d3/0/ef87fb4d/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2050-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>We wandered down old sand road. Where by old it means from the 1940s. Older than all us hikers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-62CT2bp/0/5492a8e0/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2053-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-62CT2bp/0/5492a8e0/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2053-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>At which point we turned down another sand road, provenance unknown. Spoiler alert: it's sand roads all the way around.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-tFhqRm9/0/07cf892b/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2059-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-tFhqRm9/0/07cf892b/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2059-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Except for this bit. The sand road was bisected by this watercourse. The logs in the background a bridge we, where we were mainly Joe, a retired carpenter who helps maintain the Batona Trail these days, 'built' to cross.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only five of us were brave enough to cross. Our previously fearless leader was not one of the five.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-7ZcZxR6/0/a511c099/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2060-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-7ZcZxR6/0/a511c099/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2060-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And off we went down a sand road covered with pine needles.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-KnMGHHh/0/96dc6bc8/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2064-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-KnMGHHh/0/96dc6bc8/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2064-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Along the way we spotted the remnants of a number of Earthstars. A type of fungi.</div><div><br /></div><div>Patty likes <a href="https://blog.mycology.cornell.edu/2014/06/03/twinkly-earthstars/" target="_blank">Earthstars</a>. (So do I.)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-q5NfFZN/0/e35865b1/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2083-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-q5NfFZN/0/e35865b1/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2083-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Eventually we made it to the beach, one of many such along the Wading River.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-ZKFpBTT/0/2eabc0a5/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2077-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-ZKFpBTT/0/2eabc0a5/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2077-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Not your typical beach attire. That's Joe, of bridge building fame, on the left.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-VSMr6VB/0/6b6062ea/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2084-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-VSMr6VB/0/6b6062ea/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2084-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>A picturesque tree. On a warmer day a spot to sit and dangle one's toes in the stream.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-bwjpfHP/0/88aba28c/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2086-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-bwjpfHP/0/88aba28c/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2086-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Picturesque in the other direction as well. On weekends in the summer it would be crowded with kayakers. Some of us hikers, myself included, have been a part of the crowd.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-XbFKMZz/0/4f579cf9/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2106-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-XbFKMZz/0/4f579cf9/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2106-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div>On the way back we passed by what remains of the original Evans Bridge. A bridge Joe had no hand in the construction of. At least as far as I know he didn't. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-dTSvrMQ/0/d08614c1/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2108-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-dTSvrMQ/0/d08614c1/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2108-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We exited the woods just south of the aforementioned Batona Trail. Joe may have had a hand in the construction and-or maintenance of these bridges. </div><div><br /></div><div>We then headed back to the cars for a bit of refreshments, shrimp, a variety of cheeses and meats, yummy lemon bars, chips and dip, among other stuffs. And took turns sitting on Terry's accordion chair.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DL3Sv5M/0/f93ea9ca/X2/i-DL3Sv5M-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DL3Sv5M/0/f93ea9ca/X2/i-DL3Sv5M-X2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy Terry Schmidt</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A good time was had by all.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-11518621981079281212022-01-29T21:49:00.001-05:002022-01-29T21:51:44.331-05:00Ice Bells<p>During our time at the beach along the Wading River, we discovered some interesting ice formations.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-WnmxfPM/0/cde6145a/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2081-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-WnmxfPM/0/cde6145a/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2081-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />They looked like bells. Which raises the question, how did they form.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-fNDgsBZ/0/5b32ed40/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2093-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Jersey/NJ-Pine-Barrens/i-fNDgsBZ/0/5b32ed40/X4/SteveMattan_20220123_2093-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There were other, similar forms, most just a little to far for close up shots. In a variety of bell like and non-bell like shapes.<div><br /></div><div>My best guess as to why they look like bells is that as moisture condensed out of the air, it did so on strands of the moss hanging down. And as it condensed gravity pulled it down, so that most of it froze on the bottom. But why did it end where it does? And why the bell shape? My hypothesis is that there was a layer of ice on top of the stream, it was still there in other spots nearby, so the water would hit that layer of ice and then spread out. Freezing in the 'cone' shape that forms the 'bell'. But why the 'cap' at the top of the cone? I have no idea. A puzzlement.</div><div><br /></div><div>And another bit of ice that makes me smile.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-84696147952754879402022-01-29T21:48:00.000-05:002022-01-29T21:48:43.304-05:00Little - Big<p>Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers are very <a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Downy_Woodpecker/species-compare/68929231" target="_blank">similar in appearance</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-cGCfR46/0/ddd7f947/X4/SteveMattan_20220128_2583-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-cGCfR46/0/ddd7f947/X4/SteveMattan_20220128_2583-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So much so one would be forgiven for thinking Downys were just young Hairys.</div><div><br /></div><div>They're not.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-3hsWr6c/0/f8298c6d/X4/SteveMattan_20220128_2591-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-3hsWr6c/0/f8298c6d/X4/SteveMattan_20220128_2591-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The main difference is size. Which is why it is so nice when they show up on the same tree.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-64566042502391815412022-01-29T21:46:00.001-05:002022-01-29T21:47:40.486-05:00Icy Colors<p>The front <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2022/01/icy-bubbler.html" target="_blank">bubbler</a> was not the only thing freezing over.</p><p>The Fish Pond has as well.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Optical-Phenomena/i-46gkFxH/0/cbfc8474/X4/SteveMattan_20220111_1992-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Optical-Phenomena/i-46gkFxH/0/cbfc8474/X4/SteveMattan_20220111_1992-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />When we moved in Dennis, the prior owner told me that it was important to have some open water for the fish. And he left us a heater to put in the filter box.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Optical-Phenomena/i-J2FGGjT/0/d4e6dbcb/X4/SteveMattan_20220112_1994-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Optical-Phenomena/i-J2FGGjT/0/d4e6dbcb/X4/SteveMattan_20220112_1994-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>Most years, that is enough to keep an area around the filter box ice free. Not this year however.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Optical-Phenomena/i-MCmzNbV/0/55d7705e/X4/SteveMattan_20220112_1999-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Optical-Phenomena/i-MCmzNbV/0/55d7705e/X4/SteveMattan_20220112_1999-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thus I've been smashing the ice to open up that zone. One enjoyable side effect of which has been the interesting optical effects, highlighted by the colors.<div><br /></div><div>It's the little things that make me smile.</div><div><br /></div><div>And apparently icy things.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-60652375168673923662022-01-29T21:43:00.001-05:002022-01-29T21:45:21.499-05:00Sky Circles<p>While driving down the road the other day I, not surprisingly, looked up in the sky</p><p>And saw some circles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Clouds/i-vr2Bc2B/0/329a63ac/XL/SteveMattan_20220115_2015-XL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="800" height="191" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Clouds/i-vr2Bc2B/0/329a63ac/XL/SteveMattan_20220115_2015-XL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Like the circle in the <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2022/01/yet-another-lunar-halo.html" target="_blank">Yet Another Lunar Halo</a> post, these circles are the result of water in the atmosphere, in this case contrails. Contrails of planes likely circling the Philadelphia airport.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Clouds/i-XLMN8jD/0/5b943e34/XL/SteveMattan_20220115_2018-XL.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="800" height="242" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Clouds/i-XLMN8jD/0/5b943e34/XL/SteveMattan_20220115_2018-XL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This second image shows a pale Sundog, the bright spot in the upper center, to the right of the overexposed Sun. And the bright spot on the contrail circle, below the Sundog, is a fragment of the 22° Halo, the type of halo shown around the Moon.MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-17810638122346784602022-01-29T21:42:00.000-05:002022-01-29T21:42:30.595-05:00Icy Bubbler<p>It has been cold around these parts of late. Rarely getting much above freezing, often in the teens Fahrenheit, and occasionally in the single digits.</p><p>And the front bubbler bird bath has frozen completely solid at times.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Home/i-HwxPrRv/0/5a79a547/X2/SteveMattan_20220114_2011-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Home/i-HwxPrRv/0/5a79a547/X2/SteveMattan_20220114_2011-X2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Well almost completely solid. Seems there is still a bit of liquid water.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Home/i-z9RPzTW/0/b2c04334/X2/SteveMattan_20220114_2013-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Home/i-z9RPzTW/0/b2c04334/X2/SteveMattan_20220114_2013-X2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And whenever there is then if there is enough sunlight hitting the solar panel, the water flows.<br /><div><br /></div><div>And for some reason, that makes me smile.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">🙂</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-38580271282588136462022-01-14T22:02:00.000-05:002022-01-14T22:02:28.912-05:00Yet Another Lunar Halo<p>I can't get enough of these things.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Atmospherics/i-phRxjZK/0/433c5107/X2/SteveMattan_20220113_2005-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Atmospherics/i-phRxjZK/0/433c5107/X2/SteveMattan_20220113_2005-X2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And despite the folklore, there were no storms the next day.MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-75265183220322673822022-01-11T12:35:00.000-05:002022-01-11T12:35:01.866-05:00They Need a Shovel<div>And hands to use it.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2022/01/snow-birds.html" target="_blank">Snowbirds</a> post I mentioned that the Mourning Dove went hungry.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RVDmQ6b/0/X4/i-RVDmQ6b-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RVDmQ6b/0/X4/i-RVDmQ6b-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And noted the birds seemed confused in the <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2022/01/messy-garden.html" target="_blank">Messy Garden</a> post.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3bt38sz/0/X4/i-3bt38sz-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3bt38sz/0/X4/i-3bt38sz-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>You know that feeling when you go to a favorite restaurant anticipating a nice meal and find it to be closed?<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3kSjBWG/0/X4/i-3kSjBWG-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3kSjBWG/0/X4/i-3kSjBWG-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Yeah it was that. Only for birds.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-7626556064387026372022-01-10T22:17:00.001-05:002022-01-11T11:48:26.623-05:00Go Blue<div>We went to Florida for the week between Christmas and New Year's. Patty's <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/08/we-did-it.html" target="_blank">brother Doug</a> and his wife Natalie recently bought a <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2022/01/what-difference-week-makes.html" target="_blank">house</a> in Palm Bay, Florida, which is just south of Cape Canaveral. </div><div><br /></div><div>And one activity was a trip to the Orange Bowl for the first round of the college football playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-8LJdT2N/0/8dcf4d9b/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1858-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-8LJdT2N/0/8dcf4d9b/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1858-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Spoiler Alert: They did not go far.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-VpKL7Hx/0/370ed317/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1852-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-VpKL7Hx/0/370ed317/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1852-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We got there a bit on the early side. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pros: plenty of parking and no lines at the still clean porta-potties.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-J8s9DtZ/0/dfb53a5b/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1853-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-J8s9DtZ/0/dfb53a5b/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1853-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And plenty of space in the grilling field.<div><br /></div><div>Cons: We were so early we ran out of beer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-VG2rfp8/0/6d4a7f78/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1855-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-VG2rfp8/0/6d4a7f78/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1855-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So we headed on over to the Fan Fest. Where six beers and one water cost over $80. There was a bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-7ftMThz/0/8f0985ca/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1857-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-7ftMThz/0/8f0985ca/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1857-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a tunnel. The Ronald L. Book Pedestrian Tunnel to be specific. At first my thoughts were that the tunnel was named in Mr. Book's honor; what one had to do to have a tunnel named after them; and how proud his mom must be. But after a quick web search I discovered that Ronald L. Book is a law firm that specializes in lobbying. So the law firm bought the naming rights to a tunnel. I could see that meeting: "well team, the naming rights to the stadium are taken, but there is a tunnel available." And they said "yeah, let's do it!". And that is kinda sad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I still wonder how proud Ron's mom must be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">🏈 🏈 🏈 🏈 🏈</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Patty's family are Michigan folk. Her grandfather was a <a href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/3343444-Philip-A-Duey" target="_blank">Professor of Voice</a> and <a href="https://ummgc.org/history" target="_blank">Music Director of the Men's Glee Club</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-JgvTR77/0/d7c4a38f/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1948-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-JgvTR77/0/d7c4a38f/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1948-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The only Michigan gear I had was the mask I wore throughout the game (except when drinking very expensive beers). And we are in the absolute last row in the building.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-w6rwLLx/0/8cb96b16/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1957-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-w6rwLLx/0/8cb96b16/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1957-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>While enjoying those beers (and they had a nice selection, along with Bud Light) we were entertained by the Michigan Marching Band. Curiously the Georgia Band did not perform. Worse, neither band performed at halftime. Instead a country act (that Patty's sister Suey actually likes) played through the stadium sound system. It was awful.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-vzRg89h/0/5deae532/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1958-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-vzRg89h/0/5deae532/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1958-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The "Animal House" moment at the end of the performance. Alas, this would be a metaphor for the game, with Michigan marching into the wall that was Georgia.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-6L2gFdk/0/e3bd2613/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1953-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-6L2gFdk/0/e3bd2613/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1953-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>ESPN was in the house. Have floor will travel.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-wKwhQg7/0/f4966ac9/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1960-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-wKwhQg7/0/f4966ac9/X4/SteveMattan_20211231_1960-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was a Michigan fan by association, but really was just hoping for an entertaining game. It was not a good game. Final score Georgia 34 - Michigan 11. And it wasn't that close. The ride home was not a joyous one. <div><br /></div><div>But I crossed Major Bowl Game and College Football Playoff Game off my bucket list. Of course, I had to add them to my bucket list as I don't really follow college football. </div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-6940024319356880822022-01-10T22:16:00.000-05:002022-01-10T22:16:56.137-05:00Snow BirdsFriday morning we woke to a winter wonder land.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-CXnvx5p/0/7905c750/X4/SteveMattan_20220107_2356-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-CXnvx5p/0/7905c750/X4/SteveMattan_20220107_2356-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And the American Robins, looking for food, descended upon the Crabapple tree.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-cB6K7fj/0/f6e4b024/X4/SteveMattan_20220107_2362-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-cB6K7fj/0/f6e4b024/X4/SteveMattan_20220107_2362-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And they found it.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-GMqwvHs/0/69a77616/X4/SteveMattan_20220107_2395-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-GMqwvHs/0/69a77616/X4/SteveMattan_20220107_2395-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Which can't be said for the Mourning Dove.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-74023875115056163072022-01-10T22:14:00.003-05:002022-01-10T22:16:11.409-05:00Thoughts of Warmer Times<div>On day this past June I spotting this red patch in the Crabapple tree out my office window.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-qpjMCFg/0/23f0db0f/X4/SteveMattan_20210604_3511-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-qpjMCFg/0/23f0db0f/X4/SteveMattan_20210604_3511-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And work went on hold.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-2pNFkqv/0/e42166b6/X4/SteveMattan_20210604_3472-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-2pNFkqv/0/e42166b6/X4/SteveMattan_20210604_3472-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>A young Northern Cardinal. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-SLp8RwC/0/ce6ad1d5/X4/SteveMattan_20210604_3489-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-SLp8RwC/0/ce6ad1d5/X4/SteveMattan_20210604_3489-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And as I was watching a young Great-crested Flycatcher made an appearance.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-P7jQ5SW/0/85475fe4/X4/SteveMattan_20210604_3467-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-P7jQ5SW/0/85475fe4/X4/SteveMattan_20210604_3467-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>A nice interlude between work tasks. </div><div><br /></div><div>And something to dream of these cold dark days. </div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-54263008651454925362022-01-10T22:14:00.002-05:002022-01-10T22:15:34.354-05:00Snow Bird<div>Fast forward some months ...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-nfX8GmT/0/8bde7f27/X4/SteveMattan_20220107_2389-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-nfX8GmT/0/8bde7f27/X4/SteveMattan_20220107_2389-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I wonder if it is the same <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2022/01/thoughts-of-warmer-times.html" target="_blank">Northern Cardinal</a>. <div><br /></div><div>And I wonder if it's dreaming of warmer times?</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-70858573632040121642022-01-08T00:03:00.001-05:002022-01-08T00:03:40.939-05:00What a Difference a Week Makes<p>This morning I took this picture looking out the window over my work laptop:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Home/i-gvsrSbq/0/84f480ba/X2/SteveMattan_20220107_1980-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Home/i-gvsrSbq/0/84f480ba/X2/SteveMattan_20220107_1980-X2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p>(You might recall the <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/01/look-up-in-sky_2.html" target="_blank">image on the laptop.</a>)</p><p>I took this picture last week, of Patty's nephew Stephen 'working from home':</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-whWxDZT/0/9fdaf371/X4/SteveMattan_20211230_1825-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-whWxDZT/0/9fdaf371/X4/SteveMattan_20211230_1825-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This morning:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Home/i-qqPQJf5/0/c9bbc011/X2/SteveMattan_20220107_1987-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Home/i-qqPQJf5/0/c9bbc011/X2/SteveMattan_20220107_1987-X2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Last week:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-LqHhBdc/0/0ff83b76/X4/SteveMattan_20211224_1728-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/Florida-Xmas-Week-2021/i-LqHhBdc/0/0ff83b76/X4/SteveMattan_20211224_1728-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">❄️ 🏝 ❄️ 🏝 ❄️</span></div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-60870518207487979962022-01-08T00:03:00.000-05:002022-01-08T00:03:22.373-05:00Messy Garden<p>One of the benefits of gardening for wildlife is that the amount of yard work is significantly reduced. A trivial example is every square meter of garden is one less square meter to mow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-zsX2wP9/0/04d3237f/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2203-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-zsX2wP9/0/04d3237f/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2203-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Another maintenance job we no longer do is cut down the dead plants in the fall.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-rMvN8NX/0/bc4dbd91/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2204-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-rMvN8NX/0/bc4dbd91/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2204-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And this is one of the reasons why.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-hKbnmqn/0/492d896b/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2205-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-hKbnmqn/0/492d896b/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2205-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see we had a bit of snow.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-Z3LJZz8/0/f9587d85/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2206-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-Z3LJZz8/0/f9587d85/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2206-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And the bird feeders were all snow covered. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-hhtvdQf/0/2758ff80/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2225-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-hhtvdQf/0/2758ff80/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2225-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The birds were confused.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-pSvLC2w/0/b50d7f7a/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2226-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-pSvLC2w/0/b50d7f7a/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2226-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But there was still food available.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-7f5M5hv/0/eeb23c7a/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2227-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-7f5M5hv/0/eeb23c7a/X4/SteveMattan_20220103_2227-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And this Chipping Sparrow was out my office window happily munching away at native grass seeds.<div><br /></div><div>Which is another benefit of gardening for wildlife, benefiting the wildlife.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-72057209701792383832022-01-05T21:08:00.000-05:002022-01-05T21:08:39.748-05:00The Sky Was Angry This Morning ... <p>But it didn't last.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Clouds/i-n2bk96c/0/a408c1af/XL/SteveMattan_20220105_1979-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Clouds/i-n2bk96c/0/a408c1af/XL/SteveMattan_20220105_1979-XL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And the impending ice storm passed us by.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Clouds/i-9M53VFV/0/c318b9df/XL/SteveMattan_20220105_1978-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Clouds/i-9M53VFV/0/c318b9df/XL/SteveMattan_20220105_1978-XL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It was pretty cool looking though.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-61055386354324644822021-12-25T07:35:00.000-05:002021-12-25T07:35:39.980-05:00Truckin' Santa<p>Not the traditional mode of transport ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Random-Stuff/i-8xFHTwT/0/780d2f8a/X2/SteveMattan_20211219_1587-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Random-Stuff/i-8xFHTwT/0/780d2f8a/X2/SteveMattan_20211219_1587-X2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">MERRY CHRISTMAS!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">🎄 🎅🏼 🎄 🎅🏼 🎄</span></p>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-34446132868803249992021-12-23T20:54:00.001-05:002021-12-25T07:50:48.859-05:00Mt Washington - Part 2<p>In the <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/12/mt-washinton-part-i.html" target="_blank">Mt Washington - Part 1</a> post I mentioned that both the Cog Railway and the Mt Washington Observatory would play a big role in our White Mountains adventure.</p><p>Our plan was to hike up the Valley Way Trail, taking the AMC shuttle bus from the <a href="https://www.outdoors.org/destinations/massachusetts-and-new-hampshire/" target="_blank">Highland Center Lodge </a>to the trailhead in the morning. We'd spend the night at the Madison Spring Hut and cross over to Mt Washington the next day. And we'd spend the night at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. And then make our way back down to the Highlands Center Lodge.</p><p>As they say about the best laid plans ...</p><p>The weather forecast for our hike up called for torrential downpours. Highly non-optimal. The next day called for thunderstorms. Quite undesirable for a stroll above the tree line. What to do?</p><p>It was Patty who figured it out. Take the Cog Railway up! But how to get there? The shuttle bus! The bus does not go to the Cog Railway. But it does go to a nearby trailhead. Where nearby was less than a mile. Problem solved. We canceled our stay at the Madison Hut, booked another night at the Highlands Lodge, and enjoyed a day of local hiking and relaxing at the lodge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-ZBPNsjw/0/303b688a/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9652-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-ZBPNsjw/0/303b688a/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9652-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On our walk up to the railway station we passed the original coal powered engine, Peppersass. It is occasionally fired up for a ride to the top.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-D4cPMQq/0/6391b99a/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9655-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-D4cPMQq/0/6391b99a/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9655-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Our train had a biodiesel engine. Much more efficient and environmentally friendly.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-HRbHNcP/0/520e46b2/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9653-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-HRbHNcP/0/520e46b2/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9653-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was popular. Three trains, all filled up. With hourly departures. We arrived early enough to take the 10 o'clock train, despite having tickets for the 11 am trip. We got the last two seats.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-KLN7T3S/0/b87c787b/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9658-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-KLN7T3S/0/b87c787b/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9658-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our seats were separated, Patty in the front row, me in the second. Which meant we could hear the conductor as he narrated the journey, mixing history with what was happening. Here we are approaching a switch for passing lanes. In the distance is a water tower. The coal engines would need to stop and refill there. The new engines just roll on by.</div><div><br /></div><div>I mentioned in the Part I post that the average temperature at the top was 35° F. The conductor told us this, and that the record high was 72° F. As we headed up it was already 66° F. Alas, a new record was not set.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>Our friend Liz sent this picture from when she rode the train to the top, not quite as warm that day.</i></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rkzZPQT/0/1711713d/X2/i-rkzZPQT-X2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rkzZPQT/0/1711713d/X2/i-rkzZPQT-X2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image courtesy Liz Schaefer.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The ticket is a round trip, but we planned to spend the night and walk down.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-5cDQ6mm/0/203b6ff2/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9660-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-5cDQ6mm/0/203b6ff2/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9660-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Bye bye train!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-945CbqW/0/d679e3a1/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9667-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-945CbqW/0/d679e3a1/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9667-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The "white splotch" just right of center is train station from where we started. And while warm, you can see it is still cloudy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-FHrwL87/0/af16c378/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9678-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-FHrwL87/0/af16c378/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9678-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The building in the distance is where we are headed, our home for the night. And yep, shorts and t-shirt weather.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-CWPGPkQ/0/fe6719b4/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9668-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-CWPGPkQ/0/fe6719b4/X4/SteveMattan_20210812_9668-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Our path to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. A bit on the rocky side.</div><div><br /></div><div>The night at the lodge was a warm one. I slept in the bunk closest to the window, and the window was open all night. And I slept in shorts and a t-shirt. Outside my sleeping bag most of the night.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-pqVPgjG/0/b197b49e/X4/SteveMattan_20210813_9728-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-pqVPgjG/0/b197b49e/X4/SteveMattan_20210813_9728-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The next morning was a clear day! Woo hoo! That's Mt Washington in the background. It was a very nice, albeit quite humid, hike back to the Highlands Center. But that's a story for another time.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-82725234322103374522021-12-23T20:53:00.000-05:002021-12-23T20:53:01.046-05:00Hiding Place<div>As Winter approaches, and is now here, we shut down the filter system for the fish pond. Cutting off the water to the waterfall.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-94DCZtr/0/ea397290/X4/SteveMattan_20211216_1314-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-94DCZtr/0/ea397290/X4/SteveMattan_20211216_1314-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And this Song Sparrow promptly found a nice little hidey-hole. It spent quite a bit of time pecking at the "seaweed" on the rocks of the now still waterfall.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-5947226597439079622021-12-23T20:52:00.001-05:002021-12-23T20:52:34.300-05:00Yummy<p>Our trip to New Hampshire and Maine would not be complete without a lobster roll (or several ...).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-bmXZmPK/0/d8d7956f/X4/SteveMattan_20210815_9774-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-bmXZmPK/0/d8d7956f/X4/SteveMattan_20210815_9774-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our friend Marie recommended this place, the name of which escapes me at the moment (and no doubt for many other moments to come).<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-nDPxRSq/0/02cde87f/X4/SteveMattan_20210815_9775-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-nDPxRSq/0/02cde87f/X4/SteveMattan_20210815_9775-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>The food was yummy.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-h3QGf7p/0/013adb0a/X4/SteveMattan_20210815_9773-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-h3QGf7p/0/013adb0a/X4/SteveMattan_20210815_9773-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The view on the other hand ...</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">🦞 🦞 🦞 🦞 🦞</span></div></div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-39455339145437027832021-12-23T20:52:00.000-05:002021-12-23T20:52:04.068-05:00Winter HomeSo the other day as I lay down in bed I spotted a dark spot in the corner, where the two walls meet the ceiling. "What is that?" I wondered. So I grabbed my glasses and saw this ...<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Backyard-Bugs/i-N474WBv/0/39243631/X4/SteveMattan_20211216_1331-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="267" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Backyard-Bugs/i-N474WBv/0/39243631/X4/SteveMattan_20211216_1331-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If you bigafy the image you'll see if is a group of Lady Bugs. They've been there over a week now. I think this is their home for the winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>We'll see what happens over the winter. Kinda cool if you ask me.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-37110311176225304132021-12-23T20:50:00.003-05:002021-12-23T20:53:55.732-05:00Polar Bird Club<p>Prior to the Fish Pond Waterfall being <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/12/hiding-place.html" target="_blank">shut down </a>for the winter, our resident Hermit Thrush decided to go for a dip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-td5FP5K/0/2f036893/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8618-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-td5FP5K/0/2f036893/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8618-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-WdGcJ8X/0/8eb565bd/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8635-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-WdGcJ8X/0/8eb565bd/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8635-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-TBZ9pZb/0/88965054/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8643-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-TBZ9pZb/0/88965054/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8643-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-SR9rShw/0/53522684/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8652-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-SR9rShw/0/53522684/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8652-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-6LsvpnG/0/6307c616/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8661-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-6LsvpnG/0/6307c616/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8661-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-9ftPTgd/0/21319409/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8672-X4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="224" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Animals/Birds/Backyard-Birds/i-9ftPTgd/0/21319409/X4/SteveMattan_20211130_8672-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Crazy. It's been in the 20's Fahrenheit most mornings. Yet this critter seemed to actually enjoy its splash about.</div><div><br /></div><div>Crazy.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-6007157651499815072021-12-23T12:24:00.002-05:002021-12-23T12:24:37.577-05:00THIS<p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/immunity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="458" height="197" src="https://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/immunity.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Used with permission from XKCD.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p style="text-align: center;">For more geeky humor like this visit <a href="http://XKCD.com">XKCD.com</a> and enjoy!</p>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-7167211307402955542021-12-22T22:18:00.001-05:002021-12-22T22:18:38.005-05:00Mt Washinton - Part I<p>Our <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/08/foreshadowing.html" target="_blank">plan</a> after our stay at <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/08/adventuring-in-new-england.html" target="_blank">Franconia Notch </a>and doing the <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/08/another-climb.html" target="_blank">Ridge</a> hike, was to do a three day trek up and across the Presidentials. And on our way to the Appalachian Club's Highland Center Lodge, our start and end point, we passed Mt Washington. And we decided to drive on up. Yep, we got one of the those "This Car Climbed Mt Washington" bumper stickers. No it is not on my car.</p><p>It was a scary drive up and down.</p><p>And as with the Ridge hike the view from the top was obscured by clouds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-gQh7fHN/0/526da422/X4/SteveMattan_20210810_9639-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-gQh7fHN/0/526da422/X4/SteveMattan_20210810_9639-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But we were able to watch the Cog Railway as it traveled up and down the mountain.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-fg2Cb4g/0/4dd777c5/X4/SteveMattan_20210810_9636-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-fg2Cb4g/0/4dd777c5/X4/SteveMattan_20210810_9636-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Mt Washington is one of the most severe weather locations on Earth, with an <a href="https://www.mountwashington.org/experience-the-weather/mount-washington-weather-archives/normals-means-and-extremes.aspx" target="_blank">average daily temperature</a> of 35° F. Yet here we see Patty, who is always cold, wandering about in shorts. Our attempts to flee the hot and humid August New Jersey weather a complete and utter failure.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-Vj2CgVx/0/82c27839/X4/SteveMattan_20210810_9637-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-Vj2CgVx/0/82c27839/X4/SteveMattan_20210810_9637-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The Cog Railway was completed in 1869 and has been running ever since. It would play an important part in our visit.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-F4hZs6f/0/539efb7e/X4/SteveMattan_20210810_9638-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-F4hZs6f/0/539efb7e/X4/SteveMattan_20210810_9638-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>As would this structure, and the folks who work there. The <a href="https://www.mountwashington.org" target="_blank">Mount Washington Observatory</a>. A weather station on the summit.</div><div><br /></div><div>And incase you were wondering, as I type this it is 6° F, with sustained winds of 75 MPH and gusts up to 97 MPH, for a wind chill of -29° F. A bit chillier than when we visited. </div><div><br /></div><div>More to come ...</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-89980237094197383562021-12-22T22:18:00.000-05:002021-12-22T22:18:06.435-05:00Swinging BridgeAfter spending several days on Mount Desert Island, we headed on down the road towards home. But there were stops along the way.<div><br /></div><div>Including the <a href="https://www.saveourbridge.org/history-of-the-bridge.html" target="_blank">Androscoggin Swinging Bridge</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-PsKDZd2/0/fa5146b2/X4/SteveMattan_20210819_9887-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-PsKDZd2/0/fa5146b2/X4/SteveMattan_20210819_9887-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>Built in 1892 by the John A. Roebling company, the bridge is now a park. All but the suspension cables have been replaced.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-w3BB7MX/0/344baafb/X4/SteveMattan_20210819_9885-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-w3BB7MX/0/344baafb/X4/SteveMattan_20210819_9885-X4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The view from mid-span.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-PDzwS6p/0/0e2cf324/X4/SteveMattan_20210819_9883-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-PDzwS6p/0/0e2cf324/X4/SteveMattan_20210819_9883-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The view of Patty mid-span.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-3MW6MQj/0/dbfd70e7/X4/SteveMattan_20210819_9888-X4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Trips/New-Hampshire-and-Maine-2021/i-3MW6MQj/0/dbfd70e7/X4/SteveMattan_20210819_9888-X4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">🌉 </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;">🌉 </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;">🌉 </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;">🌉 </span><span style="font-size: xx-large;">🌉</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>John A Roebling is perhaps better known for another bridge, one often for sale, and named after the place where I was born. The Brooklyn Bridge. Designed by the senior Roebling, the completion was overseen by his son, Washington Roebling, who, like me, has a degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. </div><div><br /></div><div>And also lived for a time in Troy, NY and Burlington County NJ.</div>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8830177227225438802.post-48494303926507182122021-12-22T22:17:00.000-05:002021-12-22T22:17:27.053-05:00It's That Time of the Year<p><a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2019/01/more-needles.html" target="_blank">Needle Ice</a> time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-Cxn2gmf/0/bc1d9982/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1602-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-Cxn2gmf/0/bc1d9982/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1602-X2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-pHrpkqJ/0/82683cab/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1604-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-pHrpkqJ/0/82683cab/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1604-X2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-cNNpPrC/0/7b62a4d9/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1607-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-cNNpPrC/0/7b62a4d9/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1607-X2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-7mVTBqV/0/2562e4e3/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1609-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-7mVTBqV/0/2562e4e3/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1609-X2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-5mWxjMr/0/556a93b8/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1613-X2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/The-Firmanent/Ice/i-5mWxjMr/0/556a93b8/X2/SteveMattan_20211221_1613-X2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>These needles were in the parking area and I spotted then when I got my <a href="https://recycledphotons.blogspot.com/2021/12/it-is-balloon.html" target="_blank">car</a>.</p><p>So, on a cold day after a warm-ish wet day, look around on the ground for Needle Ice.</p><p>I think it is cool (pun!). </p>MevetShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16430426865164363154noreply@blogger.com0