Return of the Alligators

Leaving work a little later than I'd hoped today led to a bit of a rush to get down to the sunset spot along my evening walk that I'd chosen to witness the passing of another day. As these things often do, it worked out for the best because a bit of jogging was required to get into place in a timely manner. This put some stress on the foot, and as far as I can tell, that fifth metatarsal help up under the strain. The view that awaited at the bottom of the top of the hill that I climbed to get there was worth it.

Sunset from Under I-10 - Daphne, AL

This was the view I was "rushing" to see, but just a little farther down the trail, I came upon this one.

Sunset on the Bayou - Daphne, AL

The bayou in this case is the languid outlet of D'Olive Creek in Daphne, AL, and this area has consistently yielded spectacular pictures. Even on breezy days, the wetland that D'Olive Creek meanders through on its path into Mobile Bay is sheltered from all but the most blustery of wind. The combination of marshland, the highway, calm water, and an exception view of the sky bring a serenity and warmth to the passing of the day.

I walked on down the trail, and encountered my first alligator of the season. Floating along down the middle of the creek with an air of indifference, it was like I'd come home to find and old friend waiting to catch up on what had happened over the cold season. The 'gator was a sign that the dark ages of winter were quickly receding in the rearview mirror, and the tropical heat of the Alabama summer was just around the corner. 

The 'gator was a good benchmark on the passage of time, and a symbol of optimism for what the universe may deliver tomorrow. As is my habit, I'm looking forward to seeing whatever may be brought my way.

Another Day

Today, as predicted, was a whole lot like yesterday.  I got in some pedestrianism, snapped a few photos, and cooked some lucky black eye peas for dinner.  That last thing was a little unusual, and I'm not sure I'm too keen on repeating it anytime soon, but you get the picture.

Fitch Bridge near Sunset

Slate gray and windy are ramping up their presence, so these types of photos may become the order of the day as the Dark Ages tighten their grip. For now, I welcome the brisker weather for it will remind me to embrace the heat of August next year.

Happy New Year.  It was good day.

Christmas Eve 2015

I've got to be spritely to get this post in today because I've been busy, and I still have about an hour to go. As far as walking goes, today was a little damp and gray, but the temperature was up in the high 60's.  It's pretty warm for this time of year, and that's being attributed to the ENSO Cycle, or El Nino. It will be interesting to see this winter develop.  If I remember correctly, the Christmas of 1995 was in the 60's and by early January the temperature had dropped into the teens and we had five inches of snow on the ground.  Later that winter in March, I experienced my first, and only, ever sub-zero temperature with even more snow and ice.

Today was not that day, and I finished pretty strong with just, and I mean just, over a half marathon distance in the books.  This morning, I did the six bridges route and managed to capture this photo with four of the six bridges visible from one location.

Four Bridges over College Creek

I also captured a view from the bridge over Spa Creek.

Spa Creek with Saint Mary's

Finally, this was the view today looking south on the Severn River from the Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd. Bridge.

Severn River looking South with USNA on the rigth

The days are getting grayer, and it's clear that we're creeping toward "The Dark Ages" with a little more vigor. Even though the colors begin to wash out this time of year, the vistas are still pretty interesting.  Looking forward to another winter out on the trail.

Union Station and Other Monuments after Dark

A friend of mine is planning on getting married in Union Station sometime over the holiday season.

Union Station at Night

It's really an interesting story because until a few months ago, he was referring to his betrothed as "his friend." Shortly thereafter she became his "special friend," and now I suppose they're engaged.  I would not presume to call her his fiance because I've never heard the word cross his lips.

In Washington, DC, it is possible to become a wedding officiant for a fee of $35.  This grants the fee payer a one time license to preside over a wedding within the confines of the District of Columbia.  For a fee of $70, a person can become a permanent wedding officiant.  All marriages have to be performed within the district, but with a valid DC marriage license, the officiant can preside over the wedding.  My friend has chosen his officiant, and I did not make the cut.  I was asked if I would be the back-up officiant in the event that his first choice wasn't able to make it.  Frankly, it was a little flattering.

They've chosen Union Station as a location for the wedding because travel has become a hallmark of their relationship, and I think this carries with it a certain sense of organic romance about the whole affair. It doesn't feel to me like the kind of trumped up stuffed teddy bear with a heart or even a dozen red roses style of romance.  It feels natural and right.  My buddy says it's to stick it to the man, and I don't really see how Union Station really flies so far in the face of tradition to accomplish that goal.  It's probably just my lack of understanding, but I think it's an excellent choice of venues, and I suspect it will generate many years of fond memories.

As noted over the last few days, it's the holiday season and also the season of perpetual darkness during the times that I can cobble together to walk. If there were anyone following this journal of my travels on foot (and there is not anyone interested, even the Russians have abandoned this site), they would probably find the next several weeks heavily populated with photos of Christmas lights because I can make them work reasonably well with the camera on my phone.  Today is no exception.

Christmas on Capitol Hill

I swung by the Capitol and captured this shot from the other side of the Capitol Christmas tree from the view featured yesterday.  This may end up being the season of shots of the Capitol Building because I can usually make something reasonably photogenic due to the proliferation of light in this area of the city.  We shall see.

Expanding Darkness

The days are growing shorter and shorter.  Today I walked in relative darkness both this morning and this evening.  I really don't mind the dark, although it will make getting pictures a little more difficult.  The rising of the mostly full moon was about the best I was able to capture today.

Moonrise over the Severn River

The weather was perfect with a cool dry breeze and just enough sun to give a feeling of toastiness when wearing a long sleeved shirt.

We'll see what tomorrow reveals.  

Getting Back to Normality

I finally got some much needed rest this morning, and the routine has begun to reassert itself.  Three or four years ago, I would have probably chafed at bit at this sort of realization, but right now it feels pretty good.  I got in a little over twelve miles of pedestrian time, and "the Rat" even joined me for a couple.  I even managed to coax a couple of panoramic mash-ups out of Google.  This time they were of "the same" scene taken at two different times of day.  The act of creation in every moment really just doesn't get old to me if I'm manage to be mindful enough to observe what's going on.

Pusher Tug and Deck Barge at the Seawall near the corner of Turner Joy Road .. AM

When I took the shots that Google cobbled together, I was thinking that this was the early signs that the "Dark Ages" were going to start becoming an increasingly prominent feature of the walking environment. That's probably true, but my melancholy prediction was probably just a little premature.  The weather today was just about perfect.

Pusher Tug and Deck Barge near the corner of Turner Joy Road ... PM

Not quite the same perspective as this morning, but the return of the offshore regatta livened up the scene just a bit.  The clouds stuck around, but by this time the chill of the morning had been banished and the warmth of the sun had returned.  This may have been the last truly good boating weekend of the season, but we'll just have to wait and see how that plays out going forward.