Two by two 10 of 14

In columns of two they strode to the edge of the Mist. Today would be the grand reckoning, the moment the heart of the pine would pour forth an amber hue. Swords drawn, a quiet before the call came. We waited that terrible word to charge forth into the Mist. But instead of the terrible word, something beyond comprehension occurred above. Of one gathered eye we all peered into the heavenly light appearing.

We March 9 of 14

Never in the life of the wood had we witnessed the march to the last leaf. What stirred such an urgency in the realm, that they would risk their all, to face this Misty foe?

Grand Parade 8 of 14

Their color of war painted in a brilliance reserved for times as these, on and on they came, this army of the Palmetto and Bay, marching on into the Mist to face their destiny.

The terrible swords 7 of 14

The terrible swords were raised, the march was on. Sword upon sword passed the grand review, the legions parading, gazing into the heart of the bark and on toward the Misty morning fight.

Palmetto Legion 6 of 14

The Lordly Palmetto guard stood as the words were barked. The inflamed hearts of the red warriors began the march into the mists.
I followed haltingly to the rear.

March of the Red 5 of 14

And then I entered the clearing in the first light of morning. There, the orders were being barked to the red warriors gathered for the grand march through the thickets. I shuttered to think what would come of these valiant braves as they faced the mist.

Beside the bark 4 of 14

I came to the base of the long leaf pine. It was strewn with bark, dropped neatly in a pile, as if by some methodical peeling, something was dissecting the trunk. And yet, I could find no evidence upon the trunk of the dissection. Certainly these were higher creatures than I had imagined. Was this the insult that would cause the woods this day to rise and march?

Low we go 3 of 14

Dropping to my knees, I tried to envisage from the vantage of the creatures who lurk below my steps. Coming closer to the level they live, I was able to discern what lay ahead with clarity. I heard from the earth a trembling, as if legions upon legions were on the move.

Trail of light 2 of 14

And so I continued down the trail, this presence following to my right. I brushed aside the palmetto and bay leaves, continuing on. If there was to be a confrontation, I was determined to meet it head on, with camera out and focused upon infinity.

The Meeting of the Mist 1 of 14

It was a cool Saturday morning as I walked quietly along the palmetto and gall berry lined trail.  Something continually caught my attention in the dark cypress hammock over to the right of the trail. It was a foreboding feeling one gets when he senses a bear or danger, this mist like presence watching, hovering in the trees. A mile into the forest, I had gone too far in to turn back. And if I did, who could outpace this mist laden with the weight I carried?  I  was being drawn forward as all about the woods were anxious and ready to burst from the stillness. The Mists beckoned, taunting, challenging. And so that was how the morning unfolded. I invite you to come along on this fourteen part journey.

Wood Duck Box

The box is put together again. You can see where I used a single hinge instead of the old two. That is the flap where you can reach in and clean out the box or tag the birds I suppose. The box tag is on the bottom. The top is screwed down. Under the hole inside is a mesh ladder to help the chicks climb up.

A Pileated Chase