Monday, April 2, 2012
Learning Limits
Rode today with Ben and Rick. Should have known better. It was hot and when they said, lets ride across the road, I should have opted out. So off we flew, me following. My first fall came not too far into the ride. Nothing serious. Right back up and trying to keep up. The longer we rode the narrow switchbacks, root infested trails, steep drops with low cog climbs up, the wearier I grew. All I wanted to do by this point was cruise and enjoy the day, not push. So I pulled out the camera and was going to get a few shots. At that moment a palmetto root caught my front wheel and over I went, sprawling forward with the handlebar catching the full brunt of the fall in my chest, knocking my breath out. All I could do was sit for awhile and wince. I got up to ride again, but then became dizzy, having gone into the early stages of heat exhaustion. Rick and Ben were gracious to slow the pace to a crawl while I tried to recover. I lamented the condition I had put them in, with too far to travel before making it back. Fortunately, I did recover enough to make it back. This evening I am sitting on the couch with a grand pain. We are out of medical insurance until I start my job or Melanie starts hers, otherwise, I probably would be down at the ER getting an X-ray.
I must learn that when I ride, it is best to ride alone. I am not a good speed rider. I do not even like speed riding through a beautiful forest. It is so against my bent. But for my friends, I will bend branches I otherwise would not.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Afternoon with the Eagles
Around 4PM Jordon and I loaded the bikes and took a quick trip to Alligator Lake where the eagle family is nesting. Two chicks and two adult eagles. One of the adult eagles was at the nest when we arrived at the nest sight just off the trail in the tallest pine tree. She soon circled and lit on a nearby tree. Suddenly, in came the other adult with what looked to be a mole or large rat. We only got a glimpse and two quickly framed shots off. She or he tore up the rodent and fed it to the two chicks. She or he then lit on the branch below and hung around as well awhile. Jordon and I needed to get on and pick up Meme Clara, so we left.
I was able to capture around fifty decent shots. It will be interesting to see what happens when they fly, which will be soon.
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