Archive for the ‘Nature’ Category
Author: Herbie
Snow and Ice at Osage Lake
It was the day after Christmas 2009, and two days since the biggest blizzard in over 20 years blanketed Southwest Oklahoma with amounts of snow varying from 2 to 8 inches. Throughout the area, thin layers of snow lay alongside deep snow drifts, the results of 30-40 mph winds. There was barely a breeze stirring today; the sky was blue and clear as far as one could see, and warmth from the sun felt so good! The family had come to the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge primarily to get out of the house but also to see the snow on the Refuge. It was already mid-afternoon so we weren’t expecting to be the first footprints in the snow. However, we were soon to be disappointed when we discovered that areas such as Boulder and Sunset had not even had their gates opened for access. We may have been disappointed, but our intent to have fun was not thwarted. Since we were in two vehicles, I led the group to the Treasure Lake – Post Oak Lake Area because I was confident we could get up the road and there were no gates to be closed, anyway. Soon we found ourself out of the cars, enjoying the fresh air, the young bison grazing nearby on Indian Grass poking through the snow, and throwing snowballs at each other. After a good time was had by all, and hands and feet were becoming uncomfortably cold, the family decided to drive to Mamaw’s house for a visit. I opted to remain in the WMWR in search of interesting photo opportunities. I was certain I could find some. Read the rest of this entry »
Author: Herbie
Enchanted Tower
It had already been a magical morning. The magic began shortly after sunrise as I rounded the curve that bent back toward the southeast taking me to the dam on Lake Rush in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The scene took my breath as the scene unfolded in brilliant colors in shades of reds, yellows, and greens. “Thank you, LORD!”, I spoke aloud, even though there was no one else around to hear them; just He and I. I continued to thank him throughout the morning as he showed me wonderful and glorious beauty. I knew I was rushing against ever rising sun and it’s changing light. I knew the wind was coming, as well, and understood this window was fleeting. A feeling of urgency arose within and I rushed to gather my equipment, locate the perfect place to set up and then to think clearly enough to manipulate the controls and settings to capture the image not only seen with my eyes but felt in my soul. My biggest fear was that after two days already spent on the Refuge, the planning, the preparation, and now the presentation would be lost because of mistakes I’d make and points I wouldn’t consider. To minimize all possibilites, I focused, not just the lens, but my total attention to the task at hand.
The next two hours were intense as I tried to capture as much as possible before the sun rose higher changing the angles of the light and chasing the enchantment away. I moved frequently trying to stay ahead of the sun and time. Each moved revealed something new requiring a changes in method and technique. I was oblivious to everything around me and yet, hyper-aware of all my surroundings. Finally, with a deep sigh, relaxation washed over me and I knew the window was closed and it was time to leave. I left with no regrets. But, I knew there was more left to the morning if only I could find it. I knew there was more He could show me if I wanted to see. Read the rest of this entry »
Author: Herbie
- Indian Grass Prairie
Native Indian Grass grows chest high on the plains of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. As a child I would walk through the grass, tracking rabbits by the droppings they left as they as they traveled well worn familiar trails. Giving up on the chance of ever catching one, I’d lie on my back in the grass listening to the prairie wind, completely hidden from all the world except the red-tailed hawk circling in the thermals overhead. I have heard early pioneer tales of prairie grass being as tall as a horse’s back and stretching into the distance as far as the eye can see. A large section of Southwest Oklahoma was once called “The Big Pasture” because of the grassland sea covering 480, 000 acres. These native grasses, as the swayed in the daily winds, and stretched to the horizon over the gentle rolling hills reminded the pioneers of swells upon the ocean.
Author: Herbie
Lace Cactus
This morning’s email from Amazon.com contained a list of the best books of 2009, so far. I clicked the link and soon began looking over the selections. The title that caught my eye, was “The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie”, by Alan Bradley. I began reading the description with interest, all along wondering if it would be something Sherry would enjoy. Following the description there was an interview with the author, Alan Bradley. That’s when the “Aha” moment happened. Mr. Bradley wrote this book at age 70! He hasn’t always been a published author, although he stated he always thought he could write, even at age 5. He went on to note, “Seneca, an ancient Roman author, had said something like this, ‘Hang on to your youthful enthusiasms, you’ll be able to use them better when you’re older.’” Read the rest of this entry »
