Early Morning Walk

The spider web in the early sun looks golden. I shot the whole thing at first, with the tiny spiny backed orb weaver in the middle, but it wasn’t until I concentrated on the side getting the brunt of the light that I really had the shot I wanted.

Arriving first thing in the morning for a walk or hike often means that in addition to the wonderful morning light, I see wildlife that by later morning take cover in the vegetation or canopy.

Let me start by saying that I am not a natural early morning riser. Though I have always done some of my best work early before life and obligations take over my brain, I get out of bed grudgingly and am best anti-social for a while. Coffee or tea help of course, less the caffeine and more something to sip while I contemplate still half in the dream world I just left. And before you imagine me thinking lofty thoughts, two days ago I designed in my brain a new format for the minutes I took at a Board meeting. Spoiler: It was very well received.

Early in the morning will be our normal hiking time for the next few months. Summer is here in central Florida and most mornings you can feel the air it is so humid. Once the sun is fully up and heats the air I retreat to the shade.

I crept as quietly as possible as not to startle the frog. The angle of his body visible in the water makes his head look far too big for the rest of him. He stayed until I left.

I wasn’t quite so successful with this rabbit. I did startle it and it took off, but not very fast, watching me as it left. Then I saw it watching me from behind a bush, so I went in another direction so the munching of breakfast could be resumed.