Views from a road well travelled

Too often we are in a rush to get from where we are to the place we want to be and in so doing we miss everything in between. I have been very guilty of that and often say to myself that I need to take some time to just wander with my camera. Well, I finally did it. But even so it was a challenge to not get caught up in the ‘going somewhere’.

My adventure began in my backyard. Here I enjoy having many fruit trees. The back group of plums were in full blossom and so I went for a wander to see if any clumps of blossoms caught me eye. They are really very pretty and I captured a number of groups that caught my eye. I moved on to another shrub in the yard, a Japanese Andromeda. It was also putting forth its flowers for the spring. This shrub is quite a large one in the yard but it regularly gets damaged by the dogs running under it and breaking off a branch or two. I am amazed it is doing as well as it is.

Next, I found some ferns sending forth their stems. They come out as fiddle tops and are all sorts of interesting shapes. I spent a few minutes on my knees getting down to their level for a close-up view. The ferns are actually quite interesting at this stage of their cycle. After the ferns I was ready to head out into the wild and see what might be found. But first I wanted to drop by my friend Jim who was doing Parks on the Air with his radio at Blackie Spit in Crescent Beach. So, forgetting my plans I set out for his location!

Along the way to the beach, I spotted a grove of mature cherry trees in full blossom. The street has been a popular location for people to visit at this time and I had been there a few times over the years. I promised I would drop in on my return. Upon arriving at Blackie Spit I noticed some red flowers at the side of the entrance which I decided needed a closer look. Upon reaching Jim he was just finishing the packing up of his gear. Perfect timing as I didn’t want to do radio. We chatted and he wandered the park with me as I gathered a few photos. I walked back to the entrance and snapped a few photos of the red flowers I had spotted on the way in. They were a new one to me - Crown Imperial – quite an interesting shape. A few daffodils were crying for attention not wanting their momentary beauty to be lost forever. We wandered to the beach where I took a few photos and then on the way back to the car, I was intrigued by the shapes of some of the bare trees.

Jim and I then parted ways and I drove into the Ocean Park area looking for a few more photos I passed an interesting plant on the way but I was headed for another group I had seen the week prior and so just ignored the sight. (wasn’t this my whole issue?) I found the trees I had seen earlier, Lily Magnolias,  but they were past their best though a few flowering clumps were still attractive. I then felt guilty about the flower I passed earlier and drove back there. It was an Evergreen Clematis and the five petal flowers were really quite pretty. I was glad I returned to capture a few images

Done with the Clematis, I felt it was time to set out for home. The direct route took me right back to the grove of cherry trees and so once I reached the side road I pulled over and parked and started wandering the two blocks of cherries. They were at their best and many people were coming and taking photos. One couple who couldn’t speak English (likely Japanese) handed me their cell phone so I could take their photos with the trees behind them. I believe this location is listed as one of the best spots for cherry blossoms and one finds many people coming miles to see them. I spent some time taking photos but also trying to get some contrasts between the blossoms and the dark branches that offer many interesting shapes. It was a fun spot in which to finish the adventure.

The morning travelling a few of the local roads was quite enjoyable and I really do need to do this much more often. Why have a camera if one seldom uses it. Of course one could argue, why bother taking tens of thousands of photos if only I ever see them. Alas, the dichotomy of taking photos, for pleasure or for a commercial purpose. I tried the latter but decided only the former is worth the effort. And so, I go forth and just enjoy what nature offers, at least I do when not rushing to a park to play with my radio.