FALL FUN and FOLLY

While walking for health is a wonderful way to live, so is maintaining balance in our lives. Yesterday I continued my daily brisk walking routine, but when I was asked to go on a shoot later, I just couldn’t resist.

The day was bright and beautiful, bringing forth an array of yellows, oranges and red. The air was fresh, we were warmly dressed and with our gear in hand, we set out to see what and who would come our way on this glorious afternoon. The first place we stopped at there was really nothing of interest to shoot, so we soon moved along to one of our other favourite spots.

As we approached the bridge we could see a group of men and women standing on the beach, at first we got excited, because they seemed to be looking upward, getting poise to take a shot, but as we moved closer, we realized they were just standing around chatting…..not a good sign. A lady with a camera in hand came walking up to us and we asked her anxiously. “Did you see him? Is he here? To our disappointment she told us we had just missed him, and she pointed in the direction that he had taken. She continued walking in the same direction, while we stayed on the bridge for a while.

After a while we noticed the same lady way down the beach, and as we carefully scanned the area, we realized that she had found him. Excitedly we started in the same direction, hoping to get the opportunity to shoot him, however, by the time we reached the location, he had taken off again.

Not having any patience to stand around in the cold with the others on the beach, we decided to leave and then return later. All in all it was a lovely afternoon, we saw many beautiful images, and we also got to take some shots. Then it was time to go home, but no, let’s try one more time to see if we can find him. So we arrived back to the parking lot, and yes, some of the same cars were still there. We approached the bridge and yes, the men were still standing there ready and waiting. A couple approached us on the bridge, cameras in hand, and we asked the same question. “Is he here? Did you see him? Once again we were told we had just missed him, and they pointed to the direction where he had flown. The man was quick to tell us not only did he have some shots of him, but he also had a video. It was amazing to see this Eagle, picking up a stick, flying up in the air and then dropping it. It looked like he might be practicing, for when he has to pick up fish.

We were now losing light fast, so the other photographers on the beach came up to the bridge to meet us. One of them seemed to know every tree in which we might  find the Eagle, so we left the lake side and I went running after him on to the marshy side, in hopes of at least getting one good shot. We looked in different areas and just when we were leaving, out flew the Eagle from the marsh side, and back over to the lake side. Now here we were running back the way we had just come from in hopes of finding him. It’s as though this Eagle might have been toying with us.

By now, logic told me I should really be heading home, but instead I went almost running in the opposite direction, trying to locate the Eagle. We walked a good ways down the beach without spotting the eagle. Dejected we decided to call it a day, and just as I was saying how disappointed I was not to get a shot of the Eagle, he came flying over head. I did get a shot, but nothing worth posting. Most of all I ended up doing 17,000 steps and the equivalent of 7.57 miles for the full day. As a result there would be a price to pay that night. Cramps in the legs and total exhaustion. Today I welcome the heavy rainfall that we are experiencing, and I pray to God that He will grant me the patience and wisdom that is needed.

But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31