Walking. In rush hour traffic…

Posted on by Live & Learn

It’s been 2,149 consecutive (well, almost) days on this morning walk at The Cove. Like in a row.

The highlight of the morning were the Atlantic Brants. The photo time stamp on the shot above was 6:47 am, just minutes before the Sun’s lift-off. There is nothing like the sound of the battalion’s wing flaps and their distinctive call (you really must listen here). Watching them just feet above the water, I couldn’t help but think: “You look marvelous! Absolutely marvelous!“

I stood on the break wall watching the sunrise.

Momentarily at peace.

And then it was The Cove’s rush hour traffic. A new phenomenon. DK’s groupies. 5 years ago, you wouldn’t find a soul at this park at this hour, now I’m mobbed.

Susan’s to my left snapping at the sun (without our Wally, who was left behind at home — the horror!) She’s slinging two cameras over her shoulder, yes, two. (Note to Self – Susan to Dave in 2023: “You always have to take things to the extreme, do you really need two cameras?” Elephant never forgets.)

Cara’s next to Susan, sporting designer Tall Boots akin to a rider in a Dressage event. She’s criss-crossing back and forth, violently snapping at everything that moves. Oh the young-uns, they do everything with such flourish.

Then came the rest: the walkers, the dog walkers and the runners.

I pack my gear and head back.

Look at you DK — The Pied Piper of The Cove.

God, I miss the good ole’ days.

Notes: Shots from this morning’s walk can be found here.

43 thoughts on “Walking. In rush hour traffic…”

          1. I have several photography ooks that are only photos and a brief introduction. It will take time to pick you favorite photos but there’s no hurry when your ready.

        1. I’m not a photographer… But it occurs to me that there is an intangible benefit of taking the photos… It does help you focus on what’s around you… If you didn’t have a camera in your hand… Would your mind be wandering… Possibly to the terrible things happening in the world that you can’t control?

          Maybe that piece of hardware isn’t so bad. I honestly don’t know.

  3. First…. Consecutive means….in a row. Consistent. 2,149? Laughable.
    Second…. I was there LONG before you Boss. Nice try.
    Third…. You’d still be looking at rocks if I didn’t say “Dave look up…the Brants” (and I have to say, our shots are fairly close. I’m impressed)
    Last…. The best thing that ever happened to you is making friends with the regulars. It’s good for you. You’re welcome.

  4. Love the Brants’ gabbings, the photos, and am laughing, because how to align the somber spirit bird (cormorant) with the Pied Piper? lol! (Sounds like a good morning. I’ll bet Wally loved his sleep-in!)

  9. oh, how I like the talk of those brants….. so soothing, sweet and they seem so content. But don’t tell me they ‘talk’ while flying. that’s not possible, is it?! you were so lucky to catch them right when the sun showed up.
    And then your remarks about Susan’s obsession – talk for yourself, dear man…. I can’t unsee the stuff you showed up with – at least 10 different electronic gadgets. Maybe she wanted to catch up with you, and felt ‘left out’.
    so, you were a trailblazer! now that you’re retired, you could also start a bit later; it wouldn’t look out of place to be found with other walkers, runners, doggies and bikers…. oh stop; I forgot, you’d still stick out with your huge duffel filled with cameras, watches, items measuring everything under the sun and moon…. ppl would still think you’re crazy – LOL.

  10. Don’t even go there about the cameras…how thankful I am to be carrying your castoffs and sharing this passion of photography – it’s a great community of people! I typically try and stay out of your lane in the mornings but there are some days I just need to see color and the sunrise. I think there is enough golden hour to share with everyone.

  11. Things do change Dave… Sometimes in an earth shattering flash. Sometimes in increments so small that we don’t realize they have happened until years later.

    All we can do is cherish the present moment. Most of us learn this as we pass from our 40s into our 50s and beyond. But actually “being in the present moment“… I will be working on that until I take my last breath. Distractions come at us in these modern times like a hurricane of machine gun fire that we cannot avoid… We are trapped (not in all ways, but in many ways) by the things that we cannot change. I’m finding ignoring these distractions and trying to stay present… Almost beyond reach… Actually, maybe it is beyond my reach. I will never spend years in a monastery to master the focus required to stay in the present moment. I will just pick away at it using my meditation app.

    We all take our own journeys…

    All I can say to everyone reading this is: do what you can to be as happy as you can every single moment.

    Congrats on all of those wonderful walks Dave!
    Very few will accomplish what you have accomplished through those walks.

    PS: If you leave Wally at home for very long, I am going to kidnap him… Because he is awesome!

    3. Paul, with these words: *do what you can to be as happy as you can every single moment* you underlined my life-motto! YES – it’s a lesson to be learned and it seems that it takes a great part of our life to ‘figure that out’ or else it’s ‘just’ the wisdom of ageing!

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