Thursday, June 23, 2011

On Snake Mountain

Bob Cammarata
As a wildlife photographer, Bob has become a popular contributor to "Tales of Relentless Pursuit." It is a matter of pure coincidence that this amazing snake adventure is being presented so soon after Nancy Hovey's story of how she overcame her snake phobia!  Nancy, this story will certainly test your progress!

So get ready to increase your respect for the intrepid Mr. Cammarata, as you relive with him his day of extreme adventure on Snake Mountain!  The photographs are paralyzingly good!

If you have not had the opportunity to read Bob's previous posts, here are links to them:


________________________

Thanks for stopping here to see the latest post. I'd love to know what you think of the "Relentless Pursuit" series. Please leave a comment below for the author or email me with your suggestions on what you'd like to see on this blog. Also, click the green SU icon at the bottom of this post to recommend the blog to Stumble Upon members. It will dramatically increase the "exposure" of our authors' work.

If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me. And be sure to take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you! Also, consider forwarding the link to "Relentless" to your friends and family. Thanks again!
--
Michelle Alton

________________________




If you ask any group of individuals to describe Paradise, you will likely end up getting varying responses. Some may fantasize about a leisurely stroll along a deserted tropical beach…with soft sand scrunching between tired toes as gentle ocean breezes caress the body and soul. Others may envision lounging pool-side at the Ramada at some exotic locale sipping Pina Coladas and snacking on Shrimp Cocktail while foregoing the concerns of the day. But surely, someone within the group in defining their interpretation of Paradise might mention The Garden of Eden…even though there was but one serpent there.

I call the place Snake Mountain and for good reason. Nestled in the heart of central Appalachia, it’s a foreboding place, desolate and wild, oft intimidating but I dare to consider it my own personal Paradise. This story chronicles one truly special day on the Mountain…a day which would surely have left Adam and Eve trembling in their fig leaves!

It was a warm, sunny July morning as I navigated the deserted road up toward the secluded summit of Snake Mountain where the timber rattlers call home. Locating and photographing poisonous timber rattlesnakes in their own environs represents obvious challenges. The chance of being bitten, while extremely remote,  certainly weighs heavily upon the mind but of greater concern is being able to safely navigate the treacherous, rocky terrain in which they thrive. The greatest challenge of all though is actually FINDING one…since the secretive timbers tend to spend most of their day underground or otherwise hidden from view.

My arrival time at the summit was around mid-morning and I began gearing up. High-top leather boots and a firm hiking staff would, as in previous trips, aid in navigating the rocky crags…hopefully without mishap. I’d chosen to travel light that day, with just one camera body with a 105 mm lens slung over my shoulder. Previous trips to the Mountain earlier that year and most of last year had proven uneventful so I felt hesitant to strap on my usual heavy back-pack full of gear for what would likely end up being nothing more than yet another wasted walk in the woods. But this was a new day and I set off down the trail toward one of my favorite haunts with renewed hope that today would somehow be different.

A short time later, I spotted my first rattlesnake near an old den site. This was really a great find since I hadn’t seen a rattler there in over three years. As the snake quickly uncoiled and bolted toward the entrance of the den, I hurried forward to try to get off a quick shot or two before it disappeared. In my haste, I spooked a second one which had been basking nearby and it too, quickly vanished from view. I carefully and meticulously tip-toed around the den to the other side and in doing so, nearly stepped on a third rattler. Measuring nearly four feet long, it was stretched out full-length on some rocks completely out in the open!

The sunning snake immediately reacted to my presence and flattened it’s body as if to appear even larger and more intimidating to this would-be intruder. A few tongue flicks tasted the air as the hefty rattler circled its thickened form into a defensive coil.
Now this was more like it…no wasted walk today!

From what I considered a safe distance, I was able to capture multiple frames of the energetic reptile before leaving it to go on it’s way. A short time later, I spotted a fourth rattler and realized that this was evolving into a truly special day.

My personal record of five sightings in one day occurred many years ago and it seemed apparent that I was well on my way toward shattering that long-standing record. While an extensive search of the area eventually yielded #5, my record breaker seemed an unattainable goal. With my confidence beginning to wane, I decided to search another area and hiked a long trail toward a rocky ridge I’d discovered the previous summer . Even though I’d never actually seen a rattlesnake there, the habitat contained all of the requisite “ingredients” so it certainly seemed worth a try.

Don't Tread on Me

My explorations in the new spot were rewarded early when I spotted a colorful copperhead snake tucked into a tight crevasse. It was oblivious to my presence and I was able to ease my camera in really close for a few intimate portraits. That copper was a great find and a bonus, but I was on a mission.  I left the copperhead to go about its business and set off in search of that elusive sixth rattlesnake.

Over an hour had passed and I again began to lose confidence. Exhaustion from the heat of the sun and the stress of scrambling around rocky cliffs all day was beginning to take its toll and it was becoming evermore difficult to stay focused. As my mind wandered further, I found myself finding photographic interest in the simplest of life forms that normally wouldn’t even warrant a second look. A weird looking clump of colorful moss caught my eye and I immediately began composing images in my mind’s eye.

“What could I do with this?” “Should I get low or shoot it from above?” “How would I light it?” I even ventured so far as to play with the moss with my hiking stick…feeling its texture.

It was about then that I realized that it had been a REALLY long day!
What made matters even worse was that I was so focused on that useless clump of moss that I failed to noticed that Rattler #6...the record breaker, was coiled and staring at me from five feet away!

It was a really big one too…definitely over four feet, maybe five. It was dark-phased and recently shed…a truly beautiful specimen! We seemed to react to each other at exactly the same instant and the large viper violently rattled its tail in defiance then quickly uncoiled and raced toward the sanctuary of a nearby boulder. I could still hear the big snake buzzing as it descended deeper and deeper into the bowels of Snake Mountain’s clandestine inner core. I was somewhat saddened at not having rewarded myself a single shot of so pristine a specimen but as I plotted my course back to the car, I felt satisfied in the knowledge that a record had fallen that day.

As I traversed the top of the ridge on my way back, a muffled, barely audible buzzing sound instinctively stopped me in my tracks. It was very faint and only lasted a fraction of a second. I was sure that I’d imagined it but I remained motionless as I visually scanned the surrounding area.

Right there in front of me, coiled on top of a huge boulder was another big timber rattlesnake. This was another “darkie”. It was the blackest one I’d ever seen!
And best of all, this newest discovery was completely unaware of my presence so it would be a prime photographic subject. But the handsome snake rested in a perilous position near the edge of a cliff…and since I was armed with only a 105 mm lens, I was much too far away.

I scanned the surrounding rocks to plot the least precarious course which might get me closer and to my amazement, I spotted another big snake ten feet to the left of the other one. (…since we’re still keeping score…that’s #7 and #8.)

In complete contrast, this other rattler sported the more traditional color pattern typical for the species. I momentarily abandoned my quest to get closer to “Ol’ Blackie” and realized that to effectively illustrate both color morphs, I had to somehow figure out a way to get both snakes in the same frame. …But how??

They were too far apart and the angle of perspective on my 105 mm was far too narrow. I couldn’t even back up for fear of falling off a 20 foot cliff to a certain death. Then, as if on cue, the lighter snake slowly uncoiled, crawled toward Blackie and re-coiled right next to it. This was a gift from Heaven! (…Hey, maybe this really WAS Eden?)
Now, it was simple to get both snakes in the same frame…and actually live to tell about it!

Rattlers Light and Dark Phase

…But it soon got even better!

A colorful copperhead snake obligingly emerged from a crack in the rocks directly behind the two timber rattlers and I was quick to recompose to include this newest member to join the party. I’d always known that rattlesnakes and copperheads coexist (They’ve even been known to den together in winter.) but now I have photographic proof!

Pit Vipers a"Trois

I remained with the trio for nearly an hour observing and documenting their behavior. All the while, they were totally unconcerned with my temporary intrusion into their shadowy world. In observing how the two timbers were interacting, I would have bet that they were a mated pair. Toward the end of the session, Blackie uncoiled and crawled over to a different rock from its mate. (..a lover’s spat, perhaps?) It was then that I decided to leave but before I made my way off that ridge, I spotted one final rattler.

#9 was a photogenic and feisty youngster…likely less than a year old. This was a fitting end to the perfect day.

Feisty

And so the legend of Snake Mountain lives on. Through years of exploration I’ve witnessed what was feared a declining population. Throughout their extensive range, timber rattlesnake numbers are a mere fraction of what they once were and with so few sightings in recent years, I was afraid that the “wrong element” had discovered the tiny island pockets of timbers struggling to survive in my tiny Eden nestled within the vastness of the Appalachian Wilds.

That special day along “Blackie’s Ridge” offered renewed hope for the future of the species but one must be ever vigilant and enigmatic to ensure the continued survival and prosperity of these misunderstood, often maligned members of our natural world
…As Don Henley eloquently quipped in an old Eagles song, “You call someplace Paradise…kiss it goodbye.”

----

Bob's Bio:

I am a Maryland photographer who specializes in nature in all its forms. For as long as I can remember, my love for the outdoors has inspired me to capture nature's beauty and intrigue. My primary interests photographically involve traveling the country and getting up close and personal with subjects in nature. My travels have taken me to every corner of the U.S. and parts of Canada but in today’s economy, it’s becoming evermore difficult to plan a road trip unless it’s all downhill! I prefer to shoot in full-manual 100% of the time because I believe that it affords the ultimate in control and accurately represents the challenges and rewards that this great art has to offer. I’m an active member of BetterPhoto.com and a regular contributor to their Forums and Newsletters. My photos have been published in business brochures and on Bugguide and other popular wildlife sites and many have been sold as fine art prints. Lately though, I do this for fun.

I believe photography to be the therapy which keeps one sane in a crazy world.

Feel free to visit my website at http://www.cammphoto.com/ .
--
  All photos by Bob Cammarata
_______________________
Bob Cammarata's Bonus Photos

Ol' Blackie

Head to Head
A Promise for the Future
(newborn timber rattlesnakes at a den site)

"6 6 6"
                                                           
Hognose Snake

                                                                           
Northern Copperhead

Temptation


____________________________

*** I Need Your Story! *** { I'm Serious!}If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me, please! We haven't a single story on tap.  I'm working on one, but it won't be ready in time for next week. Please consider sharing your tales of Relentless Pursuit! And I'd be appreciative if you also take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you!
--
Michelle Alton
__________________________________

[Note: The green SU symbol below stands for "Stumble Upon," a very popular website for recommending internet content for us very busy folk! If you click it, you can write a very short--one liner-- recommendation for this blog. It can dramatically increase our readership, and our authors' exposure. Thanks!]
______________________                                                                                                                              


                                                           
##

Friday, June 17, 2011

The Dragonfly Incident





From Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capitol of the World, Tammy Espino shares this whimsical short tale proving that Tammy is every bit as entertaining as her city!  You'll just have to read this little story to know what I'm talking about!  Have a great time, and enjoy the photos.

(More of Tammy's work can be seen by clicking the links, below.)


http://dremchser.redbubble.com/
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2019534
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/land-of-fire-tammy-espino.html

________________________

Thanks for stopping here to see the latest post. I'd love to know what you think of the "Relentless Pursuit" series. Please leave a comment below for the author or email me with your suggestions on what you'd like to see on this blog. Also, click the green SU icon at the bottom of this post to recommend the blog to Stumble Upon members. It will dramatically increase the "exposure" of our authors' work.

If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me. And be sure to take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you! Also, consider forwarding the link to "Relentless" to your friends and family. Thanks again!
--
Michelle Alton

________________________

THE DRAGONFLY INCIDENT: (A prickly situation)

It’s the first week of June, and things are really starting to heat up here  in Southeast Nevada.  In summer the times to be out shooting Nature and landscapes are limited to the break of dawn and then again at sunset-- unless you’re a trained Navy Seal!

My morning started out frustrating today, as I was trying to purchase plane tickets online, and could not find any seats for the times I needed them.    Since I had gotten a late start because of the plane tickets fiasco, I would have to rush because the temperatures were already rising quickly.

Land of Dragonflies

My first stop was the Henderson Wild Bird Viewing Preserve (BVP). BVP is becoming one of the best places in southern Nevada to watch birds.  Desert species, water birds, wading birds, shorebirds and insects of all shapes, sizes, and colors can be abundant here.  Paved and dirt walkways run on dikes that divide the area into 13 brush-lined ponds that provide many vantage points for viewing birds.  But I was going there to shoot dragonflies! 

I did not realize that BVP had switched to summer hours and would close in less than an hour.  Just my luck! 
I met a nice older gentleman right off, and the two of us carried on together to Pond #9.  A few American avocets buzzed us and then some Killdeer feigned broken wings for our cameras.  Their babies must have been close by.  I managed to click off a few quick shots, but the dragonflies were not cooperating today.  None would be kind enough to sit still for me, so I was out of luck for now.  “I WILL be back,” said I in my best “Terminator” accent.

Worth a Scolding by Security

Little Pollen Face
Next stop:  The cactus garden just up the street from where I live.   Sometimes dragonflies buzz around there and I also was hoping to see new blooms on the cacti.

Cactus Garden I

While taking a brief rest on a park bench, I saw in rapid succession:  A woodpecker, a hummingbird, a quail with about 14 babies (I’ll come back to find them again; they got away quickly), several lizards and some new cactus blooms.

Another Bloomin' Cactus
There's More to See than just Cacti

At the entrance to Cactus Garden

Wild Flowers are all through the Garden

Well, I guess I have always had a propensity for breaking rules…especially silly ones and particularly when I’m on an important mission.  Visitors are supposed to stay on the sidewalk and trails,  but today I was in my “Rules are made to be broken” mode.  After taking an owl’s eye gander around to make sure I was out of eyeshot of  Security Officers and other tourists,  I slowly and carefully maneuvered onto the dirt path between some cacti.  And I got my shot of the fresh blossoms!

Cactus Garden II

And just as if to say “You were WARNED, Dummy,” the cactus thrust its needles at me, and as I’m writing this tale, I’m still smarting -- in a very sensitive spot!

Sharp and Unkind, Cactus Needles Come Out in Clumps

Got me Again!

Well, except perhaps for my sore bottom,  it had turned out to be a great day, and I was only scolded by a Security Guard once!  In his most stern voice, he yelled harshly, “Get away from the trees!”  And that was it!  Under my breath, of course, I was muttering, “I will go anywhere I want as soon as you’re not watching me!”   And then I made friends with him.  Some of my best friends are the police and security officials who are out there to thwart my photo shoots!   I can’t figure out why I’m so conspicuous!  Perhaps my three cameras, five or so lenses and my trusty tripods and my deer-stalker’s cap are the dead giveaway!

Dragonflies:






Avocet Party


--
  All photography by Tammy Espino

_________________________________________________


TAMMY'S BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

I have been a photographer for most of my life.  At first I shot mostly family and vacation photos.

In high school I was on the year book team so most of my friends appear in the book. That was back when photography was film cameras and dark rooms (gives away my age!!)

A few years ago I became a member of a very popular online photo sharing site.  I’ve learned a lot and keep on learning from so many nice people; and have expanded my collection of camera and photo gear. My photos have appeared in the local newspaper, in Times Square in NYC, on local television. in art shows and photo contests. I have a book  of flowers at Bookblubs; and though I love nature photography best, photography, in all of its forms, is my passion.

P.S.:  The Quail family keeps getting away from me this year, they are faster than me and my camera I will get them though :) 

____________________________

Tammy's Bonus Shots:




Curves

City Girl Encounters Wild Animals

Wild








Top Guns


Vegas Wetlands

Huntington Morning

Pier 77






*** I Need Your Story! *** { I'm Serious!}I f you have a story to post on this theme, contact me, please! We have zero stories on tap and I shall have to resort again to posting my own work! Please consider sharing your tales of Relentless Pursuit! And I'd be appreciative if you also take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you!
--
Michelle Alton


___________________

[Note:  The green SU symbol below stands for "Stumble Upon," a very popular website for recommending internet content for us very busy folk!  If you click it, you can write a very short--one liner-- recommendation for this blog.  It can dramatically increase our readership, and our authors' exposure.  Thanks!]

______________________
##

Friday, June 10, 2011

Ophidiophobia Overcome

NancyJ Hovey

 
Nancy is a Florida gal who is not only an intrepid photographer, but an amazing woman who has overcome more life-threatening medical conditions than most of us even think of in our lifetimes.  She still lives with almost constant pain and what others might call "disability," but she leans forward and meets each challenge with extreme courage and not a trace of bitterness.  Her photographer buddies will tell you that she is a fast friend who is always there to offer encouragement and empathy.  She is much loved.

Her brief story, below, is the tale of her relentless pursuit of her passionate hobby, and her struggle with a menacing phobia.

To see more of Nancy's stunning photography, click here.  And also take a look at the bonus photographs at the end of the story.

________________________

Thanks for stopping here to see the latest post. I'd love to know what you think of the "Relentless Pursuit" series. Please leave a comment below for the author or email me with your suggestions on what you'd like to see on this blog.

If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me. And be sure to take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you! Also, consider forwarding the link to "Relentless" to your friends and family. Thanks again!
--
Michelle Alton

________________________

Ophidiophobia Overcome (Click on photos to enlarge them.)


Have you ever had a fierce fear? One that keeps you from high altitude lookout points? Or from bridges? Or from walking among bushes, or through gardens? Well, I do, and here is my story about the chilling experiences I had on the path to healing.

Ophidiophobi or ophiophobis is the abnormal fear of snakes. Fear of snakes is sometimes called by a more general term, "herpetophobia," fear of reptiles and/or amphibians.

There is a distinct difference between people who simply do not like snakes or fear them for their venom or the perceived danger and someone who is phobic like me.  An ophidiophobic would not only fear snakes when in live contact with them, but also dreads thinking about them or even seeing them on TV or in pictures.

Cameras have always found their way into my hands.  But due to my phobia, I often missed out on great photo opportunities.  Then several years ago I began to get serious about photography.  A neighbor of mine, an avid amateur photographer, was planning a trip to a  nearby city to take photographs at its small Botanical Gardens. I was all primed to go, but suddenly I became filled with apprehension... bushes, flowers, paths among the trees, uh oh...they could all  mean 'SNAKES'!

Botanical Gardens

SNAKES! 

The thought of actually walking around with the possibility of SNAKES appearing in my path stopped me in my tracks?  Oh no!  But with persistence from my friend, I tagged along with her even though I was well-and-truly terrified.

When we arrived at the open gateway of the Botanical Gardens I took a deep breath; but kept telling myself that I had to do this.  Through the years, I had made some progress toward combatting the fear within myself.  In earlier years I could not even look at a photo of a snake in books, magazines, television, or movies.  So, I began my own healing process by going to books first. (The snakes aren't alive there, right?)  After finally feeling comfortable with the 'looking', I began to read articles. Do I retain the information?...NOT!  After all, the fear is still inside me.  And if I allow it, the fear will rule over any possibility of beating it.  And not only will it stay around but it will grow and keep on growing!

My persistence began to pay off when my children came along...Boys!  Oh dear, boys love snakes...well most do, anyway!   So off to the zoos we went.  When it came to the reptile house I had to drag myself in--holding on to the boys’ hands as if they were protecting ME, instead of the other way around!  Oh dear, LIVE REAL SNAKES, but behind glass! SAFE?  I had to show NO FEAR in front of those two sweet boys looking up to me.  I trembled with fear during those moments in there, gawking at those slithery snakes.

Eventually I have found with viewing the snakes behind glass more frequently, that I even allowed myself to let some of the fear go, and began to feel safe inside a reptile house. (Though I know deep down that those slithery things could easily sneak in through an open door as no one looks down at their feet to make sure they haven’t let one in inadvertently!)  We all walk in unknowingly--trusting!

I am proud to say, after my friend convinced me to go out and about with my camera, I started very tentatively taking photos of those snakes behind glass. And even “shooting” those peculiar people who walk around with snakes wrapped around their necks.  A camera lens puts distance between the photographer and that slithery snake, thus changing the terms of my snake encounters to safe propositions. Ha!

Florida Pine Snake

Once inside the Botanical gardens, I so enjoy the walk, listening to the birds chirping, feeling the soft breeze, hearing the rustling leaves and branches of trees and flowers.  I find those sounds to be soothing, comforting sounds.   But WAIT!  What was THAT?  OH NO,-- a snake slithering near...NEAR?  YIKES!  The thing is right in my path!
Now, any good sensible Ophidiophobic would run for their dear life!  HA!  Instead I FROZE, with my one leg still up in the air in mid stride.  Yes, I actually froze in motion to the spot.  Miraculously, I then turned sideways, raised my camera, and “CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!”  I was actually taking SNAKE PHOTOS!

The snake “sat there” momentarily, sticking its tongue out flicking at me, then turned its head and off it slithered, back into the garden flowers whence it had come.   And I was in a cold sweat, shaking, and retreating fast in the opposite direction.

After the fact [I’m chuckling here] the joke was on me.  But I was beginning to heal and feeling more comfortable around snakes.  Oddly, I have no fear of standing in the bushes with a hundred busy bees, as long as there is no snake!  Funny!

Then just the other day, coming home after a long day at the flea market, suddenly there was a visitor just a foot or so from my front door handle, right in my path.  It looked like a twig protruding out of the top of the bush; it didn't move at all.  It was a stick... Oh--but it was not.
There before me was a snake.

Now this snake was huge and ugly.  It took a long fifteen minutes for my friend and I to realize maybe it wouldn't move as we unlocked the door, and ran into the house.  We were lucky.  Now, after a few moments in the house, I had to have another look-see. I grabbed my camera like any photographer would, and slowly cracked the door open just enough to let the lens out the door.  The lens was already pushed to the full length. With a quick focus, click click click.  I got it...Now ”shut that door slam fast and lock it, before that snake could come in,” I thought  BIG SNAKE? Ha! It was a baby snake!
BUT IT WAS STILL A SNAKE!

Florida Black Racer

So, during the years, my fear has diminished. I feel better for the growth, but I do not think I am there yet!  Would you be?

To this day, I still will not touch and DEFINITELY not hold a snake.  That is just too much to ask of a phobic!  NO!  NO!  Not going to happen!  Or IS it?
Python (behind glass)

--
  All photography by NancyJ Hovey

-----------
NancyJ's Brief Bio:
Originally I am from Michigan and my playgrounds were the city of Lansing, and Michigan State University.   Even during those young years, I had the opportunity to use my grandmother's camera when I could.  After marriage, we moved to Georgia, and I was pleased to have been given a camera as a wedding gift. Since my husband was in the Navy, we were transferred after the birth of our first son, to London England.  Our second son was born in London, and since I was shooting with film, lots of photos were being developed.
Photography was an expensive habit with film cameras.  What with all the shots one wanted to take back then, we had tons of prints.   Later when I moved to Florida, digital cameras came into the world.  I saved every penny I could for my own digital.  And once I had that digital camera, I began to get serious about photography.
 
Though I am still working on conquering my phobia, I love hearing the sound of the camera's shutter as it captures a photo.  Photography to me is peaceful and like a meditation all of its own.  I always find Peace and Love while taking photos.
___________________

Bonus Photos

Cassanova

Facial and Waxing, Please

Friends

Heartfelt Emotions

Hello Again

Impressionism

Light my Heart

North Carolina Blue Jay

Rapture

Fairytale Water Lily

Whisper Softly

Symphony

The Dance


Walk with Me

____________________________

*** I Need Your Story! *** { I'm Serious!}If you have a story to post on this theme, contact me, please! We have only one story on tap and I shall have to resort again to posting my own work! Please consider sharing your tales of Relentless Pursuit! And I'd be appreciative if you also take a look at my Photography site. I'd love to hear from you!
--
Michelle Alton


____________________




##