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                                         The promised beauty of Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, South Carolina lured me out from my long Covid isolation last week, and despite the surprises of the sudden gas shortage and an especially hearty rainstorm, it far exceeded my expectations. It’s promised to be “ home to some of the nation's most intensive plantings of Japanese iris” at https://www.sumtersc.gov/community/swanlake . To my surprise, all eight species of Swans inhabit the gardens.  I was ecstatic to discover that some have already hatched, like this little cygnet and its Black Swan parents who brought their newborn out to get acquainted with it's new home. Judging from all the nesting birds and a bit of fowl canoodling that I witnessed this past week, visitors can anticipate seeing more new things emerging than the beautiful flowers and Japanese Iris that appear to be r...

This seemingly happy animal was my first seal rescue when I worked with a Virginia aquarium and science center stranding team a few years ago to rescue marine animals.    He was a juvenile Harbor Seal discovered rolling helplessly in the surf.  By the time his almost lifeless body was discovered, the typical juvenile stamina and energy seals possess had drained from him.  Harbor Seals frequent these shores in Hampton Roads, and occasionally will pop onto the beach to rest.  But clearly, this limp incapacitated seal was no local visitor, merely there for a short nap.  And typically Harbor Seal rescuees are not the docile adorable creatures they appear, with large innocent puppy dog eyes.   They’re cranky and feisty and ready to bite whatever gets   anywhere near their mouths.   Consequently, the marine scientists and biologists I worked with had developed a great sense of humor to keep us from feeling as depressed and alarmed as the animals we...

  2020 will be on record for undoubtedly one of the most challenging and unusual years for all of us, with many of us unable to travel.  But we are a resilient bunch, and so we are taking more time to explore and make new discoveries in our great outdoors.    What better time than Fall to make new and beautiful discoveries, forge new bonds, and make irreplaceable memories.  Whether I'm exploring the  Blue Ridge Parkway in the east or making my way through the rugged terrain of the west, Mother Nature always helps me through difficult times. A shy nubbin buck peeks cautiously out from behind an apple tree where he spent the day enjoying fallen apples and a few up in the tree, as high as his small young legs could take him   I'm always surprised and enamored with the beauty of the BRP, and this area in Bedford, Virginia ranks at the top of my list for favorites to hike and photograph, or just to relax and revel in the beauty of it all.  Here on Lake...