Well said.
<frank wipes tear from corner of eye, hopes no one saw it>
cheers, frank
"The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true." -J. Robert Oppenheimer
From: "Jostein" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: "PDML" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: GFM: Leaving USA Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 07:30:51 -0400
Dear all,
As I commence this post, my flight is heading out into the Atlantic from the Labrador peninsula. Clouds are scarce, and the land below stands in relief by the late evening light. Occasional snowdrifts adds to the contours too. This strikes me as the final end to my USA adventure; saying good-bye to it's shores.
Forgive me for becoming sentimental; it has been two marvelous weeks. All the things we have seen! All the people we have met!
I'll try to keep this short, but some highlights need mentioning.
The hilarious but frustrating situation at the car rental upon arrival. The image on my website really says it all...:-)
The close encounter with "Brood X" in Maryland. During takeoff I read in Scientific American that the Cicades that saw the light of day this year in the Eastern states is one of ca. 15 broods that have a life cycle measured in prime numbers of years (13 and 17). "Brood X" (roman numbering) surfaced in mass numbers this year, and is due again in year 2022. That is, unless they skip their fourth larval stage and emerge to join the "Brood XIV" which has a 13 year cycle. Ok, ok, maybe not so fascinating for non-biologists, but I simply can't deny my training sometimes...:-)
The entering into Shenandoah. After travelling miles and miles (or so it seemed to a European accustomed to shorter distances) in flat country; the tree-clad slopes of the Appalachians were a welcome change. Still forested, though mountaineous, and the canopy of ash and oak loomed over the road even on the very ridge. The deer grazing on the road shoulders and in the camping grounds.
The arrival at GFM. The hot beef stew was more welcome than any othe meal I've had in two weeks (ok, I missed the pizza lunch). And the first close encounter with the PDML people from the Other Side Of The Pond.
The rest of GFM. A long continous feast. Not even my failing MZ-S took that feeling away. Missing the group shot did. Gave a feeling of absence... But the other pics posted from the week-end makes up for it. All the links are saved and cherished.
The unexpected invitation to Gregory Georges. When he heard we were heading for the coast after GFM, he promptly invited us to stay at his place on the way. Being half-way between GFM and the coast, it couldn't suit us better. His hospitality was generous indeed, and he provided us with ideas for things to do in North Carolina that enriched the rest of the trip immensely:
The Outer Banks. Walking barefoot on milelong beaches. Horseshoe crabs and pelicans. And the ever-ubiqutous Canada Geese. Pretty looking birds, btw, if you ignore their general attitude...:-) The houses built on stilts to prevent damage from water piled up by hurricanes. Life must be strange out there on the dunes when all the tourists have gone home.
The swamps. We would have missed this one if not for Greg's advice. Canoeing on Merchant's Millpond is an experience I'd recommend anyone wanting a nature experience extraordinaire.
Chincoteague and Assategue, also on outer banks islands, with their claimed-to-be wild ponies, white-tailed deer every bit as tame as the ones in Shenandoah. My memory of this place is somewhat scarred by an accident. My FA* 400/5.6 slid off the tripod mount and hit the paved road. It has developed a distinct color fringing and a focus problem at close distances. I think the trunk of the lens has been irrepairably bent.
Oh, well. I spent the day sulking despite Adelheid's intense labour to divert my thoughts, but it helped. I can only be thankful for all the nice pictures it has brought me. Hopefully I'll be economically able to replace it before next summer. It might involve selling some other gear, but it will be replaced.
THe web gallery update is coming; hopefully Annsan will catch it before she unsubscribes on Wednesday.
So, Good-bye America, and thanks to all you guys who made the GFM happen and become such a fantastic week-end. If I can make it, I'd love to do it again some time.
Thanks for reading, Jostein
(written on the flight across the Atlantic, posted when back home)
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