The Look of Disappointment - 14 Mar 2019

A pair of Herring Gulls were squabbling over a freshly-caught Gizzard Shad on the ice here on the Detroit River. One bird was chased off, and the other triumphed in its victory. Until it decided to feed.

As it picked at its meal the fish started sliding forward toward the edge of the ice slab. No matter how hard the gull tried it could not stop momentum, or the river, from taking the fish back.

The Herring Gull could only look on in dull surprise after losing to a dead fish.

Signs of Spring - 10 Mar 2019

Subtle changes are occurring. Ring-billed Gulls are starting to sport their breeding whites and bright red orbitals. Red-winged Blackbirds have set up territories and are appearing in large flocks along with Common Grackles. And, ducks are starting to move inland from the Great Lakes and open rivers to the thawing ponds.

A Few From the River - 07 Mar 2019

I stopped by the Detroit River for a few minutes last week. Ice was thinning and the water was opening up. As a result, the ducks are spreading out. I've been itching to shoot the Sony a9 and 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens. So, I shot early and often.

Hiking Zabriske Point - 27 Feb 2019

Our last BackRoads outing of the trip was a short drive to the Golden Canyon where we proceeded to hike 4 miles with a 900 ft elevation climb. The high winds that started yesterday afternoon started up again early this morning, so warm winds greeted us at the start. We would be hiking the badlands to the observation lookout at Zabriske Point.

Trailhead

"Piece of Cake", he said...

Kim, Robin, Susan

Golden Canyon

As the Sun began its ascent over the mountain tops we enjoyed a mild uphill hike along a dry river bed. Kim And Susan Perez, our resident geologists, assisted Connor by pointing out special aspects of the sandstone and shale formations of the once underwater river topology. I missed much of it as I was straggling behind taking photos. Sorry.

Herb and Sharon

Once we left the main trail our ascent began in earnest as we marched, then trudged single-file up the side of the steep mountainside toward the top of... Heat, high winds and elevation quickly took its toll on us, and several of us dropped behind the group. Connor was good enough to drop back with us and assist with those of us struggling the most.

Alice, Red, Jo, Jim, Julie, Susan, Kim

Herb lining up a putt?

Arnoldo

The Fellowship splitting up

Mike, Alice, Jim, Connor, Red, Jo, Kim, Susan (in front)

Herb and Sharon

Robin

With frequent rests, water and pure grit we made it out of the canyon and back to the van where electrolytes and food greeted us.

Hopefully, the photos do the place the justice it deserves.

We returned to the Inn and had time to shower and finish packing before a final farewell lunch and trip back to the airport. Robin and I were able to nap in the hotel lobby for an hour or so before we made our way back to Las Vegas.