More Friendly People

It was a beautiful day, low to mid 80's and a gentle breeze, and it was a beautiful day for the camera. Many of you know of my affinity for Solomons Island, but I stayed on the St. Mary's County side of the Patuxent today.  A short drive from the office and I found the contrasting colors of sky, clouds and a picnic table interesting.

It got even better though.  First, the truck bogged down in the sandy beach and nearly stuck.  The driver (wonder who that was) realized the error of being in 4x4 LOW, rather than HIGH!!  Problem solved.

The beach is on Goose Creek and where the Tundra Swans are seen in the winter months.  They are long gone, and probably enjoying cool weather in Canada somewhere.  Today there was an Egret though.  I watched for a while and took a number of shots.  I knew s/he grabbed something out of the shallow water, but it wasn't until I cropped the images that I found the prize.  A Blue Crab!!!  Yes, after nearly dropping it, down the hatch went the crab.

Sissy and her dog Zero

The Wharf at Leonardtown was pretty busy in the early evening. A stop there revealed a number of friendly people, some with their dogs some fishing.

Lots of paddlers were out on the water. There were quite a few Stand UP (SUPs) as well as kayaks.  The young guy was very determined, and had the smallest kayak I had ever seen.

 Now you may notice in the background of the photo above a runabout.  If you look closely enough you might also notice someone in the water behind the boat (above the heads of the paddlers in the center.)  This boat was out there a LONG time trying to get the skier ready to go.  I nearly gave up on them.  Then the action started.....

 You can see the lady (I'm guessing "mom") watching on with her arm raised as the wake boarder lifts out of the water!! Way to go!

However it was very short lived....

 I got talking to another bunch of friendly folks as I watched the boaters.  I played Southern Maryland host to a family new to the area and mentioned the sights they might want to take in.. like Solomons Island and the Marine Museum, St. Mary's City and Sotterly.  Ava (sp?) the youngest told me she is a ballerina and demonstrated with a spin.  Too cute.  It turns out that her sister Brooklynn (sp?) is also a dancer - a very dedicated one at that.  I mentioned a Ballet School that was close by, and that they are a rigorous school..  Turns out that they knew all about that already! I snapped the shot below as their Golden Retriever named Jack joined the kids and Laura on the bench - he is part of the family after all!

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I always thought of Solomons Island of having the really friendly folk around Southern Maryland, but I have to say that Leonardtown Wharf is giving some nice competition.  I talked with Sissy about art for a few minutes and about photography with a woman and her partner (think they were married, but I am not sure.) So I wonder tonight, is it the water side atmosphere that brings out the best in people?  Is it the dogs?  I'm not truly sure, and it doesn't much matter.  I simply know it was a really nice day.

Hope you had a great one, and thanks for coming along for the views here with me.  One last parting shot of an Osprey sitting on a nest along the shoreline.

Blessings,
Brian