ADVENTURES ALONG THE NI RIVER TRAIL

While my hike along the Ni River Trail may not have been a true adventure, I consider any stroll through the woods an adventure. As I walked along this serene trail, I started thinking about nature photography.

Nature photography is one of my favorites. There are many challenges to the photography; playing with subject and light and figuring out exactly what settings to use on the camera. I love a challenge.

But I started thinking about things as I walked this trail. It's a deeply wooded well marked area and for some reason I was constantly looking behind me. The thing is, when I roam nature, I'm usually alone out in the woods and there's always that factor that anything can happen.

To avoid this, I prepare. I always have a large bottle of water with me (so I don't get dehydrated). I always carry my cell phone (in case I break an ankle), I carry pepper spary (in case I chance upon someone or something who wished me harm) and I always pocket my driver's license (in case they find my body). I hope nothing every happens, but I have to be prepared. If nothing else, it wards off the evil spirits.

Thing is, out in the woods, you never know what you'll run into. While the stroll along the trail was relaxing and a great walking meditation, I did encounter a lot of roots to trip over; I dodged an array of spider webs and every time a drop of sweat fell on the back of my neck I was sure it was a spider ready to drill its poisonous fangs into my flesh; and I encountered a big, ole, fat black snake (which could have been something much more dangerous). But Mr. Black Snake heard me as I brought up my camera to snap its picture and slithered into the brush. I guess it didn't want to meet me anymore than I wanted to meet it.

If you get a chance, take the walk along the trail. The Farm Pond is lovely with brilliant reflections of the surrounding trees and the Ni River is a calming sight. I haven't made it to the Upland Forest yet. It was incredibly humid in the woods, so I'll save that for another day.

Happy Shooting!

Kerri