Knowing that we were going to be retiring and packing and selling and relocating all before 10/3, we decided a while back to plan a trip to the Outer Banks of NC, right after all the chaos, so we could 'decompress' a little from the intensity of it all.We were fortunate to stay at a place right on the ocean and as you can see we had the beach to ourselves. We did buy a new camera to take with us on our mission to Africa, so this trip gave us a great opportunity to get used to it and see what it can do. The camera is great, (Olympus SP-56OUZ) even in the hands of amateurs, and with the success we have had here, we are really looking forward to using it with the wildlife in Africa. We had several very intimate encounters with the birds on the banks and they were most considerate subjects.
A very curious male 'laughing gull' that felt right at home in front of the camera. Double clicking the photos will open them to screen size. Give it a go... and view the amazing detail afforded by modern technology.
A very curious male 'laughing gull' that felt right at home in front of the camera. Double clicking the photos will open them to screen size. Give it a go... and view the amazing detail afforded by modern technology.
We went to a movie one evening and had popcorn left over, so since there were no other folks on the beach to complain, we decided to feed the leftover popcorn to the birds. Here is a shot of one picking the pc out of the air with incredible agility!
A mainstay of the Outer Banks beaches are the ghost crabs. They come out at night and cover the beach to scavenge whatever the tide delivers them and they keep the beach remarkably clean. Our kids used to love running the beach late at night with a flashlight, and seeing hundreds of them scampering at the tide line.This is a shot in total darkness of a 5" male ghost crab using the pop-up flash.
This is the bird that effortlessly sailed in to get some of the popcorn that Reenie was generously providing and as he flew over her head he pooped right on her back...a big liquid wet white poop about 4" long on the top she had hoped to wear to dinner. Ahhh...to be among nature
One of the great advantages of being here at this time of year is the solitude. We brought along missionary prep material, CES prep material and Perpetual Education Fund reading as well as the 23 page handbook for missionary couples serving in the Africa Southeast Area. We have enjoyed hours of uninterrupted study and will be the better for it. This was a much needed and very much enjoyed holiday from all schedules and routines.
The next beach that we walk on to admire the surf and sand will probably be the Indian Ocean.
11 comments:
I love the picture of the 'laughing gull' even though I am not very fond of seagulls at all for the very exact reason you mentioned a little later in your post! They scare me. I am frightened they will poop in my hair and it will be a blobby mess to try to clean up. Better on a shirt...or even your head, Jim...that wouldn't be too bad to clean off. Ok, I'm sorry...it just slipped out. Dave doesn't really like those kind of jokes either, even though I find balding men very attractive. The balder the head the better looking, and I'm not just saying that to be a brown noser, which I know you are saying out loud right this very minute, "ok, april, you just keep digging your hole and then try to fix it!"
Keep the posts coming as you prepare and we can't wait to see what your camera has in store for us while you are serving in Africa.
Oh man, the 4" poop makes me laugh! I am so sorry it was on your pretty top! I'm so glad you got a great camera. Can't wait to see what you capture in Africa. I remember going to the Outer Banks with your family years ago. What a peaceful, beautiful place. :)
Jim and Reenie, for all the hard work you do and will continue to do...you definately deserved this vacation! Jim took some great pics again. He should frame and sell them (I'd buy them!)
Jamie
I am glad that you two took some time out. It is nice to be able to relax and adjust to the new chapter of your lives. The bird poo on Aunt Reenie's top made me laugh!
I feel decompressed just looking at the pictures. Very relaxing. I wish I could have come too. I Sorry mom about the poop.
I'm glad you guys had a nice time. The pictures are great, very clear and for once you couldn't get harassed for taking pictures of the birds and not the kids.
Dad - are you saying that you do not have uninterrupted time to study at our house? I don't have a clue why you would say that!! I am very glad that you both went on a well deserved vacation! I am also looking forward to seeing pictures from Africa. I do hope there will be people in some of them.
GREAT pictures!!! Though I do agree with Brittany and hope that your Africa pictures have a few people in them, too. :o) I'm glad you had such a nice getaway -- much-deserved, for sure! Sorry about the poop, Reenie! That's HILARIOUS!!! We miss you guys!
You wording is just beautiful it makes me want to go to the beach, but not to get pooped on! What a fun experience and decopmression time! You two are amazing. Can't wait to see photos of Africa.
Well dad I do look at your blog often but usually it is with a baby in my arms trying to get him to sleep and I can't stand typing with one hand. That is why there has been a lack of comments not just on your blog but everyones I look at. I do love the pictures of the beach. Man it makes me miss North Carolina. I loved going there as a family. So many good memories. We HAVE to do it again sometime. Maybe when you get back from your mission. So sorry mom that you got pooped on. Not fun! Dad you are a great photographer!
I'm glad you had a great trip! I love your pictures! I'm also glad you posted about your camera. I have been wanting a new camera for over a year and finally sat down and did some research. The newer model of the camera you bought (SP-570 UZ) is on my top 4 list. So I was excited you recommended your camera. But I have to tell you, I looked up your camera and I found out that when you are shooting a movie with the sound on the image stabilization is turned off. Big negative for me, I like to shoot little clips of movie to put on my blog. But I believe that the problem is fixed with the newer model. I still haven't decided which camera I am going to buy, but I will by Monday night because that is when I am buying one. Thank you for your recommendation!! I too hope there will be people in your pictures in the future, like the both of you!! I can't wait to hear you speak in church tomorrow!
Jim and Reenie,
Curren wanted you to have our updated blog address so that you can see pics of him when you are in Africa (we had to change it to make it more anonymous.)
Love, Jamie
http://shezfamily1.blogspot.com/
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