WHITEFISH RIVER TRAILS

This morning my personal photographer and I walked a pretty little suburban trail called the Rocksund Trail named after the people who donated the land. I call it suburban with tongue in cheek. In these parts 100 yards off any given road is the wild. The trail is paved but covered in ice at the moment. It's a very nice little walk along Whitefish River.

Whitefish Trail

Apparently, not all ducks go south for the winter because we saw bunches of them, mostly mallards and goldeneye. They seemed perfectly happy to be feeding in the crystal clear but very cold water. They are so funny the way they pop their bottoms up in the air as they search for food. These guys looked like they had circled their wagons, I mean their bums.

Mallards and Goldeneye ducks on the Whitefish River

Town trails are never long enough for us and this one was no exception. Nevertheless, it's a very pleasant stroll along the water and very much better than nothing.

Molly Montana checking out an artistic post.

Tired now time for a rest.

Molly Montana takes a nap!

 Oh, for pity sakes! What kind of crazy photo is that? Gotta  have a word with my photographer!


Ciao for now,
Molly Montana

©Kinsey Barnard

LOOKING FOR A WOOD DUCK

On the day that we left Charleston we got up early to return to Empire Lakes. We had been told by a fisherman that Wood Ducks are to be seen at these lakes. Mom is dying to photograph one so we thought we'd give it a go.

You will notice from the collection of photos that we failed in our primary mission. We never saw a Wood Duck. It was, however, a glorious morning. We walked around for a couple of hours. A couple too short for me. As you can see we did see some beautiful waterfowl, Canada Geese, Seagulls, and Mallards. Just not the Wood Ducks.

We returned to Clementine to pack up and head for Florence. It was a lovely day for a drive even if it was a short one.

©Kinsey Barnard Photography

BLACKIES PASTURE

Well, I'm getting way behind here. We've been awfully busy.

We did make it back to Blackies Pasture. Blackie was an old cavalry horse that lived his days out in a pasture along 131 on the way to Tiburon. He was without a doubt the most sway backed horse I've ever seen but was clearly beloved by the people. The citizens have made quite a memorial too him as well as a great place to get out for some exercise and fresh air.

You can walk all the way to Tiburon following along the shore of Richardson Bay. There are many kinds of birds to be seen and birders would enjoy the walk it only for that reason. I have included photos of a mallard pair and a snowy egret.

You'll also see funny things. As part of one persons landscaping I saw what looked like the little guy from Travelocity!

We continue to be impressed with what a great job the people of Marin have done integrating themselves with nature. If I had to live in an urban area this sure would be a place where I could live..

© Kinsey Barnard