My Camera Sucks

First I must rant: here I was at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and my Nikon was nearly useless. It was constantly either fogged up or had water droplets on the lens. It will fog up seemingly for no reason. If I leave it out of my pocket face-up it will get water droplets like these:

But I can not leave it face down or in a pocket because its light sensor also malfunctions. The only cure for that appears to be shutting it down after every photo. If I do not wait for the shut-down the next photos will be garbage, like these:

Both examples are heavily edited, otherwise nothing at all would be visible. I actually kind of like this one, but the first example is trash.

Lately I have taken to using my new phone (a Samsung something) as a camera when on the water. This is a tricky thing. The phone is water resistant and is in a "Life Proof" case. However, it has no lanyard and no way to attach one. It also does not float. Just imagine balancing in a slippery sea kayak, wind blowing, spray flying, and still being dumb enough to pull out a high tech toy? No, no sensible reader would do such a thing. But I would!

The photos I have taken in the last few weeks with the phone  have shamed my 3 year old water proof Nikon Cool Pix. I find I take less photos on the water but have more good ones overall. Also, as my phone syncs seamlessly with my Google account the photos are waiting for me online. I also find myself using it more often to shoot photos of household objects, pets, and art. I have even used it to take pictures of items I am posting to sell.

I remember reading a camera review about 10 years ago that said phones would replace point-and-shoots quite soon. I did not believe it then but am a believer now. I doubt I will buy another point-and-shoot camera.

Ah, the downside: Besides the fact that it does not float and can not be tied to me, there is also the fact that it is my phone. Phones and radios are generally considered to be part of the mandatory equipment we sea kayakers carry. Losing it could spell so much trouble, beyond the replacement cost, if it were needed to summon a rescue.

Oh, the angst! My First World Problem, oy!

Here are some random shots from the last few weeks, just because:

Yes, this is a cat tree. What of it?

One time, when I was walking these two at a rest stop, a man came over to pet them and talk about his own dogs. After a moment or two his eyes opened wide and he said "thems indoor dogs, ain't they?" And I said "yes, yes they are." I recognize some people would not live the way I do. But I am okay with that.

Paddling from SERC

Darrick has been scarce these last few months. Really, I think I have only paddled with him twice this season. He has good reason, job, family, college. When I heard tale that his job had moved to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, I was intrigued. I have never paddled from the Center but I have occasionally seen small events scheduled at that locale.

SERC website

Dennis asked if we would like to paddle there Tuesday, and "I'm all over this!" and I mean it when I say it. Only car trouble could prevent my attendance.

So down a little bumpy road I find myself driving, while cataloging my good fortunes. I stopped for a quick chat with the nice security guard in the booth, who teased me about boating in the "cold." Her directions on to the property were helpful, and I found I was the second to arrive. Once all gathered, from the slippery little ramp we launched in to the Rhode River. We explored four or five creeks. Some of this was house envy tours and some untouched marsh-land. We lunched on Flat Island, before finishing our tour in Muddy Creek.

For the most part the water was glassy, perfect for photos

from left to right Larry, Derek, Paul, and Yoshi

Yoshi

Dennis leaves Flat Island

Fall colors and Paul

Lunch spot on Flat Island

Part of the fish weir that the SERC researchers use to monitor marine life in the Bay

But here is the most exciting part for me: Darrick offered to lead us through a tour of a new lab building. This facility is huge, a 90,000 square foot building.  We were told it is a LEEDS-Certified Platinum building, and is called the Mathias Lab some background on the Mathias Lab project

Paul pointing out various features of the area

Paul, who paddled with us, is a retired environmental researcher. As we toured the corridors of the building Paul pointed out people he knew in almost every poster on the walls! This was a special thing, I felt, in the offing. This is a facility dedicated to very important research, research that our planet badly needs.

There are rows of private offices with glass walls looking out in to the atrium and Paul walked down the row until, pop! he pulled someone he knew right out into our midst. Dr. Paul Fofonoff kindly stopped his work and gave us a tour of a suite of research labs. We met a few scientists, who were busy working. Researchers are also educators, whether directly or indirectly, and everyone we met seemed happy to share information about their work.

This was a special day for me; one that will shine for years to come. If I have a religion, it is science. For all that I can be "hippy-dippy," as my step-dad used to say, deep down I believe that there is a scientific explanation for every thing. What appears magical or mystical can or will be explained by science. This does not make things less special or magical to me personally. I had an almost reverent reaction to touring the lab. My experience was much like touring a special cathedral might feel to the pious.

I did not take any photos of the building as I was too busy soaking up the experience. I did not feel the need to create a digital record.

Thanks to Darrick and Paul for making this such a special day, and thanks to Dennis for getting the group together. I am feeling so grateful right now, for my friends and their generous nature. I am "lucky," this I know.

lucky

Darrick