12 Photos from Mother's Day Camera Stroll

A Beautiful Day During Rainy Season

Look, I know it was Mother's Day but, I had to get out of the house yesterday.

Not feeling very motherly, I figured the gals would find something to do together.

On the way to the office, I got a chuckle when I saw some guy taking his wife to King Tacos.

That's kind of the equivalent of bringing your date to McDonald's, big spenders!

The first photo I shot at my office before stepping out the gate.

It's a good idea to fire some test shots before starting on a long hike with the camera.

It gives you an idea what exposures you'll need to be using and, more.

Suppose you forgot to put the SD card or battery back in the camera from last shooting?

Heading up the highway, these white clouds jumped out at me.  Rainy Season?

The camera was tripod mounted and I used only one lens, the Sigma 50-500 MM.

A 1.4 converter, gave me the capability to shoot from 70-700 MM.

Just in case the birds all stayed at home for Mother's Day, I shot scenery along the way.

The other night another photographer was questioning me.

Where should he take beginner photographers in Okinawa to teach them?

My thoughts: "If you don't know, you probably shouldn't be teaching photography." Hah!

Anyhow, just in case there are no birds today, here are some more clouds.

A few miles from the start, it's been a birdless day but, I was enjoying the walk.

A few crows and pigeons were out and about. I don't like wasting digital film on them.

If nothing else shows up, at least I'll have some scenery shots to take home.

Shortly after 4 PM, this bird showed up in a tree near me.

It's a Chinese Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis) and, they are noisy birds.

This wasn't really needed for my collection but, a Chinese bird is better than no birds at all.

This bird, the Streaked Fantail Warbler, is fairly common around here.

It's hard to catch one being still in a spot where you can shoot them. They're jittery.

When these birds fly, they make noises like a pair of scissors, that needs oiling.

So, I usually just call them Scissors Birds.

Cisticola juncidis would be their Latin Name.

In case you've never seen young rice plants, here's what they look like.

Rice is good for you if, you feel like eating thousands of things.

Dead trees are always something to pay attention to when looking for wildlife.

These happen to be at the farthest point along my hike and, are near the ocean.

Moving in the opposite direction, I shot this roof with the dead trees in the background.

A bit of shade under those tiles and a sip of water before heading home.

It would take about an hour, to return to my office from here and, I had a plan.

Trees like this, I consider Nature's Bonsai; they've been weather-beaten.

People doing bonsai in planters could get in big trouble, someday.

What if, a Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Trees, comes along?

Ending the Camera Tour

Out in the hot sun a bit longer than anticipated, I reached the office.

Too tired to download, I stored the camera and locked the place up.

There's a Japanese Restaurant between the office and my home, I planned to visit.

Two steak dinner takeout orders were placed and, I surprised the wife for Mother's Day with them.

Camera Trekking Hedo's Sai On Conservation Park

Forest Therapy for the Soul

It was one of those "no-sunshine-expected" November Monday mornings, yesterday.

Doc was picking me up at 9 AM and, I started packing the camera bag.

The big lenses were ignored because it didn't look like a bird-shooting day.

A little know attraction named, Saion Pine Trees Conservation Park became our mission.

Sai On is a famous scholar in Ryukyuan history. He advised the king during the 1700's.

Land conservation, tree planting, irrigation, and agriculture were some of his specialties.

It would take about an hour to photograph this portion of the trail, for viewers.

Families might want to pack a lunch, some drinks and, drag the children along.

So, my plan was to give them views from different angles, with a wide-angle lens.

This is a hollowed-out tree, lined with stones and utilized as a bridge, to cross a stream.

Way back when Sai On outlawed the making of dugout boats.

Large trees were being cut down, faster than they could be replaced.

This "tree" happens to be fabricated out of concrete, the same as all the handrails in the park.

The scene below contains a trickle of a stream, shrouded by jungle vegetation.

During peak rains, it very well may be a raging river. Unimpressed, I didn't bother with it.

Deep Woods Insect Repellant was waiting somewhere in my office. Maybe, next time.

It's a good little hike, to get your calf muscles burning and maybe, sweat a bit.

Athletic travelers might want to try jogging up and down those hills.

Autumn foliage in Okinawa is mostly brown and green, as you can see.

This photo wasn't taken for the "WOW" factor. It was unique.

The purpose was to show, the trail comes back to civilization and, crosses a country road.

Somewhere nearby must be Route 58. Call it Early Redneck English. I understand.

Look both ways for traffic, cross the street and go up the stone stairs.

If you were getting weary of civilization, you'll be back in the woods soon.

It was a disappointment coming across this tree stump. The tree was removed.

More than likely, it had become infested with pine beetles and, had to be destroyed.

Traffic cones and a roped-off area contain some other felled pines.

Cross the clearing and the trails continue through Saion Park.

This is another concrete, imitation, dugout tree, bridge, paved with stones.

Everywhere I went, was flip-flop safe but, I kept my eyes open for snakes, anyhow.

It wasn't too wet or dry so, walking on the fallen leaves, didn't make much noise.

The path was fairly level in this location so, my knees stopped creaking.

All good things must come to an end. I knew more huffing and puffing waited up ahead.

One of my favorite scenes was this circular stairway. It kind of fools you.

Doc headed up the right side and, I thought he reappear coming back to the left.

After composing this photo, I waited and, there was no more Doc.

The trail keeps on going until you come to another clearing.

It took a few seconds after arriving at this shrine, to realize I had been here before.

Rituals for the Sacred Water of the New Year, take place here.

One day, blue skies will appear above those mountains and, I'll get a better photo.

It'll give me an excuse, to show you the rest of Sai On Conservation Park in Hedo, Okinawa.

Travel Photo: Sueyoshi Park

A Bit of Country in the City

The few times I've visited this attraction, I have never run across many tourists.

Maybe the travel and tourism industry keeps it secret. Everything's free!

One of these days, I ought to make a travel guide, listing all the freebies on this island.

If enough people bought it, I could become a millionaire.

Back in 2011, when the photo was taken, a sudden rain squall hit the place.

That sort of ruined chances of getting any wildlife photos, with a zoom lens.

The storm didn't last more than a few minutes and the sun started shining.

The place got quiet like the critters knew another rain cloud would move in.

A forest is a special place, just after the rain falls. It becomes refreshing.

 I backed off and created this wide-angle image before, leaving the big city behind.

Camera: Pentax K5

Lens: Pentax 18-250 at 22 MM

Exposure: f/16   1.6 sec   ISO 100

Location:  Sueyoshi Park, Naha, Okinawa, Japan

Date and Time:  OCT 15 2011  3:45 PM

An Ocean Breeze and Some Shade Is All You Need

When Okinawa Gets Too Hot

Temperatures and humidity have been going off the charts recently on this island.

An early riser, I'm usually up and about before the sun rises.

It's cool enough outside, to take the dog for a walk, while buying my morning iced coffee.

Once the sun rises above the surrounding buildings, it gets too hot for outdoor activity.

So, I've been hanging around at home, enjoying the air-conditioning and, going to work late.

Late afternoons, some buildings provide shade, along one side of the street.

Even when there's no wind blowing, shadows provide some relief from the blazing hot sun.

On the hottest, most humid day, a tree, shade and an ocean breeze, are gifts from heaven.

This photo reminded me of one of those days, I was thanking the heavens for shade.

Camera: Pentax K1

Lens: Pentax 15-30 at 23MM

Exposure: f/11   1/1250   ISO 400

Location: Horizon Curry Works, Chatan, Okinawa

Date and Time: JUN 28 2017  12:44 PM

Flowers: Deigo (Indian Coal Bean) Symbol of Okinawa

The Prefecture Flower

These bright red blossoms were spotted along HWY 58 in Ogimi Village, Okinawa.

It seems like, I never catch the trees, when they are in full bloom.  These shots will have to do.

Moving around and using different focal lengths, I got a few different compositions.

The flowers only blossom for a few short months then, they disappear.

Some people think they can predict, how severe typhoon season will be, looking at them.

Well, I have news. It doesn't work. Typhoons are unpredictable. So, are these flowers.

It would have made more sense, to me if, they made Hibiscus the state flower.

But, back in 1972, the Deigo was selected. And, I ain't governor, yet.

The botanical name is Erythrina orientalis. We just call them, "Deigo."

The flowers are a big attraction, for many people. I'm not wild about any flower.

Maybe, some of the ones which are edible, would be alright by me. I could eat them.

How About a Sketch Artist ?

For someone with the ability to draw or, sketch, these flowers could be a work of art.

Just as we decided to pull off the highway and, get some photos, it happened.

This gentleman was over by the fence, sketching the Deigo blossoms.

Of course, I greeted him and, took a peek at his work. Man's got some real talent.

After awhile, I sneaked around, to catch this shot, of him drawing. I envy the guy.

These are some sketches on a wall in my office, to remind me of stuff, I'm supposed to do.

See, I can't even sketch a stickman, too well !

Flower Photos: African Tuliptree (Spathodea campanulata) in Okinawa

Beauty of a Beast

When I first saw these flowers blooming, I thought they were early Deigo Blossoms.

But, the leaves are different so, I did some research and found out what this gem could be.

Plenty of photos were taken, to help with the identification and, I got some facts to share.

1.  The plant's botanical name is Spathodea campanulata and, it's native to Africa.

Drought resistant, it can be grown in containers, indoors.

2. People around the globe, like the pretty red flowers and, started growing them, everywhere.

The plant became an invasive, in many South Pacific locations because, it grows rapidly.

3. Children love to play with the flower buds, before they open, using them as squirt-guns.

4. People in California and Arizona, can grow these trees in their yards.

5. The tree has some medicinal uses but, you should know something before, planting one.

Africans, make poison arrows from part of this tree. I won't tell you how.

If, you see a string of these red flowers at your door, someone thinks you're evil !

Get some of these beauties for your garden by checking the links. Not me !

Poinsettia Plant Taller Than Me

It May Not Be Full Grown

Poinsettia plants can be shrubs or trees, according to the botanical experts.

Yesterday, I was up north, checking on the progress of plum and cherry blossoms.

Both, the sakura and plum blossoms, looked kinda iffy but, this tree impressed me, alright.

So, I handed the professor my camera and, asked him to shoot me. And, that's what he did.

When I was younger, I was almost 6 feet tall; I may have shrunk some, over the years.

That red thing, at the end of my paw must be, over 7 feet above the ground.

Some people, think the red things are flowers but, they ain't. They're just red leaves.

And, the Wiki dudes say, the flowers are "unassuming." Whatever that means.

Unassuming 

For the heck of it, I went to the Thesaurus folks and, checked for y'all.  I like them.

Humble, meek, modest, unobtrusive or, unpretentious, would have worked.

Unassuming, unassuming, unassuming. Who wants to be called that ?

Now, I don't speak very eloquently but, I can be eloquentlier than that !

If, you have any of these plants, leftover from Christmas, do me a favor.

Don't talk to plants, that way and, take good care of them.  Alright ?

Flower Photo: Plum Blossoms at Oshittai

Just a Peek

This afternoon a trip was made to Oshittai (オーシッタイ) where country folks of Nage live.

There was a good chance, it would rain but, it beat staying in the office.

Cloudy, rainy days, keep most of the tourists and flower lovers, off the highways. Cool.

It's kind of difficult, to give a report on these flowers. I don't know what percent are blooming.

Some trees, appear to be about 40% blossomed and, others close to zero.

Maybe, I'll get back up that way on a sunny, windless day and, shoot the whole place, for you.

Folks, interested in taking the country drive, should checkout Map It Okinawa for directions.

Gotta run, now. The full moon, may peek through the clouds and, I don't want to miss it, again tonight.

And, should the moon, fail to appear, I've got another 50 times, to lift my cement block !

Flower Photos: Dwarf Umbrella Tree or Octopus Tree

Must Learn Some Dutch

That's just a reminder.. It was fun, getting an identification on this plant.

They are blooming all over the place, in Okinawa, right now and, I never noticed them before.

Out on a long walk, with 420MM of lens on the end of the camera, I wasn't looking for flowers.

But, the birds were on a lunch break so, I figured,"Why not catch these whacky blossoms?"

With the Android, I snapped a picture and shared it to Facebook.

My comment was, "Let's play Name That Flower."  It got some replies, rather quickly.

People were saying stuff like "Star Fish Plant and Coffee Plant."

One, good friend said, "That's where they grow the Skittles."

Next, I took a couple of shots, from across the street, using the big lens.

Wouldn't it be nice, after walking three more hours if, I had an ID, when I got to office?

Hundreds of flowers, plants and trees, are waiting for me to identify them.

It's a chore, I save for days, I'd rather not go outside. That's kind of rare.

What I was hoping for is, someone, come along with a scientific name for this vegetation.

It didn't happen for a couple of hours, after I downloaded the images.

But, a gal named, Frida, hooked me up with exactly what I needed: Schefflera arboricola.

Armed with a Latin Name

What I do next, is plug it into a search engine and verify by looking at photos.

In no particular order than, the way Google had them listed, here's what I learned:

This plant is native to Taiwan and Hainan, according to Wikipedia.

Plant and Flower Info: Some are called Octopus Trees; that's what the flower resembles.

CAUTION:  House Plants Expert, warns the plants are mildly toxic to dogs and cats.

BIGGER CAUTION

Over at Gardening Know How:

People and pets, won't die but, get really sick from eating these plants. Don't try some !

I'm thinking, the folks who thought this looked like a coffee or candy plant best read the links.

Oh, in case you were wondering, "Why learn Dutch?"

That sweetheart, Frida got me this Facebook Page, Determinatie van planten and dieren.

It's a closed group, with thousands of helpful members, to identify plants and flowers.

When, I requested to join the group, she got me in as a member. Only, I don't speak Dutch.

Of course, I thanked her and, she came right back with her response:

"Graag gedaan , meaning, You're welcome. My first lesson, in that language.

Must learn more.

Animated GIF of Clouds and Trees

Blame It on Writer's Block

It happens sometimes, to writers. The brain, cramps up and, doesn't help you think straight.

Yesterday, I was going to post a nifty folk story, I've been working on, for months.

Several different sources, gave me various versions of the tale. That can be handled.

Folklore can change from one village to another. And the storyteller may modify it a bit.

It just, wouldn't all come together, for me, last night. Brain and body said, "Go home."

So, that's what I did.  Didn't even stop by a watering hole for my usual few beers.

Things Were Looking Brighter Today

Up before the sun, I checked to find out what the meteorologists predicted for today.

Cold and, mostly cloudy, they claimed. Good. Bundle up warm and do office work all day.

If, it was mostly sunny, I'd have been tempted, to walk for hours, outdoors with the camera.

With six pages of copy paper, attached to a clipboard, I started my rough draft.

The world's worst typist, I like to do a scribbled outline and, smooth on paper, first.

To start, I draw about a one inch column on the right side of each page. That's for notes.

Why a clipboard?  That comes in handy, when I go outside for a break. Pen comes, too.

Sitting down, at a desk for more that 20 minutes, ain't natural, for me.

So, I get up stretch and, go out to a picnic table, where I can think clearly and, smoke.

The clipboard, keeps things from blowing away. And, my brain works best outdoors, too.

Grinding away, things were getting organized and, some progress was being made.

Then, about three, in the afternoon, everything came to a halt. Brain stopped working.

Cuss, stand up and stretch; get out of the office for some fresh air.

Sunshine and Blue Skies with White Clouds !

The clipboard and pen, are my witnesses. I scratched a few more notes and, quit.

There's no sense, writing once the gears in the brain stop spinning.

With the Pentax, a big lens and the tripod, I went hunting for an eagle, who never showed.

Walking around in a quarter mile circle, from my office, I grabbed an occasional iced coffee.

Sunshine and cold coffee, can work wonders on my spirits, even on a December day.

The trees in that animation, are where, I was hoping to catch, that elusive feathered friend.

The bird never showed and, I was out there for over two hours. So, I got thinking.

Just shoot the clouds and trees. Maybe, someone will appreciate them.

The weather, can change every five minutes, on this island. Poor weathermen.

How can they decide, what to tell us, when it can change so suddenly?

The weather, can be as fickle as a mail order bride. Somebody, said that on TV once.

It might have been that guy Gabby Hayes, with the chuckwagon, on a Western.

Well, I never had a mail order bride or even, ever fickled one. But, it's true.

Folks, back in the 1900's, used to get mail order brides. Imagine that.

Well, tomorrow possibly, I'll be done fickling around with that folk story. 

That's providing, the sun don't shine !

Plant Photos: Ginnem (ギンネム) White Lead Tree

Called a Miracle Tree

It's been used as erosion control, firewood, green manure, fodder and human food.

Originally from Central America and Mexico, it was brought to the Philippines by the Spanish.

More than likely, it was brought to Okinawa, after World War II.

If, you've ever seen how this island was obliterated, you'd understand why.

Rapid growing trees, were needed to prevent flooding, landslides and some shade.

This miracle tree could do that and more. Like feed cattle and humans.

The plant starts off, looking like some sort of shrub but, turns into a tree really fast.

About the time of year, the little white head flowers bloom, you seen these seed pods.

The photo above, was taken, of a plant that just appeared to be a shrub.

Just out of curiosity, I shot some photos, to get an identification.

It would be nice to know if, those peapod-looking things are edible.

It was one of those days, I went to the Kin Dam, planning on shooting birds.

Eventually, the ospreys arrived overhead and, I forgot all about shooting stupid weeds.

With awesome blue skies and 420MM of lens, what would you have done ?

The choice became, shoot flying osprey birds or trees. Bye bye trees !

Along Comes Coincidence 

Somebody on Facebook contacted me asking about edible wild things growing in Okinawa.

The "Suspect" is what, I'll call the individual for now, to maintain their privacy.

Suspect, would like to paddle around the island, like some sort of a survivalist.

And, wanted to know what references, I use to find edible plants, flowers and trees.

There's nothing (English) I've ever found, that covers this subject on Okinawa.

References, I use were provided and, I told the Suspect, "Somebody needs to write a book."

It's a real pain, for me to research, flowers and plants, to see if they are poisonous or, edible.

Publish a book on Okinawa's vegetation and, it might become a million seller.

Even if, it didn't, I'd buy a few copies. Today, I learned something about this tree.

• The leaves provide excellent fodder for livestock and, the wood makes good charcoal
• Young green pods may be opened and, seeds can be eaten cooked or, raw
• Plant a small tree and it could reach 20 feet in height after just 2 or 3 years
• Dry the seeds from mature (brown) pods and, you can make a sort of coffee
• Some crackpot in Florida, cautions against eating any of this plant but, she's wrong

Over at Eat the Weeds

They say, you can even, take matured seeds and turn them into popcorn !

This Gets Exciting !

Now, I have an excuse to get in better shape and learn how to paddle a boat at sea.

Just a few months of weight lifting and doing rowing exercises and, I'll be ready.

When the weather warms up again, I'll get a hold of the survivalist and, off we'll go.

Thing is, I'll have to be in good enough condition, to do all the paddling, by myself.

Just in case, the Suspect gets poisoned and, I have to row the carcass home !