Walks – tim mcmurdo

Leaf…Suspended

Posted on August 30, 2015December 6, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

Yesterday, Jim and I went for a nice cool hike in Clifton Gorge. It’s the only spot in this area where you can feel as though you are trekking through the mountains. Of course, the allusion is due to hiking down into the gorge.

We walked along the river, skirting boulders and a fair bit of mud when we came across a leaf, floating on the breeze. It seemed to be suspended. As though it was hovering in mid air. We both took our time and shot frame after frame of the patient leaf. I think we could have continued to shoot for hours, such was the nature of the floating leaf.

Of course, being suspended on a gossamer thread might have had a lot to do with the entire set up. Still, you have to take the opportunity when it presents itself.

Have a great week, folks. I will leave your with a shot of Jim shooting the leaf.

a walk in the spring woods

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Tim McMurdo

Virginia Bluebell

Dutchman's Breeches

In yesterday's post, I mentioned that Thursday included a long hike in Clifton Gorge. The gorge was carved out by the Little Miami river, whose banks are heavily wooded. This time of year, the leaves on the trees and bushes have barely begun to emerge, leaving the spring flowers exposed for the eye to see.

The Trillium (both white and red) is just beginning to bloom along with the Virginia Bluebell. It won't be long before the woods are carpeted with white and blue. For two weeks or so, the gorge will be full of color.

One of my favorites is Dutchman's Breeches, a plant that lives on the side of the limestone boulders and displays small drop like white flowers that have the shape of….well, they are shaped like a Dutchman's breeches.

There are many thousands of species of flowering wild flowers and plants in the gorge. I can identify many of them. However, I've included two of my favorites in hopes that you can identify them. You can view them in the last two photos. The small bamboo like plant grows to about 18 inches tall and grows under the trees near the river banks.

I hope all of you have a great day. I'll bring more photos of the gorge's wild flowers the next time that I visit.

memorial day, 2014

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Tim McMurdo

Every year, I get up early and take along quiet walk in the national cemetery here in Springfield, Ohio. It's a time for me to spend some time thinking about the sacrifice of others and to put my own service into some perspective.

This year, I decided to head over to the larger national cemetery in Dayton. Seeing the rows upon rows of head stones brings the impact to an even greater scale. I thought about the many thousands of headstones, all in their neat rows, every one of them lovingly given it's own American flag.

I think about my grandfather, my father, my uncle, and all of my ancestors that served and I am proud.

In today's society, I don't often find cause to be proud of being an American. To much political finger-pointing, social division, and a general attitude of selfishness. However, when I find myself surrounded by the quiet ghosts of these brave men and women, I am proud that some American's sons and daughters knew what real sacrifice meant and were proud to do their part for our nation.

I feel humbled.

Tim

winter meadow

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Tim McMurdo

Saturday morning, I stopped by the meadow on the way back from my morning walk along the lake shore. The sun was up but there was still plenty of frost on the ground and on the meadow plants.

The birds were awake and singing to each other. As usual, the red wing blackbirds were pretty shy and wouldn't let me get very close. Still, they proved a very nice contrast to the browns and grays of winter. It won't be long now before the dull pallet is refreshed by the vibrant colors of spring.

up way too early

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

Sometimes, when insomnia strikes and I wake up far too early, I take my camera and walk the streets near my home. For the most part, I have the town to myself. I like that. I enjoy the peace that can only be found in the middle of the night. I can imagine that the entire world is sleeping except me. Eventually, the world begins to waken, slowly, one home and one business at a time. The waking lights are my cue to head home, find something to eat and get ready to face the rest of the day.

columbus dispatch

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

Apparently, the Columbus dispatch has been around for more than 140 years. Seems like a lot of time for the midwest, 1870 or so.

I drove over to Columbus this morning to catch the skyline in the early morning twilight and came away with this image as my favorite of the day. I'll be sure to share more with your over the next couple of days.

Have a great week!

morning walk

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Tim McMurdo

Saturday morning, I woke to a foggy morning and decided to go for a walk before the sun burned off the cool mist. Walking in the fog is one of my favorite experiences. I love the muted colors and the way the fog shrouds the lights.

I love the lack of echo. The moist air seems to absorb the sounds and even the noise of the gravel crunching under my feet doesn't go far.

I love the cool air. Even when the day has plans to become hot, the morning fog provides a cool damp blanket.

The fog is full of surprises and even familiar paths give you opportunities to pause and experience something new. I think this is because the fog focuses your sight to the object close to you.

I can't wait till Saturday morning. I am planning a nice morning walk. Maybe I will tell you all about it.